Chapter 3: Birthday With a Twist

I hung back, watching. Everyone had a good time eating and drinking, then took Ubers home.

The music thumped and the city lights outside flickered through the bar windows. I watched my colleagues laugh and clink glasses, letting the tension of the day melt away. For a little while, I almost felt normal—like I belonged.

After I saw the last colleague off, I was about to call a ride when a familiar sports car pulled up. The window rolled down. It was Ethan.

Ethan looked at me and spoke in a tone that said he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “It’s late, and rideshares are hard to get. I’ll drive you.”

His words were clipped, his jaw set. I took a step back, keeping my distance. “No need—our relationship might cause misunderstandings.”

Meaning, if Charlotte found out, she’d make a scene again.

He frowned, his sharp eyes lingering on me. He said coldly, “If there’s nothing going on, why be afraid of misunderstandings? Get in—the car can’t park here.”

Cars were honking behind him, so I didn’t have much choice. I got in the passenger seat.

The leather was cool against my legs as I settled in, the faint scent of his cologne lingering in the air. Just as I sat down and was about to buckle up, I paused and apologized. “Sorry, I think I’m in Char’s usual seat. Can you stop up ahead? I’ll sit in the back.”

[Girl, you’re really stirring the pot now.]

[Ethan was just starting to chill, now he’s remembering the main girl’s drama.]

Ethan didn’t look at me, his face expressionless. “A seat’s a seat. There’s no such thing as someone’s spot.”

We drove in silence.

The city lights blurred past the windows, the silence heavy but not uncomfortable. It was the first time we’d been alone together without Charlotte orchestrating every move.

When we got to my place, I opened the door to get out, but he suddenly called out to me. His dark eyes met mine, and after a moment’s hesitation, he finally spoke. “Sorry. Today was on Charlotte. I’m sorry for her.”

It wasn’t easy for him to say sorry.

His voice was low, almost gruff. I could tell he meant it, even if it killed his pride to admit it. I replied, “It’s fine. Maybe she’s just insecure—that’s why she keeps testing you. I get it.”

He didn’t respond, clearly not agreeing with my take on his relationship.

He just stared at the steering wheel, jaw clenched. Then he raised his hand and handed me a gift box. “Happy birthday. Think of it as compensation for ruining your day. If you don’t want it, just throw it away.”

Before I could react, he’d already driven off.

The chat bubbles, freaking out that I’d actually toss it, rushed in:

[Girl, keep it cool, but don’t toss the gift—it’s probably worth more than my rent!]

[Not gonna lie, the boyfriend’s taste is top tier. Rich boys always pick the best jewelry.]

[Girl, you just lost an earring—put on the new ones!]

[Did your earring fall in his car? If the spoiled queen sees it, she’ll go nuclear.]

[Just imagine—the boyfriend’s company has a big client meeting tomorrow, spoiled queen blocks him from going, pushes him away, and you get promoted. Now that’s main character energy!]

I looked down at the gift box in my hand, untying the fancy bow. Inside was a pair of diamond earrings, sparkling under the light.

They caught the glow from the streetlamp, throwing little rainbows across my palm. For a second, I just stared. So this is what real diamonds look like—so bright.

Suddenly, I wanted them. I took off my old earrings and put on the new ones.

The cold metal felt cool against my skin, but the sparkle made me feel a little lighter. For once, I decided I deserved something beautiful—something just for me.