CHAPTER 38
At the end of May, it was Daphne's birthday—five days after the unwanted encounter with Lux and more than a week after meeting Pen. It could be considered a stroke of luck that the two of them had suddenly disappeared and no longer disturbed Viv's peaceful dream life. Although Viv felt a twinge of worry deep down, it seemed insignificant since today was a special day.
In the morning, Daphne woke up early, prepared breakfast for both of them, and made lunch for Viv. Daph continued her daily routine as if she didn't remember (or didn't care) that it was a special day.
Viv woke up after Daph had already prepared lunch and put it in the fridge. She walked down the stairs, feeling drowsy and sleepy, as if the world owed her a good night's sleep. Work at the company seemed urgent today, and just as Viv was starting to wake up, Daph quickly kissed her goodbye and left through the door.
"Such a busy tyrant... Right, Duke Pudding?" Viv said, holding the cat like a baby, her face buried in the soft black fur. Perhaps Viv was worrying too much about Lux or Pen; there was no need to dwell on people they had only known socially for a few months while doing missions as agents.
Viv cleaned herself up but didn't open the bookstore door as she usually did. She wore a crop top and loose jeans, with a long black coat over it. After making sure Duke Pudding was safe inside, Viv locked the door and got into her black car. Today was going to be very interesting.
The London evening was filled with a cool summer breeze and the scent of cherry pie wafting from the hidden bookstore in the alley. Although the store was closed today, quite a few customers seemed eager to stop by and enjoy the sweet aroma. Daph arrived at the house, still looking outstanding—tall and composed—as she unlocked the door with practiced ease. She seemed a little surprised to find the large dining table filled with cakes, including her favorite Baumkuchen. Daph casually tossed her handbag onto the nearby sofa, petted Duke Pudding, and appeared behind Viv, who was still busy decorating the cake.
"Are you going to have cake for dinner today?" Daph asked, her gentle gaze fixed on Viv.
Viv didn't startle; she chuckled lightly, her head still down and her hands busy with the cake. "A few months ago, when Christmas was in prison, I really did eat cake for dinner," Viv teased.
Daph laughed as she walked around the kitchen. Viv continued, "Oh, no need for Christmas; every American meal is full of sugar and butter."
"Welcome to the land of obesity," Daph replied softly, wrapping her arms around Viv's waist, her chin resting lightly on her shoulder.
Once the cake was finally decorated, Viv paused for a moment and then suddenly turned to face Daph, startling her a little.
"Happy Birthday, Daphne," Viv whispered, gently lifting her loose t-shirt to reveal part of her stomach. The metallic light caught Daph's eyes, and her expression shifted from surprise to delight.
"You really did it?" Daph exclaimed, looking at Viv's newly pierced belly ring. Viv raised one eyebrow slightly, closely observing Daph's every reaction.
"Why did you say you'd only pierce it on your birthday?" Daph asked, her mouth still curved in an amused smile.
Viv let her shirt fall back down, turned to grab the plate of cake, and brought it to the dining table, replying as she walked, "I've thought about it; I need a little pain to forget the annoying worries."
Daph fell silent; she knew what Viv was thinking. She gently approached Viv and hugged her, stroking her back soothingly. Daph didn't want to mention or remind her of anything that might cause worry. Understanding Daph's actions, Viv looked at her and smiled lightly. Then she took out a leather box from her apron pocket. Daph observed Viv's expression and followed her hand movements with constant curiosity. Viv gently opened the box, revealing a pair of light green stone stud belly piercings (like Daph's eyes).
Viv brought it close to Daph, whispering, "This is just the first birthday present; I still have a few more gifts to reveal later."
Daph smiled happily, quickly accepted the gift, and tried on the belly piercing right away. However, Viv couldn't wear the pair with Daph yet because she needed a healing period before she could change to that.
That night was peaceful and joyful as Viv gave Daph more than two meaningful birthday gifts that Daph had not expected to receive.
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