Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 203

HOR’S POV.

Alina led Lucian out through the double doors of the ballroom, the night air cool against their skin. They walked in silence, her hand warm in his as she guided him across the estate grounds toward the garden. At the far end, near the soft rush of the waterfall, a glow of fairy lights and candles shimmered like stars scattered low to the earth.

There, in the middle of it all, a small table was set for two. A chilled bottle of champagne rested in an ice bucket, two crystal flutes waiting beside it.

Lucian stopped, his usually guarded expression giving way to something raw, admiration, gratitude, and unmistakable love.

He pulled out Alina’s chair for her, the gentlemanly gesture softened by the warmth in his eyes, before taking his own seat across from her.

“Wow,” he said quietly, his voice roughened with sincerity. “You really went all out.”

Alina’s lips curved into a gentle smile, her eyes glimmering under the glow of the lights. “I told you, I want to make today memorable for you. And that’s what I plan to do. So…” she leaned forward slightly, her tone playful yet earnest, “how have you liked your day so far?”

Lucian held her gaze for a long moment before answering. “I have to admit… this is the best birthday I’ve ever had in my life. Truth is, I’ve never celebrated my birthday before. Not that I can remember.”

Alina’s smile softened, a knowing look passing over her face. “I know,” she said gently. “You grew up in an orphanage… I can imagine how tough that must have been.”

He inhaled deeply, his jaw flexing before his expression eased again. “That’s why I’m grateful for this. For you.

d with some Even the surprise party…I didn’t expect it, but I’m glad you did it. It’s… it’s strengthened my b of my business associates. At least now they can see me as something other than a robot.”

Alina chuckled, her laughter light and teasing. “Well, you’re the one who refuses to show any feelings.”

“That’s because it’s bad for business.” Lucian replied, though the faint smirk tugging at his lips betrayed his

own amusement.

“Fine,” Alina said, shaking her head playfully. “But at least now they’ve seen you in a different light.”

Lucian’s gaze lingered on her, softer than she’d ever seen it. “And I have you to thank for that.”

Alina’s cheeks warmed, her smile tender. “All right then,” she said with a small clap of her hands, the sound sharp in the night. “Let’s get to dinner.”

From the shadows, Emilio, the head chef, appeared with two of his assistants. Each carried trays laden with delicacies. Seared scallops with truffle cream, roasted duck glazed with honey and orange, wild mushroom risotto, and a platter of fresh fruits and cheeses.

The air filled with the rich, mouthwatering aroma as they began to serve.

Lucian leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Alina as the dishes were placed before them.

Emilio returned to the garden again, carrying a small cake decorated simply, a single candle placed neatly at the side. He set it down gently on the table, the soft glow of the flame casting a golden hue over the night. Straightening, he offered Lucian a respectful nod.

“Happy birthday again, Master Blackwood,” Emilio said warmly.

Lucian’s brows lifted, his gaze flicking from the cake to Emilio. A hint of amusement touched his lips. “So, Emilio… I thought all this preparation was for the orphanage.”

The chef froze for a fraction, then gave a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his neck. “My apologies, Master Blackwood. It was all boss lady’s instruction.”

Alina gasped dramatically, her eyes narrowing as she turned toward Emilio. “Wow, Emilio, thanks for that.”

Her tone was sarcastic.

The chef chuckled, bowing slightly. “My pleasure, ma’am.” With that, he excused himself, retreating back toward the mansion.

Alina let out a sigh, shaking her head before meeting Lucian’s gaze again. “I had to come up with something, you know. Otherwise, you would have suspected that we were planning something like this.”

Lucian leaned back in his chair, studying her with a softness that made her pulse quicken. His lips curved slowly into a smile. “You did a good job,” he murmured. “I never suspected a thing.”

Alina leaned back in her chair, doubt flickering in her eyes. “Really? Not even for a moment?”

“Really Doll, I had no idea what was going on in my own house.” He chuckled.

Alina’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “If you, of all people, the ever–suspicious, ever–perceptive Lucian Blackwood, didn’t notice what I was up to, then maybe I should consider a career in event planning surprises for a living.”

Lucian let out a low laugh, the sound warm as it rumbled from his chest. “Maybe so,” he said, aking his head with amusement. “But next time, I’ll try to pay more attention.”

“Mm–hm, you do that.” Alina grinned, reaching for the small cake Emilio had set aside. She lit a single candle, the soft flame dancing between them as she dimmed the fairy lights above. Sliding it toward him, she said softly, “Make a wish.”

Lucian’s gaze lingered on her face before he finally closed his eyes. In the quiet, with only the sound of the waterfall rushing behind them, he wished, not for wealth, not for power, but for this. For them. For him and Alina to always be happy, for their love to last forever. He blew out the candle with a steady breath.

Alina clapped lightly, her smile radiant. “All right. Let’s dig in.”

They ate, the delicate flavors of the meal filling the night with warmth and ease. Conversation ebbed and flowed until Lucian leaned back in his chair, studying her.

“So,” he began casually, though his eyes were sharp, “what were you and Damien talking about earlier?”

Chapter zvJ

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