An Interrupted Birthday and an Unexpected Ending

That evening, Adrian had planned a surprise dinner for her. He had it all prepared—an intimate setting, her favorite dishes, a night she wouldn't forget. But before he could execute his plan, Andrew arrived.

"I'm taking you to dinner," Andrew said, smiling, oblivious to her hesitance.

She glanced at Adrian, who merely nodded. "Go," he mouthed.

With a forced smile, she left with Andrew, who took her to a high-end restaurant. He was attentive, sweet even, but her mind kept drifting elsewhere.

Midway through dinner, Andrew's phone rang. His expression darkened as he picked up.

"What?" His jaw tightened. "Clara, are you okay?"

Thea stiffened at the name. After a brief conversation, Andrew looked at her with an apologetic expression. "I have to go. Clara's ex is harassing her again. She made a police complaint, and she needs me."

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Go."

"I'll make this up to you, I promise." He kissed her forehead and left in a hurry.

Thea sat there for a few minutes, pushing her half-eaten food around her plate. A mix of disappointment and relief filled her chest. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, but this certainly wasn't it.

Just then, her phone buzzed.

**Adrian:** *Meet me outside.*

She stepped out to find Adrian leaning against his car. His eyes traveled over her, but there was something unreadable in his gaze.

"Come with me," he said simply.

"Where?" she asked, hesitating.

"My place."

She hesitated for only a moment before nodding.

—

At Adrian's apartment, he disappeared for a moment and returned with a neatly wrapped package. He handed it to her without a word.

She carefully unwrapped it, her breath hitching when she saw the familiar red fabric. *The Red dress…*

"You brought it?" she whispered, running her fingers over the soft fabric. She thought she had forgotten it on her desk. 

"I did," he admitted, his gaze intense. "I wanted to see you in it."

Her heart pounded as she clutched the dress. Without thinking too much about it, she took it and disappeared into the guest bathroom.

When she emerged, Adrian was standing near the couch, his hands in his pockets. His breath caught the moment his eyes landed on her.

Thea felt the heat of his gaze travel over her, tracing the curves the dress hugged so perfectly. The way his lips parted slightly, the way his expression darkened—it made her pulse quicken.

"You take my breath away," he murmured, stepping closer. His fingers brushed a strand of hair from her face, lingering against her skin. "I knew it would look beautiful on you, but this… you're stunning."

She swallowed hard, feeling the air crackle between them. He reached for the box on the table and pulled out a pair of diamond earrings. 

Her fingers trembled as he gently put them on for her. The intimate gesture sent shivers down her spine.

"Thank you, Adrian," she whispered.

He smirked. "Happy birthday, Thea."

For a moment, she thought he might kiss her. But then he pulled back, the air between them charged with unspoken words.

The table was set for a candlelight dinner, her favorite dishes waiting along with her beloved chocolate pudding and a red velvet cake. She gasped softly, touched by the effort he had put in.

"Adrian… this is amazing."

"Only the best for you," he said, pulling out a chair for her.

She hugged him impulsively, and before she could pull away, Adrian took the opportunity to place a soft kiss on her forehead. Before she could react, he leaned in, brushing his lips against hers—gentle, lingering, filled with something she wasn't ready to name.

"Let's eat," he said, his voice husky.

They enjoyed dinner, laughter and soft glances filling the air between them. The moment was intimate, more meaningful than any grand celebration could have been.

As the night wore on, she finally glanced at the time and sighed. "I should head home."

Adrian's expression shifted. He didn't like the idea. "It's late. Stay."

She hesitated. "I—"

"You can take the guest room," he clarified, his voice softer now. "Just stay, Thea."

Something in his eyes made her nod. "Alright."

She changed into a comfortable oversized t-shirt Adrian gave her and curled up in the guest room. But sleep wouldn't come. Her mind was restless, filled with the echoes of their evening.

A soft knock at the door made her sit up. "Couldn't sleep?" Adrian asked, leaning against the frame.

She sighed. "Yeah. You?"

"Same." He smirked. "Wanna watch a movie?"

She smiled. "That's a good idea."

They settled on the couch, a romantic movie playing in the background. Thea didn't realize when her eyelids began to droop. She fell asleep against his shoulder, her warmth pressing into him. Adrian glanced down, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. His fingers lingered before he pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, and Thea stirred. She blinked, realizing she wasn't in the guest room—she was still on the couch, nestled against Adrian. Her heart pounded as she slowly lifted her head.

Adrian stirred, his arm tightening slightly around her before his eyes fluttered open. For a moment, he looked at her, still half-asleep.

Then, his lips curled into a smirk. "Good morning."

She sat up quickly, flustered. "You pulled me into your arms."

He arched a brow. "I did?"

"You did," she muttered, rubbing her face. "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to fall asleep here."

Adrian stretched lazily. "I didn't mind."

Feeling flustered, she stood up. "I should go."

But Adrian was already heading to the kitchen. "Not before breakfast. Sit."

She blinked as he pulled out bread and eggs, moving around the kitchen effortlessly. Fifteen minutes later, he placed a plate of sandwiches in front of her with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Thea smiled, warmth settling in her chest. They ate in comfortable silence before Adrian stood up, grabbing his keys. "Come on, I'll drop you home."

She nodded, following him outside. As he drove, his gaze occasionally flickered to her, admiration evident in his eyes.

When they reached her apartment, she stepped out, turning back to him. "See you at the university?"

He smirked. "You bet."

And with that, he drove off, leaving Thea standing there, her heart pounding in a way she couldn't quite explain.