Chapter 1 Happy Birthday

“Lyla, if… hypothetically speaking, if I did something to wrong you, would you forgive me?” Titus Shaw said to the girl standing in front of him. His eyes flickered with uncertainty. Lyla Lowe smiled, her eyes and teeth accentuated, albeit it being a faint smile. She shook her head decisively and said one word. “No!” Even though she looked young, she was still old enough to know better. Titus Shaw's eyes looked down dejectedly after hearing her answer. Lyla Lowe smiled instead and looked at him, treating the question as nothing. “If you knew you would wrong me, why would you do it in the first place? I would not let you have that chance to do me wrong!” Titus Shaw laughed bitterly. He raised his gaze to meet hers. His eyes were steeled with determination. “Lyla, I promise that I will make you happy! I promise you that!” Lyla Lowe nodded softly. “Mhm. I believe you. You know that I’ll support you in anything you want.” After that, Titus took her into his embrace. “Lyla, for your birthday tomorrow, please meet me at Aria’s, room 309,” said Titus as he handed a keycard to her. Lyla was slightly shocked as she looked at the keycard in her hand with disbelief. Titus laughed as he looked into her face that was expressing cute, child-like innocence. “Relax. I’m only going to celebrate your birthday there. Nothing else!” Lyla finally drew a breath of relief. “But that place is expensive…” “Hush now. Say nothing more. If it’s you, it’s all worth it. I’ll be waiting!” said Titus hurriedly, fearing that she would break his guarded form if she continued the exchange. In the end, Lyla smiled at Titus and nodded. The following day at nine in the evening, Lyla arrived on time. With the keycard in her hand, she came to room 309. She stood at the door and took a long, deep breath. She inserted the card into the slot, and with a chime, the door was unlocked. She pushed the door open and walked in. As expected, Titus was already inside waiting for her. He was setting a bottle of red wine on top of a table when he saw her. At that moment, he was dazzled. Even though Lyla was just nineteen, her beauty was difficult for one’s gaze to be averted. A smile arched across his lips. “You’re here.” Lyla had purposely dressed up for this occasion. She had even put on light makeup. After all, it was her birthday and she was going to celebrate the day with Titus Shaw. Lyla nodded to acknowledge Titus and walked towards him. “You look dazzling tonight,” he said. She smiled in return. At that moment, Titus turned to the wine bottle and poured two glasses. “Here, have a drink.” “Thanks,” said Lyla as she took the glass. “Happy birthday!” “Thank you!” Titus went through the motions but he did not drink any of the wine. The gaze in his eyes grew distant and dark as he watched Lyla drink the wine. After she let herself go, Lyla felt dizzy after talking to Titus. “What’s the matter?” “I… I don’t know. I’m feeling dizzy…” “Are you drunk? It’s alright. Come. I’ll help you to the bed.” Lyla nodded. Titus came to her and helped her to the side of the bed and in no time at all, Lyla was sound asleep on the bed. “Lyla? Lyla…?” Titus called and called but Lyla was lying on bed quietly. Her face, fair and smooth, unmoving. Titus could finally calm down when he was sure she was down under. His eyes reflected nothing but guilt as he stared into her. “Forgive me, Lyla. It’s just tonight. It’s just one night!” “I promise I will make you happy!” said Titus. He leaned in and kissed her forehead gently before turning around and left the room without turning back. He dared not to. Because he knew that he would regret his decision.