Temper Temper

I was startled by the sudden burst of light that flooded the space. I squinted as my eyes adjusted, trying to make sense of the scene in front of me. And then, the crowd erupted into cheers and shouted, "Surprise! Happy Birthday!'

I stood frozen, unable to comprehend what was happening. It took me a moment to realize that this surprise party was for me. Me, whose birthday had always been just another ordinary day. Me, who had never had a reason to celebrate or expect anything special on this day ever since the death of my parents. In the past years, I'd know it's my birthday if either I get a birthday message from Ava or she'd wake me up early in the morning with a birthday song, and a birthday cake in her hands. I didn't receive a message from her today, or any other thing that could serve as a reminder that today was my birthday.

Somehow I managed to pull out an awkward smile – although it never reached my eyes. Anybody else would have marched in cheerfully, clasping their hands in front of them reeking with enthusiasm and delight. Not me – I just stood there, my feet plastered to the floor, my mind going haywire, not concentrating on one thing.

"Happy birthday, babyyyyy!" Ava squealed delightfully while plunging herself at me. My hands immediately wrapped around her, surrendering myself in her embrace. I felt tears flood my eyes, but I am not going to shed them. Today, is supposed to be a happy day for me. "Like always, I bet you didn't know today was your birthday," Ava said with a full smile on her face as she disengaged from the hug. I laughed out awkwardly, blinking back the tears that were threatening to fall. 

I swiftly looked around the hall to see bright faces beaming at me with smiles. Everyone I knew from Alexander's side was here, except for his grandfather. There were also some faces I didn't recognize.

The room was adorned with twinkling fairy lights, casting a warm and inviting glow over the space. The walls were decorated with colorful banners and streamers, adding a festive touch to the atmosphere. Tables were laden with platters of delicious food - finger sandwiches, appetizers, and an assortment of sweets and treats. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods and savory dishes.

A DJ in the corner was spinning lively tunes, the music pulsing through the room and setting the mood for the celebration. Someone poked at me from behind, and my eyes widened in surprise when I turned and saw who it was.

"Annnnee!" She immediately flung herself at me, hugging me tightly.

"Oh my God, Ivory. I've missed you so much." She pulled away from the hug while looking me over. I just let her do her thing with a smile on my face. "You just disappeared without a trace. I was even worried. But, girrrrllll, you're married to New York's sunshine? You're definitely giving me all the juice." She wiggled her brows teasingly at me making me laugh out. I've missed Anne. She always had a way of putting a smile on my face.

"Sure, I will give you all the juice." I was about to say something else, when I was interrupted by the sound of voices singing a birthday song. 

I turned to look at Alexander, who stood beside me with a smile on his face. His eyes were already on me when I looked at him. "So, this is the dinner party, huh? I knew never to trust your words." I pinched his jaw and a teasing smirk appeared on his lips.

He did this! He had organized this party for me, gone through all this trouble to make me feel special. And yet, I couldn't wrap my head around it. Why would he go to such lengths for someone like me?

My heart swelled with a mixture of conflicting emotions - disbelief, gratitude, confusion. I felt undeserving of this sudden burst of kindness, of the effort and care that Alexander had put into making this day special for me. I felt a lump forming in my throat as tears welled up in my eyes.

In that moment, I realized how much I had closed myself off from the possibility of happiness, of joy, of love. I had resigned myself to a life devoid of celebration, of connection, of human warmth. And yet, here I was, surrounded by people who cared for me, who wanted to share in my happiness.

As I looked around at the smiling faces, the twinkling lights, the laughter and chatter filling the room, a sense of warmth washed over me. I had found a reason to celebrate, to embrace the joy that life had to offer. And it all started with this unexpected, overwhelming gesture from someone who was once a stranger to me.

I wound my arms around Alexander, hugging him tightly. I felt him stiffen for a second before he relaxed as his arms wrapped around my body. He buried his nose in my hair, inhaling and exhaling deeply before pulling me more tight against him. I melted in his arms, forgetting the crowd around us who were probably witnessing our action.

I just wanted to be in his arms at the moment, to live in the moment. It's funny and scary how I want him so much, when all we could ever be was two people bounded by a contract. I don't want to get attached to him, because I know our marriage will end one day. I don't want my heart to love him for fear he wouldn't reciprocate it. But still, I want to put those reasons aside and let him in. Would he do the same for me?

"Won't you hug me too, sis?" I jolted out of my thoughts and turned to see Clark who was grinning at Alexander and I. I pulled away from Alexander, who let out a low gruff and whimper. 

I pulled Clark into a hug, and he whispered a 'happy birthday, sis' to me. I hit his chest playfully as I disengaged from the hug. "What's with the 'sis'?"

He shrugged and smiled brightly. "Well, since Alexander is like a brother to me, that literally makes you my sister in-law." He was grinning at Alexander who was giving him a full glare. "Oh, quit looking at me like that, I'm not trying to steal her away from you," he told Alexander as he put his hand around my shoulders.

"He's just being cautious, knowing fully that you're good at taking things that doesn't belong to you." I turned to look at Ava who joined us. She folded her arms over her chest, and glared hard at Clark. "Give me back my phone."

"Not until you agree to go on a date with me, darling." I can see Ava's phone that he was twirling between his fingers. He smacked his lips, and blew Ava a kiss before strutting away to go grab a drink.

"Arrrgh, I hate him," Ava groaned out in exasperation. She looked like she would strangle Clark to death.

"Temper, temper. Of course, you do girl". She gave me a look and shook her head at me before leaving to where Clark was. I felt a hand snake around my waist and I turned to look at Alexander. He sighed and kissed my temple.

"Thank you, Alexander....for this whole thing. I'm really grateful." I pursed my lips and looked up at him. He simply nodded and kissed my temple again. "But still, you didn't have to do all this...." I was quickly shut up by a quick kiss on my lips.

"Just shush and enjoy your day, baby. I wanted to do this, and I did. You're my wife, and I want to spoil you so much." His hand rested on my exposed back as he looked around. "You don't know what I'd do just for you my Angel." His voice was low and hoarse. I looked into his eyes to see emotions swirling in his irises. The eyes don't lie.

"How do you want me to repay you?" He suddenly let out a laugh, making me blink at him. Did I say something funny?

"Oh my Angel. You're one funny little Angel. You seriously want to repay me?" His eyes were glinting maliciously and his smile has turned to a smirk. "I wasn't going to ask you to do that, baby. But then, I'm curious, how do you plan to do that?"

I cleared my throat and looked away from him. "I could give you money." He let out another loud laugh, making some heads to turn towards us.

"Money, huh? You know I have more than enough, baby. Try something else." 

"I uhhm...I...I...could pay you in kind." I tightly shut my eyes while looking down at my shoes. I didn't just say that. Gosh, I wanted to hit myself mentally. Alexander's fingers grazed my jaw as he lifted my face up to look at him.

"Are you serious?" His face was now serious, traces of his playful smirk and glinting eyes gone. I nodded slowly at him. 

I'm going to do this. I really am. I've been mentally preparing myself for the day where I'd give myself to him. It was surprising that in all this five months, he hasn't said a word for us to consummate our marriage nor try to force his way with me. It's only fair that I do this willingly, he's my husband after all.

"Deal?" I asked looking up at him. His eyes narrowed down at me. He was looking at me as though he wanted to read me, to know what I was thinking. A sudden smirk appeared on his lips and he nodded. 

"Deal."