I STARED at the cake for a long time before looking up to meet Malik’s gaze. It was sweet of him. Other than Nanny, it was the first time someone actually greeted me on the first hour of my birthday. And they almost had the same wish for me. I wanted to say that he did not have to go this far, that he should stop this and leave. He did not have to keep doing things that would make me like him more.
But when I looked in his eyes and saw my reflection there, all I could do was blow the candle and say, “Thank you.”
Because deep inside, I was scared to be alone tonight. I was scared to go back to bed and dream of the past again. I was feeling cold and I could use some warmth right now. And he had the kind of warmth that I need and crave so much. Before I knew it, my tears began falling. I fe
