Chapter 24

Henry introduced his daughter to the guests present. They were his business associates he invited along with their family, because he wanted to introduce Amy to the business world as she had never been seen in public. Henry had always made sure to hide his daughter away from public eyes because he didn’t want her childhood to be ruined by unnecessary attention and external interference or criticism. He wanted to wait until she was of age, and he thinks now is the perfect time to reveal her to the world.

After greeting the guests, a famous orchestra performed the ‘happy birthday song’ for Amy and she cut her birthday cake before having her first dance with her dad.

Amy thanked her dad for the beautiful birthday party, even though the guests were unfamiliar faces. Henry laughed at his daughter and told her to get used to it as she would be seeing those faces frequently from now on.

“May I have the next dance?” A very familiar voice said.

Amy and her dad turned towards the direction of the voice and saw Bryan standing a few inches away from them with a smile on his face.

“Took you long enough… I thought you weren’t going to make it” Henry said to his best friend.

“I wouldn’t dare” Bryan replied.

Henry chuckled and wished his daughter a happy birthday once more, placing a kiss on her forehead before handing her over to Bryan.

“Happy birthday. I’m sorry I’m late, I had a last minute meeting to attend to” Bryan explained to Amy as soon as Henry left their presence.

“It’s okay, I understand” Amy replied, not a bit offended by his lateness.

“I got you something. I already asked the maids to take it to your room”

Amy pouted at that, he should’ve just given it to her in person. Now, she’s going to be really impatient and eager for this party to come to an end.

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing out of the ordinary… Although, it was a difficult task getting you a birthday present since you have everything”

“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Amy said with a pout, recalling how her mom said the same thing that morning.

“Because that’s the truth” Bryan chuckled, earning a low grumble from Amy.

After her dance with Bryan, Amy danced with some other guests. There were guys probably her age or a little older, who were all trying to flirt with her. She got exhausted and excused herself. She went to the balcony to get some fresh air and also have an alone time, but was surprised to find Bryan already there. She thought she saw him talking to her dad just a while ago? She guess she isn’t the only one who wants to get out of the crowd.

He was staring at the sky like nothing else mattered. Amy couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking about. She decided to let him be and go find another quiet place, but as soon as she turned around to leave, he called her name.

“Amy?”

She slowly turned back to face him, regretting why she took so long to leave.

“I didn’t mean to disturb you. I had no idea you were here” She quickly explained.

“This is your house, you’re free to go anywhere you want… Although, I’m wondering what the birthday girl is doing out here, leaving her party” Bryan replied with a knowing smile, now turning his complete attention to her.

“I got bored of the attention… It’s not like they’re my friends or schoolmates. I have no idea who these people are… Besides, I’m not a fan of parties” Amy said the last part in a whisper, as she leaned on the balcony, staring into nothing.

“Henry knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t want you getting overwhelmed when he hands over the company to you, so he’s taking baby steps in exposing you to his world” Bryan tried to make her understand.

“I know. It’s just… Sometimes I wish dad had a son… I feel like I won’t meet his expectations” She confessed one of her greatest fears.

“It’s normal to feel that way. I and Henry both felt that way in the beginning, but as time passed, we got the hang of it”

“Really?”

Bryan nodded in reply, resting his elbows back on the balcony, staring at the night sky.

“And you? What are you doing out here?”

It was now Amy’s turn to find out why he was out here all by himself.

“I’m not used to such gatherings, even those in my honor”

“Is that why you don’t celebrate your birthdays?” Amy asked as she was curious to know more about Bryan.

“Exactly… I prefer something small and simple” He replied, still not taking his eyes away from the sky.

“But, dad used to mention how the two of you used to go to parties when you were younger?”

“We were young back then and wanted to explore”

“Then, what happened?”

“I got bored” He simply said.

Amy couldn’t help but smile at his reply, as it sounded similar to hers.

“You miss her” Amy suddenly said, wondering if that was the reason he was quiet.

Bryan’s attention immediately turned to Amy. He wasn’t expecting what she just said. He doesn’t bring up discussions about his dead wife and he doesn’t expect anyone else to bring it up. But, the way Amy said it sounded different, like she cared.

“I’m sorry, I-“ Amy tried to apologize for being too forward, but he cut her off.

“I miss her, but I’ve learnt to move on”

Amy wasn’t expecting a reply, she thought he was going to be offended by her question, but he proved her wrong. She stayed with him a while longer, both enjoying the night sky and bringing up small talk, before she said goodnight and retired to her bedroom.

On reaching her bedroom, she saw a spa basket filled with Lauren beauty products on her nightstand. She walked towards the nightstand and found a note inside the basket, it read,

'Happy birthday, princess'

She smiled as soon as she saw the handwriting and immediately sent a text to him.

“I love it, Bryan. You’re the best!” She sent and waited for his reply.

While waiting for his reply, she wiped off her makeup and took off her dress. She climbed her bed in her underwear, too lazy to change into her pyjamas. As soon as her head made contact with her pillow, her phone beeped.

“I was scared you’d send it back, but I’m glad you like it. Goodnight birthday girl”

That simple reply brought a big smile on Amy’s face as she let herself get consumed by sleep.