Chapter 19 - Birthday

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"W-what?" I blinked.

"I lost her and no one deserves the blame except for me." He lowered his eyes.

What he just said left my mouth open. I didn't know that a guy like him will have a painful story. I can't imagine how it was for him.

"W-what happened?" I looked at him, trying to see his reaction. After a few seconds, a word didn't come out. Maybe he doesn't want to remember it right now. "It's okay, sir. If you don't want to talk about it, it's fine. I'm sorry for asking."

But still, he didn't say a thing. He just continued on staring at the beach and suddenly something came up to my mind.

"There's a reason why you chose this place. Am I right?" I asked him with a soft voice. I'm guessing he remembers something whenever he comes up here.

"This is a park back then. We used to have picnic here every Sunday with mom and dad," he told me.

So, it means that before her sister got lost, they were a happy family, like… us.

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"Anything you want to tell me?" He arched a brow while holding the tablet I gave. I showed him his schedule for the day.

"Hmm?" I innocently looked at him. He leaned while he was still sitting down to stare at me like he's reading my mind by looking at my eyes.

"You look… odd. What's wrong, Liv?" He asked again and I remained silent. I'm not good at lying! The only reason I act weird is because I'm not used to seeing him in pain. "Fine. If you don't want to tell me now, tell me later. Have dinner with me tonight, it's on me."

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Did the day go too fast or was it just because I didn't want him to ask me about why I'm being stupid lately?

We're now in a fancy restaurant because he kept his word on treating me for dinner. I'm not familiar with the food in here so he suggested some of them and I just chose the one which would suit my taste. I was staring at the flower vase in front of us while he was talking to someone on the phone, it was probably the architect or the engineer whom we talked to last time.

His call ended right before the food was served. I thanked the waiter before he walked away. Mr. Parker suggested this pasta and it tasted really good.

"How is it?" He asked while slicing his steak.

"It's good, sir. I've never tasted anything like this before." I smiled before drinking my lemonade.

I was still drinking when I noticed that some of the people here are looking at him. Is it because he looked good or because they know that he's the owner of Parker Hotel?

Argh, why am I distracting myself over a thing I'm not interested about?

"Who are you looking at?" He asked before taking a bite. I glanced at the girls before looking at him.

"Those girl looks like they want to have a date with you, sir." I continued eating my pasta.

"Really? Ask them when." He just took my attention when he said that. But I don't know, I somehow feel relieved on how he acted. I slightly furrowed my eyebrows at him and he let out a short laugh. "What?"

"There he is." I smiled a bit.

"What are you talking about?" He smiled like he knows how flirty he is.

"It's the first time I saw you smile this week," I blurted. I thought it would change his mood but his smile didn't disappear. My naughty boss is now back.

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Mr. Parker offered to give me a ride on my way home. I said I could just take the bus but he insisted. After twenty minutes, we already arrived at my apartment. I went out of his car and he did too. He put his hands on his pockets before I stood in front of him.

"Thanks for the dinner and for the ride, sir. You really didn't have to drive me home." I smiled when I remembered how jolly he was when we're talking inside the car. His bright mood really came back. I wonder what's the reason behind.

"You're welcome," he responded with a smile.

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For the whole week, me and my colleagues planned a special surprise birthday party for Mr. Parker. He's turning twenty-six and to be honest, he looks young at his age.

We decided to make it at the event hall, the smaller one compared to the one we used for the 32nd anniversary. When everything was settled, I asked them to turn of the lights so I can already fetch Mr. Parker. Actually, no one greeted him today here in the hotel, not even the maintenance staff. I hope he doesn't feel bad about it because now, he's going to be surprised.

I went to his office and he's doing a paper work. I'm pretty sure it wasn't that important because we just finished a lot of work yesterday. He's just might be advancing some of the works,

"Mr. Parker, your friend asks you to meet him right now." Nailed it!

"Really? Who? Tell him to come here," he said while looking at some of the folders. This guy's dedication on his work is on a different level. It's his freaking birthday! Doesn't he think he deserves to relax just for the day?

"Uhm, that's the problem, sir." I think my acting skills are improving. "He wants you to meet him at the event hall at the 20th floor. Will it be okay to you, sir?"

"Whose friend of mine? I have a lot of connection, you know," he asked before leaning on his chair.

"Darn it," I mumbled. "I didn't get his name, Mr. Parker. I'm sorry." I gave him an apologetic look.

He suspiciously looked at me. "What's with you? You don't usually talk that way?" He tilted his head a bit.

"Nothing, sir." I smiled.

He chuckled before standing up and following me. We remained silent while waiting for the elevator to open. As soon as we got into the event hall, they flashed the lights open and greeted him.

"Happy Birthday, Mr. Parker!" We all said simultaneously.

Mr. Parker happily thanked them all, including me. Well, he looked so happy and a bit surprised which made me happy too because our plan met the goal. There's a mini buffet and we all started eating then we had some drinks after. I got him a glass of wine and I have mine too.

"I can't thank you enough, Liv. You don't know how you made me happy. I really appreciate it." He smiled at me before drinking.

"We all did the effort, Mr. Parker. It's not just me," I explained nicely.

"But still, you were the one who initiated the plan according to Alice. So, thank you." I just replied with a smile. I'm happy that he appreciated everything. "By the way, I'll have a party at my house on Sunday and everyone's invited," he informed me.

"Okay, sir. I'll take of the invitations," I said before taking a sip of the wine.

"Liv, I want you to be there," he said.

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