The Billionaire's Hidden Wife

Episode 8

“I agree, it’s probably not a good idea,” Catherine said with a smile, looking up at Alex before turning to her friends. “Thank you all so much for your thoughtfulness, I truly appreciate it, but I really want to spend some time alone with Alex tonight. I’m sorry for being selfish on my birthday. Everything’s on me today, and I’ll make it up to you all another time, okay?”

“But…” Ethan was clearly at his breaking point, barely able to contain his frustration.

Before Catherine could respond, Alex cut in, “Cathy, don’t be difficult. They’ve put so much effort into planning this, so go enjoy yourself. Don’t let their hard work go to waste, and make sure to have a good time.”

“I don’t want to!” Catherine pouted, holding onto Alex’s arm tightly. “You promised you’d spend the day with me.”

She quickly turned to the others with an apologetic smile. “I’m really sorry, but just for today, let me be selfish, okay? Come on, Alex.”

Before anyone could object, she pulled Alex toward his car. Alex, caught off guard, gave a helpless smile and shrugged at the group. “Sorry, everyone,” he said as he let Catherine drag him into the car.

As the car sped away, Ethan, unable to contain his anger, threw his phone to the ground in a fit of rage, the sudden outburst silencing everyone around him.

Alex drove Catherine to the beach, where the moonlight danced across the water, casting soft ripples that shimmered like stars on the ocean. The sky stretched endlessly, meeting the sea in a perfect blend of colors. It was so peaceful and beautiful that Catherine couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm. For a moment, she thought that if she could die in his arms here, it would be the perfect ending.

From the trunk, Alex retrieved a long, neatly wrapped box and handed it to her. “Open it,” he said with a small smile.

“Is this my birthday present?” Catherine asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Alex nodded, still smiling. Catherine quickly unwrapped the gift, and the moment she saw what was inside, her eyes filled with tears of joy. It was the handcrafted guitar she’d been dreaming of, straight from Country A, a masterpiece she had longed to own. Hugging the guitar tightly, she held it as if it were her most cherished possession.

“Do you like it?” Alex asked.

“I love it, I absolutely love it! Thank you so much, Alex,” she said, tears glistening in her eyes. She looked at him, her voice soft and hopeful. “Can I make a wish?”

“Of course, though I forgot to get a birthday cake in all the rush. How about I go grab one now?”

“No need!” Catherine quickly grabbed his arm, stopping him. “This gift is better than any cake.”

She closed her eyes, hugged the guitar tightly, and made her wish with all her heart. After a moment, she opened her eyes, a dreamy look on her face. “If the universe could grant me this wish, I’d give up twenty years of my life in a heartbeat.”

Alex was taken aback by her intensity. “What wish could be that important?”

Catherine smiled mysteriously. “I’m not telling you.”

Then, she looked lovingly at the guitar in her arms and, with a bright, innocent smile, said, “Alex, can I sing you a song?”

“Of course,” Alex replied, unable to refuse her. He had always loved listening to her sing. She was a musical genius, and it had been a long time since he’d heard her perform.

Catherine sat down cross-legged, expertly tuning the guitar before lightly strumming the strings. The gentle melody filled the air, and with her eyes closed, she began to sing softly:

“I said, I said, I want us to be together, in these tender days, loving you feels effortless, gazing at you, only wanting to be with you, not like now, where all I can do is sing to you from afar…”