Chapter 135

Chapter 135:

Back when she still lived with Hiram, he would prepare a special meal and bring a modest cake, turning the day into a heartfelt celebration. But after he was gone, birthdays felt hollow, stripped of their joy.

Fernanda left feeling abandoned, and she saw no reason to mark such occasions.

This year was no different. Being swept up in the whirlwind of her return to the Morgan family, she had completely forgotten her birthday. She hadn’t imagined that anyone besides Hiram would remember it.

And yet, a comforting warmth spread through her—a sense of something familiar and cherished.

While it would’ve been easy for Cristian to learn her birthday with all his resources, she hadn’t expected him to actually take the time to celebrate it.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice sincere as her gaze met his.

Cristian’s warm smile deepened. “You’re welcome,” he replied. The wine, rich and aromatic, carried a sweetness that seemed to soothe her soul.

“This year, I’ll spend your birthday with you,” Cristian said, his tone soft yet certain. “I hope you can grant me the honor of your afternoon.” His words were so thoughtful, so carefully chosen, that Fernanda found herself unable to say no.

“Of course.” Her expression softened. “Aside from Hiram, no one else has ever shared my birthday with me. You’re the first one, Cristian.”

“I hope this is just the beginning,” Cristian said, his voice steady. “I want to be there for every significant moment in your life.”

He refrained from saying he was the only one, because he knew he wouldn’t be.

What he truly hoped for was that, in the future, Fernanda would be surrounded by more people—those who would stand by her, bring her warmth, and light up her life, so she’d never have to feel isolated again.

Fernanda had once heard Cristian tell her that he liked her and wanted to be her boyfriend. But none of those words affected her as…

gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs﹒𝚌o𝗺 is where stories live

Deeply moved by what he had said moments ago, she realized he wished to be there for every significant moment in her life. Those heartfelt words—a promise of unwavering support and companionship—held more meaning than any flattery or empty praise. Cristian had an uncanny ability to read people, and with Fernanda, it was as though he had peeled back every layer of her being. He knew exactly what she yearned for, how fragile her heart truly was. Armed with this insight, he would slip through the cracks in her defenses, finding his way into the deepest corners of her heart.

Fernanda’s pulse quickened, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn’t notice when Cristian rose and stepped away. It wasn’t until she felt the sofa dip beside her that she realized he had returned and was now sitting next to her.

On the coffee table rested a large box adorned with a ribbon, awaiting her attention.

Fernanda’s lips curved into a smile. “Is this my birthday present?” she asked.

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