He Wouldn't Claim Me — Another Man Did

Chapter 159 - 145: Good News

After her grandmother passed away, Annabelle Leighton paused all her work and rested at home for several days.

She needed time to recover, both physically and emotionally. Although Morgan Hayes was there to fill the void with his affection, family and a lover were ultimately two different things.

Her studio was temporarily left in Kiki Ford’s care, and Annabelle completely stepped away from work.

Morgan Hayes took two days off to go with her to her family’s home in the countryside to lay her grandmother to rest. Afterwards, he returned to work, but every evening after his shift, Morgan would go to Annabelle’s place to cook for her.

To Annabelle’s surprise, Morgan Hayes was an excellent cook.

"I always thought you couldn’t cook."

"What gave you that impression?"

"You said before that your cousin claimed you ate slop at home. I figured anyone who could make slop must be a terrible cook."

"She was talking about my diet food. To be fair, I don’t really cook much when I’m by myself—I usually just grab a quick bite." Morgan Hayes looked at Annabelle. "But it’s different now that there are two of us."

"How is it different?"

"You give me a reason to cook."

Annabelle smiled.

Ever since they had made their relationship official, it was as if a switch had flipped in Morgan Hayes. Every now and then, he would surprise her with sweet nothings.

The last day of the month was Annabelle’s birthday.

She was the type who loved a good party, and in previous years, her birthdays were always lively celebrations surrounded by friends. But this year, after her falling out with her family and with Yasmine Leighton slandering her everywhere, all those "friends" she used to have fun with had disappeared.

Annabelle didn’t mind, though. She knew time was the ultimate test, revealing who her real friends were.

Morgan Hayes apparently didn’t know it was Annabelle’s birthday. He went to work as usual without a word, and Annabelle didn’t mention it to him.

That evening, Morgan Hayes came over with groceries to cook, just like any other night. Annabelle offered to help, but as usual, he wouldn’t let her in the kitchen, claiming the cooking fumes were too heavy.

Since everything felt so normal, Annabelle didn’t think much of it—until the power suddenly went out.

As the room was plunged into darkness, there was a CLICK from the front door.

"Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday to you!"

A warm, orange glow blossomed in the darkness.

Someone... no, a group of people came in, pushing a cake.

Annabelle was stunned to see that the person leading the way was none other than Isla Prescott. She immediately shot up from the sofa.

"Surprise!"

Isla Prescott and the others pushed the cake right up to Annabelle.

Before Annabelle could fully process what was happening, she felt someone place a birthday hat on her head from behind.

"Happy birthday. Make a wish," Morgan Hayes said.

Annabelle turned to look at him, the candlelight flickering in her glistening eyes, casting a crystalline glow.

’So he knew it was her birthday all along!’

Morgan Hayes gave her a gentle look, motioning for her to make a wish first.

Annabelle nodded, clasped her hands together, and closed her eyes.

After she made her wish and blew out the candles, the living room lights came back on, right on cue.

Annabelle could now clearly see the people standing with Isla Prescott: Shane Sterling, Levi Quinn, and everyone from her studio.

"What are you all doing here?"

"We’re all part of the surprise Officer Hayes planned for you," Isla Prescott said.

"You..." Annabelle glanced at Isla Prescott’s belly. "Are you okay?"

"The doctor said my condition has stabilized, so I brought the baby along to celebrate with his godmother!"

Annabelle laughed. "That good news is the best present I could have asked for today."