Chapter 29:
So… we're back to birthday shopping.
And guess what?
Nothing.
I went home empty-handed.
I texted Lily, but she said she needed more time.
Honestly… I was just happy she could be with Beau without things exploding.
That alone felt like progress.
Then I remembered something.
Maria, the lady who takes care of May, told me:
"Do what you do best."
And suddenly—
It clicked.
Jack likes sweet things.
So… I'll make something for him.
Biscuits.
As I started baking, I couldn't help but think about earlier—
The way he made me taste that candy.
My face turned red instantly.
"Focus, Lea," I muttered to myself, shaking my head.
I poured everything into it.
If I couldn't buy the perfect gift…
Then I would make it.
When they were finally done, I set them aside to cool.
That's when my phone buzzed.
Jack.
"Hey, how was your day today?"
"Great!! We went to the festival, and it was so much fun!
(I may or may not have used too many emojis.)
"I'm glad you had fun," he replied.
"Look… I told you my parents live abroad, right? They came back. That's why I couldn't be with you today. I'm sorry, but I'll make it up to you tomorrow."
"Oh, that's amazing! You must've missed them a lot," I typed back quickly.
"Don't worry about me—I have Lily, May, and Maria taking great care of me."
I hesitated… then added:
"When are you coming back?"
There was a pause.
Then:
"I have to go. There are things I need to explain to you. We'll see each other tomorrow.
Please… just see me the way you always do. And trust me.
I love you, Lea.
Good night."
…
I stared at my screen.
"Good night, too," I replied.
But something didn't sit right.
Things I need to explain? Why did that sound so serious?
I tried to brush it off. At least I had the biscuits.
At least… I had something to give him.
But still—
Since we arrived here…
We barely spent time together.
Except last night.
And somehow… that wasn't enough.
I wanted more.
Real date.
Real conversations.
To talk.
To understand him.
To know him.
I carefully packed the biscuits.
Before going to bed, I even tried calling him at midnight.
No answer.
So I just sent a message:
"Happiest birthday, I have something for you."
The next morning—
Still nothing.
I dragged myself downstairs…
And froze.
There were people everywhere.
Staff, I didn't recognize.
Movement. Noise. Preparation.
It didn't feel like a house anymore.
It felt like… weird.
"Good morning, Lea!" May greeted me brightly. "I hope you slept well!"
"Good morning…" I replied slowly.
I was about to ask—
But she grabbed my hand and pulled me into the kitchen.
"You need to eat first," she said quickly.
"Then we get ready for the celebration party."
I blinked.
"…The what?"
She paused.
Then looked at me.
"Wait… don't tell me he didn't explain it to you."
My silence answered everything.
She sighed, shaking her head.
"Big bro can be so… protective sometimes."
Then she softened her tone.
"Every year, we hold a big event for his birthday. That's why our parents came back."
She smiled.
"And this year… It's even more special."
My heart tightened.
"But don't worry," she continued. "He'll explain everything to you himself. Just focus on today, okay? We're celebrating him."
I nodded.
But inside—
Nothing felt simple anymore.
Why didn't he tell me?
Why am I always the last to know?
Since I came here…
It feels like I keep discovering new versions of him.
And now I can't help but wonder—
Who is the person I'm actually dating?