Chapter 370
Anna Ross was still hesitating.
Lucas Evans bent down and took her hand.
A gift was pressed into her palm.
"Anna, a birthday gift."
His voice was very soft.
"You accepted theirs."
"Not accepting mine would be rude."
Anna snapped back to reality.
She thanked him quietly.
She clutched the gift tightly.
Mia Lawrence jumped onto the stage.
She grabbed the microphone and shouted.
"The birthday party starts now!"
Cheers instantly erupted.
The cake was wheeled out.
Anna picked up the knife.
Everyone received a slice.
Lucas suddenly moved closer.
His fingertip was coated with frosting.
He gently dabbed it on her cheek.
Anna froze.
She looked down at the cake in her hand.
She scooped up a bit of frosting.
She swiped it back at him.
The frosting landed right on the tip of his nose.
It looked rather silly.
Someone laughed.
Soon, laughter filled the room.
Mia walked over.
"You two are really…"
She didn't finish her sentence.
She noticed Julian Garnache in the corner.
He was quietly eating his cake.
An idea sparked in her mind.
She took a piece of cake and crept closer.
She circled behind him.
While he was distracted.
She smeared frosting on his cheek.
Julian frowned and turned around.
He grabbed her wrist firmly.
Mia gasped.
She lost her balance.
Pulled by his force.
She tumbled straight into his arms.
It was the first time she was this close to the person she liked.
Her face flushed instantly.
Her heart raced nervously.
Her fingers clutched at her clothes.
She was speechless.
Julian realized it was her.
He immediately let go.
"Mia?"
"Sorry."
He stood up and grabbed a tissue to wipe his face.
Mia was still dazed.
She took a few seconds to apologize.
"Julian, I'm sorry."
"Are you mad?"
She suddenly regretted it.
She was afraid he disliked such behavior.
Julian smiled.
"It's fine."
"I just wasn't paying attention. It startled me."
Mia became even more flustered.
She didn't dare say another word.
"Mia, come play a game."
Anna waved her over.
Mia glanced at Julian.
She ran over and joined them.
Anna was having fun with them.
A faint smile graced her face.
It was much better than her previous expressionless state.
Mia sat down next to her.
But her gaze drifted back to Julian.
He sat alone in the corner.
Aside from those few words earlier.
He hadn't spoken again.
He seemed preoccupied.
She sighed softly.
She had sensed his unhappiness earlier.
"You lost! Drink!"
The crowd suddenly erupted.
A drink was pushed toward Anna.
Lucas reached out and stopped it.
"I'll drink for her."
"Anna doesn't drink. Please understand."
He threw his head back and finished it.
Anna pressed her lips together.
After a moment's hesitation, she spoke.
"Lucas, thank you."
"But I can handle it myself."
She didn't drink.
But she disliked owing favors even more.
Lucas's eyes dimmed briefly.
Then he smiled again.
"It's nothing."
"I have a high tolerance."
"Just leave it to me."