I was suddenly put under the limelight after Crystal approached me. I knew she directed their attention toward me on purpose. I had no money and no one who would stand up for me. All I had was that pathetic-looking box in my hand that made me look out of place.
“I didn’t know you brought something for my dad too, Eve. Come on, give it to him. He’ll be happy to see it.” Christopher stood beside Gordon, giving me an innocent smile. Monica whispered in his ears and a smile broke out on his face, lodging a bard in my heart.
“She’s your friend?” Gordon asked Christopher.
“We’ve met a few times.”
Christopher’s casual tone chilled my heart. It was true that we had only met a few times, but they were no usual encounters. I had given him my heart after all the nights we spent together, but just as I thought we were in for a serious relationship, I found out I was fooled. I was like a clown in a circus, putting up a show under the eyes of the mocking crowd.
“Come on, Yvonne. Don’t be shy. I already gave the painting I drew to Mr. Lane, so it’s your turn now. You’ve been carrying this box since the beginning of the party. I’m sure it’s something of great value.” As she spoke, Crystal came forward and reached for the box in my hand.
I stepped backward intuitively and evaded her hand. She flashed me a sweet smile, but I could see the hatred in her eyes. She crossed her arms and waited for me to disgrace myself.
I clenched my jaw and went toward Gordon. “Hi, Mr. Lane. I have no idea what you’d like for your birthday, so I got you some cookies. I heard Avenport is known for this local delicacy, so I got you some. I hope you’ll like them.”
I did not care if I was going to make a fool out of myself. My reputation was marred, to begin with. If humiliating me was what Christopher wanted all this while, then I would give him what he wanted. This would be the end of us.
“Walnut cookies?” Gordon took the box and asked.
His question elicited a boisterous laugh from one of the guests, who quickly quietened down when he realized his mistake. Everyone cast disapproving glances toward me.
Scorn spread on Yvette’s face as she looked at me. “My dear sister, do you seriously have to go so cheap? I mean, sure, I accepted your gift for me even though it was just some random stuff you got from the streets. But that’s only because you’re my sister. I’m happy as long as I get something from you, but how could you do this to Mr. Lane?”
It went without saying that Crystal was enjoying the scene. She looked at me pitiably and spoke to Gordon apologetically. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Lane. Yvonne doesn’t mean to offend you.”
It seemed like she was helping me on the surface, but she was implying that I was being tactless. Her words were meant to embarrass me further.
Nathan’s face stiffened as the fiasco unfolded. He probably did not know the box I had been holding all night was actually a present. “Do you think this is a joke?” he snarled before turning toward Gordon.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Lane. Please don’t mind my daughter.”
“Oh, it’s totally fine.” Gordon’s reply took everyone by surprise. He did not seem disturbed at all. He looked at the box of cookies in his hands and his gaze softened. He held out his gift and waved it lightly at his wife, Julia Xavier. “Look, Jules, walnut cookies.”
A faint but blissful smile curved on the woman’s lips as she gave it a try. “Yeah. Remember the first time we went out together? I gave you some walnut cookies too. It’s the same brand. It still tastes the same after so many years.”
“I told you I wanted the same cookies for my birthday, but both of us have been so busy we’ve forgotten about it,” Gordon said nostalgically. “Do you still remember what I told you that day?”
