?Chapter 1280:


    Still, Brenna found herself distracted all day, ncing at her phone again and again. By noon, she’d checked it dozens of times. Not a single birthday message or gift hade from Ethan. It was as if he’d forgotten that today was her birthday.


    Her eyes lingered on their chat thread. “Should I give him a little nudge?” she murmured under her breath.


    The thought left her torn.


    By the time the workday wrapped up, there was still nothing from Ethan, no message, no gifts. And even after work, she didn’t see Ethaning out of the building.


    With no other option, she made her way home by herself.


    A faint heaviness settled over her during the drive.


    When she arrived home, her eyes widened at the scene before her; strings of lights glimmered across the yard, balloons swayed gently in the breeze, and fresh flowers brightened the garden.


    Tables and chairs were already in ce, set with fruit, juice, and beer, ready for a celebration.


    From the kitchen came the sound of ttering pans as the chef worked on dinner.


    Shepard and Ernst had even left work early just to celebrate Brenna’s birthday, each arriving with a gift in hand.


    “Happy birthday, Brenna!”


    They both smiled as they said that.


    Brenna epted both presents from her father and brother, her smile genuine as warmth filled her chest. “Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Ernst.”


    Giselle soon approached, holding a small red jewelry box. She opened it to reveal a delicate ne and fastened it around Brenna’s neck. “It’s gorgeous, Mom. Thank you.”


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    Just then, Rosie helped Tessa out of the house, steadying her as she carried a gift in her hands. With a warm smile, Tessa passed it to Brenna and said, “Since you’re not one for parties, we’ll have our own little celebration. Happy birthday.” Even though Brenna didn’t feel particrly close to Tessa, she still stepped forward to hug her and said, “Thank you.”


    Then, Rosie handed over arger box, the shape hinting at a handbag inside. “Happy birthday, Brenna!”


    Brenna nced at it briefly but didn’t open it. “Thank you!”


    Rosie nced toward the gate, and still, no sign of Ethan. “Doesn’t Ethan know it’s your birthday today? I thought he’d be here early. It’s past seven already; maybe he’s noting?”


    “I’m not sure,” Brenna said, a faint trace of disappointment in her voice.


    Ernst pulled out his phone and quickly sent Ethan a message, asking why he hadn’t shown up yet.


    Just as the message was sent, the sound of an engine drew their attention. A sleek luxury car rolled up to the entrance. Brenna recognized it instantly. It was Ethan’s.<fnd53a> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? Find★Novel</fnd53a>


    “He’s here!” Brenna didn’t even notice that the sight of Ethan’s car had instantly swept away her earlier gloom.


    It didn’t matter if he waste or even if he came without a gift. As long as he showed up to celebrate with her, nothing else mattered.


    Ethan stepped out of the car with a bright, cheerful smile, holding a massive bouquet of roses and a beautifully wrapped gift box. Walking straight toward Brenna, he said, “Happy birthday, Brenna!”


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