Chapter 3
Once the car stopped, Liam didn’t bother waiting for Stephanie and went in alone.
She walked in after him and found out it was a birthday party. But it was meant for someone else, not her.
As soon as Stephanie saw Maeve in the middle of the stage, with everyone staring at her, she immediately knew Maeve was the reason everyone was there.
Maeve was dressed in a stunning designer gown, with a custom diamond necklace that highlighted her graceful neck and pearl earrings that sparkled like something out of a fairytale. She looked breathtaking.
Stephanie couldn’t stop staring at the jewelry. She recognized the pieces—they’d always been in Liam’s glass cabinet before anyone wore them.
She had thought these were gifts he’d gotten her and couldn’t wait to get her hands on them—until she found out the truth.
Liam always had gifts ready every year but never actually gave them to her. Eventually, she just forgot about them. It wasn’t until today, when she saw them again, that she realized they were all meant for Maeve.
Maeve probably caught her staring. She casually lifted her dress and walked over with a sweet smile.
“Li, is this the girlfriend you’ve been dating for six years and promised you’d finally introduce me to? She’s stunning—no surprise she won you over, Liam the Heartthrob.”
That was when Stephanie realized Maeve had been eager to meet her. No wonder Liam had been acting out of character, bringing her along.
Stephanie finally figured out what he was up to and gave a rueful smile.
Liam’s friend saw what was happening and came over, pitching in with frustration.
“Yeah, they’ve been together for six years. Liam’s been nothing but faithful and committed. We just wish someone would keep their word and stop with all these weird tests.”
“People who are sincere are rare these days, so if you’ve got one, don’t let them slip away. Take them for granted and you’ll regret it, but by then, it’ll be too late to fix things.”
They went all in defending Liam, thinking Stephanie wouldn’t pick up on what they were hinting at.
She didn’t react like they expected and just sat like it was nothing. She went along with it, playing the clueless trophy girlfriend.
Stephanie sat there all night, quietly watching Liam follow Maeve around. He’d never been one for socializing, but he stuck with Maeve as she mingled with the socialites.
He was the type who usually didn’t care much, but when it came to Maeve, he knew her preferences and even drank in her place.
Stephanie was right there, but Liam got jealous and scowled just because Maeve shook hands with some guy.
In just a few hours, Stephanie saw how attentive Liam could be when he truly loved someone. After six years together, it was today that she finally saw what he looked like when he was in love.
After singing the birthday song on stage, everyone gathered around Maeve to hand her their presents.
Liam was the last to go. He handed her the deed to an estate, his face beaming with warmth. “Mae, you told me once you wanted a home that brings warmth and comfort, so I’m giving you this estate. I hope it’s the one you wished for.”
His words had his friends cheering them on right away.
“Just so you know, Liam did all the designs for this estate. He spent six years renovating it!”
“I heard the garden’s packed with lavender and tulips. I’m guessing those must be someone’s favorite flowers.”
“I honestly think a home needs a guy to make it feel warm and cozy. Don’t you guys agree?”
Maeve’s cheeks slowly turned red from all the teasing. She quickly pressed her hands together like she was making a wish, and everyone went quiet.
Stephanie’s phone dinged a few times in the silence. It was some voice messages from Hubert. She held down the message to convert it to text but accidentally played it out loud.
“Hey Steph, happy birthday! It’s almost midnight—did you get any cake yet?”
All eyes on Maeve quickly shifted to Stephanie. Everyone looked shocked.
Liam froze for a moment, then gave her a slight frown. “Steph, is today your birthday?”
Stephanie kept a straight face and nodded.
Usually, Liam would ask about her birthday ahead of time and get her a gift. But this year, he completely forgot because of Maeve’s. It almost felt like it was bound to happen.
It was such an unexpected coincidence, and everyone exchanged awkward glances.
In the end, Maeve stepped in and saved the day. She grabbed Stephanie’s hand, guided her to the cake, and lit a candle. “Since this is such a lucky coincidence, why not celebrate together? Go ahead, make a wish.”
Stephanie went along with it and closed her eyes.
After she made her wish, Liam tried to lighten the mood by asking, “So, what did you wish for? Is there anything you want for a gift?”
Stephanie glanced at him and said, “I hope to get married by the end of this year.”
