She had insisted their relationship remain a secret.

Had he suddenly developed amnesia?

“Brian, what's my gift?"

Sanford casually draped an arm around Maggie's shoulder as he approached Brian and Rosalynn, extending his hand with an expectant grin.

Brian, nonchalant, pulled car keys from his pocket and tossed them to Sanford.

“Here.”

Sanford's grin widened upon receipt.

“A Limited edition sports car, no less! You truly know my taste. Thank you!"

Brian's eyebrows arched as he tilted his head to Rosalynn.

"Rosalynn picked it out."

Surprised, Sanford offered a knowing smile.

“Ah, I see. My thanks to you, Rosalynn."

Rosalynn, trapped in the situation, managed an awkward smile and murmured, “You're welcome."

Norwood, looking between the pair, implied, "So, this sports car is a joint birthday gift from Rosalynn and Brian for you?"

Sanford let out a chuckle, patting Norwood on the shoulder.

"You're well aware of the situation. No need to probe."

He had discerned that the duo hadn't planned on publicizing their relationship.

Norwood simply smiled, his gaze lingering on Rosalynn.

She suspected Norwood might imagine she was romantically entangled with both Brian and Barlow.

But she wasn't that sort of woman!

“Time for the birthday song!" someone exclaimed as a towering cake was wheeled into the room.

The lights dimmed, and voices swelled in a harmonious rendition of the birthday song, while Sanford, bathed in the soft candlelight, silently made his wish.