109
In Canada, the only trace left of her was the news of her passing
Pat spent Christmas in the company of others, entirely forgetting to contact Stacy.
Three days later, just as he was wrapping up some company matters, an email from Toronto University landed in
his inbox
[Sorry, the project is already full, and Tara’s approval has not been granted]
The short email sparked a wave of inexplicable irritation in him.
Later that evening, after finishing his paperwork, Pat prepared to attend Sandra’s birthday party. Before heading. out, he picked up his phone to send a message to someone he hadn’t reached out to in a while:
[Let’s meet at the restaurant tonight to talk.]
With that, he put his phone aside, left the office humming, and drove off
Sandra’s birthday celebration had been Tara’s idea and was hosted at the Taylor family estate. The party was teeming with people from their social circle.
Tara had also suggested having Stacy perform at the event. Sandra, a music enthusiast, was excited about the idea of hearing her play the piano. While Pat didn’t object, his lingering frustration from the past few days made him unwilling to reach out to Stacy himself.
When Pat arrived at Taylor’s restaurant, Jeanie hurried out to meet him. He glanced at his watch–the party had already started, and the sounds of lively chatter echoed from the backyard.
“Jeanie, hand me the gift–quickly.”
Jeanie hesitated, seeming as though she wanted to say something, but in the end, she just shook her head and dashed back inside to retrieve the gift.
Pat took the package from her, a faint smile on his lips, and made his way to the backyard.
As soon as he stepped in, he became the center of attention, drawing admiring gazes from all sides.
10 10 AM c d ·
Lung My San
Sandra, dressed elegantly in a red velvet tube dress, approached him with graceful steps. “Pat, you’re late! You’ll have to punish yourself with three drinks.”
Tara chimed in, teasing alongside her. The crowd, sensing Pat’s cheerful mood, joined in the playful banter.
Pat’s expression softened, and his tone was indulgent. “Alright, since it’s your birthday, you make the rules.”
He raised his glass and downed it in one go.
Tara’s sharp eyes landed on the gift in his hand. Feigning curiosity, she called out loudly, “Pat, what did you get Sandra? Show everyone!”
Pat remained composed as he handed the gift over to Sandra.
Under everyone’s watchful gaze, Sandra’s cheeks flushed with a shy smile as she accepted the box.
*Sandra, aren’t you curious? Don’t you want to see what my brother picked out for you?” Tara teased, her voice full of mischief.
Pat’s smile remained gentle–he had already told Tara about the gift. It was an elegant piece of jewelry, nothing unexpected. But seeing Tara stir up excitement, he decided to let her have her fun. He understood the small joys o of girls and didn’t mind indulging them.
Sandra hesitated, stepping back slightly as she opened the box with a playful air of mystery. But the first thing she saw wasn’t jewelry. It was a stark piece of black–and–white paper.
Her heart jolted.
Everyone eagerly leaned in, anticipating her reaction. Tara, expecting an exclamation of delight, was caught off guard when Sandra’s face went pale instead.
Known for her grace and composure, Sandra rarely showed such vulnerability. Her uncharacteristic reaction left the group bewildered.
Tara frowned, glancing at the gift box in confusion. She had checked it earlier that morning–she knew it contained a piece of expensive jewelry. What could have caused such a reaction?
“What’s wrong?” Pat asked, his brows furrowing as he moved closer to take a look.
Before he could reach her, Sandra quickly snapped the box shut.
“Pat, it’s beautiful. I love it. Thank you,” she said, her voice steady but noticeably strained.
Relieved by her words, the others relaxed, reassured that everything was fine.
