“Thinking about getting me a birthday present? Hm?” Marico asked bluntly.
Yvonne bit her lower lip, her delicate face wearing a smile tinged with resignation.
“Well, you’ve been so good to me. I should do something nice for you too,” she replied softly, her voice warm and sweet, almost shy.
Marico’s answer was calm and direct. “Alright. I’ll send you a list when we get home.”
There was no pretense between them, no unnecessary secrecy.
Which was just as well—Yvonne had never really given gifts before, especially not to a man. Instead of guessing and getting it wrong, it made more sense to just ask him what he liked and get exactly that.
With the birthday present now sorted, she felt no pressure at all. Yvonne closed her eyes and settled in for a little nap.
Marico drove in silence, not even turning on the radio. He only woke Yvonne when they pulled into the underground garage.
“We’re here.”
Yvonne opened her eyes at the sound of the seatbelt clicking free, letting out a soft, sleepy hum. “Mm.”
They got out, one after the other, and made their way toward the elevator.
Once inside the apartment, Yvonne poured two mugs of hot water, handing one to Marico.
“I’ll head upstairs first. Text me your birthday wish list when you’re ready, okay?” Her voice was light and breezy, her lovely face bright with a gentle, dazzling smile.
When Yvonne smiled like that, it felt like the first warm breeze of spring, sweeping away any heaviness and filling the room with ease.
Marico’s dark, fathomless eyes lingered on her radiant features. The corners of his mouth twitched up ever so slightly. “Alright.”

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