James is quick to provide me support as his arm holds my shoulder from behind. There is literally everyone I know in front of me! My parents are standing in the front of huge living room, and then there's Joan and Jeremy by their side. I see Carrack and Chloe behind them with the latter having a sour expression, not even trying to hide her displeasure.

What surprises me the most is the presence of my college friends. All five of them are here, in this apartment that's James's and mine. I turn a little to stare at the man who seems to have planned all this and he looks expectant of my response.

"You knew."

He nods, a grin taking over his features as he moves us further into the apartment that seems to be completely furnished. I immediately move to my parents and wrap my arms around them who hug me back as a few happy tears leave me.

"Oh, thank you so much, guys!" I speak and my father tightens his embrace before letting go. "I got the internship!"

He laughs, "I knew you would, Lillian. You're a smart girl! Happy Birthday."

"Thank you, Dad." I hug him again before turning to my mother.

"Oh baby, you've grown up so much. I can't believe you're an adult already." She coos and I laugh as she wipes over the remanent tears. "Stop the tears now."

"Happy Birthday, little sister." I hear Jeremy and immediately turn to wrap my arms around him. "Yes, yes. FaceTime doesn't do justice. I miss you too."

"Oh, Jer. I do miss you." I look at him and he grins as I turn to Joan, pulling her for a hug. "I saw the collage you edited of my pictures with this idiot. Thank you so much!"

"Hey, it was nothing." She grins as she turns to James who seems to observing everything silently. "Thank you for the e-invites. They were beautiful."

I frown, turning to James who gives a smile to her, "Thanks for coming, Joan."

God, he really did plan this, didn't he? I turn to wrap my arms around him, for once not really caring that we have people around because we've never actually met anyone at a social gathering since our first kiss. We don't have to pretend anymore, this is us — a work in progress.

"Thank you, thank you so much." I blink up at him and he grins, not saying a single word as he presses his lips on my cheek.

James's communication turns even lesser in social gatherings, these are some little things that I'm noticing so that I can keep them in mind. He turns to my parents and gives them a small smile, "I'll get her back to you after meeting everyone."

They nod as we move to greet Carrack who gives me a side hug, "Happy Birthday, Lillian. This is a beautiful apartment, you two."

"Thanks, Carrack." I absolutely agree with him. There are lights on but most of the source is from the sunlight from glass doors towards the balcony. I turn to Chloe, trying so hard not to snap as I look at James who seems to be gazing between the two of us. For his sake, I take a deep breath and smile at her. "Thanks for coming."

She looks a little taken aback by my tone but nods nonetheless, a smile which I've come to recognise as fake taking over her features. "Of course, it's your day. Happy Birthday."

James visibly relaxes at her words and while I'm not a fan of her, I process the words and smile at her, for the sake of this man I'm growing to love. "Thanks, Chloe."

She grins and I look back at my husband who's smiling before he moves us towards my group of friends. Ashley is the first to throw her arms around me and squeal, "Happy, happy birthday Lil."

Max is next as he pinches my cheeks and I swat his hands away, "Always so violent. Happy birthday."

"Thank you, all of you for being here. This is honestly very surprising." I tell them honestly, still processing everything.

Austin and Natalie are next to wish me with a warm hug and then there's Caleb with a sloppy smile on his face as he wraps his arms super tightly around me, kissing my forehead before parting away. "Happy Birthday, kid."

I laugh, rolling my eyes at his words. "Thanks, Caleb. You aren't much older, you know?"

He shrugs, grinning as he moves to greet James who shakes his hand. "Great place you've got here."

"Thanks." He smiles at him before addressing everyone. "Please make yourselves comfortable and enjoy. There's some beer in the fridge, some wine and bourbon by the bar."

He points to the huge collection of various liquor bottles in front of the kitchen. When I really look at kitchen entrance do my eyes land on Mrs. George who seems to be working along with three other people in there.

"I thought she took a day off?" I look at James who just shrugs, a sly grin on his face. "You didn't have to do this."

He frowns, "You don't like it?"

"Oh, I love it."

"Then just relax and enjoy, you need it." He tells me and for once, I take his advice as I look around me to stare at people who mean the world to me, except maybe one person but I'm not going to let that hamper my mood.

"Did you not invite Hale?" I scowl at James who arches an eyebrow as if that's possible. "Then where is he?"

"He's running a little late." He informs me and I nod as I move to the kitchen, my eyes searching every inch of the apartment because of how beautiful and perfect it looks. With the furnishing, the living room seems even bigger for some reason.

"Mrs. George." I call as I enter the kitchen and the lady looks back at me.

"Oh, dear! Happy Birthday. Why didn't you tell me? Mr. Clark only mentioned it two weeks back." She grins at me. "This is a beautiful place, by the way."

"Thank you! Also, he's been planning this for a couple of weeks now?" I ask, surprise lacing my tone because I never expected it. She nods at my question and the warm feeling engulfs me as I look back at the man in the living room. He's having a conversation with our fathers as Jeremy offers him a beer he happily takes.

Oh, what have I done to deserve him? I exit the kitchen, leaving Mrs. George to prepare the food that smells heavenly in the space before moving to the living room, my eyes roaming around the space as I take in the large dining table by the kitchen area.

My friends are all occupying the couches while my mother is speaking to Chloe, who seems to be keeping a conversation with a smile on her face. Plastic! I'm admiring the view outside glass doors when someone nudges my shoulder and I turn to see Joan who's grimacing in Chloe's direction.

"No offence, Lil, but that girl stinks of mean girl vibes." She whispers and I can't help but laugh. "She's upto no good, man."

"What did she do?"

Joan sighs, looking around to see that no one can hear us. "James is this, he is that. Lillian is okay-ish. I mean, she didn't say it like that... but she has the man on a pedestal and thinks you are no good for him. Your mom doesn't see it, but I do. I see such girls around the school all day. I'm sure James deserves the admiration because duh, look at him. But dude, if she wasn't his real sister, I would say she's got hots for your husband."

"Wait, what?" I yell, gaining a little attention and then offer a sheepish smile to everyone before holding Joan by her forearm to lead her a little away. "What the hell are you saying?"

It's like Joan realises how much she has actually blurted because an embarrassing flush takes over her cheeks as she looks at me with apologetic eyes, "I didn't mean to spill that. Jer's right, I do need a mouth filter. I just meant that she has this super weird vibe."

God, I rub my temples because now I can't get her words out of my mind. "What made you say that last part?"

Even recalling it leaves a shudder through me, because she's his sister. I don't think Joan knows that they aren't blood related. What has this girl put in my head? She's just eighteen, maybe she doesn't realise it, because it can't be like that. It can't be like that, right?

"Lil, just observe the way she looks at him and sighs. I know how wrong it sounds, but you know what? I'm putting doubt sprouts in your head. Let it be. I'm crazy and need help." She quickly rushes away from my side to stand by Jeremy.

Doubt sprout. Chloe's words from months ago come to my head when she shopped lingerie from his credit card — her actions so far just supporting the words Joan seems to have placed there. I feel a bile rising as I continue to process the information, because this can't be. Chloe loves James like she would an elder brother.

"Surprise!" Someone shouts in my ear and I jump up, my hand coming to my heart as I look back at Hale holding a huge smile on his face. "Happy birthday!"

His smiles provides a great distraction as I swat his chest, "I could've fallen down, ass!" I wrap my arms around him and he chuckles, providing me his most comfortable hug. "Thanks, Hale."

"Your husband was hella pissed yesterday, I assume you guys had a fight?" He asks as we move further into the living room and I sigh, nodding. "He told me to correct your name in the files, is that what it's about?"

I nod again, "I should've talked to him."

"Yeah, well, considering how possessive his ass can be, I don't think he would've agreed, no matter what he says." He shrugs, and I know how some part of it is true but I'm done with that topic of discussion. "You guys good now?"

"I guess?"

"Come on, he mentioned your friends will be here. Make me meet them." He says excitedly and I roll my eyes as he puts his arm around my shoulder before walking towards the couches.

I look up at Hale and then back at my friends. "Hey everyone, this is Hale, James's friend. And this is everyone, go do your magic and charm them off." I tell him and he laughs as everyone starts introducing themselves one after another.

My father and James seems to be conversing with Carrack now in conversation with Jeremy and Joan. I make my way to the former two and Dad smiles at me. "You have to keep visiting us some time, Lil."

"Yeah, I will Dad. How is the company?" I ask, realising that I really do need to pay him visit at office.

"Things are changing a little, for better. Stocks are coming up, but at a very small rate, but it's been good with Carrack's team." He explains and I nod. "You should visit sometime with James. He usually spends Thursdays with us."

"He does?" I look surprisingly at James who just shrugs. There's still so much I'm learning about him.

"It's office work, have to cater to it."

I nod in acknowledgment as Carrack approaches us, "Now, Lillian, you have a good birthday. I have to take my leave, can't have both Chairman and CEO missing on the same day."

"So soon? At least stay till lunch." I suggest and he gives me a small smile.

"I really would, but I have got an important meeting in an hour." He says as he gives me a quick hug. "I'll miss seeing you around the house, don't be a stranger, okay?"

His words leave me a little confused but I nod nonetheless. Chloe joins Carrack in leaving as she gives James a hug, "I'll see you, Jim. You have to come out with me sometime."

Joan's words immediately fill my mind but I try to push them down, not wanting to overthink this. James nods, "Yes, we'll consider it. Thanks for coming today."

Her smile falters a little at the mention 'we' as she looks at me but gives a nod before turning to Carrack. After they leave, I turn to see that my father has found his way to my mother so I turn to James.

"Are we moving in?"

He smirks, bringing up the beer bottle to sip on it and I give him a look. "Why do you think I kept this a surprise, love?"

"Oh my god, is everything done? I want to see all the rooms. I thought it was just this area, oh wow!" I look around, noticing how the hallway in the middle has a foyer table with vase on it, and how everything in the living room is perfectly furnished.

This is it. This is our home. There's absolutely no trace of the designs I picked out with Sophia, everything has been newly picked and it warms my heart as I look back at James who seems to be staring at me already.

"I didn't change a lot, just kept the theme same and close to what you selected. I hope you don't hate it."

He looks a little nervous so I just do the only thing that comes to my mind, I lean up to kiss his cheek. "I love it, absolutely love it."

A relief washes over him as he wraps an arm around my waist, looking around before he looks down at me, a smile on his face. "It's time for the cake and your gift." 

"I thought this was my gift."

"This is a party, that isn't a gift." He grins and I shake my head. "C'mon, I'll ask Mrs. George to set the cake while we slip away without anyone noticing."

I nod as he moves into the kitchen before going over to Hale. They seems to converse amongst themselves before Hale hands him over a small box that James slips in his jeans, making me frown with curiosity. He moves to me and winks, sending flutters to my stomach as he takes my hand to lead us out of the apartment.

Once we're in the elevator, I tap my foot on the floor, a thing I do when curiosity's getting the best of me. "Are we going somewhere?"

He shakes his head, a smirk playing on his lips as he moves my hand up to his face and presses a peck on my knuckles, sending a familiar sensation through me. As we step out of the elevator, he leads me to another door than we usually use in basement parking area, and this one leads to a parking space, much like the other one where lots of cars are parked but this is more secluded and smaller in size.

There's James's two cars, Audi A5 and my BMW convertible already parked here, making me frown in confusion because I had no idea when these got here. He leads me further into the space before handing me the box from his pocket.

"Here." He puts it in my hand and I open it, my breath hitching as I look inside and then back at what's in front of me. "Honestly, if you don't like it, we can get it exchanged."

"James!" I breathe, looking at the brand new Mercedes that I thought belonged to someone else, but then the box holds the key. "You got me a car?"

He nods, "You've been using the spare one, and I know it's only yours now, but I still would like to have your own. And also because I'm really bad with presents, I didn't know else to get you."

I continue to stare at the white car and then back at him. It's amazing. "I already drove around the convertible, you didn't have to."

"It's not about the have to part, love. I wanted to. Now you have the choice to drive whichever one you want." He simply shrugs then narrows his eyes at me. "Please don't tell me we're going to have to argue about this entire thing."

I shake my head immediately, still trying to process the surprise and basically everything this man is doing to make my day turn out absolutely amazing. I do want to argue with him for spending so much money on me, because I absolutely dislike expensive gifts but I don't want to fight with him, knowing that it won't lead us anywhere good.

"Thank you, thank you. I love it." I look at him and he grins at me. "But this has to be one time thing, please. No more expensive gifts, promise me."

He shakes his head, "Nope, can't do that."

"James!" I whine, making him chuckle as he leans down, his breath fanning over my face, his emerald eyes shining as he studies my face.

His eyes flicker to my lips and suddenly I realise how deep my breathing is. His hand moves from my waist to my neck as his finger traces the skin, sending a shiver through me. There's barely any distance between us so I lean up to press my lips against his, my eyes shutting immediately from the strong sensation that runs through me.

We haven't kissed since yesterday morning so my lips welcome his with hunger as he kisses me back, my body pressing against his more as heat starts building up in my stomach. I moan when his hand brushes over my breast and he parts away, shaking his head as he looks at me and gulps, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"If we don't stop right now, I'll literally take you against your car right now."

His words make me gasp but only send my stomach into more knots, not helping the heat pooling between my legs. God, if only we didn't have people waiting upstairs for us. He parts away from me, his eyes dark with desire as he looks around, clearing his throat.

"This is private parking space in the building, I bought it and will get the charger for my car installed over here." He explains, probably trying to distract both of us.

I nod, slowly processing the information while my body recovers from the impact of our kiss. I manage to mumble out, "So more like garage as well as parking space?"

He nods and I sigh, craving his touch as he bites on his inner lip, the sight of him doing it not helping me feel better in the slightest. He takes a few deep breaths before holding out his hand which I take. We don't say a word as we enter the elevator and the close proximity in enclosed space only makes my breathing turn deeper. I can feel James holding his breath till the time we step out and he pulls me closer to him by the waist.

"The things I'm going to do to you tonight." He groans, his teeth grazing my earlobe as he lightly bites on it, sending my stomach in flips as I gulp, my cheeks heated up.

When we enter the apartment, everyone's gathered by the table in middle area with a cake set in between. It has numerous choco chips on top and looks absolutely delicious. It says "Happy Birthday Lillian" with white chocolate.

"Finally the birthday girl is here!" Jeremy notices and I grin, turning to James who smirks. "If you two are done sneaking around, can we please get to eat the cake?"

"Jeremy!" My mother narrows her eyes at him to which he just shrugs.

I ignore the flush taking over me as I move to take the knife and James takes the matchstick and starts lightening the candles. After he's done, my father smiles at me, "Make a wish, Lil."

I blow out the candles, wishing for nothing but the health and happiness of my loved one. A clicking sound makes me snap my eyes upwards and Hale is holding a camera in his hand, grinning. I shake my head as I cut the cake and all my friends sing very off-key happy birthday to me that makes me laugh.

Taking the cake piece in spoon, I move to my parents and then to Jeremy, who takes a little piece from the spoon and puts it on my cheek, making me gasp.

"Jer, no!" I rub my palm on my now sweet and sticky cheek which only makes him laugh as I move forward to do the same to him but he ducks his head so instead it ends up in his hair. "Yes, I like that much better."

"Oh, you're so dead." He smiles mischievously until Dad reprimands both of us.

I roll my eyes and move to James who looks between the cake in my hand and me, and I know he's not a fan but he takes a little bite out before he picks up a napkin to clean my cheek and I give him a thankful smile.

"Alright now, after lunch we're taking photos!" Hale announces and I groan internally because I'm really not a fan of photographs.

I move to my friends and see Joan and Ashley talking to each other. "Good to see you two bonding."

"Oh my god, why didn't you tell me she's cool like me? Also, we have shopping plans now. Natalie also agreed." Ashley glees and I laugh, already knowing that I will ditch last minute.

"We'll see. Where's Natalie?" I ask, looking around until I spot Hale and her talking, making me frown so I turn towards my group of friends. "What's going on there?"

Austin chuckles, trying not to spit out the beer he's drinking which only makes everyone laugh as James also joins us with Jeremy.

"What's going on?" He asks, as confused as me.

"No one gave Hale the memo that Nat bats for another team, and the guy has been trying to charm her off. I think at some point she just went along for the fun of it." Max explains, and James looks at his best friend then back at me with amusement clear in his eyes.

"No one minds if I break the news to him, right?"

"Please go ahead, but can you do it in front of us so we can watch?" Caleb asks and James nods, asking him to call them over so Caleb shouts a little. "Hey Nat?"

He motions for her to come over and seeing us in a group, Hale follows behind her as he comes to stand by my side.

"What's up?" Natalie asks, sipping on her wine as she looks between everyone.

"James had a question for you." Joan pipes in, just as amused as she winks at Jeremy who just rolls his eyes, chuckling.

This seems to get Hale's attention as he looks between his best friend and Natalie. James clears his throat, "Yeah, just wanted to ask how's Anna doing?"

Natalie's face breaks into amusement as she finally catches on with everyone and shrugs, looking at Hale who frowns, "Who's that, your sister?"

Caleb, Austin, Ashley and I burst out laughing at his question, looking at confusion clouding his face even more. James's expressions are filled with amusement as he stares at his best friend.

"Nah, I think it's the girl she's seeing."

Hale's lips parts in surprise as he looks between everyone and then at me as if for confirmation and I nod, making him groan loudly like a child. "Oh, c'mon. You two have to stop pranking me." He points at James and I, while my husband just chuckles, shrugging at him.

"It was all her, mate." He grins, pointing at Natalie while everyone just chuckles at Hale's expressions.

We all gather around the dining table and Mrs. George along with other help serves the food which honestly smells heavenly. James continues to find ways to playfully touch me, keeping our skins in contact any chance he gets, making the knots in my stomach twist with desire.

Hale sticks to his words and makes everyone take photographs that turn out actually fun until Jeremy and Joan keep him occupied with their own photoshoot.

"You should all stay for dinner." I offer, noticing that it's already late by the time we've all gathered around.

My parents took a leave after lunch because they didn't want to 'crash' the young group. James nods, agreeing with me and Ashley is the first to shake her head.

"I'm honestly so full, the lunch was too much." She whines and I look back at kitchen where Mrs. George along with others seem to be cleaning up.

"Yes, ditto. No to dinner, Lil. We'll see you soon though." Natalie says as she stands up and moves over to hug me. "Don't be a stranger during summer."

I nod, smiling at her and she looks at the rest of our group, making Caleb roll his eyes as he stands up. "Thanks for the day, James. It was great."

James just nods in returns, his lips pressed into a small smile. Austin takes Caleb's hand and I make a mental note to ask them about things later. Ashley pulls up Max who groans, half dozing off.

"I really need some sleep." He yawns as everyone starts walking towards the door, even Hale, Jeremy and Joan.

"I hope no one's driving drunk." James says, looking a little cautious.

Caleb shakes his head, "No, I didn't drink. We're good."

"Thank you so much for coming today." I tell them. Everyone smiles at me, either nodding or waving as they move towards the elevator.

"Hold up." Hale calls out and turns to the couple. "I'm headed out, you guys need me to drop you?"

Jeremy immediately nods, "Yes, please. I didn't know Dad would abandon me like this otherwise I would've driven here myself."

Joan rolls her eyes as she moves to give me a hug. "I'm looking forward to that shopping date with you and your friends."

I just brush it off with a smile as Jeremy moves to give me a really tight hug, making me swat at his back, making him chuckle. Hale follows the last as he pinches my side before hugging me and then nodding at James.

"Bye, Lil." Jeremy waves as my friends and brother all disappear behind the elevator door.

Mrs. George along with three other helpers approach us, a smile on her face, "I've cooked spaghetti for dinner and there's leftover from lunch as well. I'll start visiting from Monday."

Both James and I smile as I look at her and the rest, "The food was delicious, thank you so much all of you."

"Your company has received the rest of the payment." James tells the helpers who nod, giving him a nod. As soon as they leave, he locks the door behind him before he turns around, a smirk on his lips.

My stomach swirls with anticipation at his expressions, "What?"

He grins, taking a few steps forward to close the distance between us as his hands come to cup around my cheeks, his nose brushing against mine before he leans further, his breath warm on my lips, "Happy Birthday, love."