Faking Forever With The Billionaire

Everything was perfect-except for the man she was celebrating.

The candles flickered gently, filling the kitchen with a soft glow. The smell of slow-cooked stew filled the air, and the table was set carefully. Alina moved around the room, humming to herself, but her smile didn't quite seem real. 

She had spent hours making the meal, making sure everything was perfect, hoping that tonight, just for once, he would actually show up. It was their third anniversary, and she had hoped tonight might be different.

She paused by the window and glanced at the clock. He had left hours ago after receiving what he claimed was an urgent call from the office. It wasn't unusual for his work to pull him away at odd times, but today, she had hoped that would change because there had always been one excuse after another. Still, she held on to the hope that he'd come back soon. And when he did, everything would be ready.

Her phone buzzed on the counter. Wiping her hands quickly on a towel, she picked it up and saw his name flash across the screen.

Kelvin

*I can't make it home, but I'll be at the penthouse. Let's celebrate our anniversary there instead. Xoxo.

Her heart lifted instantly. He hadn't forgotten. He'd just made other plans to surprise her. A wave of happiness washed over her. Maybe tonight would turn out even better than she had hoped.

She was about to reply when a voice broke through the moment.

"There you are"

Alina turned to see her best friend, Lorraine, standing in the doorway with a deep frown on her face.

"I told you this morning we had plans," 

Alina sighed and set her phone down. "Lorraine, today's our third anniversary. You really thought I wouldn't do something for it?"

Lorraine shook her head, her expression tight. "I get that, Lina. But still... you've been doing everything alone. Doesn't that bother you? He left you to plan, cook, clean like it's your duty or something. A real relationship is about teamwork, not you playing housemaid just to keep love alive."

Alina bit her lip, a little stung by Lorraine's words, because deep down, she knew they were true. Still, she quickly forced a smile. "Trust me, Kelvin isn't like that. He's been good to me. His job is demanding, and I get that. He's waiting for me at the penthouse now, we're going to celebrate there instead."

Lorraine didn't argue further, she just shrugged. "Fine. Do you need help with anything?"

Alina smiled and nodded toward the pots and dishes still waiting to be finished. " Yes please "

Together, they moved quickly, working in sync like they always did. It didn't take long before everything was ready.

Once done, Alina disappeared into the bedroom to change. She slipped into a simple yet elegant dress, added a touch of makeup, and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Tonight was going to be special, she could feel it.