Chapter 488 Made a Mistake
Gabriel walked over, holding a bouquet of champagne roses, looking sharp in his black suit. His face was hidden by the backlight, but his warm smile was clear.
His tall frame cast long shadows on the ground.
As he reached Sophia, the lights in the media room flicked on. His voice, low and husky, said, "Sophie, happy birthday."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat when she saw him.
The kids' video had already surprised her, but Gabriel had more planned.
The roses were stunning. Sophia, still in her loungewear with no makeup and her hair casually tied up, looked effortlessly beautiful.
She took the roses and smiled. "Thank you."
Gabriel was captivated by her smile. He pulled out a small box and opened it to reveal a diamond necklace.
Sophia thought the roses were her gift and didn't expect more.
Gabriel smiled. "This is the black diamond from the auction. You looked at it a few times, so I bought it."
Sophia remembered. She had admired the necklace but never thought of owning it. She couldn't accept such an expensive gift. "It's too valuable; I can't accept it."
"Sophie," Gabriel said, looking deeply at her.
Sophia sensed something, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.
Gabriel's gaze softened, full of affection. "I've been trying to make up for past mistakes. I thought I had more time until I saw you surrounded by other great guys. It made me realize I couldn't wait."
Sophia's heart raced, her mind a blur.
"Sophie, can you give me a chance?"
A voice inside her screamed; this was her dream. She had always wanted Gabriel to confess his love.
Today, that dream was real.
She wanted to say yes.
Gabriel's palm was sweaty, his heart pounding. He wanted to say more but was too nervous.
He felt like a lovestruck teenager, not his usual confident self.
"I'm sorry." Sophia's eyelashes fluttered. "That chance is gone."
Her rationality won out.
The light in Gabriel's eyes dimmed but quickly reignited. "It's okay, as long as no one else can have you either."
Sophia stayed silent.
Why did it feel like Gabriel was testing her?
Gabriel closed the box and put it in her hand. "This is your birthday gift. I won't take it back. If you don't like it, sell it or give it away."
He held her hand tightly, not letting her return it.
Sophia struggled for a bit, then gave up.
Gabriel held her hand. "Let's go out for dinner."
Ruth had already arranged for a chef to prepare all of Sophia's favorite dishes.
Since Sophia and the kids loved spicy food, Gabriel had learned to handle it too. Even Sam could eat a bit now.
Caroline and Josie were guests at The Lancaster Villa.
At 8:30 PM, the villa's lights went out, and a projection showed photos of the kids teaching Gabriel how to make a cake.
"Happy birthday to you..." Everyone sang as Gabriel slowly pushed the cake closer.
It was Gabriel's first time making a cake, and he was both curious and excited.
Sophia was touched, but the cake's appearance made her chuckle.
Gabriel quickly said, "It's my first time. I'll make it look better next time."
Emma added, "Mommy, Daddy burned his hand making the cake for you."
Gabriel hugged Emma. "Just a small blister, no big deal. Make a wish."
Sophia closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew out the candles.
This was her third birthday with the Lancaster family. During the first two, when they were still married, Gabriel didn't even remember her birthday. Only Ruth would order a cake, give her a gift, and have the chef make longevity noodles.
With family and friends around, Sophia had a happy and unforgettable birthday.
A servant brought in a beautifully wrapped box with a pink bow.
"Who sent this?" Sophia asked.
The servant replied, "The delivery man said it's a birthday gift for Ms. Kelly."
Sophia took it, and Caroline leaned over curiously. "Let's see who it's from."
Sophia opened it and found a book. Her eyes lit up. "This is an out-of-print design book!"
Sophia was thrilled, her excitement palpable.
Caroline took out the card inside. "Look at this."
Sophia stuck out her tongue. "Almost forgot."
She opened the card, with Caroline peeking over.
"Jake?"
The design book was from Jake.
Jake was still abroad, but the gift had been prepared long ago.
Seeing how much Sophia liked the book, Gabriel felt Jake was a tough rival.
At least in making Sophia happy, Jake was good at it.
But Gabriel wasn't. He hung his head.
Sam noticed Gabriel's low spirits and held his big hand, gesturing, "Daddy, don't be discouraged. Keep it up!"
Gabriel gently squeezed Sam's hand and stood up straight.
The Blackwood family was hosting a banquet to entertain old friends and potential business partners.
Sophia had to attend and help Jennifer organize the event.
This was the Blackwood family's first banquet since returning to the country, very important.
Time was tight.
Jennifer and Sophia were as busy as bees.
Patricia stayed by Celeste's side, not offering to help.
Celeste thought Patricia should gain some experience, so she had her join in.
Once Patricia joined, the smooth preparations for the banquet hit a snag the day before it was to begin.
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