Chapter 294


    Ines watched the flickering candlelight, observing the smiles on everyone''s faces. A hint of a smile tugged at her lips, her eyes shimmering with


    unshed tears. Ethan pulled her into a hug and said, “Ines, it''s your birthday today, why the waterworks?”


    She had been so busy with all the recent events that she almost forgot about her own birthday. Without this surprise tonight. she might have


    completely forgotten about her own birthday.


    Ethan''s words made Ines unable to hold back her tears, and he immediately reached out to wipe them away.


    In front of everyone, Ines felt a little embarrassed. She gently pulled Ethan''s hand away and whispered, "I''m okay."


    Phoebe watched their interaction with an amused smile, not noticing about the strong arm that had somehow found its way around her waist. By the


    time she realized, several minutes had passed.


    Ines sat down to cut the cake after handing out the gifts. After making a wish, Ines cut the cake herself and distributed it to everyone.


    The cake was a matcha vor ordered by Phoebe. Although Ines wasn''t a fan of sweets. she still ate a big piece tonight. With thest bite she


    couldn''t finish, she stealthily stuffed it into Ethan''s mouth when he wasn''t looking. Ethan was taken aback for a moment, then swallowed it down.


    Aaron saw their little interaction and felt a mix of emotions.


    Ashley, however, slyly kicked Aaron and said in a low voice, "Serves you right.”Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing his pants dirty, Aaron felt even more downcast. He looked at Ashley and said, "Can''t you talk properly? Do you have to kick people?”


    Ashley pouted and said, "That''s just how I am."


    Seeing her childish behavior, Aaronughed and said, "You have cream on the corner of your mouth, wipe it off."


    Ashley casually wiped it off, making Aaronugh even more. He couldn''t resist helping her clean up. His fingertips were a bit rough, making Ashley''s


    heart beat faster.


    Seeing this, Ethan sighed. He knew that girl''s heart still belonged to Aaron


    Since it was still early, everyone started singing. Phoebe was great at it, and Ashley didn''t want to be outdone. Even though there was an age gap


    between them, they managed to sing in syne.


    Ines leaned on Ethan''s shoulder, feeling more refreshed than usual. She liked this kind of life and couldn''t stop smiling


    Eventually. Ashley conceded, "Phoebe, your singing is too good, I can’t keep up.”


    Ashley finished speaking and leaned back on the couch, chugging a bottle of water. Then she handed the microphone to Ines, “Ines, it''s your


    birthday. You can''t just sit there, get up and sing a song.”


    "I don''t think I can sing.” Ines was surprised, touching her nose.


    "Stop ying coy. Ines. I know you can sing. Let''s do it together.” Ashley said.


    Ines felt a headacheing on, but when the familiar backing track yed, she found she could sing and she was in tune


    Ethan had never heard Ines sing before. only asionally heard her humming when she was in a good mood. Her singing voice was different. more


    husky.


    The other guys also knew the song and couldn''t resist joining in.


    The mix of male and female voices gave the song, originally a duet between two men, a unique twist.


    Ashley had never heard this song


    before. Looking at Aaron, who was


    alone notfar away, she realized the?


    age gap between them. A hint of


    sadness shed in her eyes as‘she


    muttéred, "Guess we really are e from


    different worlds."


    4


    Ines sang for a while, then couldn''t help looking at Ethan. He was smiling, his gaze locked on her.


    When they returned to the hotel, it was just half past eleven. But Ines wasn''t sleepy at all. She felt a bit down. Everyone had given her gifts, but Ethan


    hadn''t shown any sign of having one.


    She''d thought that Ethan would give her the gift when they got back to the hotel, but they''d been in the hotel for a while and Ethan hadn''t mentioned


    it


    Ines was more upset. There were no outsiders around, so she let her lips droop, looking upset


    "What''s wrong?” Ethan noticed the change in Ines''s mood and couldn''t help pinching her face.


    "Ethan, did you forget something?” Ines asked


    "Oh, right. I forgot to apply the oil for you. Lie down first, I''ll be right back after washing my hands." After saying that, Ethan went into the bathroom.


    Ines was even more upset andy down on the bed feeling gloomy.


    After a while, Ethan came out of the bathroom, drying his hands.


    When Ines was slightly showing,


    Ethan would pply the oil for her


    every n ight ‘pefo e bed. Usually, Ines.


    would feel\ very content at this time,


    but today she was ina bad moog.


    She Jez ly lifted her shirt, and Ethan


    bent down, carefully applying the oil


    omher belly. It was cool afd


    comfortable.


    Ines couldn''t help asking, "Ethan, everyone gave me gifts, why didn''t you? Don''t you know it''s my birthday today? Did you only realize after Phoebe


    decorated the private room?”


    Ethan scratched his head and gave a lightugh, "Seems like you''ve found out. I''ll make it up to you when we get home."


    Ines turned her back to Ethan ina


    huff, ignoring him. Her good mood


    was gone in dn instant, and she felt


    resentful towards Ethan. This man.


    had actually forgotten such an ~


    important moment. "Izzy, actually I


    didn''tkhow what to buy you. All


    could think of was jewelry, but you


    don''t seem to like that. You don''t


    even wear our wedding ring on your


    finger, but hang it around your neck.


    And then one day, it was gone."


    Ethan said.