My Ex-Wife's Biggest Mistake

The Birthday Celebration

Sunny adjusted the small package in his hand as he walked into the event hall, a smile appearing on his handsome face. It was a gift he had spent quite some time choosing for the woman he believed was his entire world, Lydia Anderson. He had even wrapped it himself, although the result wasn't particularly impressive. The edges were uneven, and the ribbon around it looked like something a child had tied, but he was satisfied with his work. After all, it was the thought that counted, wasn't it?

It had been three days since Lydia last came home to their apartment. Three whole days.

She's probably busy again.

Sunny glanced around the hall, taking in the beautiful decorations as he continued walking.

She always complains about how much work she has to do. Sometimes, I wonder if that company is paying her enough for all the stress she puts herself through. But that's Lydia for you. She's hard-working, ambitious and always determined to get ahead. That's one of the things I love about her. She doesn't like depending on anyone, and she always wants to achieve something with her own efforts.

A small smile crossed his face.

I should probably stop complaining about her staying away. After all, she is working hard to build her future. I should be supporting her instead of acting like a lonely husband waiting for his wife to come home.

He chuckled quietly at his own thought before looking around again.

The event hall was huge with a high ceiling adorned with elegant golden lights that shone prettily on the polished marble floor. Over their heads hung several crystal chandeliers, pouring warm light all over the room. Large flower arrangements had been set in different corners. Round tables covered with expensive-looking white cloths occupied most of the hall, each one decorated with fresh flowers, sparkling glasses and neatly arranged cutlery. Waiters in matching uniforms moved between the guests, carrying trays of drinks and refreshments.

The entire place looked expensive.

Very expensive.

Elegant men in well-tailored suits stood around in small groups, discussing business and occasionally laughing among themselves. The women were equally impressive, dressed in beautiful gowns that showed off their expensive taste. Their jewellery sparkled whenever the lights caught them, and even the simplest-looking accessories seemed to cost more than what an ordinary person would earn in several months.

Sunny couldn't help looking at some of them.

Well, Luther Corporation certainly knows how to throw a party.

He turned his attention towards a middle-aged man standing beside one of the tables. The man wore a dark blue suit with a silver wristwatch that immediately caught Sunny's attention.

Patek Philippe Nautilus. Not bad. Probably around a hundred thousand dollars, depending on the model.

His eyes moved to the woman standing beside him.

Cartier necklace. Original, thankfully. At least someone here knows how to spend money properly.

He continued scanning the crowd, occasionally recognising a familiar luxury brand or spotting something that made him mentally question the owner's taste.

Hold on. Is that a Rolex Daytona?

Sunny narrowed his eyes slightly.

Wait, that thing is fake. Even the finishing is terrible. How do people wear these things so confidently?

He almost laughed.

It was funny how he could identify almost any luxury watch or piece of jewellery at a glance. Years of being surrounded by expensive things had made it difficult for him not to notice the smallest details. He could tell the difference between an original product and a convincing imitation without needing to inspect it for long.

Unfortunately, he couldn't exactly walk around telling people their expensive-looking accessories were fake.

That would be rude.

Besides, he wasn't there to inspect anyone's jewellery. He had come to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday.

His gaze returned to the decorations, and he remembered a conversation he had with Lydia a few days earlier.

So your boss is really going all out for your birthday, huh?

He remembered asking her about it while they were talking over the phone.

Lydia had laughed softly before answering, "You don't have to worry about anything, Sunny. Mr Luther has everything under control. He loves throwing parties for his employees, especially when someone is celebrating a birthday. And trust me, he always does it grand style."

Well, your boss certainly didn't disappoint.

Sunny looked around once more, impressed by the effort that had gone into organising the celebration. He could understand why Lydia had been so excited about it. It was certainly something to appreciate working for a company that treated its employees this well.

He was about to look for a place to stand when he noticed several people staring at him.

At first, he didn't think much of it. However, the longer he remained there, the more he realised that their attention was directed towards him. Some were looking at the small package in his hand, while others exchanged glances before leaning towards their companions and whispering.

Sunny slowed his steps.

What's going on? Do I have something on my face?

He casually touched his cheek, then glanced down at his clothes.

He was wearing a simple black shirt, dark trousers and a pair of clean sneakers. Nothing was wrong with his appearance. In fact, considering how naturally handsome he was, he was confident that he looked better than half the men in the room.

His curly black hair sat neatly on his head, framing his well-defined face. His skin was smooth, his nose straight, and his eyes carried a naturally relaxed expression. Even without expensive clothes, he had the kind of appearance that could easily attract attention.

So why were these people looking at him like he had walked into the wrong building?

A young woman standing near one of the tables leaned towards her friend and whispered, "Isn't that Lydia's boyfriend?"

Her friend glanced at Sunny, then looked towards another group before nodding. "It is. I heard they've been dating for quite some time."

"Seriously? I don't understand what she sees in him."

"Neither do I. Especially when Mr Damian has been showing interest in her."

Sunny's eyebrows lifted slightly.

Mr Damian?

He looked around, wondering who they were talking about, but before he could figure it out, another voice reached his ears.

"If I were Lydia, I wouldn't even think twice. I'd break up with him immediately and enjoy the opportunity to be with someone like Mr Damian."

"Exactly! Do you know how many women would kill to have his attention? Yet Lydia is wasting her time with that man."

Sunny blinked.

That man?

He looked down at himself briefly.

Are they talking about me?

Another woman joined the conversation, lowering her voice as she spoke. "Well, I heard Lydia only started dating him because he was there for her when her mother was seriously ill. He seems to have helped her through a bad patch.

"Really? So she was dating him out of gratitude?"

"That's what I heard. If he hadn't come into her life at that time, she might have given up before she even got the opportunity to work at Luther Corporation."

"That's unfortunate. But gratitude isn't the same as love."

Sunny stood still for a moment, listening to the different comments coming from the crowd. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. These people were discussing his relationship as though they had personally attended every date he had ever gone on with Lydia.

He slowly shook his head, a faint smile appearing on his face.

People will always gossip, won't they?

He glanced at the woman who had mentioned Damian, then looked towards the others.

And who exactly is this Damian? My woman's boss? Her colleague? Or some rich fellow who thinks he can buy anything he wants?

His lips curved slightly.

Hell no. Lydia isn't someone who can be bought. She isn't the kind of woman who would abandon someone she loves just because another man has more money.

Sunny adjusted the small package in his hand and continued toward the centre of the hall.

"Hey, isn't that Lydia's boyfriend?" a man suddenly asked, loud enough for those around him to hear.

His companion nodded. "Yeah. I wonder what he's doing here."

"Isn't it obvious? He's probably here to celebrate her birthday."

The man chuckled. "With that little package?"

A few people laughed.

Sunny heard them but didn't bother turning around.

At least they noticed the gift. I was beginning to think my wrapping skills were completely useless.

He almost smiled at the thought.

However, before he could take another step, the lights in the hall suddenly dimmed.

The conversations gradually died down as everyone's attention shifted to the beautifully decorated staircase at the far end of the hall. A spotlight illuminated the upper landing, while the event's master of ceremonies stepped forward with a microphone in his hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" he announced enthusiastically, may I have your attention, please?

The rest of the conversation stopped almost immediately.

"Thank you! I hope everyone is having a wonderful evening."

A few guests responded with cheerful applause.

"Tonight is a very special occasion for all of us at Luther Corporation. We are gathered here to celebrate someone who has become a valuable part of our family. A woman whose hard work, dedication and commitment have earned her the admiration of her colleagues."

He paused, allowing the guests to respond with another round of applause.

"And, of course, tonight is all about celebrating her special day. So, without wasting any more time, ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for our beautiful celebrant, Miss Lydia Anderson!"

The hall erupted into applause.

Sunny immediately looked towards the staircase.

A moment later, Lydia appeared at the top.

She wore a stunning red evening gown that hugged her figure perfectly, with a flowing lower section that moved gracefully whenever she took a step and the dress exposed her shoulders, while its elegant design complemented her slim waist and graceful posture. Her long hair fell beautifully over her shoulders, and her makeup brought out her naturally attractive features.

She looked breathtaking.

For a moment, Sunny forgot about the whispers and the strange attention he had been receiving.

A genuine smile spread across his face.

There she is.

He stared at her, feeling the excitement he had carried throughout the evening return.

Happy birthday, my beautiful Lydia.

He instinctively began moving towards the staircase. He wanted to be the one to walk her down, just as he had imagined when he arrived. He had even planned to give her the present before everyone else got the opportunity to congratulate her.

However, just as he began making his way through the crowd, the MC raised his microphone again.

"And, of course, a special moment deserves a special partner. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the man who will have the honour of walking our beautiful celebrant down the stairs tonight: Mr. Damian Luther!

Sunny stopped.

His smile remained on his face, but his steps came to an abrupt halt.

Damian Luther?