Serena looked at the phone Emma held in her hand.

The call hadn’t ended.

She had no idea when the call started or what Owen had heard.

But one thing was certain: he probably thought she had bullied his precious one again and was angry.

Serena gave a nonchalant smile, her carefree expression hiding a deep, oppressive frustration. The pain in her stomach churned, wave after wave of intensifying discomfort.

She knew she couldn’t endure this stomach pain any longer and didn’t have the energy to deal with Owen. Taking a deep breath, she managed to tell Emma, “You may not be suited for this occasion today. Let’s call it a day, but in the future, be more careful and attentive at work.”

Her words weren’t harsh, but Emma couldn’t help but feel her face burn with embarrassment.

Serena didn’t say anything else, simply waving at Emma, signaling her to leave.

Emma understood but hesitated before taking a step.

She gripped her phone tightly. “Um, Bro Owen is outside the restaurant. He wants you to come out.”

Serena immediately furrowed her brows, a coldness flashing in her eyes.

With just one glance, Emma felt like she was facing a formidable opponent.

She hurriedly apologized, “Sorry, I misspoke. Please don’t be upset. I’ll leave now.”

Emma rushed out.

Serena finally relaxed, as if releasing all the tension, and sank into her chair. She raised a hand to smooth her dampened hair, the cold sweat clinging to it.

Unconsciously, she pressed a hand against her aching stomach, while the other rummaged through her bag, retrieving some painkillers and swallowing them down.

Her eyes swept over the table, and aside from the unfinished drink, there was nothing else.

Too drained to call for water, she simply swallowed the pills.

Then she leaned forward, waiting slowly for the medicine to take effect and relieve the unbearable pain.

Closing her eyes, her thoughts unwittingly drifted.

It was many years ago, back when Serena was still in high school. Her clean school uniform bathed in sunlight, her pretty face clear yet radiant, impossibly beautiful.

The school bell rang, and the once quiet playground quickly came alive with chatter and activity.

After a while, Serena, with her classmates, slowly made her way out.

In the crowd, Owen always spotted that striking young girl.

He stood at the school gate, casually leaning against a Ducati, wearing jeans and a white shirt. His simple outfit couldn’t hide his tall, slender frame, and his handsome face was like that of a god, exceptionally eye-catching.

He waved at her, his face lighting up with a bright smile.

Serena wasn’t surprised. She casually said something to her classmates and ran toward him.

“I told you, you don’t have to pick me up every day after school.”

She said as she saw Owen take out a lollipop from his pocket and offer it to her.

She loved sweets, especially candy.

But eating too much wasn’t good for her teeth, so he developed a habit of keeping candy in his pocket and occasionally giving her some as a playful treat.

“It’s fine on normal days, but not today.”

He said, reaching up and ruffling her hair. “Today is your birthday. You’re eighteen now. Get on the bike.”

Serena was suddenly struck with the realization that she had forgotten her own birthday.

Climbing onto the motorcycle, he turned around to carefully put a helmet on her, holding her hand as he pulled her closer to his waist. Then, he revved the engine and rode out of the noisy streets, through the bustling traffic, and across the vast bridge.

They finally reached the foot of Silverpeak Mountain.

He took her hand and they hiked up the mountain together.

They passed through layers of greenery and circled the shimmering Silvermist Lake.

When Serena grew tired and wanted to stop, she saw Owen smile mysteriously at her and slowly extended his hand, signaling a countdown.

“Three, two, one...”

As his final note faded, countless fireworks shot up, exploding across the dark sky in a brilliant display.

The lights dazzled and sparkled.

Serena stood frozen, staring in awe.

But what surprised her more was the thousands of drones, programmed to flash in vibrant colors, forming neat, synchronized patterns in the sky, like fireflies.

Finally, they came together to spell out: Serena, Happy Birthday.

The chaotic night sky continued to shimmer with flowers of light.

Serena was already moved, her slender figure trembling slightly under the night sky as she held her mouth, unable to contain her emotions.

At some point, Owen had brought out a handmade cake. It didn’t have any elaborate decorations or intricate designs, but it was made by him, with help from an experienced master, crafted with care and attention.

Candles were lit on the cake.

He slowly walked toward her, "From today, you’re an adult, grown up. I hope you’ll have this moment every year, and every year you’ll have me."

The beautiful memory was suddenly shattered by a crack, like a brand-new mirror, shattered in an instant.

Serena opened her eyes, returning to reality. She wiped away the tear that had unknowingly rolled down her cheek.

Taking a deep breath, the discomfort in her stomach seemed to ease a little.

She checked the time—it had only been about ten minutes of rest, but she figured Owen and Emma would have left by now. After all, he had no patience for her anymore.

That was probably for the best.

Serena rubbed her brow, collected her thoughts, and stood up, grabbing her bag as she headed out. After signing the bill with the waiter, she left the restaurant.

However, just as she stepped outside, she froze.

Not far away in the open-air parking lot, at a very noticeable spot, Owen was leaning casually against the car door, dressed in a plain black shirt and pants. His body almost seemed to blend into the car, making his handsome face appear even fairer and his features sharper.

His short, jet-black hair moved slightly in the evening breeze.

He lifted his chin slightly, with a lit cigarette between his lips. The tip of the cigarette glowed faintly, puffing out tendrils of smoke.

Serena felt her heart tighten.

Owen frowned slightly as he looked at her. Holding the cigarette between his long fingers, he exhaled a stream of white smoke and said in a tone that was casually indifferent, “Why are you out so late? Just to avoid me?”

Serena didn’t respond and walked toward the parking lot.

It was unavoidable; this path led her directly past Owen.

He didn’t move but effortlessly reached out and grabbed her wrist as she passed.

Reluctantly, Serena stopped and looked up at him. “Is there something else?”

“Don’t act like you don’t know. I heard everything on the phone,” Owen said with a light laugh, his lips curling into a smirk that exuded a sense of mockery. “It’s not that Emma did a bad job; it’s that you never gave her the chance.”

“Oh, is that what you think?” Serena quickly nodded, her face devoid of emotion, her expression cold. “Then I apologize. I’ve ruined your noble efforts to nurture your girlfriend. Sorry, Mr. Lancaster.”

Her words, though an apology, held no trace of compromise.

Owen’s expression darkened instantly.