110

~Neeral~

He took hold of my hand, and we walked out together. Taylor stood there, holding the cake for me. I cut the cake while everyone sang a birthday song. I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt so special.

Although I saw them every day, there was something different in the air that night. My pain seemed to fade away when I looked at Matt. He was genuinely enjoying himself with me, and I was thrilled he had orchestrated this surprise.

After everyone left, we surveyed the aftermath. Dirty disposable plates and glasses were strewn across the house. I grabbed a trash bag and began collecting the remnants.

“Wait, wait, wait.” Matt grabbed my hand, stopping me in my tracks.

“What? We need to clean this mess.”

“Oh, we will. First, I need to talk to you.” He guided me to the couch, and we sat down together. “Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday?”

“You didn’t ask,” I smiled mischievously, unraveling his crossed arms.

“But you told Taylor.”

I chuckled, brushing off his remar