Zina's POV
I stretched my arms, a lazy smile spreading across my face as I took in the birthday setup Jared had put together. The soft glow of fairy lights twinkled around the small wooden table in the garden, casting a warm, golden hue over the grass. A tiny cake sat in the center, its frosting smooth and inviting. It wasn't extravagant—no big parties, no fancy decorations—but it was perfect. Peaceful.
Jared leaned against the table, smirking at me. "You really didn't have to do all this," I said, shaking my head as I pulled Asher onto my lap.
Jared rolled his eyes. "Of course, I did. You deserve a night without chaos for once."
""Yeah, Mom!" Asher grinned up at me, his bright eyes filled with excitement. "You need to have fun too!"
I chuckled, ruffling his dark curls. "Alright, alright. Let's light the candles, then."
Jared reached for the matchbox, but then—
A rustling sound.
He froze.