[INT. ELLA'S ROOM – MORNING]
Ella stands in front of the mirror, adjusting her white dress.
Ella
(to herself)
Okay girl, are you ready? You can do this.
---
[EXT. OUTSIDE – CAR – MOMENTS LATER]
Ella enters the car, dressed elegantly. She doesn't say a word about the occasion. Mr. Mah and Damian are already inside.
Damian
(in his mind, disappointed)
Ah… what was I expecting? Why would they remember my birthday? No one ever does.
Mr. Mah
Damian, the schedule's light today. We'll be done early.
Damian
(slightly annoyed)
Fine.
(in his mind)
Of course. It's always about work.
Ella I understand… she's new. But Mr. Mah? He's been with me for years.
Did I do something wrong?
He glances at his phone. No messages from his parents either.
Damian
(in his mind)
Did they… forget too?
---
[INT. DAMIAN'S CAR – NIGHT – RETURNING HOME]
Damian is visibly upset. Mr. Mah and Ella exchange a secret glance and smile. The driver continues toward Damian's home.
Damian
(raising an eyebrow)
Wait, aren't we dropping Ella first?
Mr. Mah
No, we have a meeting nearby. We'll go there first.
Damian
(sighs)
Fine.
-
[INT. DAMIAN'S APARTMENT – NIGHT]
Damian unlocks the door, still frustrated. As he steps inside, a balloon floats toward him. He catches it.
Damian
What the—?
Suddenly, party poppers go off. The house, usually dim and dull, is now filled with balloons, streamers, and a collage of his childhood photos, career highlights, and birthday moments. From behind the decorations, his parents step out smiling. Damian's eyes widen, and he runs to hug them tightly.
Damian
I thought… I thought everyone forgot.
His Mom
How could I forget the birthday of my only child?
Just then, Mr. Mah and Ella walk in holding a cake, singing "Happy Birthday."
Damian
(looking around in disbelief)
How… how did all of this happen?
Mr. Mah
It was Ella's idea. She messaged me a week ago and said your place would be the best spot.
Damian
(turning to Ella)
But… how did you decorate it?
Ella
(smiling shyly)
We had the whole day. I called a mutual friend who's a decorator. She helped us set everything up. Didn't take long.
Damian's expression softens. He stares at her for a moment, quietly grateful.
His Dad
Come on now—blow out the candles!
Everyone cheers as Damian blows out the candles.