Bella smacked her hands on her head in frustration. She couldn't believe she was trying to explain the importance of birthdays to a grown man who seemed oblivious. Blade stared at her with a mixture of amusement and surprise. He was relieved that she was finally opening up and engaging in conversation.

Blade decided to challenge her perspective. "Don't you think there must be a reason why I don't celebrate my birthdays?"

As soon as Blade finished speaking, Bella looked up at him, ...