Chapter 1: A Birthday to Remember
“Where are you taking me, Herden?” Ella asked, her curiosity piqued with excitement.
“Just be patient and close your eyes. If I tell you, it’ll ruin the surprise,” he replied, a playful smile dancing across his lips.
As they entered a dimly lit room, Herden paused, releasing Ella's hand, his heart racing with anticipation. “I’ll count to three, and then you can open your eyes,” he instructed, excitement bubbling in his voice.
“One… two… three!”
Ella opened her eyes to a breathtaking sight. The room was beautifully decorated with colorful streamers and twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Petals floated gently from above, glimmering like jewels against the soft glow.
“Happy birthday, my friend for life!” Herden's voice rang out, filled with warmth and joy.
At that moment, their friends emerged from hiding, holding gifts and cheering. Ella's heart raced, and tears welled up in her bright green eyes as pure joy washed over her. “Thank you so much, everyone!” she exclaimed, overwhelmed by their love and support.
“Don’t cry, birthday girl! I can’t bear to see you upset,” Herden teased, gently wiping away a stray tear from her cheek.
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Ella!” their friends sang in unison as Herden brought out a chocolate cake adorned with her name written in elegant icing.
“Cut the cake! Cut the cake!” they cheered, their excitement infectious.
With a radiant smile, Ella cut the first slice, feeding it to Herden before savoring the sweetness herself. The room filled with laughter and joy—a momentous occasion she would cherish forever.
As the party wound down and friends began to leave, Ella found herself alone with Herden. The warmth of the celebration still lingered in the air. Gazing at him with admiration, she bit her lip playfully, a hint of uncertainty creeping in.
“What’s with that adorable look?” he asked, raising an eyebrow, his teasing tone making her heart flutter.
“You already know what I want,” she teased back, her smile widening as boldness surged within her.
“Oh, you caught me! Just close your eyes,” he said mischievously.
Ella complied, her heart racing at the anticipation. When she opened her eyes again, a gasp escaped her lips as she beheld a stunning necklace, coated in shimmering diamonds, with her name engraved inside a heart-shaped pendant.
“Is this for me?” she asked in disbelief, her hand flying to her mouth.
“Of course! Who else would it be for? I wanted you to have something special today,” Herden replied, his eyes reflecting genuine affection and care.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Ella hugged him tightly. “You are the best, Herden! I don’t know how I would get through this life without you.”
“You're too sweet!” he said, laughter bubbling from him. “But seriously, you deserve it.”
As their laughter filled the room, the bond they shared felt stronger than ever.
“Let me walk you back to your dorm,” Herden suggested, standing up and offering his hand.
“Okay,” Ella said happily, her heart fluttering with excitement.
As they made their way to the girls' hostel, they chatted animatedly about their dreams and what the future might hold.
“I have to leave before your supervisor sees me,” Herden said, a playful glint in his eyes as they reached the entrance. Ella felt a pang of reluctance at the thought of saying goodbye, hoping he would understand.
He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead, making her heart skip a beat. “I will see you tomorrow, birthday girl. Get some rest,” he said with a gentle smile.
As he walked away toward the boys’ hostel, Ella watched him, a smile spreading across her face. Why do I keep falling harder for him every day? But who wouldn't fall for that handsome face of his?she sighed, envisioning a future filled with adventures and laughter just like today.
“Why are you still standing there instead of heading to your dormitory?” The supervisor's voice jolted Ella from her thoughts. Startled, she realized she had been lost in her daydreams.
“Um... sorry, Mrs. Smith! I spaced out for a while,” she admitted, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.
“Go back to your dorm now,” the supervisor instructed, her tone brokering no argument.
“Yes, ma'am!” Ella replied, hurrying to her room as fast as her legs would carry her.
“Herden, you’ll pay for always occupying my thoughts,” she thought with a grin as she stepped into her sanctuary.
Herden was a captivating figure—jet-black hair, striking blue eyes, and perfectly sculpted brows that made even other girls envious. Not only was he a top student, but his charisma was undeniable. He was every girl's dream.
