Hello my little munchkins, I hope you like this chapter. I'm gradually making them longer as requested so let me know what y'all think. I love reading your comments, some of them are so funny 😆. (I try to reply to as many as possible)

Thank you for all the love and support 💙💙💙.

Mila's POV

"Oh thank God," I sighed, opening the door to pick up the package dropped off.

Today was Ajax the all mighty's birthday.

We should probably stop calling him stuff like that, it inflates his ego. Actually, I'm surprised it hasn't burst yet.

After we got back 4 days ago, I panicked because I didn't have anything for Ajax. I didn't know what to get him either. I was shit at buying gifts for guys. He already had a nice watch, nice clothes, amazing cologne, luxury car - not that I would buy one if he didn't have one. You get the point.

I was lying in bed when I came up with the best idea. The most amazing idea. Because I'm smart comme ça.

I decided to buy him EnChroma glasses. Yup. Brilliant right?

It was free shipping for the holidays but the total still came to about $300. I was willing to spend that because... I don't know why actually. I wouldn't even spend more than $100 dollars on myself.

Whatever, I can worry about being broke later.

The package was supposed to arrive this morning, and yet it was late afternoon and I was getting worried. But thankfully the package arrived an hour before I was supposed to be at Ajax's house.

The guy actually sent me a invitation. Like a whole ass letter.

Mila Simard,

You are cordially invited to attend Ajax's 23rd birthday.

You don't need the address, just don't run here.

P.S. leave your hair down.

Sincerely,

Royal King Ajax

Again, can he get any more conceited?

I ran to my closet and grabbed the wrapping paper with silver and blue snowflakes on it. Ripping open the boring cardboard box, I placed the original white packaging on my bed and wrapped it up.

"Yikes," I mumbled, glancing at the clock. I took Ajax's advice and called an Uber as it was already dark outside. Daylight saving was the bane of my existence.

I threw on a pair of black skinny jeans and a cute beige and white striped sweater. Since he explicitly asked me to, I left my hair down and simply ran a comb through it. After a bit of debating, I did a champagne themed eyeshadow look and added winged liner.

For some reason I subconciously wanted to look nicer than I usually did. It was weird, I actually wanted to dress up. As I was getting ready, I couldn't help but think about how Ajax had gone from hating me, calling me fat (still lowkey butthurt about that), calling me annoying, stealing my beloved necklace, and even trying to incapacitate me, to asking me on a date.

Tell me you don't find something wrong with that.

That's suspicious, that's weird.

Jumping around with one boot on, I grabbed my phone and tossed it into my bag.

"Oh shoot, lipstick," I huffed, hopping back to the bathroom. For once I appreciated having a small studio.

My phone dinged, letting me know my Uber was here. I took my time in applying the mauve colored matte lipstick.

Hopping back to the door, I put on my other boot.

I was about to lock the door when I realized I forgot Ajax's gift.

Yes, I'm that scatter brained.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Ajax you better open the damn door!" I shouted from the curb as I got out of the car.

Somehow during the drive to Ajax's house it had started to pour rain. I thanked the driver just as Lotte opened the door to the house.

"The weather is amazing isn't it Mila?"Lotte's voice came from the door.

My boots splashed in the puddles as I ran under the overhang of Ajax's front door.

"What an entrance," Ajax chuckled, coming into view as I took off my boots.

"Made it in the nick of time," I grinned, nodding at the clock that just changed to 7:00.

"Arriving late to steal my spotlight Ms. Simard?" he raised an eyebrow making me roll my eyes.

"I wouldn't dare," I teased, giving him a hug.

"Sorry my hair's wet from the rain," I said sheepishly as he wiped the tiny drops from his chin.

"Happy birthday," I winked, walking past him into the living area.

"Milaaaaa!" Ben grinned, opening his arms for a bear hug.

"Ben! It's been ages!" I exclaimed, returning his hug. I went around and greeted everyone, Gabby and Adam, even nodded at Anna. Felix and Pia and Zoe too. I was a bit surprised to see Ajax's father, Stefan. He shook my hand and said "nice to have you here."

Yay? It's nice to be here?

"Need any help?" I asked Zoe who was hustling around in the kitchen.

"No darling, you go chat with your friends," she smiled, her eyes looking brighter than usual.

"Are you sure? I'll just help get the plates out," I said, opening the cabinet before she could protest.

It felt like I was back home for a moment, in Carson's house enjoying Christmas Dinner. My parents were always working on Christmas Eve so I would sleep over at his place. Christmas morning was amazing for me because his family took me under their wing, even leaving presents for me under the tree.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as I realized I would be alone this Christmas. For the first time in a long time, I had no one to celebrate with.

I was lost in my own thoughts as I took out a bottle of champagne from the fridge. It dawned on me that this would also be my first Christmas without Carson. No decorating the tree together, no baking cookies in his kitchen, no Christmas movie marathons.

Just me, myself, and I.

"Are you alright darling?" Zoe asked, gently touching my shoulder. I gave her a quick smile and nodded my head. She gave me a long look before we were interrupted by the doorbell.

"I think Lena's here," Lotte said, going to open the door. Sure enough, moments later the blonde bound into the living room, a gift bag in her hands.

"Hey girlie," I waved as she came to stand on the other side of the counter.

"Hey, I feel like I haven't seen you in forever," she grinned.

"I know!" I nodded, opening the fridge to get some drinks.

I listened to Lena's story of what she'd done the past two days as Ajax entered the kitchen. He opened his mouth to ask me a question but stopped when I handed him the two-four of chilled beer.

"Thanks," he grinned and I nodded.

"How did you know he was..." Lena trailed off, a confused look on her face.

I shrugged, handing her a beer and taking one for myself.

We headed into the living room to give everyone space to grab something to eat. The kitchen counter had been turned into a buffet.

"You look amazing," Pia complemented, sitting down next to me.

"Thanks but your hair is blowing my mind," I laughed, inspecting her silvery purple hair now in an intricate updo.

"Thank you," she laughed.

My eyes wandered over to Felix who's head snapped up at the sound of her laugh.

I couldn't help but smile as his eyes searched for his girlfriend, pausing when they found her. He smile slightly when he noticed Pia laughing and I held back from saying awwwww.

For some reason I found myself looking over to Ajax. I held back a smile at the look of concentration on his handsome face as he tried to open a beer bottle with a knife because someone was using the bottle opener. 

Ever wonder why women live longer than men?

"Need some help there?" I smirked, coming to lean against the counter beside him.

"No I got it," he huffed.

I watched him struggle for a bit more but then intervened because he looked like he was about to stab his fingers.

"Watch and learn," I said, grabbing the two beer bottles.

If there was one thing my father taught me it was how to open bottles in any way possible.

I used the top of one bottle to pop open the lid of the other, and then used my teeth to open the second bottle.

I didn't miss how Ajax's eyes darkened as I let the bottle cap fall from my lips.

Deciding to mess with him, I bit my lip and shot him a wink. I almost laughed when his mouth fell open as he stared at me.

"I thought as a German you would know how to open beer anywhere and any way."

"That's stereotypical," he replied, shaking his head to pull him out of a daze.

"Sure," I replied, leaning extremely close to him to grab a bottle of water.

He seemed to think I was makin some moves and wrapped his arms around my waist.

I raised an eyebrow at him, enjoying how his ears turned red when he noticed I was grabbing the water.

"You're such a tease," he groaned, squeezing my waist, making my heart speed up.

"You love it," I smirked, breaking away from his hold.

And then I left him in the kitchen.

Because why not.