My Heart Was Wounded Deep
Chapter 67's

When the wrapping paper came off, Rey found a photo book featuring a picture of her and Jason on the front cover, a picture of Jason at the age of two and Rey sitting him on the shoulder. Turning page after page, Rey noticed that Kikan had included almost every photo he had ever sent. There are some photos of Jason himself, such as when he was three years old with a bowl on his head containing spaghetti dripping into the face. There are also photos of them together and a group of photos of various Jason sports teams or photos of Jason's birthday party. One of them shows Rey wearing a clown suit, because the clown that had his order canceled came at the last minute.

Only true affection can force her to wear the costume, Rey mused, recalling.

"Wow! That's really good" Eva said.

Several other guests were murmuring the same compliment. Rey had seen this kind of book before but did not bother to make it. He doesn't even know where to start. Clearly Kikan has put all his mind and energy into composing all those images.

Rey gently persuaded her date to return to her newly vacated seat, so she could continue to look through the book. When not trying to flirt with Simon, the blond girl showed an overly friendly attitude towards Rey, who she tolerated in order to 'give her a chance'. As Devan said, they cannot give wind to Cindy and Samantha. Most women are amazed by Simon's popularity. Rey ignores Cindy's behavior for not caring. Even so, the familiarity that the woman exhibited was disturbing now that Kikan was here. Rey doesn't want Kikan to see Cindy standing too close to him. It will make everything look different from the real situation.

Rey is thrilled to see Jason grow up again in front of her eyes, as the photo has been taken from Jason as a baby to a teenager. Very happy with the quotes about father and son that Kikan added there.

The last two pages are not filled with the photos Rey sent Kikan to, but instead are filled with photos Kikan took himself when Rey invited him to a barbecue party, which ended with them struggling in the pool. This is the first time Rey has seen him. The photos reminded her of how much fun it was that night, and Rey felt her smile crackle. But then his smile decays as soon as his eyes move to the last photo. He thought this album would culminate in a selfie of the three of them that he took not long ago. The photo did exist, as he had expected, but Kikan had cut the picture himself, as if he believed Rey would prefer it if Kikan did not exist.

Rey was disappointed to see it. Kikan reluctantly admits that Rey's feelings have changed, as if he doesn't want to take Rey seriously. It was as if Rey was about to change her mind again. But this book is special and is proof that Kikan has not forgotten himself even though he wants Rey to think so. So Rey showed off a wistful smile. "thank you. This.... Best gift I've ever received."

Although Kikan nodded, the gesture revealed unwillingness, his eyes constantly pointing towards the door, Rey was sure Kikan regretted coming here and could not wait to get out immediately.

"Really," he said, hoping to convince Kikan. "I like it so much."

"I'm happy" said Kikan. "Jason's a good boy, and you're a good father to him."

"I'd better tell you now" Kikan whispered to Rey, implying she would sneak in without anyone noticing her disappearance.

But Eva heard and said, "You're not going home yet, are you? You just arrived!" Then everyone fell silent again, and Kikan found himself the center of attention, something Rey knew the woman hated most.

Kikan. "Unfortunately I have to go, I'm not planning on staying."

It's lies. Rey would bet Kikan wouldn't come this late just to hand over his birthday present. But he understood why the woman wanted to go home. Kikan wanted to make the two of them free from the awkward atmosphere here. Kikan tries to talk to Cindy before she leaves.

" I'm sorry to interrupt your show tonight" he said. "Surely the book just came today, so I wanted Rey to receive it on her birthday as a gift. But he and I are not related. I mean, we had kids, but we weren't together for seventeen years. We're just friends and it's only recently" Kikan explained.

Cindy was obviously surprised because Kikan was willing to take the trouble to explain. But in Kikan's eyes, Rry and Cindy may have been dating for months. It doesn't matter that at the barbecue party, Jason has told him indirectly that rey isn't in a relationship with anyone. But Jason doesn't necessarily know what Rey does when she's out of the house.

" Thank you for telling us all," Cindy replied, as if to laugh, and it made Rey grit her teeth. Cindy does not know about their history, does not understand that Kikan is making sure that he will not hinder Rey again, does not want to do anything that will interfere with the love relationship that Rey is living.

Again, Eva is trying to ease the awkwardness. "I'm glad you came. I hope you stay longer." Rey doesn't know if the disappointed tone in Eva's voice is contrived or not, but she's relieved Eva sounds sincere, and that she's trying to support Kikan.

Not that Eva could convince Kikan to stay. The woman seemed ready to run away, and Rey doubted anyone could change that.

Kikan was polite. "Maybe next time." some of Rey's friends threw glances at her as if asking, Do you want us to prevent it?