Happy Birthday

Chapter One –

Happy Birthday

I held the small chocolate cake in my hands, trying not to let them shake. I had saved little by little from my salary just to buy it. It wasn’t much, but I told myself it would be enough. After all, it’s not about how big the gift is, but the heart behind it.

I had even managed to buy him a shirt last month. It was still hidden inside a small bag near the sofa, wrapped in plain paper. I imagined the smile on his face when he saw it, when he realized I still thought of him, still loved him, despite everything.

I wanted tonight to be different. Maybe, just maybe, he would look at me the way he used to.

I lit the two candles and waited by the door. When I heard the lock turn, my heart jumped. Quickly, I switched off the lights. The living room went dark, except for the soft glow of the candles.

As the door opened and Daniel stepped inside, I walked forward, forcing a smile even though my chest was already tight with nerves.

“Happy birthday!” I said, my voice carrying more excitement than I actually felt.

I thought he would at least smile. Or maybe be surprised. But instead, Daniel’s brows knitted together. He looked at me, then at the cake, with nothing but irritation.

“What is this, Elena?” he asked, his voice flat.

I swallowed. “It’s your birthday, Daniel. I wanted to surprise you.”

He let out a dry laugh, one that held no joy at all. “A surprise? Do you know what would have really surprised me?”

I blinked, confused. “What?”

He dropped his bag on the floor and looked straight into my eyes. His next words cut through me like a knife.

“If I walked in here and saw a child run into my arms saying ‘Happy birthday, Daddy.’ That would have been a real surprise. That would have made me happy. Not this useless cake. Not you.”

The smile on my face froze. My throat burned, but I said nothing. My fingers trembled around the cake, and I was scared I might drop it.

Inside, I cried. I wanted to scream, to ask him why he had to say such cruel words, but no sound came out of my mouth. I just stood there, staring at the man who once swore to love me, wondering how love could die so quickly.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

“Sorry?” He scoffed. “You’ve been saying sorry for years, Elena. Sorry will not give me a child. Sorry will not make me a father.”

I felt my knees weaken, but I forced myself to stay still. I would not let him see me fall apart. Not tonight.

Before I could reply, my phone rang. I quickly set the cake on the table and reached for it. When I saw the caller ID, my heart almost stopped.

It was Mama Grace—my mother-in-law.

I hesitated. Every time she called, it was always the same thing—insults about my barrenness, mocking me, telling me I was not worthy to be her son’s wife. Part of me wanted to ignore the call, but I knew that would only make things worse.

With shaky hands, I answered. “Good evening, Mama,” I said softly.

Her voice came through, and to my surprise, it was calm. “Elena, we are organizing a birthday dinner for Daniel tonight. At Golden Crown Hotel. Eight o’clock. Make sure you are there.”

For a second, I couldn’t believe what I had heard. I was expecting her to insult me, to remind me once again that I had failed as a wife. But instead… a dinner invitation?

“Yes, Mama,” I said quickly. Relief spread through my chest. Maybe this was a chance. Maybe tonight, things would be different.

When the call ended, I pressed the phone to my chest, taking a deep breath. For the first time in weeks, I felt a spark of hope.

Turning to Daniel, I smiled carefully. “Daniel, Mama just called. They’re planning a birthday dinner for you tonight at Golden Crown Hotel. Eight o’clock. Isn’t that wonderful?”

But Daniel was already pouring himself a drink. He didn’t even look at me.

“I’m not interested,” he said flatly.

My smile faltered. “What? Daniel, it’s your birthday. Your whole family will be there. Don’t you think—”

“I said I’m not going.” His tone was final, sharp like a knife. “I have more important things to do.”

I bit my lips so hard I tasted blood. The tears I had been holding back finally rolled down, and I quickly turned away so he wouldn’t see them.

“Alright,” I whispered, my voice breaking.

I walked into the bedroom and stood in front of the mirror. My eyes were red, my face pale, but I forced myself to wipe the tears away.

If he wouldn’t go, then I would. Maybe if I showed up tonight, they would finally see me differently. Maybe they would accept me.

I picked up my small purse and straightened my simple dress. My heart was heavy, but I told myself I had to be strong.

As I stepped out of the house, one thought kept ringing in my mind:

This night might change everything.