Chapter 55 Alex’s gift

It was a chocolate truffle cake. Clara didn't know who chose the flavour and design. But it was just lovely and she felt happy after a long time. The continuous threats from Elsa's followers were too much to bear and on top of it, her dad's betrayal made her so tired. This little celebration brought a little happiness to her messed-up life.

"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you, dear" Everyone sang the song as she cut the cake. She took the first piece and was not sure whom she should give it. Earlier in her childhood days, it would be always her dad. After that, she never did this. So, she is not quite sure of whom she should give them.

The cake was so tempting that she wanted to eat them first before she offered it to anyone. But it would be quite rude and mean.

"You can just pretend to give it to me. I will feed this to you. Don't eat it directly. Everyone will laugh at you" Alex chuckled as she widened her eyes being caught red handed by him. Did he read her mind? Did she look that obvious? Her cheeks flushed with his smirk but she has no option now than to gently raise her hand to reach his face to feed the cake.

Alex grabbed her hand and fed her as he said. The sweet cream made her close her eyes automatically. She so damn wants to eat the full cake to release her stress. But there are many people in the line to get her second position.

Clara hated to get such attention. Now everyone is curious to see whom she will give next. Alina and Jason stood there with no confusion as they thought it would be them only. But Alina took back steps showing that she won't accept the same tonight at least not before Clara cleared their little fight.

"Don't worry, just relax. I will serve the cake to all." Grace came forward to help Clara.

Clara released the breath which she was holding for so long Edward came and gave the present to Clara. He smiled at her.

"I know you are upset with me. But I don't want to ruin our little friendship with whatever is happening." He whispered near her ears as he gave a small frame with a friendship quote. Clara is damn touched by his choice of gift.

She wanted to tell him that she has no objection in their relationship. But she is scared of Elena's reactions.

Everyone gave their gifts. Nathan gave a small show piece of a Cinderella statue. He even mentioned that he has a Cinderella vibe in her face.

Alex was in awe with the gifts she got. Everything has an emotional touch in it. Alex now looked at Sandy who came forward with a small box.

"It's just a small gift to show you what we share" Sandy's words were a shocker to all. His voice was genuine and Rose felt so jealous with his care towards Clara. Why does he have to be soft towards her? Even Clara didn't expect this from him at all. How does her life change drastically? Everyone around her loves her to the moon and she feels damn overwhelmed. Is she dreaming or what?

She opened the box and it had a small pendant. Rose widened her eyes looking at the pendant. It's not any normal pendant. It was that pendant which he bought from his first salary in his college days. He would often tell Rose and Alex that it would be for his sister who would eventually marry Alex.

Alex and Rose stood there completely flabbergasted with the sudden gesture from Sandy's side.

"Thanks" Clara mumbled and was wondering if Alex said the truth that day or if there something more to that story. As far as Clara can guess, Sandy is not a guy with bad eyes. His look and touch always scream safe and genuine. How can someone like him spoil his buddy's life?

Now the attention went to Alex's side who stood their empty hand. He looked at them rolling his eyes.

"It's not necessary to buy gifts," Alex spoke and turned away like a kid.

"HMT watch, BMW car, Apple iPhone," Frank counted everything in front of all, making Alex widen his eyes.

"There are many more things which you demanded on your birthdays and even threatened me to get them for you" Frank's words made everyone shocked. That was not the Alex they know.

Clara's laughter filled the hall as they all looked at her side. She couldn't control her laughter seeing the grumpy face of Alex and the way he gets flushed every time because of Frank's teases.

Jason was the only one who was not happy seeing Clara laugh like this.

'Sometimes, these kinds of people laugh out loud when their emotions are too much to handle.' Kriya's words rang inside his head and he was damn worried that she was not fine.

Alex was just mesmerised with her pure transparent face. Her laugh is so contagious and it fills his heart instantly. He has a strange urge to protect her from everything in this world.

"Just keep smiling always" Grace kept her hand over Clara's head and that's when she was brought to reality. She looked around and didn't utter a word.

"Sister" Clara was alarmed by the sound from the entrance. She turned around as Alex came to her side instantly.

"Alex's gift is not something that can be wrapped in a box or gift paper. It is special" He spoke near her ears as she widened her eyes. She didn't even expect his gift for her. And that too the gift he chose is something she never disclosed to anyone. Not even to Jason.

"Teresa orphanage kids." Clara gasped.

"You told me that you wish to give pizzas to these kids as they have never tasted any" Clara is just shocked by Alex's words. When did she even tell him this? She always thought of doing this but she had no money to do this.

"Are you serious?" Clara asked as she looked wide-eyed at Alex with little tears in her eyes. She could feel that they were alone in this room and she couldn't hear anything other than his smile.

"Sister" The four kids came running to her side who were much closer to Clara than all the kids there. They gave a rose to her wishing her birthday.

"Uncle asked us to collect pizzas for all kids" The elder among all said as Clara has no words to describe it.

"Sir has even arranged free food service to the kids permanently," The manager told Clara as it was just amazing to even react. Alex didn't know that he could do something like this to make anyone happy. But seeing Clara's happy and bright smile, he knew that he did right.

But he didn't see the jealous eyes of Elena and Elsa and also, he didn't notice the teasing eyes of his family who were ready to kill him with their full package of fun.

"Last month, I had my fiftieth birthday. I don't remember Alex even wishing me that day" Frank's loud voice brought them to reality and Alex now regretted even thinking of doing this stupid stunt in front of all.

"I celebrated my 75th birthday. Even then, he just ignored me." Grace added as she sat beside Frank in a line.

"I thought I was the only girl who came to make my brother dance to my tune. But guess I was so wrong" Rose added with a cute pout.

"Can we just stop this session so that we can continue once the guests leave?" Alex put a full stop to the teasing session while they too agreed on it.

Sandy's eyes teared up automatically showing how much he missed this crazy family. They would always make fun of each other and Sandy felt home every time. He wanted to whine now along with them. But he has no place in their family or their heart. The thought made him vulnerable and helpless. He just wants to beg for their forgiveness and ask them to accept him again.

Rose felt his heart as she looked at him. His eyes screamed loneliness and she damn couldn't hold herself from tearing up. How does she wish to pull him for a hug and soothe his pain? But isn't that what he brought upon?

"We didn't invite you. You can leave" Rose snapped at Sandy as she doesn't want him to feel alone anymore. But she doesn't even want to admit it.

"I love you" he said as he grabbed her waist again showing that he is in full form to annoy her with her own condition lists.

"Stop with this love and stay away." Rose pushed him instantly.

"One more time you try to act smart, I will not think twice to post this online" Rose showed the video as Sandy stood there gritting his teeth. She can't probably post them, right? But she cares least about it.