The October breeze carried a slight chill.

Sophia stood in the kitchen, her fingertips dusted with cream as she carefully decorated the cake. The sailboat-shaped dessert glistened under the light, its chocolate sails gleaming.

She exhaled softly.

Today was Kyle's birthday.

The last time she celebrated it with him was thirteen years ago. Back then, they were just children—one introverted and quiet, the other reticent. Two fatherless kids sharing a small cake under an old locust tree at the alley's entrance.

Now the tree was long gone, but they had found each other again.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she placed the cake into the gift box.

Kyle's apartment was on the top floor.

When the elevator doors opened, she saw a young girl in a tank top and shorts leaning against the doorway, playing with her phone. Large hoop earrings swayed as the girl flashed deep dimples.

"Hi, I'm Lillian Yates." The girl extended a hand, her nails painted a vibrant red.

Sophia froze for a moment before recalling the girl who had delivered something for Kyle in California.

"Sophia Laurent." She shook hands politely. "I made a cake for Kyle's birthday."

Lillian ushered her inside enthusiastically, though her eyes never stopped scrutinizing her.

The apartment was quiet.

Sophia sat on the sofa, cradling a coffee cup. Lillian sat across from her, gaze burning.

"Miss Laurent is so beautiful," Lillian suddenly remarked. "No wonder Kyle likes you so much."

The cup wobbled slightly in Sophia's hands.

The sound of the door unlocking shattered the awkwardness.

Kyle walked in with a bouquet of pale blue daisies, his stern features softening instantly at the sight of Sophia.

"Kyle." She stood, accepting the flowers. "Happy birthday."

Lillian pouted. "Where are my red roses?"

Kyle shot her a cool glance. "This is my cousin's sister. She's visiting the city for a few days."

Dinner was tense.

Every time Kyle served Sophia a dish, Lillian served him one. Glass after glass of wine left Sophia lightheaded.

"This wine..." She swirled her glass. "Tastes strange."

Kyle took a sip and frowned at Lillian.

"It's Romanée-Conti!" Lillian hurried to explain. "I brought it from California!"

Sophia excused herself to the restroom. The mirror reflected her flushed cheeks. She splashed water on her face, but the fire inside only burned hotter.

By the time she returned to the dining room, her steps were unsteady.

"I should go." She braced herself against the table, voice trembling.

Kyle's face was also flushed. He reached out to steady her, but she pulled away.

"There's absinthe in the wine," he rasped. "It causes hallucinations and euphoria."

Sophia let out a bitter laugh, fumbling for her phone.

When the call connected, she didn't recognize the voice. "Come get me... I drank too much..."

"Sophia!" The voice on the other end turned icy.

Only then did she realize it was Ethan.

"Mr. Sullivan is picking me up," she told Kyle, slumping weakly against the wall.

Kyle clenched his fists, turned, and slammed the bedroom door behind him.

Lillian stammered an apology. "I just wanted to play a joke..."

When Ethan burst through the door, he found Sophia sprawled on the sofa. Her eyes were glazed, lips slightly parted, the collar of her blouse revealing a glimpse of pale skin.

"Sophia!" He scooped her into his arms.

The woman in his arms stared blankly, her fingers brushing his face. "Who are you?"

Ethan gritted his teeth. "Your husband."