Chapter 7

Giselle didn't expect Rebecca to be so calm. Her smile froze, but she soon regained her composure and nodded. Then, she helped Stephan upstairs. Once she was gone, Rebecca picked up the champagne bottle she'd popped earlier and smiled as she looked around at the guests. "Is anyone interested in another drink?" Naturally, no one was in the mood for that after what they'd witnessed. They all made excuses to leave. Rebecca leaned against the couch and slowly sipped her champagne as they filed out, leaving the living room empty. Giselle finally came downstairs at 11:00 pm. Seeing that no one else was around, she didn't bother putting up an act. She strutted out of the house, looking smug and obnoxious. As soon as she was gone, Rebecca's phone rang. Her blank face was replaced with happiness when she saw Morgan's name flashing on her screen, and she smiled. "Didn't we just speak on the phone this morning?" He sounded a little sulky. "It's your birthday today, yet you're not even willing to come to see me. Can't I at least call to wish you a happy birthday?" Rebecca's tone softened when she thought of how aggrieved he'd looked that morning when she'd told him she wouldn't be heading over. She coaxed, "Be good, alright? This is my last birthday as Stephan's wife. If you're not happy, I'll make it up to you by giving you the right to celebrate all my remaining birthdays with me. We'll do whatever you want, okay?" Morgan was cheered up by that. "We can do whatever I want, huh? Don't go back on your word, Becca." She laughed softly. "I've already gotten divorced for you. When have I ever lied to you?" They chatted for several more minutes. She was about to hang up and go to bed when she suddenly heard fireworks outside. She turned to see countless fireworks lighting up the sky. They were even more beautiful than shooting stars. Morgan spoke on the other end of the line, his tone gentle yet serious. This time, he didn't call her "Becca". He said, "Happy birthday, Rebecca. I'll be by your side every year from now on." Rebecca was taken aback. Had he set off those fireworks? She ran to the window and found that the fireworks were being set off throughout the city—they had to cost a fortune. Morgan was just a student. How could he have that much money? It was probably just a coincidence. … It was only when Stephan woke up the following morning and saw the decorations in the living room that he remembered it was Rebecca's birthday the day before. He rubbed his aching head and called his assistant, instructing him to pick the most expensive diamond necklaces he could find and to bring them over as soon as possible. Unexpectedly, it was Giselle who showed up. Stephan's headache worsened when he saw her. His tone was harsher than usual as he asked, "What are you doing here?" She pouted, looking aggrieved. "I wanted to see more of you, so I volunteered to bring the things over. I'm sorry. I won't come again if you're mad." That was precisely what Stephan loved about her. He caved the moment he saw tears brimming in her eyes, and he pulled her into his arms to sweet-talk her. "Come on, I didn't mean it like that. Don't cry, okay?" Giselle still looked upset. Her tears wouldn't stop coming. She only stopped them when he promised to fulfill all her requests. She asked, "Anything is fine?" "Yeah. I'll even pluck you a star from the sky if that's what you want." "I want to move in here for a few days, then. I want to be able to spend all day and night with you. Is that okay?" Stephan's smile froze. He'd promised Rebecca that he wouldn't bring any of his conquests home, no matter how wild he got outside. He was about to turn Giselle down when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Then, the housekeeper greeted Rebecca. Stephan hurriedly got up, wanting to explain why Giselle was there. However, Giselle beat him to it. "Good morning, Mrs. Lodge. These are the birthday gifts that Mr. Lodge got for you. Oh, the security in my area has been horrible lately, and Mr. Lodge has agreed to let me stay here for a few days. You don't mind, do you?" Rebecca remained calm in the face of her provocation. "Sure. Do as you like."