"Alexa, today’s your eighteenth birthday. It’s your first birthday back with the Montgomerys. Mom and Dad can’t be here since they’re abroad, so I set up a little birthday party for you. I really hope you like it."
Scott stood nearby, practically vibrating with excitement. "I’ve got a gift for you, too, Alexa. I hope it makes your eighteenth birthday even more special."
I couldn’t help but notice the exact same words they’d said in my past life.
I would’ve been touched in my past life, feeling like I finally had a real family.
But now, all I felt was a cold, sinking feeling.
What they were really celebrating wasn’t my birthday. It was Jessica’s "rebirth." The thought made my stomach turn.
Seeing the eager looks on their faces, I forced a smile.
At this point, it was all just part of the game.
"Alright, but if we’re celebrating my birthday, how could you not get me my favorite black swan cake? Come on, Logan, don’t leave me hanging. Why don’t you go pick one up for me?"
Logan hesitated and was about to grab his phone to order a delivery.
Before he could, I quickly cut him off, pretending to pout and act disappointed.
"Are you still mad at me for what happened a couple of days ago, Logan? You won’t even do something this small yourself?" I asked.
Logan was caught off guard. He stood there, momentarily speechless, before sighing and reluctantly agreeing. He looked like he didn’t have much of a choice.
I couldn’t help but flash a fake smile, knowing what was coming. Then, using the same trick, I convinced Scott to head out to the outskirts and pick up a little dress I was supposed to wear for my birthday.
The two places were at least a few hours apart, which was more than enough time for me.
They told me it would take a few hours, but to my surprise, they returned in less than two hours. The fact that they both came back together meant they’d likely been plotting something during the drive.
Scott immediately urged me to try on the dress as we walked through the door. His eyes drifted to the necklace around my neck almost unconsciously.
I purposely took my time.
Logan, unable to sit still any longer, finally stepped in. "Alexa, hurry up. Scott has a surprise for you. You know how he is—sharp tongue, soft heart. Come on, stop sulking about what happened before."
"His birthday gift for you... He’s been preparing it for three months," Logan added with a knowing look.