The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 181: Chapter 181

"I knew you'd forget your birthday. Good thing you have us to help you get everything ready," Lana called out from behind.
She added with a smug face, "You're so busy that you even forget your own birthday. Sometimes I really can't tell if having an employee like you is a blessing or a headache."
Serena's eyes grew warm. She walked over and gently ruffled Alyssa's hair. With work keeping her so busy lately, she knew she hadn't been there for Alyssa as much as she should have.
But she truly was blessed with the best family and friends anyone could ask for. Even if she forgot the important things, there was always someone who would remember them for her.
Keith waved from the kitchen. "It's getting late. You must be starving. Let's eat first."
Lana didn't seem the least bit awkward anymore. In fact, after working with Keith on the birthday plans these past few days, she'd come to realize he actually had a pretty good personality.
But then again, maybe he was just being nice to her because she was Serena's friend.
"Come on, let's eat," Serena said cheerfully.
After everything that had happened earlier, Serena thought her whole day was ruined. But now, all the happiness around her made everything else fade away.
She couldn't help but put on a smile as she walked over.
"This is a gift Alyssa and I picked out for you. Hope you like it," Keith placed a box in front of her seat and said, his gaze gentle in the warm yellow light.
Serena opened the velvet box in front of her. Inside was a stunning pink diamond necklace. Lana immediately let out an exaggerated praise.
Each pink diamond sparkled brilliantly under the light. With this level of purity and such exquisite cuts, each one must be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"This is too expensive," Serena said, instinctively closing the box, wanting to refuse.
But Alyssa tugged at her sleeve and shook her head seriously.
After all this time with Alyssa, Serena knew exactly what she meant—Alyssa didn't want her to refuse the gift.
"Alyssa and I picked it for you. Money is not important. We're family now, aren't we?" Keith said gently.
He didn't say anything more. He knew Serena's personality—she'd never be comfortable accepting such an extravagant gift all at once, but this was how he showed his feelings.
After all this time together, Serena had never asked for anything, but all Keith wanted was to lay the best the world had to offer at her feet.
"Thank you," Serena said.
She really couldn't refuse—not because of how expensive the gift was, but because they were family now.
And with that, she didn't need to consider the worth of the gift. For the first time, she truly felt she deserved the happiness she had found.
Lana knew Serena better than anyone. The fact that Serena had accepted such an expensive gift meant she truly saw Keith and Alyssa as her family now.
Thus, Lana quickly stepped in to lighten the mood. "Come on, why are we making this so serious? It's supposed to be a happy dinner. I'm starving. Let's just dig in."
With that, everyone finally took their seats.
Keith had whipped up several dishes, and it was Lana's first time tasting his cooking—her eyes went wide in amazement.
Lana thought, 'He not only brings home the bacon but can also cook, and on top of that, he is so loyal and attentive to Serena. I'm relieved that Serena has found her Mr. Right.'
They finished the meal, and though Serena barely spoke, it was obvious to everyone just how happy she was.
It felt like, after everything she'd been through, she was finally able to hold happiness in her hands.
"Alright, I'm full now. I'll give you your gift tomorrow when we get to the office," Lana said.
She couldn't help but grumble, "You have no idea how hard it's been keeping it a secret all day. If I weren't waiting to surprise you, I would've given it to you ages ago."
Serena chuckled. "Thank you, Lana."
Lana waved her hand. "Oh, come on, don't be so formal with me. Kristy asked me to bring you a gift too. She's off on her honeymoon right now, but she still remembers her best friends."
With that, Lana walked straight to the door, slipped on her shoes, and grinned, "Alright, I'm off home now. Good night."
Serena felt her heart swell with a bittersweet warmth, as if everything in her life was finally turning for the better. She watched Lana disappear down the stairs. Only then did she close the door with red eyes.
When she turned around, she realized that Keith and Alyssa, who had been in the dining room just moments ago, were nowhere to be seen.
Serena blinked in confusion and peeked into the kitchen and living room, but there was no trace of either of them.
"Keith? Alyssa?" she called out.
Just as she was about to open the bedroom door to look for them, Keith stepped out, already wearing his coat.
"Do you still have work to do at the office?" Serena asked, a little puzzled. But Keith came right up to her and smiled, "Actually, I want to take you somewhere. Would you do me the honor?"
Serena couldn't help but laugh. "Of course. How could I turn down such a heartfelt invitation from my boyfriend?"
She wasn't sure where Alyssa went, but she guessed that Keith probably sweet-talked her to bed.
Serena hadn't even had time to change out of her work clothes, so she just followed Keith out the door.
"Get in the car," he said.
Serena was definitely curious about where Keith was taking her, but she held back her questions—she didn't want to spoil the surprise.
Before long, the car drove out toward the suburbs. The weather was perfect tonight, and they could even see the stars.
"We're almost there," Keith said, noticing Serena gazing out the window. He thought she might be getting impatient, but then he heard her voice, tinged with a smile.
"No rush. It's been a while since we went out like this. I've been neglecting you lately because of work," she said.
Serena knew that most couples always wanted to be together all the time at the start of a relationship. However, both she and Keith had so much on their plates, so dating just wasn't that simple for them.
They quietly made their way to the foot of a mountain on the outskirts of the city. The people Keith had arranged were already waiting.
As soon as the two of them got out of the car, one of the people Keith arranged came forward and said, "Let me park the car."
Serena hadn't expected Keith to be so thorough with the arrangements. Now she was even more curious about what he had in store for her.
Before long, the two of them reached an open clearing. Darkness surrounded them, broken only by the occasional chirp of cicadas.
"Serena, happy birthday," Keith said softly.
His gaze was deep and unwavering—as he looked at Serena, it was as if she were his entire world.
As soon as the words left his lips, fireworks soared into the sky, lighting up the night in an instant. Serena instinctively covered her mouth, the dazzling fireworks shimmering and dancing in her eyes.
It was so beautiful that it almost didn't feel real.
"Serena," Keith said as he reached out and took her hand in his. Then, he got down on one knee.