After going through the internet for hours looking up how to make a lover's birthday memorable, Claudia felt sure that she could successfully make Bennett's upcoming birthday a special one. She ordered some lights for her room and took classes on the internet on how to make a birthday cake. On Thursday, she woke up early and went to the bakery to make a birthday cake.

The lights she had ordered had arrived and had already been set up in her room. The cake, though not as pretty as she would have Liked it to be, was also ready.

ALL she had to do now was to wait for Bennett to arrive from his business trip.

This was Claudia's first time preparing a surprise for someone else.

Her mind wandered as she practiced the piano all day.

As the car's engine echoed through the window, she lost all interest in her practice. Rising quickly, she darted outside.

And there it was, the familiar Bentley!

Watching it pull into the villa, she turned around and hurried down the stairs.

By four in the afternoon, the autumn sun had lost much of its warmth.

A chill wind swept through the garden, yet Claudia didn't feel cold.

She stood on the porch, the door slightly open, her eyes fixed on the approaching figure in black. A smile broke across her face.

"You're back! Bennett!"

She raced toward him before he could even get close, eager to be in his embrace.

Bennett extended his arm to catch her, asking, "Were you waiting for me?"

Afraid of being found out by him, Claudia looked away and said, "I thought you'd be back later, around six. But I heard the car just now, I had to check if it was you."

She left unsaid her anticipation, but it was clear she had been waiting.

With a knowing smile, Bennett chose not to call out her pretense.

Instead, he teased, "Your ears are quite sharp."

Shouldn't she have been at her piano?

Realizing his hint, Claudia's cheeks turned pink. She took his coat as he changed his shoes.

Before leaving his office, Bennett had gone to a dinner party with local government officials, which required a more formal attire, including a tie.

Once she had placed his coat aside, Claudia noticed him easing his tie.

His gaze met hers as he did so, sparking memories of moments best left private.

Seeking to steady her nerves, Claudia moved to the counter and poured him a glass of water. "How did things go? Is everything going well?"