"Liana, I have something to tell you," James sent a text to inform his sister about the new development while Victoria was in the next room.
"Why so serious," his sister replied with amusement. "What's going on?"
"I'm seeing someone. Victoria Sharp, actually. My boss."
The silence on the other end stretched for several seconds before Liana typed quite delighted. "James Mitchell! You're dating the Victoria Sharp? You finally agree that you are in love with your boss."
"Yes, and I'm really happy."
"Well that much is obvious, I'm thrilled for you, truly. It makes me curious, what did you do to capture her attention."
James smiled, hearing Victoria's voice humming softly from the room. "None of your business just decided to let you in on it. Bye."
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October had arrived with crisp mornings and golden afternoons, bringing with it a delightful discovery that both James and Victoria shared the same birth month. When October 6th dawned, James was determined to make Victoria's twenty-sixth birthday extra special even though she received tons of congratulatory messages and expensive gifts from business partners, admirers and fans alike.
Victoria declared the day as a holiday to her workers. Which gave James ample time to prepare. He began the day by serving her breakfast in bed, complete with fresh flowers and her favorite coffee. Victoria's surprised laughter filled the bedroom as she discovered the elaborate spread he had prepared.
"This is wonderful," she said, pulling him down for a kiss. "What else do you have planned?"
"Everything," James replied mysteriously.
The spa session came first, where Victoria luxuriated in massages and treatments while James headed back to his apartment to get somethings done then arrived exactly when she was done. Next was the salon, where professional stylists pampered her with a fresh manicure, pedicure, and a stunning new hairstyle that framed her face perfectly.
Shopping followed, with James insisting she choose any dress she desired. Victoria selected an elegant emerald gown that hugged her curves beautifully, paired with matching heels that made her feel like royalty.
The makeup artist James had arranged worked magic with brushes and colors, enhancing Victoria's natural beauty until she glowed with confidence. When she emerged from the session, James's breath caught at the sight of her.
"You look incredible," he breathed, offering his arm.
The opera house provided the perfect romantic atmosphere, with beautiful music filling the elegant venue. Victoria found herself completely enchanted by the performance, her hand resting in James's throughout the evening.
The aquarium visit that followed was unexpectedly magical. They wandered through the dimly lit tunnels, surrounded by graceful sea creatures swimming overhead. Victoria pressed close to James as they watched the jellyfish dance in their illuminated tanks.
"This has been perfect," she whispered against his ear.
When they returned to James's apartment, Victoria gasped in delight. Balloons in silver and gold decorated every surface, creating a festive atmosphere that made her feel like a princess.
The dining room had been transformed into an intimate restaurant setting. Candles flickered on the table, casting warm light across the carefully arranged place settings. The aroma of Victoria's favorite dishes filled the air, evidence of James's careful preparation.
"You cooked all of this?" Victoria asked, her eyes wide with appreciation.
"Every single dish," James confirmed, pulling out her chair with a flourish.
They ate slowly, savoring both the food and each other's company. Victoria couldn't stop smiling, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of every detail James had planned.
"I have two more gifts," James announced as they started their dessert, reaching into his jacket pocket.
Victoria clapped her hands together in anticipation, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Is one of it sex? Are you finally going to make love to me?"
James froze mid-motion, his fork halfway to his mouth. He set it down carefully and looked at her with furrowed brows. "No," he said firmly.
Victoria chuckled, clearly enjoying his reaction. "I knew that, though it would have been a great gift nonetheless."
James studied her face with growing concern. "Do you only think about that?"
Victoria's smile turned innocent, though her words were anything except. "When have I not? I am constantly thinking about getting railed by you in so many different positions. That's why I've been feeding you well, to get you ready. Though, It's only a matter of time."
James hugged himself defensively, looking genuinely worried. "I'm scared for my safety. Who's going to protect me from you?"
Victoria burst into laughter at his dramatic reaction. "Oh, come on. Eat your cake."
The peaceful harmony of the evening returned as they continued their meal. James pulled out his phone to capture pictures of Victoria's radiant smile, wanting to preserve every moment of her happiness.
When dessert was finished, James finally presented his first gift. The small velvet box contained matching necklaces, simple yet elegant, each bearing half of a heart that would complete the other.
"It's not from an expensive brand," James said quietly, suddenly uncertain. "The meaning behind it seemed more important."
Victoria lifted the delicate chain, her expression softening, as she understood the symbolism. "It's perfect," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Absolutely perfect."
As James fastened the necklace around her neck, Victoria realized something remarkable had happened. For the very first time since she started Sharp Innovations, she had celebrated her birthday with genuine joy filling her heart. Every smile had been real, every laugh authentic.
James hurried into his room and returned with a small-decorated box. "This is your second gift," he said, holding it up to her.
Victoria accepted the box suspiciously. James chuckled. "Go on, open it."
She looked at him once more, then at the box. Opening it slowly, what she saw inside melted whatever barrier she had erected in her heart. A sleeping white kitten lay nestled inside.
"Oh my God, James," Victoria whispered, emotional and in awe.
James smiled, seeing her reaction. "It's a male munchkin cat. Someone to keep you company when I'm not there."
"But you will always be here."
"Yes I will always be here." James nodded in agreement.
Victoria looked at James really looked at him, the present, caring, thoughtful man in front of her. An indescribable rush of happiness flooded her. She was genuinely happy and thankful she had taken a chance with him, or she wouldn't be living the best times of her life.
James rubbed her cheek. "Give him a name."
She continued looking at James and said with certainty, "James. I will name him James. James Junior. JJ for short"
James laughed. Victoria found herself caught up in the sound of his laughter, soaking in every detail.
"Okay, JJ it is. I hope you take care of your owner, JJ," James said, looking at the sleeping kitten.