BONDS UNBROKEN

CHAPTER ONE

Chapter One

“Knock, knock, knock! Marcellus Cedric! What are you still doing?” Briella shouted, banging on his bedroom door.

“Argh! Must you be so annoying?” Marcellus muttered, scowling as he finally opened it. His hair was scattered, his face lined with irritation.

“What!? You haven’t dressed up yet?” Briella asked, eyes wide in disbelief.

“What am I dressing up for?” Marcellus frowned, genuinely confused.

“I can’t believe this! Bye! I’ll go alone.” Briella rolled her eyes dramatically and stormed off.

“f**k!” Marcellus cursed, realization striking him like a bolt. For a moment, he stood frozen, then dashed back inside. Fifteen minutes later, freshly showered and dressed, he bolted out to his car and sped toward Briella’s house.

The second he pushed open the door with his spare key, he was met with an explosion of color and sound.

Pop! Party poppers went off around him.

Briella’s house was glowing. Streamers and balloons in his favorite colors filled the room, fairy lights twinkled against the walls, and a disco ball cast shifting lights across the ceiling. A bold banner stretched across one side:

“Thanks for being the best person in the whole world. I love you, Marci! Happy Birthday!”

On another side, a photo booth was set up with props, while the cozy corner flickered with candlelight and warmth. Tables overflowed with finger foods, desserts, his favorite drinks, and a perfectly decorated cake. Beside them sat a table stacked with wrapped gifts and even a memory book.

Marcellus froze, eyes wide, breath catching. He hadn’t expected this. Not at all.

“I thought you said we were only going to the amusement park?” he asked, still stunned.

“It’s your 20th birthday, Marci.” Briella beamed, her giggle bubbling out as she clapped her hands together. “I thought I’d do a little something for you. I only acted like I was angry so you’d come here.”

“This is… beautiful, Brielle. Thank you.” Marcellus’s voice softened into a rare, gentle smile.

“Oh, this is not all. Come, come!” She grabbed his hand and led him upstairs. One room had been transformed into a game area, the other into a movie lounge with blankets, blue lights, pillows, and snacks.

“Awwn, aren’t you one cute little teddy?” Marcellus teased, patting her hair. She giggled, swatting his hand but secretly pleased.

She had even made a playlist of all his favorite songs. Soon, laughter and chatter filled the air as they played games, shared food, and talked about everything under the stars.

By 11 p.m., they settled into the cozy lounge, a movie glowing faintly on the screen. Briella leaned her head on Marcellus’s chest, her eyelids fluttering shut. He smiled, gently patting her hair until she drifted into sleep.

For a long while, he simply looked at her—her peaceful face, her steady breathing—and his chest warmed with unspoken thoughts. Finally, he turned off the movie, tucked the blanket around her, and lay down beside her, his smile lingering even in the dark.

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✨End of Chapter One ✨