Alex had always hated parties, especially if they were his own. Being the center of attention had always made him self-conscious, and because of his usual stoic expression, others, with the exception of his friends, always stayed away from him, choosing to mingle with other people instead.

On his birthday, he was surprised that not only did Milly not plan a party for him, his best friend and others didn't even try to drag him to a nightclub. He only received birthday wishes from them and a small present from his mother and Milly when they met up for breakfast at his new home. It left him suspicious, and he...