Chapter 5

Aurora POV

Without Mark's planning, my birthday this year was much quieter.

I only invited a few close friends.

However, Richard and Eleanor specifically stayed home to celebrate with me this time.

To avoid any discussion about my background, my biological parents, Arthur and Sophia, and my brother, Leo, purposely didn't show up, only calling early in the morning and sending numerous gifts.

A good friend asked as soon as she walked in, "Where's your uncle?"

I said, "He's busy."

My friend added, "He never missed your birthday before."

I smiled and didn't answer.

I had seen on Fiona's Ins that Mark was out shopping with her.

In the past, no matter how good Mark was to me, he would never go shopping with me.

When I asked him to go shopping, he would always ruffle my head and say that he'd have someone buy whatever I wanted because shopping was too tiring.

But now, Fiona wanted him to shop, and he did.

Although this year's birthday wasn't as extravagant as previous years, with the company and blessings of my dearest friends and family, I was still very happy.

Richard personally cut the first slice of cake.

My friends laughed and joked, teasing me playfully.

It turned out that my happiness wasn't contingent on Mark.

Mark returned very late that day.

Fiona had kept him company all day.

When he entered the house, the guests had already left, only a pile of unopened gifts remained in the living room.

He looked at the pile of gifts, puzzled, and asked the butler, "What's going on?"

The butler respectfully replied, "These are Miss Aurora's birthday gifts."

Mark froze.

Listening to their conversation, I turned and went back to my room.

Mark seemed annoyed and quickly went upstairs.

Without knocking, he walked straight into my room, only to find me busy, head down.

"What are you doing?"

Mark embraced me from behind. But I was hit by the unfamiliar scent of women's perfume on him. I pushed Mark, but couldn't get him off.

Mark looked down and saw I was packing things.

Those sketches of him, our secretly taken photos, my romance diary, and the small wooden carving Mark had made for me.

All were being packed into a box.

Mark panicked, hugging me tighter, and gently coaxed, "Are you mad? Are you taking it out on these things?"

My tone was perfectly normal. "I'm just putting them away. Ms. Caldwell often comes over. What if she sees them and gets the wrong idea?"

Mark, convinced I was just jealous of Fiona, relaxed.

His hand restlessly explored under my clothes. "It was my fault for missing your birthday. I'll make up for the gift next time. Don't take it out on these things. What kind of gift do you want?"

I didn't want to waste any more words on the subject. "Anything is fine."

Mark lowered his head, trying to kiss me.

I turned my head away, reminding him, "My parents are home. Be careful not to get caught. You should go back to your room."

Mark had no choice but to give up.

Before leaving, he still seemed worried and picked up the box of packed drawings and carvings. "It's safer if I keep these."

I watched his retreating back, gently clenching my hand.

It was fine if he took that box. I didn't need it anymore anyway.

The next morning, my adopted parents rushed back to the research institute.

In the afternoon, the butler informed me that Grandpa Robert was formally hosting the Caldwell family for dinner, and all Ford family members who could attend must be present.

I had never been close to Grandpa and never actively went to the old mansion to bother him.

But this time, I had to go, whether I wanted to or not.

In the evening, I arrived at the old mansion.

Fiona and her parents were there, and Mark was also present.

I found a corner seat and sat down by myself.

Grandpa Robert sat at the head of the table, chatting with Fiona's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell.

"Mark and Fiona grew up together. I've been looking forward to their marriage for many years. When our two families unite, God will bless them."

Mr. Caldwell nodded repeatedly. "You're right, these two children are a perfect match. Our Caldwell family feels the same way."

Mark unconsciously glanced at me.

I was focused on eating fruit, not even lifting my head.

As they spoke, Grandpa ordered someone to bring a delicate wooden box.

The box opened, revealing a beautiful antique bracelet inside.

I recognized that bracelet.

Only the wife of the heir was permitted to wear it.

My adopted father, Richard, was dedicated to scientific research and didn't manage the family business, so my adopted mother, Eleanor, was never eligible to wear the bracelet.

Once, I had even playfully asked Mark when I would be able to wear that bracelet.

Mark had only ruffled my head and said, "You're being naughty again."

It turned out he had never intended for me to wear that bracelet.

Grandpa Robert smiled and called Fiona over, handing her the bracelet. "Fiona, from now on, you'll be part of our family. Wear this bracelet."

Mr. Caldwell quickly said, "You're too kind. It's Fiona's good fortune to marry into the Ford family."

Fiona happily accepted the bracelet and put it on. Then she turned and walked over to me, intimately taking my hand.

"I'm only a few years older than Aurora. I'll need your guidance in the future."

Her words were beautiful, her expression flawless.

But her sharply manicured nails, hidden from others' view, dug cruelly into my hand.