Ethan didn't answer my question that night, and I didn't ask again.

After Chloe came back, Ethan started seeing her all the time.

I knew it was tough for her, raising a kid alone, and Ethan felt sorry for her.

He helped her find an apartment, pick out furniture, do all sorts of little things.

I often didn't see him.

My birthday fell on a weekend, and I insisted that day, Ethan would be all mine.

Ethan bought me an expensive necklace and flowers.

I didn't want to go out; instead, I cooked a huge meal at home.

By the time the food was ready, it was already dark.

Ethan's phone suddenly rang.

I tensed up; could it be Chloe?

It was Jake, and he sounded urgent right from the get-go.

"Ethan, Chloe's kid is having an asthma attack, it's pretty bad, you should go check on them!"

Before Ethan could say anything, I grabbed his phone and fired off at Jake.

"Can't you go? Does it have to be Ethan? Is Ethan her only friend?"

Hearing my voice, Jake's tone instantly soured.

"Lily, do you have any idea how important Chloe is to Ethan? Besides, I'm out of town right now."

Ethan took the phone back.

"Got it, I'm heading over now."

Then he called Chloe, and she picked up right away.

Chloe was sobbing.

"Ethan, I don't know what to do, the doctor said Leo's in really bad shape, what am I going to do, Ethan..."

Ethan held the phone in one hand and grabbed his jacket with the other.

"Don't worry, I'm on my way."

I stood in his way.

He hung up and looked at me, annoyed.

I said, "I'm going with you."

Ethan pushed me aside.

"I'll go by myself. Sorry about today, I'll make it up to you."

Ethan left, ditching me for Chloe.

I took off my apron and sat down to eat.

I'd made too much food, including Ethan's favorite fish.

But everything tasted bland.

I couldn't help wondering how Ethan would comfort Chloe, if he'd wipe away her tears.

Then, my mom called, her voice cheerful.

"Lily, honey, happy birthday! You and Ethan are together, right? I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

I knew she didn't care about my birthday; she only cared if Ethan was by my side.

I replied, "No, Ethan's not here."

"What? Why isn't he there on your birthday? Lily, honestly, you can't even keep a man. It's been years! When are you finally going to marry into that family?"

As soon as Mom heard Ethan wasn't there, her tone turned sharp and nasty.

I hung up, frustrated, and then my phone started blowing up with texts from her.

I didn't even need to open them to know what they said.

She never cared about me growing up, but ever since she found out I had a rich boyfriend, she'd been overly interested.

Any joy I'd felt from her call just vanished.

I took the cake out of the fridge.

As I lit the candles, my hand stung.

Hot wax dripped onto my hand.

It didn't even hurt that much, but I just burst into tears.

Tears streamed down my face, but it was my birthday, damn it.

I wiped my eyes and said to myself with a forced smile.

"Lily, happy birthday!"

I wished myself a happy birthday and started digging into the cake, one bite after another.

It wasn't very good, too sweet and heavy.

I thought for a moment, then took out my phone and made a doctor's appointment.

Some things just needed a resolution.