Falling For My Cruel Mate novel Chapter 77

"You look great!" She compliments as she grasp a piece of my long hair in between her fingers.

"Thank you, so do you. You're so tan for someone who just got back from London."

"Oh," She laughs lightly and pushes her fingers through her short bob, which complimented her facial structure very nicely. "I actually got back home on the fourteenth, but I've just been so busy I forgot to check in and just last week I went on a weekend trip to the Caribbean."

"Oh," My eyes roam her face carefully as I try and keep up with her story. "That sounds great, we definitely have to hang out soon."

"Ye-"

"Happy birthday, Octavia." Alexander says placing hand on my upper arm before bringing me into a hug.

"Thank you so much, for everything. You guys really didn't have to do all of this."

I've been repeating that statement all day but I just felt so guilty that all this time and energy was wasted on me. There are many other important things we could be worried about and instead were throwing a big birthday bash for me. I really appreciate it though.

"Anything for the woman who brings out the light in Ajax."

I could feel my cheeks heat up at his words and immediately feel embarrassed.

"I wouldn't say I bring out the light him." I say sheepishly.

"Talking about me I see." Ajax's voice comes up from behind me causing me to shiver. His hand lands on my waist and he moves to stand beside me.

"Cynthia, it's nice to see you again." He greets her and even extends his hand out for her to shake it.

"When did you get back from your trip?" Alexander asks.

Was she hiding from everyone? I hadn't even noticed she was back from her trip, neither had Alexander and Ajax seemed intrigued to know the answer as well.

"The fourteenth." She smiles her eyes shifting steadily between the three of us.

"Nice." Ajax comments his grip on my waist tightens and he pulls me closer to him. I shoot him a concerned glance but he pays no mind to me as he scans Cynthia and then the crowd behind her. Weird.

"Ah, Octavius!" An excited glint passes through Alexander's eyes as my father approaches him with a similar look. "I'm so glad we're meeting again on much better circumstances."