Our Love

CHAPTER 23

SERAPHINA'S POV

We finally arrived at what would now be called home.

I was tired — physically, mentally, and emotionally. My back ached, my heart bled, and the weight of the day pressed heavily on me.

Still in my flowy white dress, I stepped out of the car. The horizon glowed with the last shades of sunset — bittersweet, like the ache in my chest.

My wedding day — the day everyone calls the happiest — had turned into the worst day of my life.

To make it worse, today was also my birthday.

No one remembered.

Not my parents… and certainly not my husband.

I doubted he even knew anything about me.

With a heavy heart and a heavier gown, I was led inside by a kind, older maid who greeted me with a gentle smile. She prepared a warm bath despite my refusal, insisting softly that I relax. Later, she set the dinner table and left me to eat in peace.

Dressed in a lace nightgown, I sat at the table, staring at my untouched meal — until a knock on the door startled me.

My heart leapt.

Could it be him?

Ignoring the maid’s warning, I dashed barefoot to the door, hope racing through my veins. But when I opened it, disappointment flooded me.

It wasn’t Hayden. It was my father.

He smiled warmly, stepping inside. For a moment, I froze — the door still wide open, my heart raw.

“Phina,” he said softly, snapping me out of my daze. “I brought you something.”

Locking the door, I ran into his arms like a child. He chuckled, patting my head with that same familiar comfort.

“Phina,” he teased, pinching my cheek, “how many times have I told you not to walk barefoot? You’ll catch a cold.”

I smiled sheepishly as he handed me a beautifully wrapped box.

Ripping it open, I found a delicate music box inside, its soft tune strangely familiar.

Holding back tears, I threw my arms around him.

“Thank you, Dad. I really appreciate it,” I whispered.

He smiled, brushing my hair gently. “I’d do anything for you. Happy birthday, Phina.”

For the first time that day, I smiled from the bottom of my heart.

Unfortunately, he had to leave soon — it was getting late.

As the door closed behind him, I felt the silence return.

(PHONE CALL

(Phone ringing)

Seraphina's Father: “Hayden Reynolds, giving my daughter to you in marriage doesn’t mean you get to treat her badly. If she sheds even a single tear because of you again, you’ll have me to contend with.”

(Line disconnects)

SERAPHINA'S POV

I After dinner, I cleaned up and returned to my room, exhaustion sinking deep into my bones.

Just as I was about to lie down, another knock echoed through the room.

Opening the door, I found the old maid standing there, holding a small box.

She smiled kindly.

“Sorry, dear. I didn’t realize it was your birthday until I overheard your father earlier. So… I got you a little something. I hope you like it.”

Opening the box, I gasped softly. Inside lay a crescent-moon hair brooch — shimmering bluish-white under the light. It reminded me of the moon that used to shine over the river by the orphanage.

"It’s beautiful,” I whispered tearfully. “Thank you so much.”

“Happy birthday, madam,” she said with a smile, gently pushing the box toward me.

That night, she tucked me into bed and pressed a kiss to my forehead — something no one had done in years.

For once, I slept peacefully, free from my usual nightmares. ( tracker beeping).

MRS. MILLBURN

(Phone call, quiet room)

“I did what you asked, sir,” she said softly.

(Papers shuffle)

“She ate dinner, though she seemed a little down. But she loved the gift — I saw the twinkle in her eyes.”

A pause. Then a quiet sigh.

“But Hayden,” she added gently, “if you care for her this much, why didn’t you just be the one to celebrate her birthday yourself? and give her a night to never forget.”

(Beep. Line disconnects.)

She shook her head with a faint smile.

“Silly boy,” she murmured. “So much love… and so little courage.”