Chapter 67

Kelly POV

The ride back to the hotel was quiet, except for the occasional sound of the car engine and Harper's soft snores. Adrian had suggested we head back early to continue the celebration in private since Harper was getting sleepy. He’d said it so casually, but something about the way he’d looked at me during dinner made me suspicious. Adrian had always been full of surprises, especially on my birthday. He had a way of turning ordinary moments into memories, even when I thought he’d forgotten.

As the car pulled up to the hotel, my heart betrayed me with a sense of anticipation. My logical mind argued against it. Don’t expect anything. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment. But my hopeful heart whispered otherwise.

When we stepped out, I hesitated. My hand lingered on the car door as Harper clung sleepily to my arm. Adrian glanced back at me with a quizzical look, but I forced a smile and followed him inside.

Everything was the same as we’d