—I-I'm sorry, Dianna.

He stopped and faced me. I frowned as he approached me.

-I'm sorry?

—Dianna, please don't make a big deal out of it.

I felt the weight of my feelings.

—Don't make a big deal out of it? Lucas, yes, it is a big deal! I can't believe you. For the first time, you didn't remember my birthday.

I wiped the tears from my cheeks.

—Excuse me, would I be being too dramatic if I said that I'm hurting today because my husband simply forgot one of the days that are important to me?

He put down the bag and came closer to me; then he took my hands and gently stroked them.

—I'm sorry, okay? I just lost my mind because of the amount of work I have at the office.

My lips trembled. Although I wanted to accept his reason immediately, I couldn't because he had already hurt me.

—Is this really just your job, huh, Lucas?

I noticed he was stunned, but now he touched both my cheeks.

—O-of course, Dianna. I just forgot this time, didn't I? And I'm sorry I forgot your birthday. I'm really sorry.

I met his gaze.

—Shhh…

—I'm sorry, okay? Please?

—Damn it! I can't believe I forgot. Go ahead, slap me for forgetting. Please, do it, darling.

I dried my cheek.

—Just go, Lucas. Don't you have something important to do at work?

-But-

—I'm fine. Go ahead.

I looked away from him.

—Okay then. I promise I'll come back.

I closed my eyes when he touched me with a kiss on my left cheek and proceeded to leave.

When I opened my eyes, tears began to well up again, but I stopped them by biting my lip.

I just thought he'd make up for this, but he didn't. Instead, he keeps going out for work, oblivious to the fact that I want him to be with me because today is my birthday. I want to spend it with him like we used to. But I guess this is the saddest birthday present I've ever received. In an instant, everything I'd hoped for today seemed to vanish like a breath of fresh air.

"What, did you forget?!" exclaimed Chelsea, who had been standing next to me in shock at the state of my face.

—Maybe he's just very busy.

—Huh? What kind of reason is that, Dianna? Think about it: he didn't even wish you a simple "happy birthday."

—He completely forgot. And it seems your husband is insensitive about that! In fact, he continued with his work knowing he made you cry.

"Yes, but maybe I'm making a big deal out of this, Chelsea. Besides, he promised he'd sort things out after he sorted everything out at work."

She laughed, so I stared at her.

—And what's so funny?

—Don't you notice your husband, Dianna? He really doesn't have time for you anymore; he doesn't even notice the simple, important things in your life.

—I'm sure there are others who are concerned about that.

I stopped what I was writing.

"Chelsea, that's not true!" My voice rose slightly.

—Lucas can't do that. I'm fine. I let my emotions get the better of me before, but now I understand why he didn't prepare a surprise for me.

She took a deep breath.

"Oh, I don't know anymore, Dianna! Take care of it. By the way, happy birthday! I'll leave my present here."

He handed me his present and left my office.

I stared blankly into space when I was alone again in the office. I still couldn't truly accept that I wasn't with Lucas, until I thought about it.

I was aware of his recent heavy workload, and that made me think going out to celebrate with him seemed impossible. So I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to spend some time with him on his special day and I came up with a plan to surprise him at his workplace. It had been a long time since I'd visited his company because I also work at one of the branches of my family's business.

With a smile on my face, I got out of the car and grabbed the cake and some food I had bought before heading straight here. I imagined how happy Lucas must be with my visit and the effort I had made just to make the day special not only for me, but for both of us.

I entered the company and some employees greeted me with smiles as I walked past them. We all knew each other, although I noticed that most people here were new to the firm. While they still greeted me warmly, especially since I'm the boss's wife, a few whispers didn't escape my ears.

—My God! Perhaps the lady already knows.

—Don't make any noise there, maybe we'll do better.

I didn't understand what they meant, or if it was about me, so I didn't pay attention to them.

I entered the company and some employees greeted me with a smile as I walked past them. We all knew each other, although most of the people here were new to the firm.

In the hallway, I accidentally bumped into a well-dressed man as I continued searching for my husband's office. I quickly knelt down to pick up all the documents that had fallen to the floor. Once I finished, I gathered them up and looked up at him.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see you," I said, handing him some papers I had picked up.

—Oh…

"Don't worry, beautiful lady," he said and smiled at me.

And I couldn't deny how good he looked. His blond hair, tanned skin, and bright, dark brown eyes made him look attractive. He was even wearing a suit that fit him perfectly. Still, nothing can compare to how handsome Lucas is to me.