Step Aside, My CEO Ex-Husband! Chapter 1156 - 1158: Happy Birthday!

Even as she blew out the candles and sliced the cake, her mind was elsewhere, and her interactions with her friends felt somewhat dismissive.

Her thoughts were entirely consumed by Ziyang; she hadn't been in contact with him for months.

No business meetings, no phone calls, no messages on WeChat – she had no idea where he had disappeared to!

Her father's decree felt exceedingly harsh!

Initially, she had assumed it would merely involve avoiding each other, but to her surprise, her father had outright forbidden her from contacting Brother Ziyang, nor would he reveal his whereabouts!

Her father was truly heartless, showing no mercy!

Yet, she dared not defy him, for her desire to be with Brother Ziyang outweighed her defiance!

Furthermore, she acknowledged that her actions warranted a reprimand; her parents had been thoroughly alarmed by her attempt to climb the balcony.

Therefore, she accepted her father's imposed restrictions willingly. After all, they weren't truly punitive in the grand scheme of things~

It was one o'clock in the morning.

Tianxin had bid farewell to all her friends, and Yangyang had also departed for home.

He understood Tianxin's anticipation for Ziyang's return and didn't wish to witness their reunion, which would only cause him discomfort.

So, he left, offering his sincerest well wishes!

Tianxin was crouched by the gate, scanning the surroundings with a piece of cake still in hand.

This was saved for Ziyang, and she was holding out hope for his return.

Every year, Brother Ziyang had been present for her birthday celebrations. This year, uncertainty loomed about whether he would actually come back.

The deadline imposed by her father had not yet passed, so it was unlikely Brother Ziyang would risk returning.

His return would constitute a violation of their agreement, and her father would certainly not sanction their union.

While she yearned for Brother Ziyang to celebrate her birthday by her side, she also wished he wouldn't return just yet.

It was better he didn't come back immediately, especially since Brother Ziyang had always been present for her birthdays.

It was acceptable if he wasn't here this year. He would be back in a few months.

He would be present for all her future birthdays, so there was no need for sadness.

She rose, cast one last disappointed glance into the distance, and turned to depart, cake in hand.

After taking only a couple of steps, faint sounds of footsteps reached her ears, causing her to freeze, her eyes widening in surprise.

Her heart began to race with nervous anticipation – could it possibly be Brother Ziyang returning?

As the footsteps drew nearer, her hope intensified that it might indeed be Ziyang.

However, she hesitated to turn around, terrified it wasn't him...

She attempted to move forward, but her feet felt rooted to the spot, immobilized.

She could only stand there, waiting for the approaching individual; the footsteps grew closer, amplifying her anxiety!

Her heart hammered against her ribs, threatening to leap from her chest!

The footsteps finally reached her, and a figure emerged within her field of vision. A smile bloomed on her lips as the corners of her mouth curved upwards.

From the mere silhouette, she was certain it was Brother Ziyang!

The sound of footsteps ceased, and the person stopped just a few paces away from her.

A delicate fragrance of roses wafted towards her, and she slowly turned to face the source.

There he stood, the man she had yearned for day and night, the Brother Ziyang she hadn't seen for an eternity...

Brother Ziyang, who had vanished without a word, had finally, *finally* returned!

An uncontainable surge of excitement and joy flickered in her eyes, though it was mingled with a profound sense of anger.

Tears welled up, stinging her eyes, as she gazed intently at Ziyang, unable to look away.

Was this a dream? Brother Ziyang had truly come back.

He hadn't changed one bit; he was precisely as she remembered him!

He was back.

Yet, she felt an overwhelming wave of fury!

Why had he left without a word all those months ago? Why hadn't he said anything before his departure!

Just as Ziyang prepared to speak, Tianxin swiftly raised her hand and flung the cake she was holding directly at him.

The cake struck his chest with precision, leaving Ziyang momentarily stunned for several seconds.

By the time he recovered his senses, Tianxin had already turned and walked away.

He strode forward rapidly, intercepting her path to prevent her escape.

Presenting her with a vibrant bouquet of red roses, he managed to suppress his elation as he spoke: "For you, happy birthday!"

He had given his word to the elder, vowing not to return or see Tianxin for the span of one year.

However, he had broken that vow, driven by the unwavering desire to spare Tianxin from disappointment and sorrow.

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What would Huo Shaohua's reaction be upon learning of Ziyang's return? Find out in the next chapter~