Estelle’s POV

Caleb’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You didn’t know? I thought that’s why you asked him out for dinner tonight.”

My face flushed with embarrassment. Heat crept up my neck as I realized how this must look.

“I had no idea,” I admitted, feeling mortified.

Caleb’s expression softened into an understanding smile. “Well, at least you bought him presents. Two presents, actually.” He gestured to the gift bag beside the wrapped box. “That perfectly accounts for the missing birthday gift.”

I let out a shaky laugh, still feeling sheepish about the whole situation. “Thank you for driving me, Caleb.”

“Anytime,” he said with a grin. “Now go enjoy your dinner.”

I stepped out of the car and looked up at the restaurant. The building’s glass facade sparkled with warm golden lights, creating an inviting glow against the darkening sky. Soft jazz music drifted from the entrance, and I could see couples seated at intimate tables through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The atmosphere was undeniably romantic, with flickering candles and fresh flowers adorning every surface.

I entered the elegant lobby and stepped into the lift, pressing the button for the rooftop restaurant. As the elevator climbed, my phone suddenly rang.

The caller ID made my stomach drop. Asher.

I sighed and reluctantly answered. “Hello?”

“Estelle.” His voice was warm, almost pleading. “I’ve made a reservation at Celestial Garden, your favorite restaurant. Would you like to join me for dinner tonight?”

I gripped the phone tighter. “I have plans tonight, Asher. I don’t want to have dinner with you. If this is about returning to Moonveil, we can discuss that another day.”

“Please, just hear me out,” he said quickly. “I’m truly sorry about everything. I want to make up for all the pain I’ve caused you. There’s a couples’ promotion going on at Celestial Garden tonight, and I thought we could—”

A cold laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it.

The irony was almost too much to bear. For years, I had suggested romantic date ideas like couples’ promotions, special events, and double dates with other pack members. Asher had always refused, claiming he was too busy or that such things were frivolous. He would occasionally agree to one dinner after disappointing me countless times, just to get me to stop asking. Then the cycle would repeat itself.

And now? Now he was suddenly interested in couples’ events? At my former favorite restaurant, no less?

“I don’t like that restaurant anymore,” I said coldly. “They changed the head chef a few months ago. The food isn’t the same.”

It was a lie, but I didn’t care.

“Why don’t you take Hazel instead?” I suggested, my voice dripping with false sweetness.

There was a pause. “Hazel? Why would I invite Hazel to dinner?”

Another cold laugh bubbled up from my chest. “Who knows? Maybe it could be a thank-you dinner for another job well done handling Moonveil affairs.”

Before he could respond, I ended the call.

The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, and I stepped onto the rooftop terrace. The night air was crisp, and the city lights twinkled below like scattered diamonds.

A waiter in a crisp black uniform approached me with a professional smile.

“Good evening, miss. Right this way to your table.”

He led me to a window-side table with a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, a single white rose in a slender vase at the center.

“Would you like to place your order now?” the waiter asked politely.

“I’m waiting for someone,” I replied, settling into my chair.

As soon as the words left my mouth, I spotted a familiar figure approaching. Zayne walked toward the table with his usual confident stride, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal gray suit. His dark hair was styled impeccably, and his piercing blue eyes found mine immediately.

I stood to greet him, my heart doing an unexpected flutter.

“Happy birthday, Zayne,” I said with a genuine smile.

His eyes lit up with surprise and pleasure. “You remembered.”

I silently thanked Caleb in my heart for inadvertently telling me about Zayne’s birthday. At least I wouldn’t look completely thoughtless now.

Zayne pulled out my chair like a perfect gentleman before taking his own seat. The waiter returned promptly, notepad ready.

“Since it’s the birthday boy’s honor,” I said, gesturing to the menu, “why don’t you choose for both of us?”

Zayne’s smile was warm as he studied the menu. “I’ll have the grilled salmon with herb butter, and for the lady...” He glanced at me. “The pan-seared duck breast with cherry reduction.”

I blinked in surprise. Those were exactly the dishes I would have chosen. While deciding on the restaurant, this was the dish I had been thinking of trying.

“And a bottle of your finest champagne,” Zayne added. “We’re celebrating.”

The waiter nodded and disappeared with our order.

“You have excellent taste,” I said, still amazed by his choices.

“A lucky guess,” he replied simply, but there was something deeper in his eyes.

I reached for the gift bag beside my chair, suddenly feeling nervous again. I had bought these presents for an entirely different reason, not knowing it was his birthday. What if they were inappropriate?

“I have something for you,” I said, my voice slightly uncertain.

Zayne leaned forward, his attention completely focused on me. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“I wanted to,” I said, though that wasn’t entirely true. I had bought them with different intentions entirely.

I pulled out the larger wrapped box first.

“Here,” I said, extending the box toward him. “This is for you.”