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.

not really. Compared to the endless days and

your birthday, we have a cake prepared for

almost midnight. Please enjoy your cake and make a wish before

the cake's surface, but Quinn saw only pity in the Manager's

weary than cheerful. 'Happy Birthday, Quinn,' she thought, her eyes closed. She made no wishes. In her experience, making wishes in front of

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arrangements and promised someone

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

looked at the miniature figure, smiled, and nodded her thanks. It was then the

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

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