od outside, paint cans in hand, ready to make the “couple’s” romantic rendezvous unforgettable.

“Are we actually doing this?” James questioned.

“Just watch,” I said determinedly, marching inside with paint cans in tow!

As I flung open the hotel doors, I anticipated catching Adam and Lily in the act. Instead, I was greeted by a room adorned with balloons, streamers, and a massive banner that read: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE!”

My jaw dropped. In the center of the room stood Lily and Adam, beaming like two mischievous children.

Behind them were my parents, my sister, and a close circle of friends!

“Surprise!” they all shouted.

I stood frozen, the paint cans slipping from my fingers. “What… is this?” I managed to stammer.

Adam stepped forward, his dimples shining brightly.

“It’s your birthday party, sweetheart! We wanted to do something special since you always forget your birthday!”

“Wait,” I blurted, trying to process it all.

“So… you’re not cheating?”

Adam laughed and pulled me into a warm embrace. “Of course not! Lily, James, and I have been planning this for weeks!”

James smiled, and that’s when it hit me—he was with Lily, and they were in on this together!

Lily chimed in, “You should’ve seen your face! Just priceless!”

My eyes welled up with tears, a mix of relief and embarrassment flooding me. “I thought…”

Adam lovingly cupped my face, wiping away my tears.

“I know, and I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gone to such lengths. I thought you’d catch on when I scheduled your manicure, but you have to admit, this was a good surprise.”

And it truly was…

The celebration turned out to be a fantastic success, filled with laughter, cake, and heartfelt toasts!

When we finally left the hotel the next morning, I felt fortunate, albeit a little ridiculous for my earlier concerns.

As we reached Adam’s car in the parking lot, we noticed “CHEATER!!!!” scrawled across the windshield in bright red lipstick.

I groaned, hiding my face in embarrassment. “I’m so, so sorry.”

Adam just chuckled. “It’s washable, right?

Plus, it’ll make a great story to share with our kids one day!”

As we cleaned off the car together, laughter bubbled up inside me too. If nothing else, this had certainly turned into a birthday to remember!