BookToReadChapter 287 A figure stood outside, lurking in the shadows with a camera. They snapped countless photos of them.
By the tdinner wrapped up, two hours had passed.
Yasmine checked the tand noticed it was getting late. She turned to Emma, who was still playing with her Barbie dolls, and said softly, "Sweetie, it's tto go home." It wasn't often that Austin was home. It was only right to give the couple stalone.
Emma hugged her dolls tightly and looked up, her big eyes filled with confusion.
"Already?" Though reluctant, she obediently stood up.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAaron stepped forward and scooped her into his arms.
She was visibly tired compared to earlier. She rested limply against Aaron's shoulder, her tiny arms still clutching her doll.
Suzanne gathered up the rest of the dolls and handed them to Yasmine.
Emma waved her hand at Suzanne. "Bye, Aunt Suzanne." Her head rested against Aaron's shoulder. Her gaze was unfocused as if she might fall asleep at any second. Suzanne's heart melted at the sight. She waved back and whispered, "Bye, Emma." After Yasmine and Aaron left with Emma, the lively atmosphere faded, leaving only Suzanne and Austin in the now-quiet restaurant.
Suzanne turned her gaze to Austin, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "You actually sneaked back. When did you get here?" If not for everything that had happened today, she would've completely forgotten it was her birthday.
Austin tightened his grip around her hand, his voice warm as he replied, "This afternoon." He had cleared his entire schedule from afternoon until night just so he could be here for her birthday.
He didn't say much, but the exhaustion in his eyes spoke volumes. He had been pushing himself hard these past few days.
Suzanne studied him, her heart aching a little. "You don't have to go out of your way for my birthday if you're too tired." She didn't mind skipping the celebration. After all, she had spent plenty of birthdays alone before.
But Austin shook his head without hesitation. "No way. From now on, I'm spending every single one of your birthdays with you." They were already so busy, barely finding tto be together. If he couldn't even be there for her birthday, what did that say about them as a couple? Suzanne was caught off guard, and something warm spread in her chest. She met his gaze and smiled.
"Okay." She didn't know what else to say, but the feeling in her heart swelled, settling deep within her. Austin was the fourth son of the Hall family-the infamous Mr. Hall. fo Everyone saw him as ruthless, sharp, and utterly unfeeling. And yet, he had set everything aside just to chand celebrate her birthday.
His gaze softened as he looked at her. "Don't overthink it. Is there anything else you'd like to eat?" His eyes flicked to the barely touched dishes on the table.
Suzanne shook her head, then reached for the wine, pouring them both a full glass. Turning to him, she said, "Austin, thank you. I'm really happy tonight."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSomeone had not only remembered her birthday but was here tocelebrate it with her she had even received a gift. The feeling of being remembered and cherished was beyond wonderful.
Austin noticed the faint flush on her cheeks, and the slight daze in he eyes. She was probably a little tipsy. Gone was the usual coolness in her expression, replaced by a softer and delicate charm. He picked up his glass and clinked it lightly against hers. He then reached out and took her glass from her.
Suzanne blinked in confusion.
The next moment, Austin lowered his head and downed the entire glass of wine.
Suzanne stared at the now-empty glass in her hand, then looked up at him. The moment their eyes met-his deep, burning gaze locked on hers-her face grew hot. Maybe it was the alcohol, but her mind felt sluggish. She set the glass down and stood up.
"Let's head hand go to bed," she muttered.
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