Chapter 1 01

THE Tuesday morning sun filtered gently through the tall velvet drapes, spilling faint golden light across the master bedroom. The room itself was a blend of elegance and warmth, walls paneled with deep mahogany, a chandelier that hung from the high ceiling like a jeweled crown, and a king-sized bed draped in soft, ivory sheets and a heavy duvet embroidered with gold patterns. The faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, the work of Amelia's nighttime candles, their glow now extinguished.

On the bed, Adrian lay fast asleep, his breathing calm and steady, his arm stretched across the empty space where his wife usually rested. His handsome face was softened in slumber, unaware of what the morning had in store for him.

Then it came.

A scream, shrill, sudden, piercing echoed from downstairs. His eyes shot open, heart thudding against his chest. With a sharp gasp, he sat upright and instinctively turned to his side. The bed was empty.

"Babe? Babe?" his voice broke into the silence, urgent and frantic.

Without hesitation, he yanked the heavy duvet aside, swung his legs to the floor, and scrambled to his feet. His bare footsteps slapped against the polished wooden floor as he bolted out of the room, his mind racing with dreadful possibilities.

But the moment he reached the living room, he froze.

Confetti burst into the air with a cheerful pop-pop-pop, followed by the sing-song voices of the two people he loved most.

"🎶 Happy Birthday to you... 🎶"

There stood Amelia, his wife, radiant even in her pale-blue silk pajamas, her hair falling loose around her shoulders. Beside her was their daughter, little Hazel, in her pink unicorn-themed pajama set, holding a confetti popper that had just gone off in her tiny hands. Both their faces glowed with joy as their voices filled the spacious living room.

For a moment, Adrian was completely lost. His chest rose and fell as he stared at them, his confusion melting into the warmest smile he had ever worn. His lips parted, but no words came out, only the stunned realization that his morning panic had been traded for this overwhelming wave of love.

"Daddy! Happy birthday!!" Hazel squealed, bouncing in excitement.

The sound snapped him fully to the moment, and he laughed, a deep, hearty laugh that made Amelia grin wider.

"Good heavens," he muttered with a hand over his chest, still catching his breath. "I thought someone was being murdered down here."

Amelia smirked playfully.

"Well, technically... we murdered your sleep."

They all burst into laughter, Hazel giggling so hard she nearly tripped over her little bunny slippers.

"Come on, Daddy!" Hazel chimed, running toward him with a small bag. She stretched it out proudly. "I got you presents!"

Adrian bent to her level, his eyes softening as he accepted the gift bag from her tiny hands. Inside were two carefully wrapped packages. The first bore the words, scrawled in childlike handwriting: *I love you, Daddy*. The second one had a bright sticker that read: *Best Daddy in the World*.

Adrian's throat tightened as he pulled out the first present. Inside was a hand-drawn card of stick figures- him, Amelia, and Hazel, holding hands under a big yellow sun. His daughter had even drawn his tie crooked, exactly the way he sometimes wore it when rushing for work.

"Oh, sweetheart..." Adrian's voice grew thick with emotion. "This is the most perfect gift I have ever seen."

Hazel giggled proudly.

"You like it?"

"I love it honey," he said with firm sincerity, pulling her into a big bear hug. "You are the best artist in the whole world. Picasso has nothing on you."

Hazel's eyes sparkled.

"Who is Pikachu?"

Amelia burst into laughter, nearly doubling over. Adrian chuckled and kissed Hazel's forehead.

"Not Pikachu, darling. Forget it, you are better than anyone. And this," he picked up the second gift, "must be amazing too."

He unwrapped it to find a mug with *Best Daddy in the World* boldly printed across it. Adrian grinned from ear to ear.

"Now this," he said, holding it up like a trophy, "is official proof. If anyone ever doubts it, I will just sip coffee from this and show them."

Hazel giggled again, clapping her hands.

"Yes, Daddy is the best!"

Amelia walked closer, her hands hidden behind her back.

"Well," she said in a teasing tone, "if Hazel is done stealing the spotlight, I suppose it is my turn."

Adrian raised a brow, playfully suspicious.

"Oh? And what have you got up your sleeve, Mrs. Amelia Cole?"

With a dramatic flourish, Amelia brought out a sleek, ribboned box. The glossy packaging alone screamed elegance. She handed it to him with a smirk.

Adrian carefully opened it, and his eyes widened. Inside was a luxury wristwatch, gleaming under the light, the very model he had admired once but never bought for himself.

His jaw dropped.

"Babe... this, this is too much."

She smiled softly, stepping closer.

"Nothing is too much for the man I love. Happy birthday, darling."

He set the box aside and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.

"Thank you, baby. I don't deserve you."

"Yes, you do," she whispered, kissing his cheek.

Their eyes met, and slowly, naturally, their lips touched in a tender kiss. Hazel, however, instantly covered her eyes with her small hands.

"Ewwww! Not in front of meee!" she squealed dramatically.

Adrian pulled back just enough to chuckle against Amelia's lips.

"We are embarrassing her."

Amelia laughed too.

"Good. That is our job."

Hazel peeked through her fingers, pouting, then all three of them burst into laughter, their home ringing with the sound of love and joy.

And in that moment, Adrian realized he wasn't just rich in possessions or success, he was rich because of them. His wife. His daughter. His family.

***

Amelia reached for the neatly pressed dark red suit jacket lying on the bed, her fingers brushing over the fine fabric before lifting it. Adrian stood tall before the mirror, adjusting his tie with that usual air of focus that always made him seem as though his mind was already at the office.

"Hold still," she said softly, sliding the jacket onto his shoulders. He glanced at her reflection in the mirror, his lips curving in the faintest smile as she straightened the lapel.

For a moment, there was silence, just the sound of Amelia fussing over his collar and the distant hum of the morning.

Then, almost casually, she added, "You know... our daughter doesn't just want a birthday this year."

Adrian let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.

"Doesn't just want a birthday? What does that even mean?"

"She said she wants a family dinner," Amelia replied, stepping back to admire her work. "And when she said family, she meant with you present. No excuses."

Adrian turned from the mirror, his brows lifting slightly.

"Dinner, huh? And what is on the menu this time?"

Amelia gave him a small smile.

"Your favorite. Roasted lamb, mashed potatoes, and strawberry cheesecake."

He exhaled, nodding slowly, then planted kisses on her forehead.

"Right. I will... try to clear my desk early so I can make it home in time."

He reached for his briefcase, slinging it over his shoulder with that practiced ease. Without another word, Adrian walked toward the door. Amelia stood by the bed, watching as he left the room, her heart silently hoping he would keep his promise this time.

"Dinner, promise?" Amelia halted him.

He turned to look at her, the smiles evident on his face.

"I promise," he whispered. They both smiled, and with that he walked away.