Chapter 1561: It’s him

Kiara clung to Hugo’s hips, seated on the back of his motorbike. Her lips were pressed into a tight line as she glanced at him.

Hugo didn’t have a spare helmet—he never had a passenger before—so he could only offer her his own while he drove without one.

[All I can do is ask her to listen to you. That’s it. Whether she agrees or not is up to you.]

Those were his words before they started riding to the birthday party. Kiara drew a deep breath and closed her eyes, lowering her head until the top of her helmet rested against his back.

I only got one shot, he had said.

She mentally nodded to herself. Any help at this point was better than nothing. This was Hugo Bennet, the country’s lieutenant general. And although he might be a noodle thief, she believed the person he was referring to was someone very capable.

---

Meanwhile...

Grace stood at the end of a long table, raising her glass with a warm smile.

"Thank you all for coming," she said. "Honestly, I’m running out of ideas for these speeches. At this point, I’m probably recycling the same one for the hundredth time."

Her guests chuckled.

"We’re about to memorize it," someone joked.

"If you’re tired, let one of us do it next time!" another added, laughing.

Grace shook her head, laughing along with the others—many of whom had been attending her birthday dinners for a few times since this all started. "Anyway, you guys are the best. I know this is just another silly celebration, but I’m really glad you still make time to come."

"Nights haven’t felt so lonely lately. They’ve been full of life and color. Honestly, I’ve made more memories in the last two weeks than in the past few years." She raised her glass higher. "Cheers."

"Cheers!" they all chimed in unison.

Just like her past birthday dinners, the room buzzed with life and chatter. Most of her guests had been to at least a few of her previous parties, yet they somehow never ran out of things to talk about.

Tonight, however, Haines was late.

Is he waiting outside? Or maybe he’s still at home...?

Grace chuckled at the thought and shook her head.

"Oh-ho..." The woman seated beside her leaned in. "Someone’s smiling to herself."

With that comment, the rest of the women turned their attention to Grace.

"Now that you mention it, Gracie, you’ve been glowing lately," another added.

"Are you seeing someone?"

"Isn’t it obvious? I heard she’s been getting flowers every single day. And not just from one of her many suitors. These ones? She actually puts them in a vase—herself! Even takes them home!"

The ladies around her squealed and grinned with delight. "Oohhh!"

"Goodness," Grace laughed, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Is it that obvious?"

Her cheeks flushed, earning more squeals. She laughed again, unsure if it was because her man was someone they all knew, or simply because she felt genuinely happy sharing something with people she considered her friends.

If she could, she would’ve shouted to the world that she was getting married. But she wasn’t. Not yet. So for now, the only thing she could shout was that she was in love. Haines, after all, was still looking for the right moment to tell his family.

"Who is it?" one of the women asked eagerly. "Or is he a secret for now?"

"For now," Grace said with a shrug. "But not for long. We’re still in that getting-to-know-you phase. All that silly stuff."

"Oooh..." the group chorused again.

"If you won’t tell us who he is," one teased, "at least tell us what he’s like!"

"Is he handsome?"

Grace bit her lip, holding back a smile. "Very."

The group erupted into squeals once more, bombarding her with more questions. Their excitement was understandable—Grace had barely dated anyone. Though she had agreed to go out with a few men before, none of those relationships lasted. The longest was three dates. She dumped him for being too demanding.

And despite having a long list of suitors, Grace remained famously single. She was smart, successful, and undeniably beautiful—the kind of woman who naturally drew in confident, established men.

"We’re taking things slow," she hummed, trying to temper their enthusiasm. "But one thing’s for sure..."

She trailed off, lowering her gaze with a gentle smile. "It’s different this time. The more I talk to him, the more time I spend with him... I just keep falling."

If only they knew that her interest had started from simple curiosity. Just a what if. But it wasn’t just curiosity anymore. The nights she’d spent with Haines had only deepened her feelings. Every moment, every touch, and the growing tension between them only built more of their intimacy.

The women exchanged knowing looks, teasing grins spreading among them. But before anyone could speak, they noticed someone standing at the entrance.

With his confident stride and commanding presence, Hugo was impossible to miss. He exuded that same effortless charisma as always. And since he’d been present at every one of Grace’s birthdays, his appearance sparked a ripple of curiosity among the women.

"Hello," Hugo said, stopping just a step from their table and flashing a charming smile.

Grace raised a brow. "Hugo?"

"Hey." He casually rested his hand on the back of her chair and leaned in. "Can we talk?"

She blinked at him in surprise. Hugo usually came to her birthday parties for the food. Once he’d had his fill, he’d say thanks and leave. He never asked to speak with her privately.

"Uh... sure," she said, glancing at her friends. "I’ll be back."

Hugo stepped aside and guided her out of the room.

As they disappeared from view, the women at the table looked at each other, their faces lighting up with shared mischief.

"It’s him," one of them whispered. "It’s definitely him."

And once again, as if it were Hugo’s fate, he was once again a part of a relationship he had nothing to do with.