LOVE IN PARIS: Married To My Brother-in-law-Chapter 89: Birthday Surprise

Another reporter quickly chimed in. "Your recent movie has been a massive success, and your name is trending everywhere. How are you handling this surge in popularity?"

"It’s been overwhelming, but in the best way possible". Yvette replied, her tone sincere. "I’m grateful for the support of my fans and everyone who has believed in me. At the end of the day, I focus on the work, on telling meaningful stories and growing as an artist."

"Speaking of growth," . A reporter from an online blog interjected. "Can you give us a hint about your next project? There’s a lot of buzz around your upcoming role and well . . Your new look."

Yvette’s smile turned playful, her eyes sparkling. "I can’t reveal too much yet, but I will say it’s unlike anything I’ve done before. It’s a challenging role, and I’m excited to dive into it. Stay tuned, you’ll hear more soon."

One reporter asked, "With your schedule becoming more demanding, how do you balance your personal and professional life, I would also like to ask if you’re involved in a relationship, well everyone’s been wanting to ask that especially after the commercial and our mystery man?"

At this, Yvette glanced briefly at Leila, who stood nearby, watching her with quiet pride and she stared into the camera smiling for the man who’s currently watching the mainstream.

She smiled warmly. "It’s all about having a strong support system and I’m extremely grateful for my team who worked tirelessly to make things manageable, it’s not always easy but with the right people around you, anything is possible."

"And as for the other questions, why can’t you guess whether I’m in a relationship or not?". She grinned playfully into the camera for the man she was sure was watching from his office.

The reporters murmured appreciatively at her candidness.

"Last question!". The representative from Starlight announced, stepping forward to manage the crowd.

A journalist from a major magazine quickly spoke up. "Yvette, your journey from indie films to the mainstream spotlight has been remarkable. What advice would you give to aspiring actors who look up to you?"

Yvette’s expression softened, and she took a moment before answering.

"I’d tell them to stay true to themselves and their passion. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about hard work, patience, and never giving up on your dreams, no matter how many obstacles you face. Believe in your craft and let your dedication speak for itself."

The room filled with applause from reporters and guests alike as Yvette concluded.

She gave a gracious nod before stepping back, escorted by Starlight staff. Leila was there immediately, guiding her toward a quieter corner.

"You handled that like a pro". She said, handing her a glass of water.

"Thanks". She replied, exhaling deeply. "But I’m ready to escape all the cameras now." All she wanted at this moment was to be in the hands of her man, the one who had been her rock and strong support system.

Leila chuckled at her words. "Soon. But first, let’s enjoy this moment. You earned it."

She smiled at Leila who was also so excited she didn’t want the day to end, feeling the weight of the day begin to lift.

The future was bright, and for now, she let herself revel in the triumph.

_____________

Yvette paced back and forth in the warm and cozy living room , illuminated only by the soft golden glow of the lamp.

Her phone was pressed to her ears as she dialed Leila’s contacts. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Hey". Her voice carried a mixture of excitement and frustration.

"I’ve been thinking for days now and I still can’t decide on the perfect gift to gift Zeke on his upcoming birthday and it’s tomorrow. I really am out of thought right now ". She groaned, running a hand through her short, loose curls.

"You’ve called the right person for advice". Leila chuckled on the other end of the line. "Why don’t you just wrap yourself in a bow and call it a day? You’re already the best gift he could ask for."

Yvette burst out laughing at her words, leaning against the couch. "You’re ridiculous, you know that? But, funny enough, Ollie also had the exact same thought earlier. And I laughed at myself for even asking her in the first place when I was expecting nothing better from her, I didn’t know you’ll also say the same rubbish. Guess you’re both equally silly."

"That’s what friends are for and believe me, this is the best advice you could ever get for free". Leila laughed and quipped. "Seriously though, what does he love most? You could plan something personal something he’d never expect, like a surprise or something of the sort".

Yvette sighed, twirling the cord of her phone charger as she thought for a while before replying. "You’re right but I have no idea what to do, this is the first birthday we’re celebrating together and it makes me so anxious, I just wast to give him the best, like he’s always done for me and hopefully I’ll figure something else out " .

"That’s the spirit! You’ll figure something out". Leila encouraged. "Call me later and let me know how it goes."

"I will. Thanks, Leila". Yvette said before ending the call. She set her phone down, staring out the window, her mind racing as she began thinking of the best idea.

A slow smile spread across her face as an idea has already began to take shape and she had to act fast to get her desired aim so she immediately set to work.

After settling everything and making all preparations for the birthday surprise, Yvette still woke before dawn, carefully arranging decorations and setting up the room to surprise the birthday boy.

She hung fairy lights, tied balloons, and placed a small, elegantly wrapped gift on the night stand and by the time the sun peeked over the horizon, the room had been totally transformed.

After a while, Zeke stirred in bed , his hand fumbling for the alarm. When his fingers brushed the switch, he blinked in confusion.

The room was unusually dark, with the curtains drawn tightly that he could barely see his hands.

"Yvie?". He called groggily, reaching out his hands to embrace her but surprisingly her space was empty, he immediately sat up and squinted at the shadows. "Why’s it so dark? Yvette?".

He called again but there was no answer and he immediately reached out for the lamp but before he could reach for the lamp, Yvette who was watching him quietly in the dark flipped the switch and the room burst into life.

The lights sparkled, casting a soft glow over the balloons, banners, and streamers. Yvette stood in the center of it all, wearing a wide smile, her hands clasped behind her back.

"Happy Birthday!" She said, her voice full of warmth.

Zeke froze for a moment, taking in the scene. His jaw dropped, and then he broke into a broad grin. "Yvie . .what...? Did you do all this?"

She nodded, stepping closer. "Surprise!". She said as she stepped into his embrace, he was still in shock and surprised at the surroundings and all that she had done and she chuckled."

"What now, is the birthday boy moved to tears already?". She teased and he grabbed her hands which was on his cheeks keeping it still and at this moment, he looked so vulnerable, a look she hadn’t seen on him, not even for once and then he smiled and she did also, seeing this part of him made her heart melt, she felt like she’ll do anything to make him happy, just like now.

"Thanks for all the efforts.. .."

Yvette placed a finger on his lips quietly. "Such words shouldn’t exist between couples, someone once told me that, remember. It’s not a so nice word between couples." She pulled his cheeks playfully. "Do you like it this much?".

"Hmmm". He nodded and chuckled. "All my birthday has always been I and the guys having a good time out , either drinking or having dinner out ever since I grown up but maybe this is what a real celebration feels like. I’ve always envied others when I was a kid, I didn’t realized a grown up man like me would still be moved to tears by this".

He wrapped her in a tight hug, his voice full of emotion. "You’re incredible. I’ve never had anything like this before. I can’t believe you did all this for meand I’m sincerely grateful for your consideration."

Yvette pulled back slightly, grinning. "Well, you’ve been missing out on a whole lot but don’t worry, I’ll make it all worthwhile today and do you mind me stealing you away from the boys today. It’s all about you and me today".

Zeke laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, I’m yours, today Madam. What’s the next plan now?"

"First, hurry up and get ready". Yvette said, clapping her hands together. "We’ve got a busy day ahead of us".