Darren looked at her without speaking. His silence made Vanessa nervous. She searched his face carefully, afraid she would find only coldness. Instead, after several long seconds, she noticed that the ice in his eyes had softened ever so slightly. It was barely noticeable. But Vanessa knew him too well. She immediately realized that the wall around his heart had loosened just a little. Joy quietly blossomed inside her. Not wanting to miss this rare opportunity, she smiled gently. "Since today is our birthday, I've already prepared a surprise." "What surprise?" Darren finally raised his eyes to look at her. "I booked the rooftop of the Imperial Crown Restaurant. It's completely private. No other guests. Just the two of us. A candlelight dinner." She squeezed his hand. "I planned it long before everything happened. I wanted us to celebrate our birthday together. And, this time, no matter what happens, I won't leave again." She looked at him seriously. "I'll stay with you the

Vanessa's heart tightened. "Where are you?""At my apartment.""I'll come over immediately." The words escaped her before she could think. Then she stopped and her eyes unconsciously moved toward Darren.She remembered the promise she had made him. She had promised to keep her distance from Adrian.Darren was sitting opposite her, his expression already cold after the repeated calls.Vanessa swallowed. "No." She quickly corrected herself. "You should call emergency services. I'll arrange for someone to come and check on you."On the other end, Adrian was silent for a moment. Clearly, he hadn't expected that answer."Alright." Adrian's voice sounded disappointed. "Thank you."The call ended.Darren had watched everything without saying a word. Yet he had noticed the moment Vanessa changed her response.For the first time that evening, the icy darkness in his eyes eased slightly. At least she had remembered her promise and she hadn't immediately rushed to Adrian.Vanessa put her phone d