Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 659

Since Irene had just been discharged and was resting at home, Jethro, the self-appointed planner of the party, decided not to do anything noisy inside the house.

Instead, they set up a barbecue in the courtyard. The grill was ready, and the smell of burning charcoal filled the air.

Before grilling, Jethro suggested lighting the candles first.

The cake they had pooled money for was opened. It was a standard fruit cake from the bakery, beautifully decorated and delicious-looking.

After they sang the birthday song, everyone urged Vance to make a wish. He involuntarily glanced at Rebecca, who stood between Jenny and Darren, smiling normally.

"Make a wish," Jenny urged him.

"Okay." Vance closed his eyes and crossed his fingers.

After making his wish, he opened his eyes and blew out the candles.

Amid the applause, Jethro asked, "What did you wish for?"

Vance quietly cut the cake without answering.

"Duh, obviously for his grandma to be healthy," Jenny said. "And why are you even asking? Don't you know you're not supposed to say your wish out loud?"

"What?" Jethro's eyes widened. "In that case, how can other people hear it and help make it come true?"

Everyone looked at him in confusion.

"For example, if I wish for a new computer, how will my parents or grandparents know if I don't say it out loud?" Jethro said seriously, only to receive a round of head smacks from the group.

The atmosphere in the room was lively and joyful. Only Rebecca and Vance smiled faintly at the chaos.

Rebecca acted like that because she had been through so many ups and downs. Vance's reason? Unknown.

Vance nodded. "Of course."

Darren took a small gift box out of his bag and slid it across the table. "This is for you."

Vance was surprised.

"I didn't chip in for the cake," Darren explained. "So, happy birthday!"

Vance received a special gift anyway. "Thank you."

Given their relationship, there was no need to pool money or worry about gifts.

"I'll head out." Darren went to sit with the others in the courtyard.

When Vance carried the sliced cake outside, Jethro was enthusiastically grilling silkworm pupae, the oil crackling and popping loudly.