22
SELENA
I used to hate my birthday. I always wished I could skip it, just fast-forward to the next day and pretend it never happened.
But when you have Lucien as your husband, he makes you excited about everything. Even grocery shopping becomes fun because he's there, making jokes, stealing kisses in the cereal aisle, pretending to be deeply offended when I don't buy his favorite brand.
So when the alarm went off at midnight, I groaned, but I knew what was coming. Because every year, at exactly 00:00:00, he makes me feel special.
The door burst open. Balloons everywhere, pink and gold and white, floating into the room like confetti.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
He stood there, grinning like a child, a chocolate cake in his hands. Written on top in careful icing: Happy Birthday, Little Love.
I laughed. Actually laughed.
He placed the cake on the bed and lit a single candle. "Make a wish."
I looked at him. This man. This impossible, wonderful, mine man. I didn't know what to wish for. I had everything I needed with him. But I made one anyway.
I wish Lucien lives a long and happy life.
Maybe it was weird. Maybe most people wished for cars or houses or vacations. But I'd been feeling off lately. Watching him get colds. Flus. Watching him brush it off like nothing. It scared me in a way I couldn't explain. I knew people might think I was overreacting, but there was just a bad feeling. A knot in my stomach that wouldn't loosen. I'd asked him multiple times. He always assured me he was fine. He even let me speak to his doctor friend back in London.
"Just stress, Mrs. Thorne. Your husband works too hard."
I wanted to believe it.
I blew out the candle.
He kissed me. "Happy birthday, love."
"Thank you, my heart." I kissed him back. "I love love love you."
We went back to bed. I fell asleep in his arms, the scent of chocolate still lingering in the air, balloons rustling softly above us as the ceiling fan turned.
When I woke up, he was making waffles. The kitchen smelled of butter and vanilla, the golden light of morning streaming through the windows. Coffee already poured. Syrup waiting. That smile.
Today was going to be different.
Sabrina had rented out a movie theater. A Bollywood movie. All the wedding guests would be there.
History repeating itself, I thought. The last time I was in a movie theater on my birthday, I was alone. Watching Kai with Jade. Waiting for an Uber that took twenty-three minutes.
They'd both be there today.
But this time, I had Lucien. And I was going to let myself be excited about that.
Hours later, I stood in the theater lobby, my hand wrapped around Lucien's arm. The space buzzed with family chatter, the scent of buttered popcorn thick in the air, neon signs casting a warm glow over the carpet.
"You're excited about this."
"I love Bollywood movies. They're three hours long and have intermissions and at least six musical numbers. It's glorious."
He raised an eyebrow. "Six musical numbers? And I thought board meetings were long."
"You're going to love it." I did a little spin. "There will be dancing, crying, and more dancing."
"Will you dance for me?" His voice dropped, low, intimate, meant only for me.
I elbowed him. "Behave."
"Never."
Inside, Lucien insisted I have one of everything. Popcorn. Candy. Nachos. He bought snacks for the entire cinema.
"Lucien, this is too much."
"It's your birthday. Nothing is too much."
I tugged his arm. "Let's sit in the back."
"Why? You want to misbehave?" His eyes sparkled with mischief.
I elbowed him again. "I want to watch the movie without my family interrogating you."
"Fair point."
We settled into the back row, the plush seats sinking beneath us, the giant screen flickering with previews. His arm wrapped around me, solid and warm.
Perfect.
The movie started. The opening credits rolled in a burst of color and music, vibrant costumes flashing across the screen. I watched him more than the screen, his expressions, the way his eyes widened during the dance numbers, the way he laughed at the ridiculous moments.
"This is actually really good," he whispered.
"Told you so." I tossed a piece of popcorn at him.
"Oh, it's on."
He threw popcorn back at me. I gasped, laughing, and threw more. Soon we were in a full popcorn fight, giggling like children, kernels scattering across our seats.
"SHH!" someone from the row ahead turned around.
I buried my face in his shoulder, shaking with silent laughter.
"Stop getting me in trouble," I whispered.
"Never."
His hand found mine and held it. I sank into his arms, cozy and warm and loved. We shared a small kiss. Soft. Sweet. Ours.
But I felt it.
Eyes on me.
I looked up, to the left, middle row.
Kai.
Watching.
I didn't know how long he'd been there. I didn't care.
"You okay?" Lucien murmured.
I looked at him. His face. His eyes. Mine.
"Yeah." I smiled, turned back to the movie, and ignored Kai completely.
Then the screen glitched.
"Is that supposed to happen?"
Photos appeared. Of me. Baby photos. Toddler photos. Awkward school photos.
The audience went "Aww!"
I stared. "What's going on?"
More photos. My life unfolding across the big screen, childhood birthdays, family holidays, candid moments I didn't even know existed.
I turned to Lucien. "Did you have something to do with this?"
He just smiled.
Then he appeared on screen, sitting in our London flat, wearing that soft jumper I loved.
"Happy birthday, little love."
My hand flew to my mouth.
"You told me once about an awful night. A birthday ruined. A movie theater. Being alone while everyone else was happy."
Tears pricked my eyes.
"I wanted to rewrite that night. Not erase it, but give you something new. Something better."
The video continued. Sabrina appeared. Mum. Rohit. Even Lucien's mother. All of them saying beautiful things. Things I'd never believed about myself.
"You are so loved, Selena."
"You deserve all the happiness in the world."
"We're so lucky to have you."
Tears streamed down my face. I couldn't believe it. Someone would do this for me. I'd only ever read about love like this, in books, in movies. But with Lucien, I could feel it. Live it.
The video ended. Everyone applauded.
"How long have you been planning this?" My voice cracked.
"Long enough." He wiped my tears, his thumb gentle against my cheek. "I had help from everyone. You are so loved."
I kissed him. Deep. Grateful. Everything.
Everyone clapped harder.
I looked at Kai.
He wasn't clapping.
He looked guilty. Broken.
I didn't care. He was the man who made my birthdays the worst. This was the man who made them the best.
"GET A ROOM!" Sabrina screamed from somewhere.
I laughed. Happy. Glowing. Finally learning that birthdays aren't about the date. They're about the people.
And I had the best one.
Always.
I came out of the theater beaming with joy, the cool night air hitting my flushed cheeks. The marquee lights flickered above us, casting a soft glow over the crowd spilling onto the sidewalk.
"Best birthday ever." I squeezed Lucien's arm. "Thank you, my heart."
"Oh, it's not over yet." He smiled. "Many more surprises when we get back to the hotel."
"Lucien, you're doing too much, my love."
"You deserve it all."
He kissed my forehead as Mum and Sabrina ran toward us, their heels clicking against the pavement.
"Happy birthday, Sel Pal!" Sabrina screamed, throwing her arms around me.
Mum kissed my cheek, her perfume familiar and warm. "Happy birthday, my darling." She touched Lucien's face. "And thank you for making my baby glow."
"Happy to assist, Miss Davis."
"No." She shook her head, her eyes glistening. "Call me Mum."
He looked emotional for a moment, then he hugged her. "Mum."
Sabrina held her hands to her chest, wiping tears. "Oh, you're making me emotional!" She looked at me. "You really got the best husband."
Just then, Kai walked out. He heard. I saw it, the hurt in his eyes.
After Mum and Sabrina left, everyone wanted to wish me. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. A whole line of family wrapping me in hugs and well-wishes. Lucien let me have my moment. He watched with pride, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, that quiet smile on his face.
Finally, the crowd faded.
"My little superstar," he said.
And then I saw her.
Walking toward us.
My expression shifted. All the awful memories flooded back, the betrayal, the humiliation, the way my chest had caved in when I saw them together. How I'd been kind to her. How she'd taken everything and never apologized.
She wore a maroon dress that caught the theater lights, high heels, brown curls loose over her shoulders. Minimal makeup. Still confident. Still beautiful. Just older.
She stopped in front of us.
My heart pounded. Not here. Not now.
I gripped Lucien's hand. He squeezed back.
"Hi, cuz! Long time."
I looked into her eyes. "Hi."
No warmth. No anything.
I watched Lucien. Watched to see if he'd stare at her like Kai did. My heart raced. But when I looked at him, his eyes were on hers, cold. Dead. No warmth at all.
"You must be her husband? Lucien? Wonderful to meet you." She extended her hand.
"Likewise." He nodded. He didn't shake it.
"Sel, I wanted to say—"
"You know, we're in a hurry right now, little love." Lucien interrupted smoothly. "We'll be late."
He saw my discomfort and made an excuse to leave.
"Yes." I looked at Jade. "We have to go."
"Oh, another time then." Embarrassment flickered across her face.
I nodded. I didn't smile.
"Happy birthday, cuz."
"Thanks."
I was grateful for Lucien. Jade wanted to talk, to apologize, maybe. I saw the sadness in her eyes. But I wasn't ready. I didn't know if I ever would be.
She was my cousin. The girl I loved. But she didn't love me enough. Not if she caused this much pain.
"You okay?" Lucien asked.
"Yeah." I squeezed his hand. "I'm good. Thanks for that."
"Always."
We walked outside, holding hands. The night air was crisp, the city lights glittering in the distance. Kai stood there, waiting for a cab, his hands in his pockets, breath visible in the cold.
I looked at him. Déjà vu.
I asked Lucien to offer him a ride. He went to talk while I waited. I didn't want to talk to Kai either, but I couldn't let someone wait in the cold like I did. I wasn't like them.
Lucien came back after a minute. "He said thanks. He doesn't mind waiting."
I nodded.
We walked away.
But Kai looked at me and mouthed, Thank you. Happy birthday.
I nodded and walked away with my husband, feeling at peace.
This was the best birthday ever. Years ago, I didn't know the best years of my life were still to come.
Life surprises you sometimes.
"We're meeting your family for dinner. Just us." Lucien smiled.
"Really?"
"Yes. I told you. Many more surprises tonight."
"Lucien."
"Yeah, little love?"
"I love you."
"I know." He kissed my forehead, his lips warm against my skin. "And I love love love you too."