When we entered the Starlight International penthouse, a dinner for two and a chilled bottle of wine were waiting for us.

Atlas pulled me into his arms and said, “Happy birthday! This was the best I could do because I’ve been swamped. But I’m glad I didn’t miss it.”

I leaned into him and said, “I prefer simple celebrations. Just being with you makes me happy.”

With a magician’s flair, he produced a gift box seemingly out of nowhere. I looked at him, and he gestured at me to open it.

I lift