Chapter 44: Unexpected Confessions

Chapter 44: Unexpected Confessions

So... she had him work at the bakery entirely for his sake. Aaron King stared at Lydia Moore, whose smile was as bright as the golden autumn sun, and a profound sense of gratitude began to grow within him, spreading like a warm wave through his heart.

Her smile seemed to possess a magical power, warming and calming his restless heart. Under the gentle gaze of her soft eyes, Aaron King slowly began to speak, "From a very young age, my parents lived separately, rarely seeing each other. Even when they were together, it was nothing but endless arguments…" The painful memories he had long buried began to surface, causing an ache deep within his chest.

"On my eighth birthday, they bought a beautiful cake to celebrate with me. That night was warm and happy—I can still remember the smiles on their faces. I thought I could have a loving family, people who cared about me. But... after the celebration, they told me they were getting a divorce. It was the last birthday they would ever celebrate together for me. From that moment on... I stopped believing in love, stopped believing in happiness," he finished, his voice breaking as he closed his eyes tightly, unwilling to let her see the vulnerability and helplessness he felt. He didn't want anyone's pity.

Perhaps everyone has a scar in their memory that will never heal, and Aaron King was no exception, Lydia Moore thought silently. His parents' divorce had clearly left a deep wound, which had led him to shut himself off from the world, hiding his pain behind a facade of coldness and arrogance. He didn't realize that only by opening his heart and learning to trust could he find true happiness.

"The past is in the past; don't let it be a chain that holds you back. No matter what, I'm glad you've come out of that shadow and that I got to meet the new 'Prince of Sakura,'" Lydia said brightly, determined not to let the somber mood linger. Her radiant smile lit up Aaron King's world.

He couldn't quite tell if he felt more sadness or relief, and with a weary sigh, he muttered, "Idiot."

But before the words had even left his mouth, Lydia Moore quickly retorted, "You've known for a while that I'm a bit of a fool, haven't you?" She laughed freely, her voice filled with joy. Her laughter was so infectious that even Aaron King, who had been silent all this time, couldn't help but join in. For the first time, he let go of his doubts and resistance, allowing his true emotions to show.

Their laughter echoed through the bakery for a long time, filling the space with a sense of warmth and harmony, as time slipped away unnoticed.

"Wow, it's already ten o'clock. It's time to blow out the candles and make a wish. Wait here; I'll get the candles," Lydia said, standing up. But before she could take a step, Aaron King grabbed her hand, making her look at him in confusion. "I'm not doing something as childish as that. Besides, wishes never come true," he said, his stubbornness flaring up once again.

Lydia, already used to his temper, patiently coaxed him, "But blowing out candles and making a wish is the most important part of a birthday! And I've heard that birthday wishes are the most powerful. Plus, after you make a wish, there's a little surprise waiting for you." Her tone was as if she were calming down a sulky child.

"Idiot!" Aaron King rolled his eyes dramatically but reluctantly let go of her hand.

The lights were turned off, and the flickering candlelight cast a warm glow in the darkness. The soft, golden light illuminated their hopeful eyes. The melody of "Happy Birthday" played gently from Lydia's phone, filling the bakery with a cozy and serene atmosphere that warmed the heart.

Lydia sat beside Aaron, using her lips to mouth to him that he should make a wish. After much prompting, Aaron reluctantly clasped his hands together and closed his eyes. The candlelight danced across his profile, casting shadows from his long, thick eyelashes. At that moment, he looked like an angel who had fallen to earth, so pure and beautiful that it took Lydia's breath away.

The candle flames stretched in the darkness, and the scent of the cake filled the air, making it feel as if even the air had become fresher and more intoxicating. After making his wish, Aaron opened his eyes and blew out the three candles in one breath—candles symbolizing health, longevity, and happiness. As he did, the wall lights flickered on, restoring the bakery to its former brightness.

"Happy Birthday! I hope you have a joyful day every day from now on." Lydia clapped her hands, her voice light and cheerful as she offered her well-wishes. Then, she handed him the "Snow Elf" she had prepared earlier. "This is your birthday present." The little snowman, pure white all over, wore a big smile, full of life and energy. Its crystalline wings shimmered with an enchanting glow.

"It's a 'Snow Elf,' symbolizing happiness, hope, and miracles. It can give you endless courage and strength. And it can grant you one wish. Now, I'm giving it to you, hoping you'll cherish it," she said solemnly as she placed it in his hand, looking up at him with eyes as clear as crystal.

The snowman's smile reflected in Aaron King's brightening eyes, filling him with joy and emotion. He gently closed his hand around the "Snow Elf" and then, without warning, leaned in to place a butterfly-light kiss on Lydia's eyelash.

The faint scent of mint from his lips lingered at her nose, and Lydia looked at him in disbelief, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink.

"Thank you for the gift, and… thank you for these past few weeks. I've had a lot of fun. Thank you," Aaron King said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle, causing Lydia's heart to flutter. In that moment, she felt as though she had seen the smile of an angel.

Outside, the neon lights continued to twinkle, making the night scene even more beautiful. The colorful lights from the street cast a rainbow of happiness inside the bakery.