Chapter 4

I heard the sounds of a scuffle, but it was quickly shut down by the nurses.

A few minutes later, Logan walked back into my room, breathing heavily. He was holding a slightly crushed cake box.

"How..." my voice was raspy and dry, but he seemed to understand what I wanted to ask.

"Today is your birthday, Serena. Did you forget?" he asked softly. "We always celebrate it together. But my brother... he had other plans today."

"I see."

So, did Ethan actually forget my birthday, or did he choose this exact day to cut ties with me on purpose?

When Logan lit the candles, he was the only one singing to me.

In the sterile, quiet hospital room, he did his absolute best to make me smile.

"Make a wish, our princess. May you stay beautiful and happy forever."

*I wish... that sincere people are never treated like fools again.*

Before I could blow out the candles, the TV screen on the wall flashed with a breaking news alert.

*“Breaking: Ethan Thorne, heir to the Thorne Conglomerate, has officially called off his engagement with his fiancée. Sources say he spent millions on a grand romantic gesture for his new girlfriend...”*