Chapter 872 Brandon, Happy Birthday
Brandon said it, and Penelope should understand what he meant.
"We're doing just fine, really," Penelope quickly tried to smooth things over. "I've never celebrated your birthday before! A quiet birthday can be special too!"
"Yeah, this will be my most unforgettable birthday."
Penelope felt like there was more to Brandon's words.
But she brushed off the thought, thinking she was just being overly sensitive and overthinking things.
"Come on, make a wish and blow out the candles," Penelope said, looking at the waiter. "Excuse me, could you bring out the cake?"
"Of course, ma'am."
The waiter was about to step forward when Brandon interjected, "No need, I'll handle it. You can leave."
"Yes, Mr. Walker. I'll be right outside. If you need anything, just ring the bell."
Penelope watched the waiter leave, feeling a bit uneasy.
She thought the waiter could have stayed.
Being alone with Brandon like this made her a bit uncomfortable!
She wasn't here to get back at Kelvin by going on a date with Brandon; she was genuinely here to celebrate Brandon's birthday!
As Brandon unwrapped the cake and started placing the candles, he said, "Penelope, aren't you going to help me?"
"Oh, right..." She stood up. "I'm coming."
They stood together, heads bowed, arranging the cake.
"I'll do it," Penelope said. "You just make your wish."
She lit the candles and then ran to turn off the lights. The flickering candlelight illuminated Brandon's face, highlighting his features in the dim room.
In the darkness, his eyes shone brightly.
Brandon just stared at Penelope.
"Why are you looking at me? Make your wish," Penelope said, averting her gaze.
Brandon's look made her nervous.
She knew what it meant when a man looked at her like that.
Even though Brandon had said he was over it and was willing to be friends again, feelings like that don't just disappear.
They're uncontrollable.
Loving someone is an emotion that can't be suppressed.
Especially since it hadn't been that long, even if Brandon wanted to move on, it would take time.
Penelope softly sang the birthday song.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."
As she sang, Brandon closed his eyes, clasped his hands together, and silently made a wish.
In his heart, he wished, "I hope to win over the woman beside me soon. I love her. May we be together forever."
Then, Brandon opened his eyes and blew out the candles.
He cut the first piece of cake and handed it to Penelope. "Thanks for coming to celebrate with me today."
"No problem, it's what friends do."
"I know you're worried about something. Don't worry, we're just having a meal and celebrating a birthday. Even if Kelvin asks, that's all it is. We're clean and innocent. I won't do anything to make you uncomfortable."
Hearing this, Penelope's heart softened again.
He was a gentleman, always so considerate. Even after everything Isabella did to him, he still took care of her in the end.
Such a good man, and she had always been so guarded around him.
Penelope felt she was being too petty!
"I know," Penelope replied. "That's why I came to celebrate your birthday."
She smiled. "Now that we've cleared things up, there's no awkwardness between us. Happy birthday, Brandon."
She dipped her finger in a bit of frosting and smeared it on his face.
"Birthday people have to do this," Penelope said. "Leave it, don't wipe it off."
He chuckled and nodded. "Alright, if you say so."
Penelope quickly took a bite of the cake and sat back down.
Being so close to Brandon still made her a bit uncomfortable.
She was only used to being close to Kelvin! Smelling the faint scent on Kelvin!
She was overthinking it. Brandon was a gentleman who knew his boundaries and wouldn't do anything to her.
A little physical contact was normal; it wasn't like they were hugging or anything.
The waiter started bringing out the dishes.
One after another, they were all exquisite and delicious.
Penelope didn't have much of an appetite. Her period had started, and her lower abdomen was cramping, but out of respect for Brandon, she tried a bit of each dish.
"Is the food not to your taste?" Brandon asked. "Should we order something else you like?"
"No, it's fine. I can only eat so much."
Brandon held his knife and fork. "You seem preoccupied. I can tell. Penelope, whenever you had that look before, it meant you were facing a tough situation, and I could help you. I still can."
"Penelope, I always hope that when you encounter trouble, the first person you think of is me. I'm willing to help you with anything; no need to hide it from me."
Penelope smiled. "My life is great now, happy and peaceful. I don't have any worries. Brandon, you're overthinking it. Or do you want me to go back to the chaotic life I had before?"
"That's not what I meant, Penelope. I..."
"I'm just joking," Penelope said. "Don't take it seriously, lighten up."
Brandon nodded, his smile gentle and harmless, without any aggression.
But his grip on the knife and fork tightened.
He had asked on purpose, hoping Penelope would mention the photos of Kelvin and Thessaly.
But she didn't say a word!
Why? What was going on?
Brandon had seen those photos himself; there was no mistake. He was sure Penelope would be furious if she saw them!
Any woman would be angry seeing her husband cozying up to a movie star!
But Penelope acted like nothing was wrong!
He had asked, and she still didn't say anything!
Was she trying to hide it, thinking it was a private matter?
Or did she believe Kelvin wouldn't betray her?
Thinking it over, Brandon casually asked, "Penelope, Mr. Davis treats you well, right?"
He carefully observed Penelope's expression, looking for any sign of unease.
However, Penelope remained calm and composed.
"We're doing great," Penelope's answer was somewhat surprising. "Brandon, I've realized that in any relationship, whether it's marriage, friendship, or family, it's not about who treats whom well, but that both parties are good to each other."
"You mean, Kelvin treats you well, and you treat him well."
"Exactly, so I said, we're doing great."
She emphasized the word "we."
Because she and Kelvin were a unit.
He was a part of her, and she was a part of him.
In LA, when people mentioned Kelvin, they thought of Penelope. When they mentioned Penelope, they naturally thought of Kelvin.
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