The birthday celebration went without a hitch as Zixin acted completely normal. Though what happened at the office had eroded the joy from his heart, he couldn't bear to show the same dispirited demeanor in front of his family.
He looked at his mother, father, grandparents, siblings. This birthday meant a lot to them. He felt it in their gazes where the twinkling never ceased to stop. How could he let them down by expressing his own predicament?
I have to smile. For their sake, I cannot appear like I am bothered by something.
From the corner of his eye, he traced the silhouette of Guiying's figure and froze. He knew she was watching him and taking small steps to reach him. His hands trembled. An urge to just turn away engulfed within him.
I cannot…
Neither had he the heart to avoid her nor the guts to face her. The more she came closer, the more disarray spread in his chest.
"Zixin…"
