Birthday Wishes

The Product Development Department at Nova Care Foods was unusually lively that afternoon. Instead of the usual quiet routine, cheerful chatter and warm laughter filled the office—it was Chloe Bennett’s birthday.

Despite the heavy workload, her teammates were determined to celebrate. Chloe sat at her desk organizing research reports, her face glowing as she bantered with her coworkers.

The door opened and Victoria Hayes, the deputy manager, stepped in with a warm, elegant smile. She clapped her hands to gather everyone's attention.

"Everyone," Victoria announced, "since today is Chloe's birthday, I’ve booked a table for us at Auntie's Street Food tonight!"

The room instantly erupted into cheers.

"Our favorite spot!" one researcher exclaimed.

"It’s been months since we all ate out together," another added.

Victoria turned to Chloe with a grin. "And since it’s the birthday girl's favorite restaurant, attendance is mandatory."

Touched by the sweet gesture, Chloe smiled gratefully. "You really didn't have to do all this."

"What are you talking about? You're family," a coworker teased before adding with a sly grin, "Though... I assume the birthday girl is picking up the tab?"

The team burst out laughing as Chloe dramatically rolled her eyes. "So this whole dinner is a setup?"

"100%!"

Buzz. Chloe’s phone vibrated on her desk. She glanced down at the screen, her playful smile softening into something tender as she read the message:

Happy Birthday. Can you come by? > – Caleb A sudden warmth flooded her chest. Gathering her courage, she walked over to Victoria’s desk.

"Ms. Victoria..." Chloe hesitated softly. "I’m so sorry... but I don't think I can make it to dinner tonight."

Victoria blinked, then narrowed her eyes with a mischievous look. "Don't tell me..." A teasing smile spread across her face. "It's a guy, isn't it?"

Chloe's eyes widened. "How did you know?"

"Because five seconds ago you looked exhausted," Victoria pointed at her with a grin. "And now you're glowing."

An audible "Ooooooh" echoed through the department.

"Our Chloe has a secret admirer?" a colleague whistled, making Chloe's cheeks burn red.

"It's not like that!" Chloe insisted, flustered.

"Then why are you blushing?" Victoria countered, leaving Chloe completely speech-bound. The room dissolved into good-natured laughter once again before Victoria waved her off with a warm smile. "Alright, go on! But you owe us a double celebration next time."

After saying her goodbyes, Chloe headed out into the crisp evening air, her heart fluttering as she boarded the subway. She took a window seat, watching the city lights blur past in the underground tunnels.

Her phone rang, displaying her best friend's name: Aria.

"Happy birthday to my absolute favorite person!" Aria cheered through the speaker the second Chloe answered.

Chloe giggled. "Thank you!"

"Are you doing anything fun to celebrate?"

"Actually... Caleb asked me to meet him."

A heavy silence fell over the line, followed by Aria’s dramatically suspicious tone. "Wait. Caleb? The same Caleb who nearly worked you to death helping him refine his new menu?"

"It wasn't that bad," Chloe defended him smoothly. "I enjoyed helping."

"You spent three straight weekends on that!"

"I learned a lot!"

Aria sighed loudly. "You are completely hopeless. You've fallen for him."

"I have not," Chloe protested, blushing softly in the dim subway light. "I just think people misunderstand him."

"Mm-hmm, sure," Aria teased, before pausing thoughtfully. "Though... something feels off. Caleb isn't usually the type to remember birthdays."

Chloe frowned slightly. "You're right..."

Suddenly, Aria gasped loudly through the receiver. "Oh! Don't tell me..." Her voice dropped into an excited, conspiratorial whisper. "The garnet necklace!"

The mention of the necklace brought back a memory Chloe had almost forgotten, sending a spark of hope straight through her chest.

As the train sped onward, Chloe smiled softly to herself, wondering... maybe that necklace hadn't belonged to another woman after all.