"Is that so?" Jackson smiled gently, picking up Serenity to put her on his lap.

Serenity gasped, hugging his neck to steady herself.

"And how much do you care about me?" Jackson held her close, staring at her with beautiful eyes that brimmed with gentle affection and love.

Serenity could not resist drowning in his mesmerizing gaze. "Your birthday is coming. I... Uh, I'll prepare something," she revealed, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"Also, I've thought of a birthday gift. I hope you'll like it when you see it."

Jackson's eyelashes fluttered. "I'm sure I'll love it, but—" he paused, hesitating slightly, "I don't want anyone else to celebrate my birthday. Can it be just the two of us?"

Serenity was slightly startled. "Just the two of us?"

"Yeah. I don't want to see anyone else on my birthday," Jackson said in a low voice, dark emotions flashing across his eyes.

Noticing the emotions in his eyes, Serenity could not resist asking, "Is there any reason?"

Jackson buried his