Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 247

Chapter 247

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The three-minute video played to the old song-Friends, which encapsulated their youthful years.

In the latter segment, Catherine took the lead in singing, “Friends walk through life together. Those days are gone forever. One word, a lifetime, one sentiment, one toast…”

Aiden and Lucas sang along with tears glistening in their eyes.

“Vance, happy birthday! May our friendship last forever!” Catherine exclaimed, wheeling out a cake.

The inscription read: [To our dearest Vance-Happy Birthday! From your ride-or-die friends!]

The rims of Vance’s eyes reddened. “Thank you… Thank you all.”

“Thank Cathy. It was all her idea. And she baked the cake herself.” Aiden pushed Catherine forward. ” Now it’s evident who truly cares and who doesn’t.”

“I hope that even when we’re old and gray, our bond remains as strong as ever.” Catherine’s outfit that day mirrored the one in the video.

“Yes!” Vance nodded emphatically. “It absolutely will. Thank you, Cathy.”

“Come on, let’s all sit. Time to eat,” Catherine urged. “I’ve been starving all day in anticipation of this feast. Don’t judge me if I indulge a bit too much.”

“No way.” Vance shook his head. “It’s my birthday. Wish me prosperity. Am I so impoverished that I can’t afford a proper meal?”

The group erupted in laughter. Vance glanced at his phone once more. It was 6:20, and still no

messages.

“What’s wrong, Vance?” Lucas noticed. “You seem distracted?”

“Oh, nothing. I just need to make a quick call.” Vance excused himself to the restroom, where he dialed

Josette’s number.

In previous years, she had always been the first to remember, calling the day before to ask if he was available. Then she’d invite both Rebecca and him over for a meal.

The two women had always treated his birthday as a major occasion, but now, the line couldn’t get through. Only a mechanical voice prompted: “The number you have dialed is powered off.”

His mind buzzed with confusion. “What is going on? Why is Josette gone, too?”

“Vance?” Catherine’s voice called from outside.

He stowed his phone and hurried back out..

“Check out the dishes we’ve ordered. Anything you’d like to add?” she asked, handing over the menu.

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He waved his hand. “That’s fine. It’s perfect.”

Wine had already been poured, with a glass set before each person.

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“Precisely,” Aiden chimed in. “We’ve shared countless meals and drinks. No need for formalities.”

“But…” Catherine smiled. “Vance is a CEO now. A rising star and no longer the naïve kid from before.”

Vance lifted his glass and drained it in one go. “No matter my status, I’ll always be that naïve kid to you guys.”

Aiden and Lucas exchanged a glance and chuckled. “To Cathy, maybe, not to us.”

Catherine refilled Vance’s glass. “Here’s to you.”

He clinked glasses with her and downed it again.

The rounds went on and on until the three men were all drunk. Vance was the most intoxicated, but

Catherine remained fully lucid.

She attempted to support him. “Vance, let’s head home.”

Her eyes lingered on the open collar of his shirt, catching a glimpse of his collarbone.

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