Mark blinked in surprise and then chuckled. Oh yeah, that was today, wasn't it? Things have been so hectic recently that Mark just didn't give a damn about his birthday at all.
"I totally forgot, honestly. Thanks, Hector, it means a lot."
"You're always welcome, Mark. You can forget all you want, but I'm surely never going to. You'll see your present in the hotel garage. It's the new model V Avatendor with modifications made for driving on commercial streets. I know you'll like it."
"Thanks, Hector. How are things at the company?"
"A lot better after you dealt with the embezzlers. Sinclair is keeping a low profile, but I can tell he has not given up on the CEO position yet. I'm still keeping an eye on him and his family, and I'll let you know if anything changes."
"Okay, just keep me posted. Thanks again."
Beep.
Mark turned off the call once he was done talking and he raised a brow as he saw that he had a few messages from people.
[Raven: Happy birthday, brat. Drop by the gym when you're free, I got you something.]
[Jeanne: Pat said it was your birthday today. Happy birthday.]
[Tina: Marky! I stole your data from the superhumans alliance and it's your birthday, isn't it!? I want to come to your house! If you don't respond to this message then I'll take that as a yes!]
"How the fuck did she get my number?"
Mark quickly sent out a no to Tina and blocked her before he moved on to the remaining messages. Mark had no idea how Tina got his number, but Mark knew that it must've involved a lot of blackmail and probably a bribe or two. Mark still didn't know how the hell Turner could deal with this girl in his life.
[Pat: Yo, happy birthday or whatever. I got you something.]
Many of Mark's favorite dishes were spread out around the cake, and there was one box wrapped up and placed at the side. Mark felt a feeling of happiness spreading from his chest as he saw his two girls smiling up at him.
Mark chuckled and walked into the kitchen quickly before grabbing Talia happily and raising her up to give her a kiss on the cheek. Talia laughed happily as she wrapped her hand around Mark's neck, and Mark held her with one hand while stretching his hand out to Arit with his other hand invitingly.
Arit wasted no time and immediately came to him, and he gave her a deep kiss on the lips before muttering a quiet 'thank you' to her. Arit blushed under the intense gaze from Mark and gave him a peck in return.
"Ewww! Big brother, stop kissing and come see! Big sister Arit made a big cake! She was awake all night making the food and cake!"
Mark raised a brow in surprise. Really? That was shocking. He looked down at Arit and saw that she was looking away in embarrassment. Now that Mark was looking closely, he could see that there were some dark circles around her eyes, which showed that she hadn't slept since last night. No wonder Arit slept in her own room.
She was trying to make sure I wouldn't wake up when she sneaks out to start cooking.
Mark felt a new wave of gratitude wash over him, and he squeezed Arit tighter against his body.
"Thank you. This means a lot to me."
"I-It was nothing. I just... wanted to say thank you. For everything."
Arit was so shy that she felt like melting right there. Mark was holding her tight, and she had nowhere to look but up at him as he beamed down at her. Arit had actually started working on the food the minute she came back from school the previous day.
She tried her best to hide it from Mark, and she even told Mark that she needed to do homework so she would be staying in her own room so that she could finish the food and cake in time.
Arit was happy that Mark liked it. Arit put her head on Mark's chest and sighed happily, and she would have been content just staying like this for a very long time, enjoying Mark's embrace and knowing that he was grateful for something that she did for him.
But Talia was not as patient as Arit.
"Big brother, come cut the cake! I'm hungry!"