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“Birthday? I thought tomorrow was just another ordinary October fifth,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
“Uh huh,” he said, clearly unconvinced.
“I really do have a doctor’s appointment,” I insisted, hoping he wouldn’t see through my lie.
“Let Vlad take you. I don’t want you out on your own,” he said, his tone softening but still firm.
“Fine. It’s just a quick appointment.”
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Text me when you get there and when you leave. I worry about you.”
“I will,” I promised. “Thank you.”
I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for lying to him, but I knew it would be worth it when he saw what I had planned for his birthday.
“I love you,” he said.
“I know.”
He raised his eyebrows. “So confident.”
“You said I have you wrapped around my little finger. That’s why I’m confident.”
I pressed a hard kiss to his lips as I rose from my chair.
“You’re wrapped around my whole body. You own my heart and soul.”
“I love you, Oliver,” I said as I put my hand on the door handle to leave his office.
“I know,” he returned.
“Vlad, please take me to Schering Jewelers.”
“Yes, Miss Stewart.”
I ground my teeth. I had asked him to call me by my first name several times but he ignored me.
“You can just call me Ryleigh.”
“I prefer to call you Miss Stewart.”
“Uh, okay.”
Vlad didn’t give me an explanation but I was used to his silence. He rarely engaged me in conversation. I had searched for the perfect gift for Oliver that would show him my commitment to our relationship. I was already wearing his ring, but I wanted to return the favor. I spent my leisure time when I wasn’t with Oliver, searching for the perfect gift.
I found a gold wedding band with a thin ring of sapphires encircling the entire band. Inside, I had it inscribed with the words: My love, my life, I love you with all my heart, Ryleigh. I knew this ring would stir up his emotions.
He was stoic and solid when it came to business, but when we were in private, I got the best of him. It was expensive, and I had to dip into my inheritance, but it was well worth the cost. Oliver was well worth the cost.
From there, I had Vlad take me to a party store where I got several balloons, a card, candles, and a gift bag with tissue paper. Afterward, he took me home. I had ordered a cake, and Vlad would pick it up for me the next day before he got us from work. The other security members had entry to the penthouse, and I recruited Brenda to bring all the items there before we arrived.
Oliver wouldn’t be out of work for another hour, so I went to Boudoir Fashions to look at some lingerie. I usually slept in a short t-shirt and panties or nothing at all, but I wanted to surprise him. He had mentioned to me before that he would like to see me in lingerie.
I spent a half hour picking out a couple of see-through baby dolls in light blue and black. The sheer fabric left nothing to the imagination, but I was sure he would appreciate the effort. Maybe I would wear them to bed tomorrow since it was a Friday.
After I paid for my purchases and waited for Vlad to bring the car around, I noticed a dark-haired, stocky man staring at me with black, brooding eyes. He seemed familiar, but I couldn’t place him. I looked away and was glad when Vlad double-parked and helped me with my bag.
The man continued to stare as we drove by. I decided not to mention it to Oliver. It could be that this man saw me on the news or the internet and was just curious. I called my fiancé on my way home.
