Chapter 37: Happy Birthday
Sam puts the blue dress in front of her body as she tilts her head to the side. Then, she does the same with the black dress, studying the look in her wall mirror. She is extremely excited that she is finally going out for dinner with Kei.
Sadly, they haven't been able to meet ever since Kei spent the night. They have both been busy, but they texted and talked on the phone every day.
In addition, Samantha hasn't heard from Andrew after that day. When she asked Kei about it, he only said that he took care of it. She is a bit worried about what he means by 'took care of it', but at the same time, she is grateful that she doesn't have to deal with Andrew.
"Can't go wrong with black," Sam mumbles before she starts to dress up.
As soon as she finishes getting ready, she hears her phone's chime.
I'm downstairs, lovely.
Take your time though.
With a smile, Sam sprays her perfume on before heading out. Her heart beats fast as she leaves the building, and when her eyes lay on Kei, it skips a few beats.
He is wearing a midnight blue three-piece suit that hugs his body sinfully. Sam gulps. He is leaning back on his car and looking sexy as hell. Sam hasn't even noticed the bouquet of red roses he is holding until she is but a few feet away.
"Hello, gorgeous." Kei smiles, making Sam weak at the knees.
'Goodness, what is wrong with me?'
"You look beautiful." Kei leans in to brush his lips against her cheek. "God, and smell so good."
Sam chuckles. "Thank you. You look dashing yourself."
"Ah, thank you for noticing the extra effort I put in today."
She giggles.
"This is for you." He offers her the bouquet. "Happy birthday, Samantha."
Sam frowns for a moment. Has she forgotten about her birthday, again? Sure enough, it is August 24th. She looks at the flowers with a strange feeling before taking them from Kei's hand.
"Thank you," she whispers.
Kei opens the passenger door for her before walking to the other side.
"Where are we going?" she asks after smelling the roses once more.
"It's a surprise, but I can assure you that you're going to love it." He smirks.
After a few minutes, Kei pulls over in front of a fancy hotel. The valets rush to open the doors for them. When Sam looks up, the building is extended up so much that she can't tell how tall it is.
"Mr. Ichihara," an elegantly dressed employee greets them with a bow. "Please, follow me." She leads the way with a smile.
Kei softly places his hand on Sam's back as they follow the young woman. Their footsteps are muffled by the plush carpeting beneath their feet until they make it to the golden elevator. The ambiance exudes sophistication and charm, setting the stage for a memorable evening.
The restaurant is on the top floor of the hotel, framing the beautiful Tokyo views with its large windows. Kei and Sam enter the dimly lit, elegant restaurant and are escorted to a corner table. As they settle into their seats, the soft glow of candlelight dances upon their faces, adding a touch of warmth to the air.
"So?" Kei raises his eyebrows with a proud look on his face. He could already tell that Sam loves the place.
"It's beautiful, Kei." Sam beams as her eyes roam around the restaurant.
The chef himself approaches their table with a gracious smile. "Mr. Ichihara," he greets. "It is an honor to have you as a guest tonight."
"Thank you, Mr. Fujita."
The chef then goes on into explaining the seven-course menu that he is preparing for them. Kei smiles as he watches Sam's eyes sparkle with every detail Chef Fujita gives about the meal.
As promised the chef masterfully presents an array of culinary delights throughout the evening. Each course is a testament to his creativity and skill, showcasing the finest ingredients sourced from around Japan. From the tender seared scallops with a delicate citrus glaze to the succulent roasted duck breast paired with a rich red wine reduction, every dish is a harmonious symphony of taste and presentation.
Sam is thankful that she had stopped her medication a while back, so she enjoys the drinks that the chef pairs with the dishes.
The evening is so mesmerizing, Sam feels all giddy. Kei keeps the conversation light with some flirting here and there. Sam's laughter and flirtatious responses are music to his ears.
As the evening draws to a close, a stunning dessert that embodies both artistry and decadence arrives. The velvety chocolate mousse adorned with delicate gold leaf and accompanied by a refreshing raspberry coulis is the perfect finale to a night of culinary enchantment.
Sam hums as she feels the mousse melt in her mouth. "God, this is delicious."
"Mr. Fujita has outdone himself," Kei agrees with her.
"Yes, he has."
Kei chuckles when he notices Sam's chocolate covered lip. He leans in and wipes it with his thumb, then he brings it to his mouth and licks it. "Delicious," he murmurs.
Sam watches the whole scene with shocked eyes before her face blushes violently, making Kei even more amused.
"I have something for you," he says after a moment. He reaches into his inside pocket and pulls an envelope.
"What is it?" Sam asks as he hands it to her.
"This is your birthday gift, dear." He cocks his head to the side.
Sam curiously opens the envelope. She cannot think of what it could be. 'Maybe tickets. He did mention that he wanted to visit Amanda in Okinawa.'
She freezes when she reads the paper. Her hands tremble as her eyes travel to Kei then back to the paper. It reads, The Final Decree of Divorce.
"Kei…how…" Sam's choked voice is barely audible.
"I had a little talk with Andrew before he left Japan." Kei shrugs.
"My lawyer didn't say anything." Sam frowns.
"I asked her not to, I told her I wanted to surprise you."
Sam extends her hand to Kei who takes it and squeezes it gently. "Thank you, Kei," she says with watering eyes.
Kei brings her hand to his lips and kisses it. "Anything for you, my love."
The gesture makes something inside Sam clench. She wants to kiss Kei, she wants him to hold her right then and there.
"My divorce was also finalized yesterday," he whispers against her hand.
Sam takes a shaky breath as her eyes meet Kei's green pools.
'God, is this a dream?'
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