n

n

nAs Cassidy kept getting closer and closer to the main headquarters of Millicent Inc. where Adrian could still be, her pace started decreasing.

nShe suddenly began wondering if dropping by unannounced was a bad idea, especially at such a late hour. At the thought of it, she couldn't help but groan. It had been a very long while since the last time she was in his workplace. She doesn't know what the other employees who can still recognize her will think.

n'Also, I really hadn't prepared anything to say once I saw Adrian again. All I want is to be there for his birthday, which he is probably celebrating on his own.'

nQuite a long moment passed until Cassidy finally arrived at Millicent Inc. which happened to be almost empty at this point.

nShe feels like turning back all of the sudden. But the cake in her hand keeps her from doing so. She has to go since she's already there - and she really, really wants to go. Even then, she's still gotten so tense and nervous for some reason. She can't understand herself at all.

nPerhaps, this is because Cassidy is finally more aware of her feelings for Adrian - feelings that have changed over the course of time yet remained the same in terms of their essence.

n'My feelings... for Adrian...'

nCassidy loves Adrian - that will never change no matter how much pain and heartaches she's gone through because of him.

nShe wants him to be happy even without her there. She can never hold any grudge against him. And she knows that she enjoys being with him even when all they keep doing is fighting over the smallest things.

n'Still, I'm afraid. I know that things don't stay well for us for a long time. What if loving him again will lead us to new problems and harder sufferings?' Cassidy kept questioning to no one in particular until she finally entered the lobby of the main headquarters.

nHer heart skipped a beat when she finally stood there.

nShe still hadn't even seen Adrian, but she could already feel herself heating up. Her cheeks are starting to burn up - probably, much too much that she feels like she is melting on the ground. She's kind of embarrassed since bringing a cake to her husband doesn't seem like her.

n'What is going on with me? Why do I have to be so nervous? Why is every nerve in my body tingling? The heck is wrong with me?'

nUnbeknownst to Cassidy, Charles was passing through the upper floor when he suddenly took notice of her stalling around at the entrance of the lobby.

nHe went frozen still out of utter nonplus. His eyes bulged wide while his steps came to a halt in an instant. For a moment, he thought he was hallucinating - she never said anything about paying a visit nor did she ever try to do something like this in the past two years. But then, he couldn't possibly be hallucinating no matter how implausible this seemed.

n

"Ma'am Cassidy... is really here...

" Charles breathed out a little shakily.

n

"Can it be for the President's birthday?

"

n---

nMuch like last year, Adrian spent his birthday like any other day.

nKnowing that he would be working from the break of dawn until the dead of the night, his siblings and nephews threw a banquet for him earlier that morning. They set up a celebration with the help of his housworkers back at his mansion. While he does appreciate their thoughts and efforts more than they can ever think, he still prefers not making a big deal about this occasion.

nHe decided not to hold any party - he really didn't feel like entertaining any guests. Even then, everyone still gave him presents and greeted him. He received so many gifts that he had to make his bodyguards go all the way to his office to take them and deliver them home.

n'Indeed, I appreciate all of that - a lot more than anyone can ever think, but then...' Adrian thought while staring out to the window and up at the moon-lit night sky.

n'I really can't find it in myself to celebrate. I do feel happy, but I also feel like I don't deserve all of these.'

nHe's all on his own inside his office at the moment, having only finished his piles paperwork for that evening. That's until his secretary knocked on the door. He then entered the room and announced his return from the errand he made him carry out earlier.

n

"Good work, Charles. Let's call it a day here...

" Adrian started, turning away from the window and preparing to leave.

n

"I'll see you again tomorrow-

"

n

"No, President. I believe you'll have to stay for a bit longer...

" Charles cut him off, much to his surprise and confusion.

n

"I'll be going on ahead.

"

n

"Huh? Why?

"

n

"Ma'am Cassidy is here to see you.

"

nAdrian went still and silent at that, completely taken aback.

nHis heart seemed to stop at that very second while his entirety was thrown in a thunderstruck state. He could not get himself to move for the next seconds to come. All he could do was stare at his secretary, somewhat expecting that he would take back what he said.

nBut he never did.

n'Cassidy... is here...? Is it because of my birthday...?' Adrian tried to guess but soon lost hope on that.

n'No. If anything, she must be here to talk about our divorce. Then again, she didn't even greet me on my last birthday - either she forgot or she didn't care. This one is no different. I shouldn't misunderstand.'

nHe tried not to look too down as he brooded over that.

nEventually, Adrian gave Charles permission to retire for the night. With that, they bid each other goodbyes and parted ways. As soon as he was gone, he took as much time as he could get to prepare himself for whatever was going to happen from that moment on.

n'Still, must you choose this very day to talk about our divorce, Cassidy? I know I told you that we can do this anytime you want. And I promised that I'll do anything you want me to...' Adrian continued to languish over as he started to make his way to the door.

n'If what I'm thinking is true, then this is probably the most painful punishment you can do to me, Cassidy.'

n