Part 12

Gibran's POV

"I don't care. Just revise it and have it on my desk by tomorrow!" I slammed the file onto my desk, frustration evident in my voice.

"Yes, sir. I apologize for my mistake." The employee in front of me lowered their head, visibly nervous, before scurrying out of my office.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. What a terrible day. I leaned back in my chair, reaching for my coffee cup—empty. Great. Just great.

Brrrrt. Brrrrt.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. Who the hell was calling me at a time like this? With a groan, I fished it out and glanced at the screen. Gabrielle.

I answered. "Hello?"

"Bang Gibran!"

I had to pull the phone away from my ear as her high-pitched squeal nearly deafened me.

"What's up, Gabi?" I asked, exhaling slowly.

"Why are you so cold? You're like an ice block!" she whined.

"Sorry, my beautiful Gabi," I relented with a small smirk.

"That's more like it! Hehehe."

"So, why are you calling me?" I asked, resting my forehead on my palm.

"Ugh! Do I need a reason to call my dear Bang Gibran?"

I chuckled, already picturing her pouting face. Gabrielle always had a way of making me forget my frustrations.

"Alright, alright. My bad. I didn't mean it like that."

"Hmmph! Anyway, are you busy? Or are you with Ka Thania?"

"I'm at work, Gabi."

"Oh, I see... How's Ka Thania? Is she doing okay?"

I raised a brow. "So you care about her more than me now?"

"Oh my god, Bang Gibran, are you jealous?!"

"She's fine, Gabi."

"That's a relief!" she chirped. "Anyway, meet me at our usual restaurant at seven."

"Why?"

"Just be there!"

"But—"

"No buts! See you later! Bye, Bang Gibran!"

The call ended before I could protest further. What was that about? Was it a family gathering? But if that were the case, wouldn't Mom or Dad have informed me?

I shrugged. Either way, I'd go. It had been a while since I last saw Gabi. I missed her antics.

By 6:30, I was already on my way, not wanting to keep her waiting. Within minutes, I reached the restaurant, walking straight to the VIP room we always used.

I pushed the door open and—

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!"

I froze. My family and close friends were all gathered, grinning at me. I blinked. My birthday? Right. I had been so caught up with work that I completely forgot.

"Happy Birthday, Bang Gibran!" Gabi cheered, practically bouncing in excitement.

"Happy birthday, bro." My younger brother, Givan, grinned.

"Thanks, everyone," I said, still a little dazed.

"Blow the candles already! They're melting!" Gabi urged, holding a cake in front of me.

"Don't forget to make a wish," Givan added.

I closed my eyes briefly before blowing out the candles.

"Yaaaaay!" they all clapped.

"Now, let's eat!" Gabi declared, slicing the cake with exaggerated enthusiasm.

I handed the first slice to my younger sister and the second to Givan. Gabi threw her arms around me, and I kissed her forehead, while Givan gave me a quick hug.

"Once again, happy birthday, Bang Gibran! I hope you always stay the best brother ever!" Gabi beamed up at me.

I smiled, ruffling her hair. "And you'll always be my favorite little sister."

"Happy birthday, bro. Hope you stop being such a cold-hearted dude and—ugh, stop thinking you're more handsome than me," Givan teased.

"In your dreams!" I shot back.

"Oh, by the way, Mom and Dad couldn't make it. They're out of town, but they sent their wishes."

"Got it."

"Hey, Bang," Givan suddenly piped up.

"What?"

"A hundred million for my gift sounds about right, don't you think?" he said with a cheeky grin.

Thania's POV

The house was too quiet. I had already cleaned, watered the plants, and still, boredom lingered. Then it hit me—Gibran's birthday! How could I forget?

I needed to do something. A gift? A celebration? Ah! I'd bake him a cake.

Rushing to the kitchen, I quickly listed the ingredients I needed and headed to the nearest supermarket. It was already five in the evening, but I still had time.

Back home, I got to work. Mixing the batter was trickier than I expected. Even with the perfect measurements, the consistency didn't seem right. But after ten minutes, I finally poured it into a mold and placed it in the oven.

While waiting, I prepared the decorations, determined to make the cake look special. Once it was ready, I carefully wrote his name on top and placed a single candle at the center.

It looked... decent. As for the taste, well, let's hope for the best.

By 7:00, I was all set, eagerly waiting at the dining table. I checked my phone every few minutes. 8:00. 9:00. Still no sign of him.

10:00.

Finally, the front door creaked open. My heart skipped a beat. I quickly lit the candle, holding the cake carefully as I stood up.

Gibran entered, looking exhausted. But as soon as he saw me standing there, smiling with the cake in my hands, he froze.

For a moment, he seemed unsure of what to do.

I took a deep breath. "Happy birthday, Gibran." My voice was softer than I intended.

He didn't say anything. My heart pounded. And then—

He blew out the candle.

I gasped. My eyes stung with tears. I never expected this moment to mean so much to me.

"Thank you," I whispered, blinking rapidly.

He didn't respond. Instead, he turned and started walking toward the stairs.

No. Not yet.

"Gibran, wait!" I reached out, grabbing his arm.

He stopped, glancing at me over his shoulder.

"I made this cake for you. It's the first one I've ever baked." I swallowed.

"Would you try it?"