“Sanford dumped Millie for this unassuming woman? Poor Millie.”

The women discussed among themselves.

One stylishly attired woman deftly pulled out her phone, swiftly typing a message to Millie.

In the flurry of gift-giving, Rosalynn, too, was preparing to present her gift to Sanford.

Yet, as she moved to do so, her handbag was abruptly snatched away by Brian.

“You've also acquired a present for Sanford?" he asked.

“What is it?"

Curiosity piqued, Brian rummaged through the bag, extracting a small box.

“Brian! It's a gift for Sanford. You shouldn't open it," Rosalynn protested, her voice edged with irritation.

Brian, ignoring her reprimand, examined the tie clip nestled in the box.

“You're not giving this to him."

“Why not?"

“I've never received a gift from you."

Rosalynn was at a loss for words.

What was he implying? our birthday hasn't arrived yet."

“That's irrelevant. Bottom line, you're not giving Sanford the gift,"

Brian declared, pocketing the tie clip with a finality that brooked no argument.

Rosalynn was flabbergasted.

“But I'm attending his birthday party. How could I not bring a gift?"

“Rosalynn, you're my partner now. My gift to him is our gift to him.

He'll understand," Brian assured her, his voice firm.

Rosalynn rolled her eyes.