Anna had not celebrated her birthday properly in years. Not in her past life. Not in the way she had truly wanted to.
There had always been expectations. Responsibilities. Roles she had forced herself to play.
She had missed so many moments.
Tonight was supposed to be different.
She wanted to celebrate freely.
Not cautiously.
Daniel watched her without interrupting.
He understood.
More than she realized.
But that did not change his answer.
"It is not about what it will do," he said gently. "It is about what it could do."
Anna frowned.
"I am not fragile," she replied.
"I know," he said immediately.
His voice carried no doubt.
He leaned forward slightly, resting his glass down as his eyes met hers.
"But you do not need alcohol to make tonight meaningful."
She looked away briefly.
"It is not about the alcohol," she admitted quietly. "It is about the choice."
Daniel studied her carefully, his expression no longer teasing but serious.
