Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin)

Chapter 287

A figure stood outside, lurking in the shadows with a camera. They snapped countless photos of them.

By the time dinner wrapped up, two hours had passed.

Yasmine checked the time and noticed it was getting late. She turned to Emma, who was still playing with her Barbie dolls, and said softly, "Sweetie, it's time to go home."

It wasn't often that Austin was home. It was only right to give the couple some time alone.

Emma hugged her dolls tightly and looked up, her big eyes filled with confusion.

"Already?" Though reluctant, she obediently stood up.

Aaron stepped forward and scooped her into his arms.

She was visibly tired compared to earlier. She rested limply against Aaron's shoulder, her tiny arms still clutching her doll.

Suzanne gathered up the rest of the dolls and handed them to Yasmine.

Emma waved her hand at Suzanne. "Bye, Aunt Suzanne."

gaze was unfocused as

heart melted at the sight. She waved back and whispered,

Yasmine and Aaron left with Emma, the lively atmosphere faded, leaving only Suzanne

her gaze to Austin, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "You actually sneaked back. When did you

happened today, she would've

her hand, his voice warm as he replied,

had cleared his entire schedule from afternoon until night

in his eyes spoke volumes. He had been pushing himself hard these

a little. "You don't have to

After all, she had spent plenty of birthdays alone

his head without hesitation. "No way. From now on, I'm spending every single one of your birthdays with

barely finding time to be together. If he couldn't even be there for her birthday, what did that say about them as a

spread in her chest. She met

"Okay."

else to say, but the feeling in her heart swelled, settling deep within

sharp, and utterly unfeeling. And yet, he had set everything aside just to come home

as he looked at her. "Don't overthink it. Is there anything else