“I’ve sent her so many apology texts, but she hasn’t responded to a single one.”

“Maybe... maybe I should move out?”

Watching her on the verge of tears again, Michael frowned and pulled her into his arms.

He placed a light, perfunctory kiss on her forehead. “Don’t think too much and take care of your health.”

“Whether Ashlyn likes it or not, from now on, this will be your home and our child’s.”

Half an hour after making that promise, Michael stood alone on the open-air balcony, wrapped in a silk robe, quietly smoking a cigarette.

He hadn’t smoked in a long time.

But tonight, for some reason... he couldn’t resist.

On impulse, he opened his contacts and scrolled all the way to the bottom—Ashlyn's number was still there.

His thumb hovered over the call button for a long time.

After two cigarettes, he didn’t dial. Instead, he sent a message.

[Ashlyn, tomorrow is Grandpa's 80th birthday. I suggest you don’t try any stunts at the celebration—don’t cause trouble for Daniela or her baby.]

—

The next day—Arnold Hudson’s 80th birthday celebration began.

Michael arrived hand-in-hand with Daniela, publicly and confidently, as though they were a perfect couple.

They remained side by side, affectionate and high-profile—until Arnold Hudson himself entered the venue.

Only then did Michael finally let go of Daniela’s hand and walk over to his grandfather’s side to help him welcome important guests.

“Why didn’t Ashlyn come with you?”

Faced with his grandfather's pointed question, Michael’s lips pressed into a thin line. For once, he actually defended Ashlyn.

“Sorry, Grandpa. Ashlyn’s been busy these past few days preparing your birthday gift. She’s been exhausted, so I told her to rest and come a bit later.”

Two hours passed quickly.

The birthday banquet had reached its final and most anticipated segment—the gift-giving ceremony.

But Ashlyn still hadn’t shown up.

Suppressing the growing sense of unease in his chest, Michael stepped into a corner, pulled out his phone, and dialed her number.

"The number you dialed is unavailable..."

He redialed—again and again—but the same mechanical message echoed back each time.

And then, a courier walked into the banquet hall.

He delivered three packages—each was addressed from Ashlyn.

Under the curious gaze of everyone present, Arnold smiled warmly as he opened the first gift.