The next day, Kaia was woken up by one of the maids who came to help her bathe. The maid’s cheerful greeting felt like a jarring contrast to Kaia’s mood. She dismissed the maid, saying, "I prefer to be alone, thank you." The maid nodded respectfully and left, closing the door softly behind her.
Kaia slowly walked to the mirror. Her heart sank at the sight of her reflection. She looked pitiful, with swollen eyes from all the crying and the internal turmoil. The suffering was visible on her face, a testament to the night’s emotional wreckage.
She took her phone and found a flood of messages from friends wishing her a happy birthday. Her heart clenched when she saw a message from Adam. With trembling hands, she opened it and read his romantic words, full of hope and anticipation. He wrote a
