### **Ethan's Preparation for Evelyn's Birthday**
Days passed. Two days before Evelyn's birthday, Ethan placed an order for a flower bouquet with a heartfelt birthday wish. He carefully searched for the perfect love proposal greeting card and selected a beautiful wedding ring. Lastly, he prepared and signed the contract cancellation papers, sealing them in an envelope. He had everything ready—just as he had planned—and now, he waited eagerly for Evelyn's birthday.
### **Ethan Overhears an Unexpected Conversation**
One day before Evelyn's birthday, Evelyn and Ivy were deep in conversation at the office. As Ethan walked out of his room and passed by, he unintentionally overheard them talking—without either of them noticing his presence.
Evelyn turned to Ivy and asked, "Ivy, why do you look sad this morning?"
Ivy sighed. "I had an argument with my husband earlier. At that moment, I was frustrated and spoke harshly, but now I regret it."
Evelyn chuckled. "You fought with my brother and scolded him, but now you feel guilty? That's not okay."
Ivy shook her head. "You don't understand these things yet. One day, when you're married, you'll see. Speaking of which—what about your marriage? Have you decided? Are you in love with someone? Honestly, I feel like you and Ethan sir have something special."
### **Evelyn's Doubts About Love and Marriage**
Evelyn's smile faded slightly as she replied, "Why are you joking with me? It's true that I like him very much, but I don't know if it's love. What I do know for sure is that I'm not suitable for him or his status. I think he also believes the same—that even if he loves me, I'm not the right person for him.
"Not only that, but marriage isn't something I'm thinking about right now. I have so much to do. I don't have time for love. My priority is making sure my brother finishes his studies. At the same time, I want to get our restaurant back and run it successfully with my mom's help. Only after all that will I think about marriage."
Ivy sighed. "So, as per your decision, you have no plans to marry right now. That's really sad."
Just then, Ivy's phone rang—it was her husband.
Evelyn laughed, teasing her. "Is it your husband? Make peace properly with my brother."
With that, Evelyn left the conversation and walked away.
### **Ethan's Heartbreak and Resolve**
Ethan had heard everything. Silent and heavy-hearted, he returned to his room, lost in thought.
*Evelyn… do you really think I see you as someone unsuitable for me? Is this how you understand me?*
He let out a deep sigh, grappling with his emotions. *I never knew exactly when or how I started loving you. But now, I can't even put into words how much I love you. I understand what love truly means—because of you.*
He sat back, his mind swirling. *Do you know how much effort I put into planning the perfect proposal for you? And yet, in just one moment, you've completely shattered it.*
But then, Ethan took a deep breath and steadied himself. *Alright, what I wanted to happen didn't work out. So, let what you want happen instead. I will wait for you—until all of your dreams are fulfilled. No matter what, I won't lose you.*
That night, as he lay in bed, Ethan's thoughts lingered on Evelyn's words, still echoing in his heart.
---
### **Evelyn's Special Birthday Morning**
The next morning, Evelyn woke up feeling excited—it was her birthday. She dressed beautifully, looking every bit the radiant birthday girl, and then lay down on her mother's lap, waiting for her first birthday wish.
Her brother approached with a warm smile, handing her a flower crown he had crafted himself. "Happy birthday, sis!" he said enthusiastically.
Evelyn's heart swelled with joy. She placed the crown on her head and beamed.
Her mother had prepared her favorite sweet dish just for her special day. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, Evelyn packed some of the sweets in a box to share with her colleagues at work.
### **Evelyn's Birthday at the Office**
Upon reaching the office, Evelyn went around greeting her colleagues. "Today is my birthday!" she announced, passing the sweet box around.
Everyone responded in unison, "Happy birthday, Evelyn!" Their warm wishes filled the room with cheerful energy.
One of them asked, "Why didn't you tell us earlier? We didn't get a chance to prepare a birthday gift for you!"
Someone turned to Ivy. "Ivy, did you know today is Evelyn's birthday?"
Ivy shook her head. "I just found out now! If I had known earlier, I would have gotten her a gift."
Evelyn chuckled. "Don't worry! I don't need gifts—all I want is your wishes."
Smiling, her colleagues returned to their desks, resuming their work.
---
What will Ethan present to Evelyn as a gift?
Will Evelyn accept Ethan's gift?
---
### **Evelyn's Birthday Visit to Ethan**
Evelyn walked to Ethan's office, carrying a stack of files and a small box of sweets. She knocked on the door.
Ethan's voice came from inside. "Yes, come in."
She stepped in, placed the files on his desk, and handed him the sweet box. "Sir, today is my birthday. Please take some and give me your wishes."
Ethan accepted the sweets with a gentle smile. "Many more happy returns of the day, Evelyn."
### **Ethan's Unexpected Gift**
After wishing her, Ethan reached into his drawer and pulled out a neatly wrapped package. He extended it toward her.
Evelyn blinked in surprise. "Sir, how did you know today is my birthday?"
Ethan shrugged casually. "It's not a big deal. Just take my gifts."
Evelyn hesitated. "Please don't misunderstand—I don't want gifts. All I need are heartfelt wishes from you. But… for your satisfaction, I'll take the bouquet. That's enough."
She gently took the flower bouquet from Ethan's hands.
Ethan chuckled, then firmly placed the rest of the gifts in her hands. "First, see what's inside. Then you can decide whether you want them or not. Just open them for me."
### **The First Gift – A Long-Awaited Relief**
With curiosity growing, Evelyn opened the first envelope. Inside, she found the signed original copy of the contract cancellation papers.
Her breath hitched in excitement. She let out a sigh of relief and turned to Ethan, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Sir… is this true? Have all your problems been solved now? I can't believe it! I didn't expect everything to be settled so soon. I'm so happy now."
Then, guilt washed over her. "I feel bad for pretending to be your girlfriend in front of your parents. Thank you so much, sir. One day, I'll come to your house and tell them everything—explain the truth and sincerely apologize to them."
Ethan waved it off. "There's no need. I'll tell them myself and make sure they understand."
Evelyn smiled gratefully. "This is the biggest gift for me—it's more than enough. Please take back the other one."
She tried to return the second envelope to him.
### **The Second Gift – An Emotional Surprise**
Ethan took the envelope, then lightly tapped it against her forehead with a teasing smile. "Are you always in a hurry? Just take this and open it. Then decide whether you want it or not."
Evelyn took the envelope and carefully opened it. Her eyes scanned the contents—and suddenly, she froze.
Inside were the registration papers—confirming that her father's restaurant had been officially restored to their ownership.
Her hands trembled. The shock overwhelmed her, and tears spilled from her eyes. She cried, unable to find the words to thank him.
Ethan quickly stepped toward her, wiping away her tears with gentle hands. He helped her sit down and handed her a glass of water. "Take a deep breath," he murmured, his voice soft and reassuring.
### **Evelyn's Question**
After a few moments, Evelyn steadied herself and looked at him. Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Sir… how did you know about this?"
---
### **Ethan's Unexpected Gesture**
Ethan looked at Evelyn with sincerity. "I overheard your conversation with Ivy. You helped me during one of the toughest times in my life, so I wanted to return that kindness in this way. I strongly believe in you and your ability to rebuild your business into something great.
"I'm giving this to you as a loan—but without interest. You'll need to repay the capital in monthly installments. I take business and financial matters seriously, so I'm strict about this. Alright?"
### **Evelyn's Overwhelming Gratitude**
Evelyn's eyes welled up. "Sir, you don't even realize how immense this help is for me. I don't even know how to thank you properly.
"I promise I will prove your trust in me is right. I'll repay the loan as quickly as possible. Today is the best day of my life, and this is the most meaningful gift I've ever received. You are the reason for all of this.
"But… how do you trust me this much?"
### **Ethan's Silent Resolve**
Ethan, deep in thought, reflected to himself: *I trust you completely when it comes to business and your determination. But when it comes to our love—I can't trust that you'll accept it. However, I believe in myself… I will make sure you recognize our love one day.*
### **Ethan's Encouragement to Evelyn**
Ethan then spoke aloud, "I trust you because I've seen your hard work and dedication. That's why I believe in you. Now, go wash your face in my restroom. Take a moment to relax."
Evelyn, still overwhelmed, nodded and went to freshen up before leaving his office—holding his gifts close to her heart.
---
Endless Love continues...