"My sister's son got his head stuck in his grandma's wheelchair, I don't know how either but I have to run now." Heather explained while hastily arranging her desk and handbag.

"Shit, that's really a hassle. Kids scare me."

"Honest to God, me too." She sighed.

"Goodluck getting the little guy's head unstuck. I'll deal with things here."

"Thank you and enjoy the rest of your birthday!" She waved before carrying her bag and rushing towards the elevator. I looked down the empty hallway once Heather had completely disappeared from sight and finally at the small pile of unfinished work on my desk.

"Let's finish this P," I breathed out.

Close to thirty minutes later, I was filing away the last meeting minute when the abrupt sound of footsteps startled me. My hands fastened around my chest and I cursed after seeing who it was.

"You're still here."

I stared at William, who nearly just sent me into a cardiac arrest. He was causally dressed in denim pants and a t-shirt. I coughed and stood straighter.

"I'm about to leave."

"I need to get something. I'll be out now." He said and went into his office. A whole minute must have passed before he came out again. In that time, I finished putting the file away and clearing my desk.

"I'll drop you off."

"That's not necessary." I said and moved to lock the doors.

"I insist, miss Duhamels."

I turned around. He had his arms crossed. Moments from our last conversation before now played in my head.

"Okay sir."

I wasn't certain but what looked like a smile flashed across his lips before he turned, walking towards the elevator. The ride down was silent and the walk to his car was even quieter. The silence gave room for a lot of thoughts. Awry thoughts. Somewhere along the ride to my apartment, I started wondering if he knew today was my birthday then almost immediately felt stupid. I couldn't even remember his at first.

"Thank you," I said once the car stopped and quickly alighted.

"Miss Duhamels?"

I turned.

"Don't be late to the airpot tomorrow."

I was about to respond with a customary eye roll but he spoke again.

"And happy birthday." He held out a small bag and my eyes widened. In a bit of a daze, I leaned forward and collected it.

"What is–" I started asking but he drove off before I could get the rest of the words out. I was still in amazement that he remembered my birthday and even got me a gift when I reached my apartment.

"Ta-da!"

Cece was there the moment I opened the door and I stared at the table, full of food, behind her with wide, gleeful eyes.

"Wow, I haven't seen this much food since Thanksgiving." I laughed.

"I may have gotten a little carried away with the food." She smiled guiltily.

"A little." I continued laughing

"What's that you got there?"

I dropped my handbag and lifted the small bag.

"A gift," the words sounded strange leaving my mouth.

"Have you opened it? Who's it from?"

"There's a long rectangular box inside." I said while bringing the box out. Its packaging was navy blue with ribbons at the sides and when I lifted the cover, my breath caught. It was a sliver necklace with a pendant shaped like a key. The pendant was encrusted in little stones that glistened in the light.

"Wow, are those diamonds? It's beautiful." Cece spurted and I immediately shook my head.

"Of course not. Why would he get me a diamond necklace?" I chuckled.

"Who–"

"Nevermind that. The food looks amazing Cece." My eyes fell on the table again.

"I think I've finally perfected some recipes I learnt from that cooking book. I'm sure you'll love them." She beamed.

"Is that a cake?"

"Oh yeah, it's a bit small but I think the—hey, are you crying?" Cecile paused and her eyes flew open when I sniffed.

"No," I denied at first. "yes. I'm just very happy right now. My last birthday was a mess but today I'm actually happy and I'm just so thankful about that." I smiled amidst my tears.

"I'm happy you're happy," she hugged me.

"But what are we going to do with all that food?" I laughed once we pulled apart.

"Make it a party."

"I haven't had one of those in years."

"You can today." She grinned.

"I'll send out texts I guess." I smiled then eyed my work clothes, "then probably change and put this away." I lifted the bag up.

"The diamonds you claim not to be diamonds," I heard her laugh on my way to my room. It better not be a diamond necklace, I thought wryly before placing the bag inside my dresser.

***

Removing my sunglasses, I nostalgically surveyed the entrance to the airpot. January suddenly felt like yesterday; rolling my luggage down the ramp, slightly hopeful for the rest of the new year. But it'd infact been six months now. A car parked behind me and I turned to see William, causally dressed in jeans and a t-shirt again, stepping out of the passenger side. He got a small suitcase out of the trunk and exchanged a few words with Jay, the driver before finally settling his gaze on me.

"Miss Duhamels," he nodded.

"Mr Illston," I responded dryly.

He went ahead while I waved hello and goodbye to Jay before catching up inside.

"Some billionaire hotshot you are." I murmured. We were past the boarding gates now, waiting for our flight to be called.

"What?" William side eyed me.

"Business class? I thought you'd have a private jet or two by now."

"I only bring it out for the ladies I'm trying to impress." He smirked.

I scoffed but for some odd reason, internally felt relieved. Our banter was back. I returned my attention to the catalogue in my hands. Flipping through the pages, a familiar logo caught my attention. I raised the catalogue higher. It was the logo on the bag and box from yesterday. William's gift. I hadn't even addressed that yet.

I flipped through more pages till I found what I was searching for. It wasn't the same style of necklace but was similar. A gasp left my lips seeing the price underneath.

"You gifted me a fifteen thousand dollar necklace?" I blurted out.

William stared at the catalogue then me. "Yes."

"Why the hell would you do that?"

"I thought it would look nice on you," he replied simply.

"You don't just gift a fifteen thousand dollar necklace to anyone."

"Well you're not just anyone, are you?"

"Don't say–" I paused hearing our flight being called.

"Time to board." He stood.

"I don't want it." I pronounced the second we settled into our seats on the plane.

"Why?"

"Why?" I laughed dryly. "Of course you'd ask why. I keep accepting all your help anyway because I'm too shameless and hopeless not too. So why would I not want this too?"

"I didn't mean it that way Ophelia. It's just a gift."

"Oh yes, I'm not just anyone right?"

"Yes–"

"Bullshit William, bullshit! You don't get to act mean one minute, mysterious and shady the next and then sweet all of a sudden, when you haven't even apologised for-for leaving me like that six years ago. You left me, you ended things. You." I deflated. I noticed a few heads turn our way and sighed, sinking into the seat further.

"Ophelia—"

"Just leave me alone, please." I quickly opened the headsets package and fumbled with the music control.

"I'm sorry, I really am." He said although his words were muffled by the loudness of the music from the headsets. I remained silent and closed my eyes.

***

6 years ago...

I rubbed my hands together, trying to generate warmth then huffed out cold air. I regretted not wearing my gloves before leaving but the apartment wasn't far off now. In my three years of living in New York, this had to be my coldest winter yet. I felt my phone vibrate and dipped my hand into my coat pocket to get it out.

"Hey momma."

"Hey P, Merry Christmas honey."

"Merry Christmas momma." I smiled.

"How's it going over there? I wish you could be here with us." I imagined she was frowning.

"Me too." My smile turned sad.

"Then you should have booked your flight on time to avoid missing spending the holiday with us like this." She scolded and I groaned.

"There was a blizzard mom. There was really nothing I could do."

"That's why you should have booked the flight a week ahead."

"I'll book it a month ahead next time."

"Don't get cheeky with me young lady."

"I miss you mom, a lot." I laughed.

"I miss you too honey. We all do. Let's Skype, your sister and Richmond just arrived. They'll be spending Christmas day with us. You should say hi to them."

"I'm out right now and it's pretty dark already. We can Skype when I get in."

"Okay, okay."

"I love you mom, tell dad I love him too."

"We love you too. Have a wonderful Christmas P." She said and the call ended.

I reached the entrance of the apartment building and pulled the door open with extra effort due to the snow that had formed around. In the elevator, my hand felt for the square box that was securely placed in my other coat pocket. I brought it out and smiled. It was Will's Christmas gift.

It was our first Christmas together. Although I really missed Seattle and my family right now, I was still giddy with excitement to spend Christmas with Will.

I opened the box. It was a Rolex watch that cost a pretty buck but was worth every penny. Will's demeanour had been a bit off all week. I pinned it on the stress of his new job but planned to fix that and make this the best first couple Christmas ever.

"I'm back! I forgot my gloves, my hands feel like popsi—" I paused at the door seeing Will roll out a box from the room.

"Are we going somewhere?" I asked shutting the door behind me and removing my scarf. "Shit, did I ruin a surprise?" I groaned.

"You did actually." He handed me an envelope.

"Are these tickets?" I shook the envelope. "Where could we possibly travel to on Christmas eve?"

"They're not tickets."

His straight tone made me look up at him; really look up at him. He looked different. I got the worse sinking feeling in my belly.

"What's wrong? What's in here?"

"I'm breaking up with you."

Thump.

"What?"

"I don't think we are fit to be together anymore."

"What?" I repeated but laughed, unable to believe what was happening. "Is this some sort of prank? Because if it is, it's really not funny Will."

"It's not a prank."

"What do you mean?"

"Look–"

"I t-thought you were being odd because of i-issues at work not, not us." I started stuttering. "W-we were fine Will."

"No, I was tired, I am tired."

"Tired, of me?" I whispered.

"Yes. Tired of this. You are only weighing me down." His dark eyes that once held so much warmth for me stared down at me coldly and I shivered.

"Why are you doing this? Saying all these things? Staring at me like that? Please tell me what's wrong. Let's talk, let's fix this Will." I pleaded.

"There is no fixing this. You can have the apartment." He rolled his box past me but paused at the door. "Don't look for me or try to contact me. I don't love you anymore. It's really over so don't ever look back."

The door shut and the gust of cold air that followed chilled me bitterly. I blinked. What just happened? What was happening? Did Will just break up with me? I don't love you anymore.

Fumbling for my phone in my pocket, I brought out the watch instead. The Christmas gift. I closed my eyes. Finally finding my phone, I blindly dialed a number.

"Demi, can I come over?"

Minutes later, I entered Demi's apartment and fell on her bed.

"He broke up with me Demi, he left." I cried.

***

I slowly opened my eyes and frowned seeing and feeling people moving around me.

"We just landed."

I unbuckled my seat belt and sat up.

"Ophelia," William's hand stopped me from standing.

"What?" I glared at his hand then him. He took it off.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry about a lot of things but what good is an apology if there's no explanation to back it up?" He bent his head.

"I don't expect an explanation, not today, not ever."

***