Chapter 4
189words
"Wow, sis-in-law, so elegant! You make her shamelessness sound almost dignified."
Joel shot me an icy look and snorted.
"Learn from her? As if she's worth anything."
A sudden knock interrupted the mockery.
A smiling hotel employee entered, wheeling in a birthday cake and a gift box.
"Mr. Sinclair, a special surprise from your girlfriend."
As he spoke, several staff members filed in, launching into "Happy Birthday."
The room fell eerily silent as all eyes turned to me.
Because I had made that rose cake, and the gift box bore my name.
A soft sob broke the silence.
"Joel, I-I'm so sorry! I didn't know it was your birthday.
"What should I do? I didn't get you anything!"
Joel's expression shifted as he looked my way.
I pressed my lips together, absently touching the thorn scratches on my hands.
He'd once mentioned these roses were his late mother's favorites.
I'd trained with a master baker for weeks. The technique was far more intricate than store-bought versions.
But in one violent motion, Joel flipped the cake over before my eyes.
