The Architect's Harem: Foundations of Love by Jackson Reeves

Author:Jackson Reeves [Reeves, Jackson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-04-28T18:30:00+00:00

7

I don't make a big deal about my birthdays. Never have. After losing my parents young and being raised primarily by my grandmother, celebrations always felt a bit hollow- highlighting the people who weren't there rather than those who were. So when my birthday rolls around this year, I don't mention it to anyone in the house. It's just another Wednesday in May.

I'm working from home today, finalizing drawings for the storefront restoration project. The morning passes quietly- Elise left early for court, Maya mentioned something about meeting a client about a mural commission, and Rei... well, Rei comes and goes like a gentle breeze, rarely announcing her movements.

Around noon, I hear the mail slot clatter. I stretch and head to the foyer to collect it, sorting through the usual bills and flyers. Among them is a bright blue envelope with my name written in familiar handwriting- my sister Caitlin's annual birthday card, reliably sent from whatever corner of the world her humanitarian work has taken her to. This year's postmark shows Nepal.

I'm smiling at the card- a silly one with a cat wearing a party hat- when I hear the front door open. Maya bustles in, her arms full of art supplies and what looks suspiciously like bakery boxes.

She freezes when she sees me, eyes widening comically. "You're supposed to be in your office!" she blurts out.

"I... live here?" I reply, confused by her reaction.

Her eyes dart to the card in my hand, and her expression shifts from surprise to accusation. "Is that a birthday card? Is it YOUR birthday?"

I hesitate, caught off guard by her intensity. "Um, yes? It's not a big deal, though."

Maya's face cycles through several emotions before settling on indignation. "Not a big deal? ETHAN! Why didn't you tell us?"

I shrug, suddenly self-conscious. "I don't really celebrate it. Haven't since my grandmother..."

Maya's expression softens immediately. "Oh. This is your first birthday since she passed."

The simple observation hits harder than expected. "Yeah," I admit quietly.

She sets down her packages and approaches me, placing a hand on my arm. "I'm sorry. That must be tough." Before I can respond, her eyes widen again. "Wait here. Don't move. I need to make some calls."

She dashes upstairs with her phone already in hand. I hear her urgent whispers, though I can't make out the words. Bemused, I return to my office, assuming whatever Maya's planning will reveal itself eventually.

The afternoon passes quietly. Too quietly, actually. The house usually has some ambient noise- Maya's music, Elise's conference calls, even Rei's soft footsteps. Today, there's an uncanny silence punctuated by occasional whispers and the sound of doors carefully closing.

Around five, I decide to call it a day. As I shut down my laptop, there's a gentle knock at my office door.

"Come in," I call.

Elise enters, looking unusually casual in jeans and a simple blouse, her hair loose around her shoulders instead of in its usual professional style. She's carrying a folder.

"I need your signature on these house expense receipts," she says, all business despite her relaxed appearance.

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