She plucked every last blade from one pot of grass, then reached for the next.

Jackson and Adonis shared a look, fighting the urge to laugh.

At least Charlotte’s drunken habits had shifted from yanking out her own hair to pulling up innocent grass. Poor little plants.

Suddenly, a bright flare shot up into the night sky. It burst with a thunderous boom, scattering fireworks across the darkness like someone had tossed a handful of glitter into the air.

“Wow, that’s gorgeous.”

Shirley couldn’t keep the awe out of her voice. “Seriously, I’ve never seen fireworks this pretty in my life.”

Charlotte paused mid-pluck, lifting her head. The colorful light painted her cheeks, making her look almost ethereal, lost but breathtaking.

Another firework exploded, then another, until the sky was alive with sound and color. The whole city of Cabinda seemed to glow beneath the shimmering display.

As the noise faded and the last sparks drifted away, a message formed in the sky. “Lottie, happy birthday.”

“Lottie, happy birthday.”

Anthony leaned down, resting his chin on Charlotte’s shoulder. His voice was low and gentle, soft with affection.

“Happy birthday…”

Charlotte turned her head slowly, a little confused. She stared at Anthony, eyes hazy. “I’m happy.”

He smiled. “Good, you’re happy.”

“But my head hurts.” She let her hands rest on his shoulders, her words muffled. “I want to go to sleep.”

Then, without a second thought, she started unbuttoning his shirt.

Donald, Roger, and Kenneth froze.

Andrew and the others just stared.

Was this really happening? Were they supposed to just stand here and watch? Drunk Charlotte was on a whole other level.

“Lottie…” Anthony caught her hands, bringing them to a stop. He bent close to her ear. “Behave.”

“Oh.”

She went still, then leaned in and kissed him on the corner of his mouth. “I like you.”

Anthony felt his heart melt, but his whole body tensed up. Clearly, Charlotte was set on driving him crazy tonight.

When he didn’t answer, she frowned, leaning closer, almost pouting. “Why aren’t you kissing me? You always do. You…”

He quickly covered her mouth,

shaking his head with a helpless.e

smile this moment really needed to be recorded and saved for when she was sober.

“This isn’t the real Charlotte!”

Kenneth could barely take it anymore. He turned away, rolling his eyes so hard it

looked painful. “Somebody take her away. Please.”

Anthony let out a quiet laugh, then scooped Charlotte into his arms and finally managed to get her into the car.

Inside, everything felt muted and calm.

Charlotte curled up in the corner,

already half-asleep. Anthony

watched her for a moment, then

pulled her gently into his lap. He tipped her chin up, his eyes gentle. So, what did you wish for

“…Hmm?”

She blinked at him sleepily, snuggling closer.

Anthony brushed her hair back, his voice softer. “Did your wish have anything to do with me?”

Charlotte smiled, letting her fingers trace his cheek, her gaze fixed on him. “To be good to you.”

“What?” Anthony looked confused.

She slumped against his chest, clutching his shirt, and mumbled near his lips, “I’ll be good to you, really really good…”

“So you have to stay with me, okay?

I…”

fate hiccupped, cupped his

and

pressed a messy kisel

his lips. Piler you kiss me Content. .net>

Anthony froze, then melted into her kiss, warmth spreading through him. “Alright. I’m yours.”

Only yours.