Chapter 5

Time seemed to slip by quickly. Over the past several days, Sebastian and Christian had barely been home, always busy spending time with Lucy.

One morning, Bianca received a call from the agency handling her fake death, asking her to come in and sign some paperwork.

She gathered her things and was just about to leave the house when Christian, who hadn't been home in ages, suddenly showed up and blocked her way.

"Mommy, where are you going?" he asked.

"I just have some things to take care of. I'll be back soon," Bianca replied, trying to step around him, but Christian clung tightly to her leg.

"Don't go, Mommy. I want to go to the mall and pick out a new toy. Will you come with me?"

Before Bianca could react, Christian had already dragged her out to the car.

Later, the car sped down the road and soon pulled up in front of a large shopping mall.

As soon as they stopped, Bianca looked out the window and noticed two lines of employees standing at the entrance, as if they were waiting for someone.

The moment she stepped out, she was immediately surrounded by armfuls of purple wisteria and cheerful employees.

"Happy birthday, Mrs. Lowe!" they called out in unison.

Confetti rained down as the massive digital screen at the mall lit up with a message. "Happy 30th Birthday, Bianca Lane!"

Stunned and speechless, Bianca was swept into the mall by the enthusiastic crowd.

Onlookers outside the mall watched with envy and amazement.

"Wow. Mr. Lowe really loves his wife," someone whispered.

"I heard he ordered the whole mall to close two weeks in advance just to set up this surprise for Mrs. Lowe," another chimed in.

"That's right! Word is, Mr. Lowe picked out a super expensive gift for Mrs. Lowe. I wish I could catch a glimpse! And their son even helped plan the whole thing!"

"What a picture-perfect family." Someone sighed.

All the gushing and gossip drifted into Bianca's ears, but she showed no expression. The bitterness inside her was hers alone to bear.

Inside the grand atrium, a warm spotlight lit the stage where Sebastian stood, dignified and polished, waiting at the end of a red carpet.

When Sebastian caught sight of Bianca, his whole demeanor softened. He came down from the stage, took her hand, and dropped to one knee.

"Bianca, happy birthday. I love you," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

The entire mall erupted in cheers.

"Bianca, I know Christian and I upset you before, so we're truly sorry. Today is your birthday. Can you forgive us?" Sebastian said, glancing at her hopefully.

Christian tugged at Bianca's sleeve, looking up at her with wide, apologetic eyes. "Please don't be mad, Mommy. Daddy and I have been planning this surprise for weeks. Happy birthday, Mommy. Please forgive us."

Standing there, Bianca felt a wave of sorrow wash over her. They didn't understand that some things, once broken, could never truly be fixed.

Seeing she was still silent, Sebastian reached into his jacket and slowly opened a small gift box. Under the lights, a dazzling gold heart-shaped locket sparkled, adorned with vibrant emeralds and rubies that caught every glimmer.

People in the crowd gasped with admiration.

"No way! That's the Celestis Heart locket! It's breathtaking!"

"I heard it's one of a kind. Mr. Lowe found it in a private collection in Valedale and paid a fortune! They say whoever receives the Celestis Heart locket will find love that never fades!"

"I'm so jealous! Mr. Lowe really went all out for her."

Yet despite all the excitement, Bianca remained unmoved. No matter how rare or extravagant the gift, her heart had already gone cold. There was no turning back.

A hush spread as everyone realized Bianca hadn't responded, and a quiet wave of confusion rippled through the crowd.

Just then, a soft yet cool voice called out, "Sebastian."

A tall, elegant woman appeared at the entrance.