**Natalie's POV.**
It was nighttime, the weather had turned dark, and the estate road was deserted, with only a few passersby.
As I stepped out of the gate, I saw Michael standing beside his car—a black car.
"Hi, good evening," I greeted him as I walked up gently to meet him.
"Evening, Natalie. Happy birthday to you," he replied, looking genuinely happy to see me as his dark eyes held mine. He wore a crisp white shirt and black trousers, paired with black sandals. He was also holding a white plastic bag as I approached him to accept his gift.
"I couldn't wait until tomorrow to present this to you. I saw the videos Franklin posted and knew you were back," he said as I reached him and accepted his gift.
"Thank you, but you shouldn't have stressed about coming here at this hour. It's ge
