05
Lucas came home less and less frequently.
Even on the rare occasions he did return, it wouldn’t be long before a phone call would inevitably come.
I didn’t react much to this.
When he wasn’t around, it was more convenient for me to pack my things and cancel my documents.
The day before my birthday, Lucas sent a message saying he had a surprise for me.
In the middle of the night, he rushed home and forcibly took me to his car.
We drove up a winding mountain road.
The mountain at night was eerily quiet.
When we got out of the car, he wrapped me in a down jacket, saying we needed to climb the rest of the way.
As he was zipping up my jacket, I suddenly grabbed his hand:
“Lucas, I’m so cold and tired. Can we go home?”
“For my birthday, I’d be happy if you just spent the day with me.”
Lucas’s hand paused. The car’s headlights made it hard for me to see his expression clearly.
“Be good. When we get up there, I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
“Okay.”
I let go of his hand, allowing him to zip up my jacket.
I quietly put on my gloves.
When he turned to get something from the trunk,
I sent out a coded message on my phone.
Lucas, I’m really easy to soften up.
If you knew that this was the last chance I was giving you just now,
Would you feel even a little… regret?
12:37 PM
<
An hour later, we reached the mountaintop.
Lucas held my hand. The moment I stepped onto the last stair,
Lights suddenly illuminated the grass at my feet.
The lights lit up one by one as we walked.
Soft music drifted on the wind. When Lucas led me to the center of the mountaintop,
A brilliant light shone, and many people set off party poppers towards the sky.
Amidst the falling confetti and numerous birthday wishes,
Lucas’s cool lips landed on my forehead.
“Happy birthday, Sophia.”
I looked at him silently, unable to speak.
In my mind, I recalled Jack saying to him:
“Lucas, do you know what the greatest pain is?”
“It’s giving her hope and then taking everything away with your own hands!”
“I can’t wait to see how devastated Sophia will be when she learns the truth!”
Many people chimed in: “Just thinking about it makes me excited.‘
Lucas only asked one question: “Will it be dangerous?”
Bella immediately said discontentedly, “Lucas, you promised not to object this time.“”
“Don’t tell me you’ve really fallen for her? You keep finding reasons to object.”
Jack grinned and said, “Don’t worry, Lucas. It definitely won’t be fatal.”
“That height, at worst she’ll break an arm or a leg. If she’s really unlucky, maybe her face will be disfigured.”
Bella stomped her foot.
Lucas caressed her face to appease her: “Alright, I’ll do whatever you want. As long as you’re happy.”
“Sophia? Why aren’t you saying anything?” Lucas’s voice brought me back to reality.
So, this is the “final” prank they specially prepared?
It’s so grand, so extravagant, so magnificent.
But who could imagine the malicious intentions hidden behind these smiles?
Lucas took my hand and said with a smile, “Did you guess I was going to propose, so you took off the previous ring?”
“My darling is so clever.”
His eyes seemed incredibly sincere.
<
He knelt on one knee and put a more expensive ring on my ring finger, saying emotionally:
“Sophia, will you marry me?”
Without waiting for my answer, he had already stood up.
The music changed, and as the crowd began to surge forward, I slowly pulled my hand out of his grasp.
They were having a great time. Lucas had just handed me a glass of water when someone pulled him away.
It was supposed to be my birthday party, yet it seemed to have nothing to do with me at all.
Soon, a commotion arose. Jack shouted, “This time Bella lost. Let’s see what her punishment is.”
“French kiss a member of the opposite sex for ten minutes.”
The crowd suddenly fell silent. Bella seemed to be crying in distress.
Jack and the heavyset guy both volunteered to help her.
But I knew that everyone’s attention was actually on me, standing at the very edge of the crowd.
Bella called out in a tearful voice: “Lucas.”
Lucas walked up to her and, without hesitation, grabbed the back of her head.
The two of them kissed deeply.
Ten minutes later.
Bella collapsed softly in Lucas’s arms, looking at me with tear–filled eyes:
“Sophia, please don’t be angry. Lucas was just helping me out of a difficult situation.”
I shook my head, indicating that I didn’t mind.
What is there to be angry about? Seeing how hard you’re all acting for my sake,
I almost want to applaud and cheer for you.
