Scatter Our Broken Love Among the Stars

Celine was the type of person who, once she made a promise, would follow through and do her best to see it done.

She arrived at the venue an hour early and had even dressed up for the occasion. But as it turned out, there was absolutely no need for her to be there.

Zane stayed glued to Quinn's side the entire time. As the birthday boy, guests naturally congratulated him first, but all the small talk that followed was directed at Quinn.

When the servers had questions or needed clarification on arrangements, they asked Quinn. Celine stood in the banquet hall feeling more out of place than the actual guests.

Fortunately, she'd already made peace with it all. With a calm mindset, she found a quiet corner and sampled the drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Rather than dwelling on the sadness of being excluded by her own son, Celine found herself looking forward to her new life.

At 6:00 pm sharp, a massive seven-tier cake was wheeled in. Candles were lit, the lights dimmed, and the birthday song began to play.

Zane stood in front of the enormous cake with his hands clasped together politely, making a wish with utmost seriousness. Quinn stood right behind him.

Steven had walked in just one minute before the lights went out. He glanced at his son, who was surrounded by well-wishers, then made his way toward Celine in the corner.

The moment the lights went out, Celine heard him ask, "Why aren't you over there?"

She didn't bother answering. After the birthday song finished, the lights came back on. Next came the cake-cutting ceremony.

Zane eagerly grabbed the knife and fork and was about to hand them to Quinn when Evelyn stopped him.

"Zane, sweetheart, today is your birthday. Five years ago today, you met your mom for the first time. Shouldn't she be the one to cut the cake?"

Evelyn bent down and spoke to him gently, taking the utensils from his hands. She waved at Celine through the crowd.

"Celine, come cut the cake."

The guests seemed to suddenly remember that Celine was the biological mother. All at once, curious eyes turned toward Quinn with unspoken questions.

Quinn struggled to keep the smile on her face. She instinctively looked at Steven.

"Mom's asking you to cut the cake." Steven was currently looking down at Celine, repeating the instruction. Celine's temper had really gotten out of hand lately.

Celine took a deep breath, stood up, and walked over. Steven followed her movements. The crowd parted to let her through.

Hatred flashed through Quinn's eyes, but it was gone in an instant. The moment Evelyn handed the knife and fork to Celine, Quinn let go of Zane's hand.

Zane turned to look at her. Seeing her hurt and upset expression, he immediately started making a fuss.

"I don't want her to cut it! I want Quinn to cut it for me!" He lunged forward, trying to snatch the utensils back.

Evelyn blocked him, her tone growing stern. "If you want, we can bring out a new cake in a bit and let Quinn cut that one."

Zane refused, "I want this one!"

"Zane Kirk!" Steven used his full name, and Zane stopped his tantrum, looking at Steven with a trace of fear.

"Let Mom cut the cake." Steven's tone left no room for argument.

"But I already promised Quinn she could cut it!" Zane's voice turned whiny with grievance.

He turned on Celine, venting all his frustration at her. "Who told you to come? I never asked you to be here! You're so annoying! All you do is ruin everything for me! Go away! Just go away!"

Zane broke free from Evelyn's grasp and shoved Celine.

Kids never knew their own strength. Celine's injuries had only just healed. As he pushed her backward, he forgot that behind her was an elaborate display of wine glasses arranged in neat rows.

The whole thing came crashing down.

"Celine!" Steven had been standing right behind her and immediately reached out to catch her.

Celine had been standing too close. Even though Steven managed to keep her from falling into the pile of broken glass, shards still scattered across the floor and cut her. Pain shot through her legs.

Evelyn quickly called the servers over to clean up the mess. Guests scattered as the scene erupted into chaos.

"Zane, are you okay?" Quinn rushed over to check on him.

Zane looked shaken. He was scared.

Quinn watched Celine intently as Steven helped her up. She looked down at Zane. "Don't be scared. Let me take you outside."

She bent down to pick Zane up. As she stood, her body swayed, and she collapsed.

"Quinn! Dad! Dad, Quinn's hurt!" Zane immediately spotted the blood and cried out for Steven in panic.

Steven's attention snapped toward them instantly, and he let go of Celine. He didn't notice Celine sway the moment he let go.