“Gina, you’ve arrived just in time! Help me take some pictures with Eric.”
Eric wrapped an arm around her as they posed in front of the cake while she tilted her head against his shoulder.
“Isn’t the cake gorgeous? Eric specially hired a master pastry chef from abroad to make it for me. See that princess figurine on top? That’s me.”
My hands, which were holding the phone, stiffened for a second. So, Eric could be this thoughtful after all.
Through the camera lens, I saw them embracing each other, smiling like they were the happiest couple in the world. Behind them was the towering cake and room filled with roses. The whole thing wasn’t just picture-perfect but romantic as well.
After the birthday song, I went to the restroom. On my way back, I caught another conversation between Eric and Jonah.
“You really put in the effort for Lila, huh? Gina never got this kind of treatment.”
“Yes, being with Lila is easy and sweet. She’s cuter, gentler, and more thoughtful than Gina. She makes me really happy.”
“Then, why not just let things stay this way? If Lila suits you better, you might as well go along with it. You’ve said yourself that Gina lets her temper get the better of her and argues with you sometimes, no?”
“Jonah, Gina and I have been together for over two years—she’s not somebody I can just walk away from. Besides, Lila isn’t looking to be with me forever. She just wants to enjoy this time with me while it lasts. She’s such a silly woman.”
Jonah listened, then gave a smile that was impossible to read.
