Claire sat at her desk in the office, her chin resting on her hand as she stared blankly at her computer screen. She wasn't really working-her mind was preoccupied with an entirely different dilemma: Adrian Saint Laurent's upcoming birthday. Adrian practically had everything, so the idea of buying him a material gift felt daunting. What could she possibly get him that would feel meaningful rather than generic? Just as she sighed and leaned back in her chair, the door to her office flew open without a knock. She didn't even have to look to know who it was.

"Matthew," she said dryly, rolling her eyes as he sauntered in like he owned the place. "Ever heard of knocking?"

"Knocking is for people who aren't best friends with the boss," Matthew quipped, dropping into the chair across from her desk. He smirked, clearly amused by her less-than-enthused expression. "What's with the face? Deep in thought about work, or is this about Adrian Saint Laurent's big birthday bash?"

Claire arched an eyebrow at him. "What are you doing here? I thought you decided to actually take it easy for once and stay home."

Matthew waved her off. "Please. You know I'd rather be here pestering you than sitting at home binge-watching TV. Besides, I missed you. Don't pretend you don't love my company."

Claire snorted. "Love is a strong word. Tolerate is more accurate."

Matthew grinned, leaning forward. "So, come on. Spill. What's got you all pensive and serious? Birthday gift anxiety?"

Claire groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Yes, okay? Adrian's birthday is in five days, and I have no idea what to get him. The man has everything, Matthew. If I buy him some luxury item, it's just going to feel... empty. I want it to mean something." Matthew rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then leaned back in his chair with a mischievous glint in his eye. "I've got it," he said dramatically. "Get him a giant life-size portrait of yourself. Gold frame, Renaissance-style. Something he can hang in his study so he's reminded every day how lucky he is to have you."

Claire stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "A life-size portrait? Really? That's the best you've got?"

Matthew shrugged, feigning seriousness. "Hey, it's unique. And unforgettable. Plus, it'll be a great conversation starter for when his friends come over. 'Oh, Adrian, what's this?' 'Why, it's my lovely girlfriend immortalized in oil paint."

Claire shook her head, still laughing. "Yeah, I think I'll pass on that one. Thanks, though."

"Suit yourself," Matthew said with a mock-sigh. Then, after a beat, he leaned forward again, this time with a more sincere expression. "Okay, seriously. If you want to give him something meaningful, think about what makes your relationship with Adrian special. What's something that's uniquely yours? A memory, an inside joke, something that only the two of you would get?" Claire tilted her head, considering his words. "You mean something personal?"

"Exactly," Matthew said. "You don't need to impress him with a flashy gift. You just need to remind him why he fell for you in the first place. Make it heartwarming. Touching. You're good at that stuff."

Claire smiled softly. "That's actually... really good advice, Matthew. Who knew you were capable of being thoughtful?"

"Hey, I'm full of surprises," Matthew said with a wink. "So, any ideas?"

Claire tapped her fingers on the desk, her mind racing. Then an idea began to form. "You know," she said slowly, "Adrian's told me before that he loves anything handcrafted. Something made with care and effort. Maybe I could make him something." Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Like what? A macaroni necklace?"

"Very funny," Claire said, rolling her eyes. "No, I was thinking something like... a personalized keepsake. Maybe a photo album or a memory box. Something that captures our time together." Matthew nodded, clearly impressed. "Now that's a good idea. You could fill it with little notes, photos, mementos. All the mushy stuff that guys like Adrian secretly love but will never admit." Claire laughed. "Exactly. It's thoughtful, and it shows I put effort into it. And I've got five days, so I can take my time and make it perfect."

"See?" Matthew said, leaning back with a satisfied smile. "Crisis averted. You're welcome."

Claire gave him a grateful look. "Thanks, Matthew. For the advice and the comic relief."

"Anytime," he said with a grin. Then, after a moment, he added, "So... does this mean I get to help? Because I'm great at cutting and gluing. I was the king of arts and crafts in second grade." Claire smirked. "I'll think about it. But no macaroni necklaces."

"Fine, fine," Matthew said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "But don't say I didn't offer."

As Matthew got up to leave, Claire leaned back in her chair, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She still had a lot to do, but at least now she had a plan-and a pretty good one, at that. Adrian's birthday was going to be special, and she couldn't wait to see his reaction.

Over the next few days, Claire threw herself into the project. She decided to create a custom memory box, carefully selecting photos,

and little trinkets from her time with Adrian. Each item had a story behind it a moment that defined their relationship.

Matthew, true to his word, offered his help. He spent an afternoon in her office, cutting decorative paper and teasing her relentlessly about her "scrapbooking skills."

"This is crooked," he said, holding up a piece of paper with a dramatic frown.

"It's fine, Matthew," Claire said, snatching it from him.

"No, no," he said, laughing. "Perfection is key. Adrian Saint Laurent deserves nothing less."

"Perfection is overrated," Claire shot back, rolling her eyes. "Now hand me the glue."

Despite his teasing, Matthew was genuinely helpful, and by the end of the day, the memory box was starting to take shape. It was simple but elegant, filled with heartfelt touches that Claire knew Adrian would appreciate.

As the days passed, Claire found herself growing more and more excited about the gift. For the first time, she felt confident that she'd found something truly meaningful-something that would show Adrian just how much he meant to her.noveldrama

The morning of Adrian's birthday

had arrived, and Claire was

determined to make everything

perfect. She stood in her room, carefully fastening a delicate

diamond necklace around her neck. Matching earrings followed, glinting subtly in the sunlight streaming through the window.

She smoothed down the elegant fabric of her dress, a deep emerald green that highlighted her figure and brought out her eyes. With one final glance in the mirror, she decided she looked just right-not too overdone, but still glamorous enough for the Saint Laurent mansion.

Claire picked up the two gifts she'd prepared for Adrian: the handcrafted memory box, which she'd poured her heart into, and a custom-made ruby brooch set in gold. The brooch was extravagant, perhaps more than necessary, but she couldn't resist. It was so Adrian.

"I hope he likes my present. I will be damned if he ended up hating it." she muttered to herself as she stared at the box in hand.

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