The door creaked open, revealing Ethan as he entered their room. Emily lay on the bed, still feeling a mix of anger and embarrassment over what had transpired earlier. She had expected Ethan to come to her defense when Olivia barged in and slapped her, but he had watched the entire scene unfold with amusement.
"Are you still mad at me?" he asked, his voice soft as he settled beside her.
Emily turned to face him, her eyes filled with a lingering hint of resentment. "You were there from the beginning. Why didn't you step in and help?"
Ethan grinned, unable to contain his amusement. "I have to admit, I saw the whole thing, from the moment she walked in to the glorious slap." He chuckled at the memory. "You looked like a startled guinea pig afterward."
Emily couldn't help but laugh at the image he painted, and some of her anger dissipated. She grabbed a nearby pillow and playfully smacked it against his chest. "You're impossible!"
Just as they were about to engage in a full-blown pillow fight, the door swung open once more. Emily froze mid-swing, and Ethan turned to see what had interrupted their playful exchange.
To their surprise, Lily, Mia, and Mike stood in the doorway. Mia held a birthday cake adorned with colorful frosting that read, "Happy Birthday, My New Mommy." Lily had a bottle of wine in hand, and Mike carried a bouquet of flowers.
Tears welled up in Emily's eyes as she took in the unexpected scene. She hadn't realized her birthday was so close, and she certainly hadn't expected any celebration. The sight of Mia's beaming smile, the thoughtful cake, and the presence of her closest friends overwhelmed her.
Ethan's initial playful smile gave way to a warm smile as he approached Emily. Taking her hand, he said, "I think it's time we celebrate a certain someone's birthday."
Emily nodded, her heart touched by the unexpected gesture. As they gathered around the cake, Emily felt a profound sense of gratitude for the fragile yet beautiful bonds that were forming in her life.