Love Unspoken

Getty's smile froze, turning into an awkward grimace before she forced it back into a strained smile. "I was just kidding! Why so serious? You really had me going," she said, her laugh nervous. Alexander's lips curled into a slight smile. "Me too, just joking."

The restaurant was was buzzing with people coming and going. But in the middle of it all, Quinn sat alone, waiting for hours with no sign of Alexander.

She rested her chin in her hand, her gaze fixed on the window, watching the multitude of lights gradually fade as the once-bustling streets grew sparse and deserted.

As the restaurant emptied, it was as if the tide had receded, leaving behind a desolate silence. The world outside darkened, and the restaurant lights dimmed until none remained. The person who had promised to celebrate her birthday with her never appeared.

"Mrs. Kennedy?" A voice called from behind her.

Startled, Quinn was brought back to reality. She turned to see the Manager standing beside her, accompanied by two waitstaff. "We're closing up for the night," he explained, a smile on his face.

Quinn was slow to comprehend. She looked around at the dimly lit interior, only to realize she was the last patron left. Disappointment didn't quite encapsulate her feelings. It was more akin to a familiar sense of emptiness.

hadn't been long, not really. Compared to the endless days and nights spent

appeared with a cake. "Mrs. Kennedy, since today is your birthday, we have a cake prepared for

"It's almost midnight. Please enjoy your cake

cast a warm glow on the cake's

she thought, her eyes closed. She made no wishes. In her experience, making wishes in front of birthday cakes never seemed

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quietly as he watched her frail silhouette. He had seen her sitting there for hours after a man had made arrangements and promised someone would arrive. Yet after five hours, no one came.

it up, and the Manager, chuckling, accepted his piece. He took out a plastic figurine from his pocket and handed it to her. "This is a little keepsake from our diner. Consider

miniature figure, smiled, and nodded her thanks. It was then the Manager realized she was

overstay, Quinn took a bite of the cake. But as the rich, buttery cream hit

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