Bennett glanced at her before taking her hand and together they went downstairs.

The early November evening was turning dark real quick.

Even though it was just six o'clock, it was already pitch-black outside.

After dinner, Claudia settled on the sofa nibbling on some fruit. She glanced at the time on her phone, silently hoping for time to pass faster.

She managed to stay settled until eight o'clock. After that, she made up an excuse to head to the piano room for practice, but she was actually planning to recite the words she had prepared.

Having spent over an hour in the piano room, she returned to her room to indulge in a long, relaxing shower.

Claudia didn't leave the bathroom until almost eleven.

When she came out, she cast a glance at Bennett on the bed and let out a sigh of relief. "Bennett, could you help me grab some mango candies from the guest room?"

"You really want candies this late at night?"

She nodded, mumbling, "I suddenly feel like eating them."

“Whatever you say."

He set the book aside, stood up and walked out of the room.

Claudia found the hidden small cake, stuck candles in it before lighting them, and walked over in a hurry.

She grinned in her mind, thinking she could finally surprise him.

This was Claudia's first time organizing such a surprise since she became an adult.

With the cake in hand, Claudia walked to the guest room. Spotting Bennett by the door, she felt a touch of nervousness. "Bennett."

Despite her unease, she still called out to him.

He turned to face her. The room was dimly lit since the lights were switched off, accentuating the depth of his eyes.

His gaze upon her caused her hands to tremble slightly, nearly causing her to drop the cake.

“Happy Birthday! For the past decades, I haven't had the chance to wish you a happy birthday. This year, I want to be the last to extend my birthday wishes to you!"

In fact, Claudia had meticulously penned down her wishes, yet at this moment, they eluded her mind. All that resonated was “Happy Birthday."

Having uttered these words, her emotions settled a bit. Saying more wishes would have felt overly dramatic, so she concluded, “Wishing you a joyful and peaceful life!"

Next, Claudia raised her gaze, blinking at Bennett. “Would you Like to make a wish and blow out the candles?"

Bennett accepted the cake from her and led her inside. Placing the cake on the bookshelf, he inquired, "Did you make it yourself?"