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Chapter 99 Julia, Happy Birthday
Carter’s attention snapped to the sound of his name. He turned his head, squinting into the distance. There, on the horizon, two figures emerged a man and a woman. The distance was challenging, but Carter could feel his heart race as he squinted to make out their features. The girl’s form was uncannily like Julia’s, and the man bore a striking resemblance to someone Carter knew. A knot of intrigue formed in his stomach.
His gaze remained fixed on the girl, the similarities striking him with each passing moment.
Could it really be Julia?
His mind raced, thoughts whirling in a maelstrom of possibilities. The man accompanying her, could it truly be him?
Before Carter could fully digest this improbable sight, the duo embarked on the Princess cruise ship, their figures growing clearer as they neared. Vivien, Carter’s fiancée, voiced her disbelief, debunking the notion that the newcomers could be Julia and the man from Carter’s thoughts. “You read it wrong,” he convinced himself. “It couldn’t be them.”
A
pang of disappointment crept over him, but the uncanny resemblances persisted, refusing to be dismissed so easily.
Vivien’s voice faltered as she shared her belief that the newcome were the president and wife of the Brooks Corporation’s wealthy family.
“I’m sure of it. That’s the Brook’s President and his wife.”
As her words trailed off, a hint of envy tainted her expression – the other woman appeared happier, and Vivien yearned for the same joy.
“By the way, have you met the president of the Brooks Corporation? Their family’s filthy rich.” Carter’s focus remained on the man who could be a doppelgänger of himself. “No, I haven’t had the opportunity to meet the president of the Brooks Corporation,” Carter admitted, his thoughts still swirling. “Mr. Brooks rarely shows up. Few people know what he looks like. I hope to have a chance to meet him in the future.”
Carter’s gaze remained fixed on the man and the woman standing together. His desire to approach and exchange greetings was palpable, but the timing weighed on his mind. Today was a celebration, a day meant for joy, and Carter hesitated, not wanting his presence to inadvertently dampen the festivities.
Vivien’s words cut through the moment, her voice filled with unwavering devotion. “President Ross, please don’t let these concerns trouble you. The guests are waiting.”
That snapped Carter out of his dilemma. “Viv…I’m sorry, I originally planned to give you an unforgettable grand wedding today, but it turned out-”
“President Ross, I don’t care about these things. As long as I can be with you forever, it will be my greatest happiness.” Vivien looked at Carter tenderly; her eyes held a sincerity that touched Carter’s heart, reminding him of the profound bond they had nurtured. He found himself drawn to her, his lips curving into a soft smile.
Seeing such a sensible girl, Carter reaffirmed his decision that Vivien was his best wife and that his choice was not wrong.
As the Princess set sail and the scene changed, Julia boarded the cruise, her curiosity evident. Had they arrived early?
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“Why is there no one? Did we come early?” Her voice betrayed her confusion, assuming this venture held different intentions than a birthday celebration.
Julia thought that Jared had asked her to come on the Princess because of other things. It turned out that she and Jared were the only two people on board the cruise ship.
The man accompanying her, however, smiled, drawing Julia’s attention upward. Her eyes followed his gaze, searching the sky for a hint. Yet, there was nothing to see. A puzzled expression painted her features, questioning his intentions.
“What’re you look-”
Then, in an instant, the sky erupted in a dazzling display of fireworks. Colors blossomed against the dark canvas of the night, each explosion a burst of brilliance. Julia’s eyes widened, her pupils reflecting the splendor as she stood awestruck, caught in a silent reverie.
A sense of awe filled the air on the nearby cruise ship as Vivien, Carter, and the wedding attendees gazed upwards. The night sky was painted with a breathtaking display of fireworks, each burst of color and light creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Vivien’s heart swelled with gratitude, her voice filled with wonder. “It’s so incredibly beautiful! President Ross, you are so kind to me!”
Vivien believed this to be a surprise orchestrated by Carter, a gesture of his thoughtfulness to make her day even more special.
Carter, however, was lost in the cascade of light, only to be pulled back by the chorus of praises from those around him. He acknowledged their admiration, uncertain whether he should claim credit for the mesmerizing spectacle. However, just as Carter was about to explain, a chorus of praise burst forth from the assembled guests. Their words of admiration flowed like a gentle stream, enveloping them in a sea of approval.
“As expected of the Ross Empire! Even with the wealth and wealth, setting off the fireworks for such a long time is not a small expense!”
“I’m so envious! Darling, look at the way a husband loves his wife. I’ll learn from him!”
Upon hearing these remarks, Carter directed his gaze toward Vivien, offering a smile as he responded, “Your happiness is all that matters.”
While his words were sincere, Carter harbored a small secret. He hadn’t orchestrated this spectacle, but he also didn’t want to disclose that fact.
Little did he know that in that instant, the sky’s fireworks underwent a dramatic transformation. The fireworks show shifted, forming a sequence of words in the sky, and his heart plummeted.
“Julia, Happy Birthday!”
The words glowed with an undeniable intent, a message that struck like a blow.
Vivien’s joy evaporated, and her happiness turned bitter. The truth was unmistakable – the celebration wasn’t for her. Now they fully understand that this is not the fireworks feast that Carter prepared for Vivien.
Carter’s expression faltered, his shock palpable. The atmosphere around them shifted, the guests‘ gazes turned curious and speculative, and all eyes were fixed upon the couple.
Carter and Vivien’s shared glance was laden with confusion, the unspoken question hanging heavily in the air. Could it truly be Julia and the mysterious man? Hope and disbelief warred
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within them, their hearts yearning for an answer.
“Julia!”
The exclamation escaped their lips simultaneously, causing both Carter and Vivien to turn their attention toward the Princess, their expressions a mix of anticipation and disbelief.
Could it be…?
But even before their thoughts could fully crystallize, skepticism took hold. The notion seemed far–fetched, too impossible to entertain. If Julia had truly risen to become part of the affluent Brooks Corporation family, Carter’s eagerness to showcase her success would have been undeniable.
The thought of Julia’s presence being intentional seemed unlikely, dismissed as a mere coincidence.
Yes. Just a coincidence.
Meanwhile, Julia’s gaze was riveted to the sky, her emotions swirling like a tempest. She looked at the row of disappearing words in the sky, and the upsurge of being moved in her heart could not be described in any words.
Jared’s gaze remained locked on Julia, his own heart stirring with a mix of emotions. He had orchestrated this surprise with meticulous care. But witnessing Juli enuine awe and gratitude, he felt a warmth spread through him that transcended his carefully laid plans.
As Julia finally tore her gaze away from the sky, her eyes met Jared’s, and in that fleeting moment, a silent understanding passed between them.
Jared’s voice broke through the stillness, its timbre soothing and reassuring.
“Do you like it?” The man’s voice was very pleasant as if it was played by a cello, and it sounded very pleasant.
Julia felt hypnotized, moisture beading in the corner of her eyes, but she quickly blinked them.
She then focused her full gaze on him, her heart full of gratitude.
away.
“I do,” she whispered, her voice tinged with emotion. “Thank you.”
He shook his head, his own expression tender.
“You don’t need to be polite to me,” Jared responded warmly, observing the delight radiating from the girl’s expression.
A soft smile curved Julia’s lips as she stepped closer, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. “I truly appreciate this, Jared. It’s more than I could have ever imagined.”
He returned her smile, a warmth radiating from his gaze. “I’m glad you liked it.”
He made a mental note to express his gratitude to Shiloh later for the suggestion.
Jared recollected his initial reluctance when Shiloh had proposed the idea of fireworks. He had initially dismissed it as outdated, deeming it too traditional. However, Shiloh persisted, emphasizing the enduring appeal of time–honored traditions. The routine might be met with surface resistance, but deep down, it could still resonate with a person’s heart.
“It’s windy outside. Let’s go in. I prepared dinner inside.”
He led her inside, away from the chilly breeze that had begun to nip at their skin,
Julia wrapped her arms around herself and briskly rubbed them together, her words a soft admission of the growing chill. “I was so captivated by the fireworks earlier that I didn’t notice the
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cold creeping in now.”
Jared, with a hint of self–reproach, swiftly shed his coat and draped it over Julia’s shoulders. A faint furrowing of his brows betrayed his regretful oversight. The sea’s breeze carried a chill that he had momentarily forgotten amidst the spectacle.
Julia glanced down at the coat enveloping her, tucking it in around her form. With Jared by her side, they retreated indoors, the promise of warmth beckoning. As they stepped within, memories of her previous life resurfaced. Julia had frequented the Princess on many occasions, her recollections entwined with each corner of the ship.
The cruise ship harbored a plethora of diversions, a haven of luxurious entertainment. Swimming pools, bowling alleys, and an array of indulgent amenities awaited, forming a playground for the affluent. A surge of nostalgia swept over her – the longing for days gone by, the echoes of treasured
moments.
Observing Julia’s inquisitive gaze as she surveyed her surroundings, Jared presumed it to be her first time here. He couldn’t help but think she was immersed in a world of novelty, unaware of the cherished memories that lingered within every facet of the ship.
As her gaze
roved, taking in the splendor around her, Jared’s voice brought her back to the present. “Let’s eat first, and then we can explore some more.”
Her agreement was swift, her anticipation growing. A chorus of “oka, choed between them, sealing their unspoken promise.
And then, a buzz cut through the air, the intrusion of a phone call piercing the ambiance. Julia’s phone came to life, the screen displaying a familiar name – Lincoln.
Jared’s reaction was swift, his pupils narrowing as he registered the caller ID. The mix of emotions that played across his features was a complex dance of surprise, caution, and something that hinted at a deeper story.
Julia answered the call, her voice greeting Lincoln with warmth.
“Hello?”
Lincoln’s enthusiasm bubbled over, his words spilling forth like a dam released. “Boss, happy birthday!”
“Thank you,” Julia responded, her smile audible in her voice.
Lincoln, however, had much more to share, his excitement palpable. “Boss, brace yourself for this – Denver and I have prepared a big surprise for you! You’ll definitely like it.”
Curiosity tinged Julia’s response. “A big surprise? What is it?”
Lincoln’s words dripped with anticipation. “Take a look at the cruise ship nearby. It’s where the ‘dog couple‘ had their wedding!”
Julia’s mind raced, grappling to make sense of Lincoln’s words. She stepped toward the window, her gaze narrowing in on the distance not far away. And then, as if time had suspended, her pupils dilated in astonishment.
Chapter 100 1 Will Give You Whatever You Want
