Ethan's birthday

The large living room of Stella's apartment was decorated extravagantly, unlike the poor Emily's room. The big apartment was rented by Albert and also furnished with expensive properties.

Jennifer was not aware of all of this. She believed that Albert loved her more than any other woman—that Stella was only forcing herself on her faithful, lovely husband because he was now rich. She didn't know that her husband had gone to the extent of renting an apartment for her.

The living room was decorated with golden balloons, expensive flowers, and other luxury objects. At the center of the room was a beautifully made cake and an array of flashy gifts.

Albert had closed work on time to take Stella and her son out. He took them to places he should have taken Emily and Jennifer to. He took them to the shopping mall and to the zoo and lastly visited the beach before driving to Stella's apartment, where all the decoration had been made already.

Ethan, the ten-year-old young boy whom Stella claimed as Albert's son, beamed with joy when he saw the cake and decorations. The cake and decorations were not there when they left. It was a big surprise to him, a surprise that Emily deserved.

He was beaming, enjoying the moment, unaware of the tangled web his mother had woven to make this day happen. Who will tell him that the day wasn't actually his birthdate? His mom had chosen this day. Not because it was Ethan’s real birthday, but because it was Emily's birthday. Because today, she needed to see who mattered more between her and Jennifer. And now, as Albert stood there in full celebration, the answer was clear.

"Who has these cars?" Ethan asked, pointing to the big children's cars that Albert bought for his birthday.

"It's yours. Your daddy bought it for you." Stella replied with a smile.

"Yeah, it's for you, Ethan. It's your birthday gift." Albert said, and Ethan rushed and hugged him. "Thank you, Daddy. I always wished to have one of them, and you bought two. That's so thoughtful of you."

Three days ago, Stella asked Albert to buy the cars for him, and he ordered a customized miniature Benz and Lamborghini. While celebrating, Stella took pictures and videos of them, planning to send them to Jennifer.

After taking the pictures and videos, Stella lit up the candles and raised up the birthday song. Desmond joined, and they sang together. That was exactly when Jennifer called. Stella saw the call and smiled. Her next move was never part of her plan, but the call came at the perfect time to be utilized. Without notifying Albert, she picked it up and left it so Jennifer could hear everything.

It lasted up to fifteen seconds before Jennifer hung up. Albert was never aware. After singing, Stella told Ethan to make a wish. Ethan smiled and looked at his mom before making his wish. "I wish that Daddy would take us to his home."

He said, and Stella looked up at Albert with a smile. She had been urging Albert to take them together to his house, but he had been delaying. She had told Ethan to make the wish. Now, she hoped Albert would grant his son's wish without delaying.

After making his wish, he blew out the candle, and they clapped for him. Ethan excitedly hugged Albert. “Thank you, Dad!” then went back to his new cars in full excitement. Stella went back to her phone and sent the video she took to Jennifer. She wanted Jennifer to see how Albert celebrated her son.

Ethan's tiny hands gripped the steering wheel of the luxury mini car. "I can’t wait to drive them in your house, Daddy! I'm sure there will be so much more space for fun than here!”

Albert chuckled and ruffled the boy’s hair. “Soon, kid. I’ll take you and Mummy there very soon.”

Stella’s lips curled into a victorious smile. She was about to achieve her aim, and it wasn't that hard. It was so easy.

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.

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Albert came back home and found the sitting room empty. The small cake was sitting at the center of the room with small decorations. He walked closer and noticed it was barely touched.

Emily managed to eat a little bit before going back to her room. Jennifer didn't touch the cake. The heartbreak couldn't even let her take her dinner. She had retired back to the bedroom, waiting for Albert to come back.

Just as Albert walked into the room, she rose up from the bed to confront him. This time, there is no way he would be able to deny anything. All evidence was in her phone.

"Where are you coming from at this time?" Jennifer questioned with a trace of anger in her voice.

"What kind of nonsense question are you asking me?" Albert replied and went on to unbutton his shirt.

"So asking you where you are coming from is a nonsense question?"

"Yeah, it's a nonsense question because you know where I'm coming from. I went to work; now I'm back and stressed. And all you could do as my wife was ask me where I'm coming from. Does that make sense to you? As my wife, I expect you to welcome me with a hug and serve my dinner." Albert said, and this time, Jennifer could not control her frustration any longer.