Something had changed.
Isabella noticed it almost immediately.
Alexander Knight… was different.
He no longer snapped at her for every small mistake. His tone, though still firm, had softened. He held doors open for her. He even started saying "good morning"—something she never thought she'd hear from him.
At first, she thought she was imagining it.
But she wasn't.
And somehow… she liked it.
That evening, as Isabella packed her things to leave, Alexander's voice stopped her.
"Isabella."
She turned. "Yes, sir?"
He stood, grabbing his coat. "You're not going home yet."
Her brows furrowed slightly. "Did I miss something?"
"No," he said calmly. "Come with me."
Confused but curious, Isabella followed him.
What she didn't know—
Was that Alexander remembered.
Her birthday.
The car stopped in front of an elegant boutique.
Isabella looked up, surprised. "Why are we here?"
"Go inside," he said simply.
Moments later, she found herself surrounded by racks of expensive clothes, shoes, and designer bags.
"Pick what you like," Alexander said.
Her eyes widened. "Wait… what?"
"It's your birthday," he added, his tone softer than usual.
Isabella froze.
"You… remembered?"
He didn't answer directly. "Don't waste time. Choose."
But the way he looked at her…
Said everything.
What followed felt like a dream.
Beautiful dresses.
Elegant shoes.
Luxury bags she had only seen online.
And all of it… for her.
Tears filled her eyes before she could stop them.
"Why are you crying?" Alexander asked, his voice quieter now.
She shook her head, smiling through her tears. "No one's ever… done this for me before."
Something in his chest tightened painfully.
And yet… warmly.
Later that night, they arrived at his favorite restaurant—the same one he had taken her to before, but this time, it felt different.
More personal.
More intimate.
A small cake was brought to the table, candles flickering softly.
Isabella gasped softly, her hands flying to her mouth. "You planned this too?"
"Make a wish," he said, his eyes fixed on her.
She closed her eyes, whispering something silently… before blowing out the candles.
When she opened her eyes again—
She was smiling.
Bright.
Pure.
Beautiful.
And in that moment—
Alexander's heart fluttered.
There was no denying it anymore.
Her smile…
Was his weakness.
It was late when he finally drove her home.
Isabella stepped out of the car, still holding the small cake, the candles now melted but the joy still glowing on her face.
"Thank you… for everything," she said softly.
He nodded, watching her carefully. "Get some rest."
She smiled again.
And it hit him all over again.
Nora opened the door—and froze.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
Her eyes darted from Isabella, to the cake, to the car still parked outside.
"He did ALL THIS?!"
Isabella laughed, unable to hide her happiness. "Nora… it was amazing."
"You're smiling like a woman in love!" Nora teased immediately.
Isabella paused.
Her smile softened.
"Maybe…" she whispered.
"Maybe I am."
Back at his penthouse—
Alexander loosened his tie, walking toward the window.
But this time…
He wasn't frustrated.
He wasn't conflicted.
He was smiling.
Softly.
Unknowingly.
Because for the first time in a long time—
He had made someone truly happy.
And that someone…
Was her.