Noah's POV
Now that I was finally back, it was almost time to fulfill my promise to Lyra. But before that, something else—something important—I'd nearly forgotten.
Over the course of a whole year, through summer's heat, winter's chill, rainy days, the golden fall, and the blooming spring… we endured it all. And through those seasons, something became clearer to me than ever.
Scarlett and Lyra—both never had the luxury of celebrating a birthday. They were like orphans before our paths crossed, unfamiliar with the warmth of celebration. And me? The former Noah gave up on birthdays long ago, ever since he was labeled talentless, rejected by society, and cast aside by the fiancée he once cared for.
But Layla… she was different. She may have grown up with her own troubles, but she was never unloved. Even when the old Noah grew distant from her, he never hated her. He never hurt her. That spark of connection had always remained.
And today was her birthday.
My mother, with her ever-warm heart, decided to hold the celebration at our mansion. A grand one—something we hadn't done in years. She even invited Layla's parents.
They were a little shocked, I heard, but after receiving my father's glowing reports about her growth and behavior… they agreed without hesitation. I can already imagine what they'll say when they see me.
"Take care of our Layla,"
"Don't make our sweet daughter cry again!"
I'd even written a letter to Olivia, inviting her personally. As for Charlotte… well, knowing Mother, she'd already taken care of it through her friend—the Empress.
Initially, I was going to buy Layla a gift the traditional way. But then I remembered something better.
The Affection Shop.
A dark grin spread across my lips.
[Host, your smile is creepy.]
"Shut up and buy the Fallen Bride set."
[Confirmed. Would you like to gift this?]
"Of course. What better gift than a bridal dress?"
Just imagining Layla in it—
"Damn… she'd look too hot."
I forced myself to stop before my thoughts wandered any further. Focus, Noah.
The mansion was buzzing with activity. Maids and butlers were rushing around with decorations. Scarlett and Lyra had gone shopping. I… had managed to hide before they dragged me along.
My parents were buried in guest lists and party planning. And me? I made my way toward Layla's room.
It hit me then—she didn't go shopping. Was she waiting for me this whole time? I hadn't seen her this morning either—not even clinging to me like usual. Was she upset?
"God, I hope she forgives me…" I muttered, standing in front of her door.
Layla's POV
She sat in front of her mirror, brushing her long black hair. Her amber eyes stared at her reflection—pouting.
"He forgot my birthday… didn't he?"
She sighed.
"Was I too soft on him?"
"Should I lock him in my room for a whole night?"
"Maybe he's angry with me…"
Her mind spiraled.
"Maybe I'm not pretty enough…"
"You are more than enough."
Her brush froze mid-stroke. Her eyes widened at the familiar voice.
She turned slowly, and there he was—Noah. Leaning casually against the doorframe, his snow-white hair glowing in the soft light, those deep crimson eyes watching her.
Noah's POV
"You are more than enough," I said gently, stepping into the room. Her expression showed how deep those self-doubts ran. I couldn't let her go further down that road.
I walked toward her slowly.
"I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me…" she said, voice trembling slightly.
I knelt before her, taking her hand with both of mine. I pressed a soft kiss on the back of it.
"Happy Birthday, Layla. My dear. I'm sorry for being late."
She blinked in surprise. Layla, always bold, always teasing… was suddenly speechless.
Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.
But then she recovered—snapping back like a rubber band.
"You think just a sorry is enough after making me wait three damn hours?" she said, poking my chest with an accusatory finger.
I smiled, pulling her a little closer. Then… I kissed her cheek.
Still angry?
She didn't answer.
I kissed her other cheek.
Nothing.
A kiss on her forehead… her chin… even her ears and the curve of her neck.
Still nothing.
Finally, I pulled back, teasing, "What about now?"
She looked dazed… but then her eyes narrowed.
"You forgot my lips."
I blinked. "Hmm… why don't you take the lead then?"
She didn't hesitate. Standing on her toes, she wrapped her arms around my neck. Her lips brushed mine, soft and trembling at first. Then, with a sudden boldness, she deepened the kiss, pushing her tongue past my lips as if claiming me entirely.
Her body pressed against mine, her fingers tangled in my hair. I didn't resist. I simply held her waist gently, letting her pour all her emotions into the kiss.
Time stopped.
When she finally broke the kiss, she was breathless—gazing into my eyes with a look I'd seen only once before. A gaze of absolute possession.
Then—
"Ah!"
She bit my neck—softly but firm enough to sting. Then she kissed the spot she bit.
"I've marked you. You're mine today. Got it?"
"Yes ma'am," I said immediately, half-joking, half-serious. I really didn't want to get locked in her room.
"You didn't come shopping with me…" she pouted.
"Why go shopping?"
"To find a dress for the party, idiot!" she huffed.
I pulled out the shimmering black and red box from my inventory.
"Then wear this."
She looked at it curiously. "What is it?"
"It's your birthday gift—from me. I'd love to see you wear it today."
I opened the box. Inside, the Fallen Bride set glowed faintly with dark magic and charm. A crimson-trimmed, obsidian bridal dress that screamed elegance, allure, and power.
"And this—" I summoned a sleek, black scythe adorned with red rose-shaped crystals and a blood-hued aura.
"Matching weapon," I smiled.
Her jaw dropped slightly. "This… this is for me?"
"Only for you," I nodded. "An exclusive one-of-a-kind set."
She didn't answer. Instead, she threw her arms around me, burying her face in my chest.
"Thank you," she whispered, voice muffled. "And… sorry for getting mad."
"It's alright," I said, stroking her hair. "Thanks to that, I got a birthday kiss I'll never forget."
She giggled, clinging tighter.
"Hehe~ You better remember it forever."
-To Be Continued…