Chapter 3: A Glimpse of Warmth
672 Words
For the next several days, Harlow secretly planned everything herself.
She personally chose the decorations.
She ordered Ryan's favorite chocolate truffle cake.
She asked the chefs about every dish he loved.
She even spent hours searching for the perfect birthday gift before finally buying him a vintage Swiss watch he had once admired during an interview.
Madison couldn't stop laughing when Harlow called her.
"You're putting this much effort into a man who barely smiles?"
Harlow laughed softly.
"Maybe he just needs someone to remind him that birthdays are meant to be celebrated."
Madison sighed dramatically.
"You really are too kind."
Finally...
Ryan's birthday arrived.
That evening, the Sterling Mansion looked completely different.
The grand hall was decorated with elegant navy blue and silver balloons.
Fairy lights glowed across the ceiling.
Fresh white lilies filled the room with a gentle fragrance.
The dining table displayed every one of Ryan's favorite dishes.
The staff gathered quietly, waiting for their employer to return.
At exactly seven o'clock...
The front door opened.
Ryan stepped inside, loosening his tie after another exhausting day at work.
The lights suddenly switched on.
"Happy Birthday!"
The room echoed with applause.
Ryan stopped walking.
His eyes slowly scanned the beautifully decorated hall.
Then...
They landed on Harlow.
She stood in the center of the room wearing a simple navy-blue dress.
She held the birthday cake carefully, hiding the bandage on her injured hand behind her back.
A bright smile lit up her face.
"Happy birthday, Ryan."
For several long seconds...
Ryan didn't speak.
"You... did all this?"
Harlow nodded.
"I wanted your first birthday after our marriage to be special."
Silence filled the room.
The servants exchanged uncertain glances.
No one knew how Ryan would react.
Then...
To everyone's surprise...
Ryan slowly walked toward Harlow.
She looked at him, confused.
Without saying a word...
He gently wrapped his arms around her.
Harlow froze.
Her eyes widened.
She could feel his heartbeat.
For weeks, he had kept his distance.
He had barely looked at her.
And now...
He was holding her.
"Thank you," Ryan whispered.
His voice was soft.
Almost gentle.
Harlow hesitated for a moment before slowly returning the hug with her uninjured hand.
A warm smile spread across her face.
"It's the best birthday surprise I've ever received," Ryan said quietly as he pulled away.
The servants smiled happily.
Some even clapped softly.
For the first time since the wedding...
The Sterling Mansion truly felt like a home.
The rest of the evening passed peacefully.
Ryan stayed for dinner.
He complimented every dish Harlow had prepared.
"This steak is excellent."
Harlow laughed.
"I made it myself."
"I can tell."
She looked at him in surprise.
"You actually like it?"
Ryan smiled faintly.
"I do."
After dinner, she handed him a neatly wrapped gift.
Ryan carefully opened the box.
Inside was the vintage Swiss watch.
His eyes lingered on it for several moments.
"You remembered."
Harlow tilted her head.
"Remembered what?"
"I looked at this watch once during an interview."
She smiled.
"I thought it suited you."
Without hesitation, Ryan removed his old watch and fastened the new one around his wrist.
"I'll wear it every day."
Harlow's cheeks turned pink.
"Really?"
He looked directly into her eyes.
"Really."
Later that night...
Harlow stood alone on the balcony, looking up at the stars.
A gentle breeze brushed against her face.
Without realizing it, she lifted her hand and touched the place where Ryan had hugged her.
Her smile grew brighter.
Maybe...
He wasn't as distant as she had believed.
Maybe...
He simply needed time.
She closed her eyes and whispered to the night,
"I'll make this marriage work."
Behind the slightly opened balcony door, Ryan stood silently watching her.
His expression softened.
For the briefest moment, guilt flickered across his face.
But just as quickly...
The warmth disappeared.
He turned away and quietly walked back inside.
Neither of them knew...
That the memory of this birthday would remain in Harlow's heart long after everything else between them had fallen apart.
- Writer
