MY ACCIDENTAL BOYFRIEND

Part 1 — Jessica’s Birthday Jessica stared at her reflection in the mirror and held her breath. For a moment, she simply stood there, looking at herself as though she were trying to decide whether she liked what she saw. The soft curls framing her face had taken nearly an hour to get right. Her makeup was simple but carefully done, with a touch of shimmer around her eyes and a soft pink shade on her lips. She wore a short black dress that hugged her figure comfortably, paired with a small silver necklace she rarely wore. Tonight was supposed to be special. It was her birthday. “Jessica!” She nearly jumped. “I’m coming!” Her best friend, Emma, immediately appeared at the bedroom door. “You said that ten minutes ago.” Jessica grabbed her small handbag from the bed. “I was checking my makeup.” “You were staring at yourself.” “That’s called checking.” Emma folded her arms, clearly unconvinced. “You look beautiful. Now stop checking before we become the last people to arrive.” Jessica laughed and slipped her phone into her handbag. She glanced at the screen before putting it away. No new messages. Her smile faded slightly. She had been waiting for one particular message all afternoon. From her boyfriend. He had promised he would be there tonight. Not just because it was her birthday, but because he had promised to make the evening special. Jessica checked her phone again. Still nothing. “He’ll come,” she murmured. Emma caught the change in her expression. “Still no message?” Jessica shook her head. “He’s probably busy.” “On your birthday?” “He said he had something to take care of.” Emma gave her a doubtful look. Jessica quickly smiled. “Come on. Tonight is my birthday. I’m not going to ruin it by worrying.” She walked toward the door before Emma could say anything else. Outside, the evening air was warm, and the streets were already alive with people heading toward restaurants, bars, and clubs. Jessica climbed into Emma’s car, carefully placing her handbag on her lap. As they drove, Emma turned up the music. Jessica laughed when one of her favorite songs came on. For the next few minutes, she allowed herself to forget about her phone. Tonight was about celebrating. Tonight was supposed to be about having fun. When they arrived at the club, the entrance was already crowded. Bright lights flashed above the doorway, and music could be heard even from outside. Jessica looked up at the sign and smiled. “Okay,” she said. “Tonight, I’m having the best birthday ever.” Emma grinned. “That’s more like it.” They entered together. The club was already packed. Colored lights moved across the room while people laughed, danced, and talked over the loud music. Jessica’s friends had reserved a table near the center, and several familiar faces immediately greeted her. “Birthday girl!” Jessica laughed as her friends pulled her into hugs. Someone placed a small birthday crown on her head. “Oh, absolutely not.” “Yes, absolutely.” “I look ridiculous.” “You’re the birthday girl. You have no choice.” Jessica finally gave up and sat down, laughing as everyone around her started teasing her. For the first time that evening, she felt genuinely happy. Maybe Emma was right. Maybe she really was worrying too much. Her boyfriend would come. He always found a way. Jessica looked toward the entrance one more time. Then she smiled and raised her glass. “To twenty-nine.” Her friends cheered. “To Jessica!” She laughed and clinked her glass against theirs. The night had only just begun. And Jessica had no idea that before her birthday ended, everything she believed about her relationship would change. Including the identity of the man who would accidentally become the most unexpected person in her life.