Exiting the room after cleaning her painting supplies, Harper found Joseph still in the living room. He was lost in his thoughts with a deep and pensive expression.
"Is everything OK?" Harper's tone was slightly uneasy due to their recent argument.
Joseph suddenly looked up. "Today is your birthday."
Harper's expression shifted. "Why bring that up? You know I don't celebrate birthdays."
With that, she stored away her belongings without any intention of further conversation.
To her surprise, upon her exit, Joseph was waiting by the door, giving her a start. "What are you doing?"
"Let's talk."
Harper instinctively knew what he wanted to discuss and felt a resistance creep in. Eyes cast downward, she responded, "We have nothing to talk about."
Observing her timidity, Joseph reached out and pulled her onto the couch.
"What are you doing?" Harper pushed his hand away, avoiding his gaze. "I have work tomorrow and need to sleep early."
"I never saw you sleep early before."
Joseph cut through her defenses, his tone slowing down as he continued, "Benjamin wouldn't want to see you like this."
Sudden waves of unfairness flooded Harper. A sourness stung at the tip of her nose, bringing tears to her eyes.
"I'm fine like this."
"Fine?" Joseph scrutinized her. "What do you mean by 'fine'? You are even afraid tocelebrate your birthday."
Harper bit her lip tightly, remaining silent and avoiding Joseph's gaze.
His penetrating gaze left her feeling exposed.
How could she let go of the past?
If it weren't for that night, and her insistence on celebrating her father's birthday, how could they have ended up rushing back in the rain?
Seeing her silent struggle, Joseph sighed gently. "Benjamin wouldn't like to see you wallow in self-pity."
"The departed have left. The ones remaining should raise their heads and look forward. They wouldn't want us to dwell in pain and self-blame every day."
Listening to Joseph's words, Harper clasped her hands, and tears silently trickled down her cheeks.
Her inner turmoil lay bare before Joseph, undeniable and impossible to ignore.
"But I can't."
Her voice came out muffled. "I don't want to be like this either. I've tried many times, but it just doesn't work."
"Take it slow."
Joseph's voice was clear and firm. "You must take the first step. By stepping forward, you will bring comfort to Benjamin."
Slowly lifting her head, Harper spoke cautiously, "Can I?"
Looking at her reactions, Joseph felt relieved and affirmed. "You can."
After a pause, he added, "Wait here."
He rose swiftly, heading to the dining room, placing candles on the chocolate cake, lighting it, and then carrying it into the living room.
The overhead light in the living room dimmed suddenly, leaving only the warm glow of the wall lamp beside the TV.
Turning back, Harper saw Joseph approaching with a chocolate cake. His face was shrouded in candlelight, softening his stern countenance.
She heard him say, "Let's start with celebrating your birthday."
Spirits lifted, Harper felt that the chocolate cake in front of her was like a key to the past, granting her the courage to face it without fear.
Sitting beside her, Joseph gently said, "Make a wish."
Harper gazed at him for a moment, then closed her eyes to make a wish.
"Let's blow out the candles together."
After cutting the cake, Harper savored a small bite, then suddenly turned to the man beside her, speaking earnestly, "Joseph, truth be told, I never blamed you for what happened that night. The words spoken then were rash of me."
Joseph paused in his actions. His gaze met hers, illuminated by the soft light casting delicate shadows on her brow and eyes.
With a speck of brown cream on her lip, Harper looked particularly sweet.
Caught in the room's ambient glow, Joseph found himself drawn to the sweetness on her lips, leaning in to gently kiss her.
As he drew closer, Harper reached out a hand, halting his impending gesture by placing her hand on his chest.
"Thank you for today."
Retracting her hand, Harper avoided meeting Joseph's gaze, fearing she might lose herself if she did.
"I won't be afraid anymore. I will face things bravely. Thank you for helping me find myself again."
With that, she rose and hurried back to her room.
Watching her depart, Joseph chuckled softly, "Happy birthday."
Perhaps due to the unraveling of her emotions, Harper slept particularly well that night.
In the past, she would have undoubtedly been haunted by nightmares.
At work, after clocking in, Harper greeted colleagues with a sunny demeanor.
Patrick noticed her radiant and cheering smile from a distance.
Harper's uplifted spirits translated to a day at work filled with extra zeal and enthusiasm.
When Patrick approached her workstation, she was humming a tune while organizing documents.
"Patrick, what's up?"
Observing Harper's blissful expression, Patrick couldn't resist teasing, "Seeing you so happy today, I have something to make you even happier."
With that, he raised a competition invitation in his hands. "There's good news."
This news perked Harper up even more, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "What good news?"
"The Starry Night Fashion Design Competition specifically for new designers. Our company has secured two slots. After discussions, it was decided that you and Aria Reed will represent us."
Taking the invitation in disbelief, Harper exclaimed, "Really?"
"Of course!"
Seeing her joy, Patrick smiled, "Look at you, thrilled! Head home early today, pack your bags, and we will leave tomorrow."
"Alright!"
Reading the information on the invitation, Harper felt a mix of excitement and apprehension.
It was the first match of her career. Although it wasn't a huge one, it was enough to get her heart pumping for a long time.
Seeing her apprehension, Patrick encouraged, "Don't worry. With your expertise, you'll excel without a doubt."
"You're right!"
Harper nodded in agreement. "I need to be confident. I will work hard!"
"Go for it."
Patrick had full confidence in her talents. Harper's professional skills were indeed remarkable.
"Well, I'll head off now. See you at the airport tomorrow morning."
"Sounds good."
As Harper watched him depart, her gaze returned to the invitation in her hands, a hint of nervousness creeping into her heart.
In the top-floor executive office, Ethan knocked, pushed open the door, and found the boss staring out of the picture window.
Brian gazed outside at the cityscape, the sunlight reflecting among the high-rises, shimmering in the distance.
Ethan placed the files on the desk and adjusted the frames on his nose.
"Mr. Lewis, the list of participants for the Design Competition for new designers has been finalized. Here are the profiles of the participants for your review."