Divorce and Desire: Love with My Boss

Seeing the text message on his phone, Noah noticed the time. Today was his birthday. 

In fact, he didn't particularly like this day. Compared to winter, he preferred early spring when everything revived, bringing a sense of renewal and happiness.

As nightfall approached, Emma knocked on Noah's door. The moment she entered, she beamed, "Noah, happy birthday!"

Noah took the cake from her and joked, "Why do you want to send a cake to the owner of the dessert shop?"

"How can you let the birthday boy make his own cake? You live alone here; it just wouldn't be right!"

This was Emma's first visit since Noah had moved. 

"How's your old place?" she asked, curiosity lighting up her eyes.

Noah unwrapped the ribbon from the cake box. "I put it up for sale. Keeping it would just cause more trouble."

"Yeah, a house filled with memories isn't meant for just one person to live in."

Once the candles were set, Emma said, "I'll go turn off the lights."

With a snap, the room was plunged into darkness, and Emma began to sing.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Noah, happy birthday to you." She clapped her hands in rhythm.

Noah closed his eyes tightly, making the same wish he had wished every year. When he opened them, the flickering candlelight danced in front of him, and he met Emma's joyful gaze. Yes, it was true: someone needed to be there with you on your birthday.

Turning on the light, Noah retrieved a knife to slice the cake. "I'll give you a swan. Thank you for being there for me these past four years."

"Don't be polite! I should be the one thanking you. Your support has meant so much to me in my work. I think of us as both teachers and friends. I've learned a lot from you."

Noah and Emma sat side by side, savoring their cake. "You've taught me a lot too. We should keep growing together."

Suddenly, Noah felt a craving for a drink. He remembered the unfinished cocktails in the cabinet from last time. "Want to drink? Emma, did you drive here?"

Emma grinned, "But it doesn't matter. Drinking with the birthday boy brings me good luck!"

She reached into her cowhide bag. "I was thinking today about staying over, so I prepared a set of clothes in advance."

Noah laughed heartily. "Seems like you've been coveting my bed for a while now. You're very thoughtful."

"Of course! A little drinking won't affect tomorrow's work," Emma said, fully aware of Noah's alcohol tolerance since they often worked together.

Noah returned from the kitchen with four cans of cocktails. "See which flavor you like."

Emma chose the white peach flavor, "I'll take this one."

Just as they were about to start drinking and chatting, the doorbell rang abruptly.

"Is he your friend too? I'll go open the door," Emma said, getting up.

"No, I'll go," Noah replied quickly.

Before his divorce from Oliver, Emma had been the second person to celebrate his birthday with him. The third was an anonymous sender who left unclaimed gifts on his workstation every year—a bouquet of flowers, a tie, something small but thoughtful.

Noah opened the door to see Ethan, but instead of his usual suit, he wore a camel coat Noah had never seen before.

Emma couldn't contain her curiosity and followed Noah quietly. When she recognized Ethan, she gasped, "Mr. Harrison—?"

Noah opened the door wider, taking the small oven from Ethan's hands. "Thank you for the gift."

"It's nothing. Happy birthday." Ethan greeted Emma politely and turned back to his own room.

Noah placed the oven in the kitchen, then noticed Emma still standing at the door, dazed. He walked over and playfully patted her shoulder. "Hey, come back to your senses!"

"Mmmm…" Emma stretched out her hand, covering her mouth as Noah pressed a finger to his lips. "Keep your voice down; the sound insulation here isn't great. Don't disturb the neighbors."

Emma nodded rapidly, signaling for Noah to release her. Once he did, her excitement bubbled over. "Hurry up, tell me! You and Mr. Harrison must be up to something!"

"Sit down first. Don't be so excited," Noah said, pulling Emma to the sofa with a sigh.

"This all started when I resigned. Ethan owns 40% of my store because he's my landlord and waived the rent directly."

"Is that why you exchanged contact information?" Emma interrupted, her eyes wide with interest.

"Yes! The last time I went to the company to deliver desserts, one package was for him."

Emma's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Did you take the initiative?"

"No! He said investment requires visible returns, and he must taste new products. I thought that was standard, so I agreed."

"Mr. Harrison must be interested in you! I didn't expect this at all! Wow—really, I can't believe it!"

Emma leaned in closer, excitement dancing in her expression. "You must be feeling pretty proud, Noah!"

Once the initial excitement faded, Emma asked, "So, what do you think?"

Noah hesitated, "On the day of the opening, I made it clear I wasn't interested. Right now, I don't have any thoughts of falling in love."

He didn't want to open himself up too quickly after the recent turmoil in his life. It felt unfair to let someone in when he was still healing. 

"Then I think, even if Mr. Harrison is your boss, your feelings matter more than anything else. Don't pressure yourself; just do what makes you happy."

Emma released her hold on Noah and took his hands. "Don't overthink it. Just enjoy life and focus on your happiness."

"Let's have a drink," Emma said, popping open a can of cocktail and offering it to Noah.

They clinked their cans together, the fizzy bubbles bursting in their mouths as they took their first sips.

At that moment, Emma excitedly revealed a beige wool sweater from her bag. "Ta-da! I knitted this for you!"

Noah admired the craftsmanship; he knew Emma was talented, but this exceeded his expectations. The sweater was just as lovely as those sold in specialty stores, incredibly soft to the touch.

"Thank you! I really love it," Noah said, hugging the sweater to his chest, pressing it against his face. "This means so much to me."

"Why are you so touched? Let's talk about something else! I heard there's a newcomer at the company…"

Their conversation flowed easily from the sofa to the bed, only pausing when Noah yawned, fatigue finally catching up with him. Emma laughed, pushing him playfully. "Alright, party boy! Time for some sleep." 

As Noah settled in, he felt a warmth spread through him, a mix of gratitude and hope. Perhaps this birthday wouldn't be so bad after all.