However, James had no desire to return at this moment.

He had witnessed the events of the press conference unfold. Freya had sought vengeance for Charlotte with unwavering resolve, even bringing Bradley to Charlotte's gravesite.

His opportunities had vanished. Bradley had forsaken all ties to the company, relentlessly searching for Freya's whereabouts, sealing James' fate of dismal failure.

Though he loved Freya, he couldn't match Bradley's ruthlessness, willing to stake his life and forsake all else.

The phone kept ringing, as if it wouldn't stop until he promised not to give up.

James retrieved a red velvet box from his pocket, opening it with a soft click.

Within rested a luxurious, exquisitely crafted diamond ring.

Throughout his years abroad, he had meticulously planned his proposal to her, even purchasing the ring well in advance.

Yet now, her ring finger bore another's ring, shattering his every hope.

With a bitter smile, James reclaimed the ring, nudging a beautifully wrapped gift bag towards the driver beside him, his voice faint.

"Please deliver the gift. I'll wait here. I'll return to the company later."

After sitting in the car for more than an hour, he saw Bradley's associates bringing flowers into the hospital. The scene inside seemed romantic and luxurious. What good would it do to go in and make himself even more sad?

As the driver prepared to disembark with the gift, James halted him abruptly.

"Wait. I'll handle it myself. You remain in the car."

James alighted from the vehicle, his strides weighted with burden as he made his way toward the hospital. Despite everything, today marked her birthday, and he yearned to personally convey those four words to her.

Within the hospital room.

Freya lay on the bed, her eyes wide awake, devoid of any hint of sleep.

The air was saturated with the sweet fragrance of roses, tantalizing her senses, her mind consumed solely by the image of Bradley.

Freya felt as though she were losing her sanity!

Since the moment she had exacted her revenge, all traces of animosity within her had been eradicated. Yet now, her once-empty heart was monopolized by one man.

She struggled to banish thoughts of him, yet her heart refused to obey, replaying his tender words incessantly.

This emotional turmoil left her restless, even agitated.

Rising from her bed to fetch water, a sudden knock at the hospital room door jolted her.

Anticipating Bradley's return, Freya's eyes sparkled with hope as she peered eagerly at the entrance.

However, upon seeing the figure that entered, disappointment washed over her, sighing heavily as her heart sank.

"Not happy to see me?"

James couldn't ignore the disappointment in her eyes, feeling somewhat awkward as he stood there.

Quickly regaining her composure, Freya forced a smile. "How could that be? I'm thrilled you're here. Come in."

James' lips twisted wryly. Was it truly so?

Her expression was clearly one of disappointment earlier. Could it be that, for that instant, she mistook him for Bradley?

Gazing at the room filled with flowers, alongside the opened cake and the flickering candles, James clenched his hand in his pocket. Indeed, Bradley had already celebrated her birthday.

He only realized today that beneath Bradley's usual cold and aloof demeanor lay a capacity for such romance and affection.

At the bedside still sat a long red box. James' gaze involuntarily swept towards Freya's collarbone, confirming the presence of a necklace gracing her fair skin.

His pupils darkened, fingers brushing against the ring in his pocket before hastily retracting in a moment of panic.

"It appears someone has already celebrated your birthday!" James approached her, presenting the gift with a warm smile. "I hope my wishes aren't too late."

Graciously accepting it, Freya expressed her gratitude with a smile. "Thank you. You've never failed to remember my birthday over the years."

Even from abroad, James ensured she received a gift each year on this special day. While she had thought he might miss it this time, he had managed to deliver this belated gift just in time.

Contained within the tote bag wasn't an extravagant present, but a photo album!

Freya's surprise was evident as she flipped open the album's first page, revealing a collection of her own photographs. Leafing through several pages, each one showcased different moments of her life.

From earnestly conducting experiments in a lab coat...

To toiling away in the village, hair tousled and smudged with dirt...

And even capturing a moment of her asleep on a swing...

Each snapshot seemed to capture a candid aspect of her character, immortalizing a variety of expressions.

Unable to articulate her emotions, Freya met the man's gaze.

James' smile was warm as he spoke. "I had a photography hobby back in university. Your earnest dedication always struck me as endearing, so I covertly captured these moments as keepsakes. I never realized I had amassed such a treasure trove of memories..."

Touched by his thoughtfulness, Freya's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. While she knew James was considerate, she hadn't expected him to go to such lengths, meticulously curating these photos as a heartfelt gift for her nineteenth birthday.

"Thank you, James. This is the most special gift I've received today!"

Material possessions paled in comparison to sincere sentiments. Through the years, she and James had remained steadfast friends, his silent support an ever-present comfort.

Yet, despite his exemplary qualities, she found herself unable to envision him as more than a friend.

Perhaps it was fate's twist. Crossed paths, yet different journeys.

Ring, ring!

James' phone chimed once more, the assistant still on the line. It seemed that with Bradley's return, the company's affairs had erupted into chaos

He had no choice but to return!

"Take care and rest up. There are urgent matters at the office that require my attention. I'll take my leave."

Watching him depart, Freya remembered how Bradley had also hurriedly left after a phone call.

She knew that now the Austin Corporation was under Bradley's control, and James was working under him. She had wanted to inquire further, but James had already left. She decided to keep her questions to herself.

Picking up her phone from the bedside table, she glanced at the time. It was already ten o'clock in the evening.

Though she wasn't sure about the Austin Corporation's situation, she knew Bradley was still recovering from his injuries. After a moment's thought, she felt compelled to send him a text message.

However, just as her fingers began to move, a 'ding' sounded from her phone, and a text message preemptively arrived.

The screen of her phone lit up with a message from Bradley.

"Sweetheart, are you asleep yet?"

Freya was about to respond when several more messages arrived in quick succession.

"I might not make it back to sleep with you tonight. Remember to dream of me."

"Rest well, my darling..."

Freya carefully read through the messages, and upon seeing the final one, her heart couldn't help but flutter several times.