Part 3The Price of a Dying Wish

Considering how deeply Nolan cared about this, I didn't plan on interfering too much.

On Friday after work, I booked a table at a rotating restaurant downtown, thinking we could have a nice, relaxing evening. But I couldn't reach his phone no matter how many times I called.

I only found out by asking mutual friends that Nolan had taken some alumni from his cohort to visit Professor Davis's family that afternoon.

It wasn't until 6:35 PM that he finally returned my call. Hearing me mention the restaurant, his tone grew conflicted.

"Audrey, I brought some people to visit Professor Davis's family this afternoon. His wife made dinner, and I really can't just leave. Why don't you ask someone else to grab dinner with you?"

The other end of the line was noisy and lively.

Suddenly, a bright, cheerful female voice came through the receiver.

"Senior Nolan! What are you still doing? The food is on the table, hurry up and come over, we're about to eat~"

I was just about to ask who that was, but Nolan hastily dropped a "Talk to you later" and hung up the phone.

I sat in my seat holding the disconnected phone, stunned for a long while.

The waitress pushing a cake and holding flowers hesitated for a moment before bracing herself to ask.

"Ms. Vance, would you like the cake now or later? And... these are complimentary flowers from the restaurant. Happy Birthday."

I gave her a friendly smile and reached out to take the flowers.

"I'll take the flowers, but you can skip the cake. Feel free to do whatever with it."

"Also, please clear away these balloons and candles. It's pretty awkward eating alone with all this..."

On the display screen across the table, blue text clearly stated—

[July 18th, The Starlight Restaurant and all its staff wish Ms. Audrey Vance a very Happy Birthday~]

Today was my 27th birthday, and also our four-year anniversary.

Nolan had completely forgotten.