Chapter 5
Her eyes were red rimmed, her voice trembling: “Did I… interrupt something?“[]
Declan shoved Callie away abruptly: “Mia, it’s not what you think.“[]
His move was too sudden–Callic, caught off guard, tumbled backward and rolled right off the hospital bed.[]
THUD!]
The back of her head smashed hard into the sharp corner of the nightstand, blood immediately gushing out.]
“I won’t bother you two anymore…” Mia sobbed as she turned and ran.]
“Mia!”
Without a glance at Callie crumpled on the floor, Declan bolted after Mia without hesitation.[]
Callie lay there, blood blurring her vision.[]
J
Suddenly she laughed, laughed until tears streamed down her face.
When the nurse found her, she’d already passed out again from blood loss.
The last thing she heard the nurse’s panicked shouts: “Patient has a head injury! Get a doctor, now!“]
Declan never came back.]
Because of her head injury, Callie had to stay in the hospital several more days.
Declan never showed up again.]]
She knew he must be busy comforting Mia. So she never called him once, didn’t even send a single text.]]
On discharge day, the butler called asking about arrangements for Declan’s birthday party
Callie gripped the phone, silent for a long time.]
Every previous year, she’d handled Declan’s birthday personally.
Though the Hayes family was wealthy, they lacked warmth.
His parents didn’t even know he was allergic to peanuts–every year they’d order a cake with peanut butter frosting.
12010
She remembered the first time she attended his birthday party, watching him secretly take allergy medication.[]
“Why don’t you just tell them?” she’d asked, heartbroken.
“No point.” His expression was indifferent. “They care more about this year’s financial reports than that.“]
From then on, she’d personally handled his birthday parties.]]
Every dish, every flower arrangement–everything according to his preferences.
He never again had to face decorations he disliked or worry about accidentally eating something he was allergic to.]
“Ma’am?” The butler promp
from the other end.[]
Callie took a deep breath: “I’ll handle it.“]
This would be the last
After the divorce.
someone else would naturally take over planning his birthdays.[]
She prepared everything meticulously as always, except this time she had the butler shadow her every move, explaining every detail:[]
“Black forest cake, no peanut butter frosting.“[]
“White roses for decorations–he hates red roses.”
“No tequila on the drink menu–it gives him headaches.”
“Remember all this clearly. When you handle it next time, don’t mess it up.“]
The butler asked in confusion: “You won’t be handling it next time?“]
Callie lowered her lashes, not answering.
Next time…]
She wouldn’t be Mrs. Hayes anymore.]]
How could she possibly handle it then?]
On the night of the birthday party, elegant guests mingled under brilliant lights.]
Callie stood at the entrance in a pale blue gown, greeting guests as she watched Declan enter slowly with Mia on his arm.[]
Mia wore a pink tulle dress, clinging to Declan’s side like a delicate bird.[]
In that moment, everything became clear to her.[]
Apparently, he’d already smoothed things over with her.
Throughout the entire party, Declan’s attention stayed glued to Mia.[]
When her wine glass emptied, he immediately had someone bring her juice:[]
When the wind ruffled her dress, he sent someone to fix it;
When she tasted something delicious and her eyes crinkled into crescents, he couldn’t help but smile softly, his expression tender.
But from start to finish, he never once looked at Callie.[]
Callie stood quietly in the corner, greeting guests like a dutiful housekeeper.]
When it came time to open presents, the guests had all brought priceless treasures.
The limited edition Patek Philippe Callie had chosen was ceremoniously presented on a silver tray by the butler.]
“Mrs. Hayes has excellent taste! This Patek Philippe is a limited collector’s edition!“[]
“It suits Mr. Hayes perfectly!”
“Only a wife would know her husband’s preferences so well!“]
Declan glanced at Callie, clearly pleased, and said simply: “Thank you.”
:“0
But when he unwrapped Mia’s gift, the entire room fell silent for a moment.[]
It was a hand–knitted beige scarf, the stitches crooked and uneven–clearly the work of a beginner.
