---- 6 Seraphina's POV I forced myself to swallow the urge to tell Mireille to shut her fake mouth. Then quickly she flashed a ring on her finger-a three -carat, flawless piece. "Elias bought me this to make up for what happened at the casino. Honestly, Sera, it freaked me out. Who knew you were dealing with so much danger all the time?" I looked at her, feeling the rising heat in my chest. "Ym not here for a chat, Mireille. I still have a steak to cook and a cake to frost. So if you've got nothing else to do, please get out of my kitchen." My words didn't seem to faze her. Of course not-her purpose here was already fulfilled. She didn't come to help. She came to flaunt her gifts, her presence, and remind me that, whether it was my mother or my husband, they both chose her over me. At some point, I stopped caring. Especially after I accepted that job offer. ---- Mother and Michael arrived half an hour later. To my surprise, she had invited Elias as well. It seemed clear -she still wanted me back with him. I was stupid. Stupid enough to think that, on this last birthday, things might be a bit better between my mother and me. But, as usual, it only seemed to get worse. If not the worst. Isat at my own table, yet it felt like I didn't belong. Elias kept casting glances my way, but I was so drained, so utterly exhausted, that I couldn't even force a smile for him anymore. He could say he loved me one moment, then buy another ring for Mireille as if it were the most casual thing in the world. I was glad I had chosen not to believe his lies anymore. "Mother, this is my gift to you," Mireille said, standing up and presenting my mother with a gift. Mother opened it, and there it was-the matching necklace to the bracelet Mireille had been wearing earlier. "J thought we could match our jewelry this way," Mireille said, blinking up at my mother. ---- Mother smiled, her expression softening. "That's my girl. Always so thoughtful. Unlike someone." That "someone" was me. Ihadn't expected my cooking, the hours of hard work I'd spent making a perfect meal, to ever count as much as a necklace. But, still, it hurt. It hurt more than I cared to admit. Elias, slipping to my side when no one was watching, handed me a small box. "Hey, I thought this might suit you." [hesitated before taking it. I opened it, only to find... the same damn ring that Mireille was wearing on her finger. "Are you joking?" I tossed the box back to him. Mireille caught the signal and feigned surprise. " Don't you like the ring, sis? I found it very beautiful and unique." My mother chimed in from across the room, her voice sharp. "Always needing attention. Always so childish." Elias's face flushed, his voice apologetic. "I didn't Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!