Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Pax let out a dramatic sigh, hands jammed in his pockets, slouching like he'd time-traveled straight back to his teenage years. He scrunched up his face and grumbled, "Uncle, now that you're finally awake, I can actually breathe again. Do you have any idea what this past year has been like for me? No sleep, barely eating-seriously, Diana's worried I'm not gonna make it to adulthood at this rate." Chloe shot him a look. "Oh, come on, don't say things like that! You'll jinx it."

The Sartori house hadn't felt this alive in ages. Lights sparkled everywhere, colorful banners hung from the ceiling, and laughter bounced off the walls. The whole place was bursting with energy.

Tim was practically lost in a pile of presents in the grand hall-gifts stacked so high, it was a wonder he could find his way out.

In the middle of all the excitement, Chloe caught sight of Summer standing quietly off to the side. Summer always knew just what to do greet guests when he should, remember everyone's names, polite and poised, the picture of good manners. But when his presence wasn't needed, he'd quietly melt into the background, content to watch the celebration from afar, like he didn't quite belong.

Of course, Tim never let him stay hidden for long. Over and over, Tim would dart over, grab his hand, and pull him back into the party.

"Brother! Brother!" Tim called out, as chatty and persistent as ever, like a little bird that just couldn't keep quiet.

Summer could only shake his head, a helpless smile tugging at his lips. "Tim, it's your birthday. Everyone's waiting for you to blow out the candles. Don't worry about me."

But Tim clung to his arm. "I'm your shadow, remember? If I don't stick with you, who else would I follow around? Come on, let's blow out the candles together!"

So Tim dragged Summer to the center of the crowd.

Music played as a giant birthday cake was wheeled out, topped with five glowing candles.

Cassie grinned. "Tim, make a wish!"

Tim pressed his hands together, squeezed his eyes shut, and made his wish.

Cassie leaned in, eyes sparkling. "What did you wish for, honey?"

Tim answered, loud and clear, "I wish Daddy gets better soon, and that our family can always be together."

The room went quiet for a moment, the words hanging in the air, everyone a little misty-eyed.

Kash knelt beside Tim and ruffled his hair. "That wish is definitely coming true, Tim. Uncle Kash will always protect you. From now on, nothing bad is ever gonna happen to you."

Isaac jumped in, not to be outdone. "And Uncle Isaac's going to spoil you rotten!

I'll bring you anything you want-just say the word."

Winston cleared his throat, because as the oldest, he had to say something too. But with Isaac always trying to compete, he

couldn't just stay quiet. "Anet

Uncle

Winston's got you covered-body and mind. If you ever feel upset, just come talk to me, okay?"

Wayne scratched his head, looking a little lost. "You guys already said all the good

stuff! What am I even supposed to say now?"

Everyone burst out laughing.

In the candlelight, Chloe's eyes shimmered with tears of joy.

For that one perfect moment, happiness felt real enough to touch.

Cassie nudged Tim. "Come on, blow out the candles!"

But Tim grabbed Summer's hand. "Brother, help me blow them out!"

Summer tried to protest. "Tim, it's your birthday—you should do it yourself."

But Tim just pouted, clinging to him. "No, I want my brother to help! Please?"

Summer looked over at Chloe.noveldrama

She just smiled, her eyes warm and gentle, and nodded encouragingly.

So, together, Summer and Tim blew out the candles.

After everyone had cake, Tim pulled Summer out onto the little balcony. He leaned closer and whispered, "Brother, actually made two wishes. The second one was about you. Since you helped me blow out the candles, it's definitely going to come true."

Summer turned, curious. "What did you wish for about me?"

Tim looked up at him, eyes serious. "I wished you'd be a little happier, and smile more, brother."