Chapter 2

The big screen played the next video, titled "Lucian's 21st Birthday"

In the grainy footage, a 20-year-old Iris was setting up a candlelit dinner.

The camera shook slightly, as if someone had carefully placed it on the table at the right angle.

In the dim, warm yellow light, even though she was wearing a simple white t-shirt with her hair loosely tied back, you could tell she was happy at that time.

The basic cake had unevenly spread frosting.

On top, written in chocolate sauce with wobbly letters: "First year! Wishing my love Lucian eternal happiness!"

"Twentieth," she counted softly, her fingers still smeared with a bit of frosting.

"Oh no!" She turned to the camera, pouting. "I'm short one candle. He's turning twenty-one this year."

Just then, the sound of a door opening came from off-screen.

The camera angle was quickly adjusted.

Lucian from seven years ago burst into the frame.

His face was youthful, with sweat on his forehead.

"What's this?"

"Don't look!" Iris blushed, trying to cover his eyes.

But he picked her up and set her on the table.

Lucian's Adam's apple bobbed as he looked at her adoringly.

Suddenly, he laughed, "You've turned yourself into a cake too."

He then wiped a bit of frosting off her nose.

The camera was knocked over, changing the angle to an upward view.

It showed Lucian cupping her face, saying, "Thank you. This is the best birthday gift I've ever received."

The sound of a lighter being flicked came from off-screen.

Iris said with a smile, "Quick, make a wish."

The final frame froze on Lucian's profile as he closed his eyes to make a wish.

In the corner of the frame, Iris gazed at him with eyes full of joy.

The host asked softly, "Mr. Armstrong, did your wish from back then come true?"

He stared intently at the frozen image on the screen, silent for a moment before answering.

"It did... No, actually, it didn't."

"What was the wish?" the host persisted.

Lucian pressed his lips together without speaking.

Host: "It's clear you were very much in love at that time."

"Yes... At that time, I thought she was kind and gentle. Unfortunately, it took me many years to see her true colors."

The host smiled, "Let's move on to the next clip."

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