Chapter 49

The night of the dinner took place at Henry's friend's restaurant, the same one he had taken Liz to when they first started dating. He had reserved the entire place just for them and their guests for that evening.

Henry waited for Liz in the living room, and when he saw her coming down the stairs, he was mesmerized.

"You look beautiful!" he said, without taking his eyes off her. Liz walked towards him and smiled.

"You look very elegant and handsome, too," she replied.

"Shall we go?" he asked.

"Yes. Antony already left with my mom and aunt. I was waiting for you."

"May I kiss my fiancée?"

"You should," she responded, and they kissed.

When they arrived at the restaurant, their family was already there, along with Penne and Nick, Piter, Zoe, some friends, and partners from the office. Antony was chatting with Zoe.

As soon as they entered, everyone started singing happy birthday, and afterward, people came over to congratulate her. Zoe approached her, wished her a happy birthday, and apologized.

"I understand now and accept that he always loved only you. I wish you both all the happiness."

"Thank you, Zoe. Let's forget about it. It's all in the past."

Piter also came over to congratulate her.

"Happy birthday, Liz. I want you to be very happy. You look more beautiful than ever."

"Piter, you know I'm getting married, right?"

"Yes, I know."

"You never gave me hope, but I always dreamed that one day you'd be mine. Now, I know I have to let you go. I sincerely hope you are happy with Henry. I know he'll make you very happy. May I hug my friend?"

"Of course," Liz replied.

They hugged, and Piter returned to where Zoe and the others were standing.

Henry came over to Liz and jokingly asked if he should be jealous of Piter's hug.

"Don't even think about it! It was just a friendly hug, nothing more," Liz said, laughing. "You silly, you know I'm all yours. You have nothing to worry about."

"Sometimes I'm afraid you'll change your mind and won't want to be with me. You're so beautiful!"

"Is it possible that my fiancé is the one getting cold feet, scared of having to put up with me for the rest of his life?" Liz teased, wrapping her arms around him.

"I'm yours forever. Happy birthday, my love."

"Thank you so much!"

After they kissed, Liz took Henry's hand and thanked everyone for being there.

"I'm so happy to have you all here with me. And since we're all gathered, Henry and I look forward to seeing you at our wedding, which is coming up soon. I believe everyone has received the invitation. Now, I've said enough. Let's eat, shall we?"

Everyone sat at the elegantly prepared table. Later, they served the cake, and Liz even had seconds, saying it was delicious.

Henry's parents left early, taking Liz's mother and aunt with them.

Later in the evening, Henry asked the waiter to play a song he had set aside beforehand, one of Liz's favorites: For Whom the Bell Tolls by the Bee Gees. As the music began to play, Henry walked over to Liz and invited her to dance. She couldn't resist, got up, and they danced beautifully as if they were the only people in the world.

"Henry, thank you for this day, for this beautiful night. For being by my side through sad and happy times, for caring so much about me and our baby. I love you."

"Liz, you're everything to me. I love you so much, and I will love you forever."

The couple kissed, and only realized others were around when the song ended, and everyone applauded. Embarrassed, Liz hid her face against Henry's chest.

Friends began to leave gradually, and soon it was just the four of them: Liz and Henry, Penne and Nick. The friends hugged, shared a few more laughs, and talked about Zoe and Antony. Afterward, they all walked out to their cars.

"We love you," Penne said.

"And we love you too. Have a wonderful night," Liz replied.

Back at home, Liz asked Henry to stay the night, saying she wanted to end the evening by his side.

"Alright," Henry agreed without hesitation, knowing that his clothes were already in his room.

They both went into the bedroom, took a shower, and got ready for bed.

"Today was simply perfect," Liz whispered, resting her head on Henry's chest.