Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

104 I'm okay

[Short Flashback]

wax melting Penny sat in a dining chair, staring at the cake before her. The candle burned slowly, and dripping down its base. The food arranged on the table was left untouched and now had gone cold. She gulped, breaking the ringing silence in her ears. Her lips curled up a little as she began to sing softly,

"Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you... happy birthday... happy..." Her voice faltered as tears streamed down her checks. She tried to hold her emotions back and failed miserably. Penny bit her inner bottom lips and sniffed, wiping the tears off her cheeks. "Why did I expect so much?" she mocked, laughing at herself. "It's not like this is the first time they missed my birthday."

She tried to recover from the sorrow that was embracing her on this not-so-special day. Penny slapped her cheeks mildly, forcing a smile, and sang herself another birthday song. This time, she made it without breaking out in tears.

"My wish is..." Penny hummed before she closed her eyes... that I will be happy."

With a deep breath, she blew out the candle.

Opening her eyes, she watched the smoke rise in the still air. Her smile remained only for a few seconds, and then it faded. Before her mood could plummet further, her phone buzzed on the

table.

Penny quickly picked it up the moment she saw Atlas's name.

"First Brother-

"Penny, I'm sorry I can't make it today," was Atlas's greeting remarks, his voice exhausted and stressed.

"Oh. Penny still smiled, thinking her brother was a very busy person. "It's okay. Emergencies happen when you run a company"

"Yeah, Atlas sighed heavily. "And Nina also fainted. So I have to check on her first:

Her smile froze when she heard that name. "Nina?"

"Mhm. Thankfully, she was with Slater when it happened. Why don't you come out and join us

for dinner?

"It's okay." Penny forced a smile, though her grip on the phone tightened. "Actually, it's good you called. I was just about to tell you I had to cancel the birthday dinner. Something came up."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Anyway, I've got to go. Take care."

"Mhm. You too."

being said. Denn miklu ended the

glared at her

104 I'm okay

tempted to throw it.

things to her, and she suspected it was because she helped him resolve

the day off to cook for them, eschewing fancy dishes

But...

throat and shook her head. "It's okay, Penny. It's

burying her face

this very day. Growing up, she had to witness Nina celebrate it so spectacularly, while she was always pushed aside as

after year, it was the same scenario with

like today, it

about this was that she expected this year would be different. She expected so much and was very happy throughout the day, only to be left in here all alone to sing herself a happy birthday with tears

sobs resonated in the silent dining room until the sound of the doorbell

Penny cleared her throat, wiping her

brothers were trying

her heart, Penny opened the door. Her smile faltered slightly

Birthday, Penny," Haines smiled softly, causing his wrinkles to

gift, his neatly combed white hair reflecting the light. "Happy Birthday,

her a gift every year on her birthdays, her eyes softened. Tears coated her eyes. She sighed in relief and welcomed them just as warmly as

"Happy birthday, Penny."

year. He was always abroad, but there were times he would come home just to celebrate her

now, he's the first to greet me,' she thought, telling herself no need to

104 I'm okay

surprised if they begged Aunt

Oh, well.

long as Penny didn't have expectations, she wouldn't get hurt. That was what she often told herself even before she stepped into this house. This family... would never hurt her again. Never again. The slight hesitation she

"I'll take my pets back to

pet carriers and

her birthday?' His lips curved down but

at the front door. It was almost like she was running away, making him tilt his

gift. Haines snapped his fingers and

when Penny reached the front door, Butler Jen

Jen carried his usual gentle smile. "How was your