By the empty riverbank stood Ryan in a black suit, quiet as he stared at the body of water before him. The man exuded an aura of elegance.

Madeline had Jeremy wait in the car as she approached Ryan from behind with the cake in hand.

“I’m here, Rye. How’s your leg doing?”

Ryan slowly turned around.

The setting sun shone behind the man. There was a cold and dangerous look between his defined brows that Madeline had never seen before. Still, he gave her a warm smile.

“Happy birthday.” Madeline handed the cake over. “I couldn’t think of what expensive gift you would need from me, so I made you a cake instead.”

“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it later.” Ryan took the cake and stared at it. “Could you open it and light a candle for me? I’d like to make a wish.”

“Of course.” Madeline opened the box and pulled out a slender candle, poking it into the cake.

She had not brought anything to light the candle, but Ryan pulled out a lighter from his pocket and lit it himself.

The glow of the setting