Chapter 212
Five years. Every birthday he’d spent at Grandma’s without fail. On this day especially, he’d soften, showering them with gift cards despite it being his celebration.
Because five years ago today, doctors had shattered her world: she’d never dance again.
They were newlyweds then. Clinging to hope, she’d fought to recover–only to have the verdict delivered on his birthday.
When Cedrick fetched her, his eyes brimmed with remorse. He’d known all along but couldn’t bear to tell her…
She still didn’t know how she’d kept her world from collapsing that day–smiling through the pain, assuring him life held other joys, even celebrating his birthday.
Hence the gift cards. A debt he couldn’t repay.
With love?
He had none-
Only money. Piles of it.
Lucille flipped through the photo album and sighed softly. So, for five years, her album had been filled with him.
All of him…
Photos of his birthdays, her and grandma’s birthdays, various holidays and anniversaries, him sleeping, him working, his front view, his profile, his back…
Except for holidays and birthdays, most daily life photos were secretly taken by her. She’d recorded him through her lens for five years, documenting her wholehearted love for him.
Only when you love someone do you desperately want to capture their every moment, never getting enough photos or glimpses.
Five years, nearly two thousand days. Even one photo daily would mean over a thousand, let alone multiple shots per day?
She stopped hesitating. Her finger swiped across the screen and tapped delete.
Five years, nearly two thousand days and nights–wiped clean with just a few taps.
One more tap cleared the recently deleted folder. His images vanished completely from her album.
Her phone suddenly felt empty.
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11:59
Chapter 212
Her heart also hollowed out.
But she wasn’t sad.
Like those popular decluttering videos online–tossing old junk made the whole home feel fresh and sunlit.
Outside, the sky stretched deep blue. Sunlight gilded the world with gold, dazzlingly bright.
Seaston.
Evening now.
Cedrick returned to his office from outside.
Pushing the door open, petals suddenly showered down. Balloons and flowers filled the room.
“Happy birthday-”
Maricela’s sweet, enthusiastic voice rang out as she, Harlan, and David emerged from hiding spots.
He finally realized–today was his birthday.
For five years, he’d always forgotten his own birthday. It was always Lucille…
Frowning, he shoved that name from his thoughts.
Maricela’s beaming face filled his view. He chuckled, “How’d you know my birthday?
And this whole production?”
“I couldn’t remember. Maricela did,” Harlan said.
“Yeah,” David grinned at Maricela. “Without Maricela, us guys wouldn’t bother with this mushy stuff.”
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“Cedrick, we booked a restaurant. Just waiting for you to clock out,” Maricela pouted playfully. “Do me a favor? Grace us with your presence at your birthday dinner?”
Cedrick laughed, “Nonsense! Why would you treat me?
My treat.”
Maricela’s eyes crinkled with joy. “Then let’s head out now!”
“Okay, let me stash my things.”
Cedrick tucked his bag into a cabinet. “Let’s go.”
The other three bounced out gleefully. Cedrick trailed behind, glancing at his silent phone.
“Cedrick!
Hurry!
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11:59
Chapter 212
What’s keeping you?” Maricela called from ahead.
“Coming.”
He pocketed his phone and strode forward.
Maricela’s chosen restaurant sat near her current apartment.
“Perfect spot! If we get drunk, we can crash at my place,” she said.
“Makes sense,” Harlan agreed warmly. “Our Maricela ‘s always right about everything.”
Maricela glared at him and told the waiter, “Reservation under Miss Archdale.”
“Right this way.”
The server led them to the private room.
The instant the door opened, music suddenly burst out.
Cedrick froze again.