Under the heiress facade

Hera had seen fireworks before, but never at such a grand scale. It felt as if the entire night sky was on the verge of exploding, with the show continuing uninterrupted for a full ten minutes. "Happy birthday, Hera..." Bernard said on the other end of the line.

The fireworks were so loud that Hera couldn't hear him clearly.

"What did you say? I couldn't hear you."

As the fireworks gradually quieted, the sky, once filled with vibrant colors, darkened again, and everything fell silent.

"Open the door."

A deep, magnetic voice came through the phone.

Hera blinked. She wondered if Bernard could really be there.

She quickly turned around to open the door, but no one was there.

Her emotions, which had soared like a roller coaster, plummeted instantly. After all, it was New Year's Eve. She didn't think the Killians would possibly let him leave.

"You tricked me..."

Hera trailed off. She looked down in disappointment, only to notice two rows of red rose petals on the carpet that hadn't been there before.

The petals led from her door down the hallway to the stairs. Following the trail, she went to the living room, where at the end of the petals was a pair of white leather shoes.

her gaze to see Bernard standing there with a large bouquet of red roses. His

Bernard said, handing her

you think that I forgot

it

swelled with emotion as she

breathing in its light fragrance to fill

Can you two

released Bernard, only then noticing

living room had been

"Hera, happy birthday."

from the kitchen that had 18

"Happy birthday to you..."

placed a birthday crown

heart. It was only then that she

hands clasped together, Hera made a

"Here's your birthday present."

first to hand her a gift

presented her with a share certificate. Both certificates were for 10% of

Jedburgh next year, this is for you. This apartment might be