🅃🄷🄴 🅄🄽🄱🄾🅄🄽🄳 🄻🄾🅅🄴 -6

The night before their departure to Aurembra, Lugh was a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and a lingering fear. The thought of regaining his lost hand filled him with hope, yet a small voice in the back of his mind whispered, What if it fails?

Seraphina, too, was restless. This wasn’t just a procedure—it was a turning point that would reshape both their lives forever. She wanted to be strong for Lugh, but deep down, she couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at her heart.

The one person who had made all of this possible, Chloe, couldn’t accompany them due to her clinic responsibilities. However, Dia stepped forward without hesitation. “I’ll go with him,” she insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument. “He needs someone by his side, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

With everything set in motion, the journey ahead felt both overwhelming and promising—a step toward a new beginning.

They were fully prepared for the journey ahead. Lugh’s operation would take just a day, but the real challenge lay in the week-long wait to determine whether the transplant would be successful. The uncertainty weighed on their hearts, but hope kept them moving forward.

The next morning, after getting ready and sharing a quiet yet reassuring breakfast, they arrived at Euphorel Airport. The air buzzed with the sounds of travelers and flight announcements, yet their minds were focused on one thing alone—Lugh’s future.

After a two-hour wait, their flight was finally called for departure. Traveling in business class, they each took their seats, positioned close but not side by side. The quiet hum of the aircraft filled the cabin as they fastened their seatbelts.

For Lugh, this wasn’t just a flight—it was a journey toward something life-changing. He gazed out of the window, gripping the armrest, thoughts racing. Would this truly work? Would he finally feel whole again?

Beside him, Seraphina stole a glance at her son, her heart swelling with love and silent prayers. Whatever lay ahead, she knew they would face it together.

As the flight cruised through the sky, Seraphina turned to Lugh and Dia with a knowing smile. “Did you two know that Evangeline, Ophelia, and their families visited our resort this past March?” she said casually, sipping her tea.

Lugh’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really, Mom? Or are you just trying to fool us?” he asked, skeptical yet intrigued.

Dia chuckled. “It honestly sounds more like a story than reality.”

Seraphina shook her head with an exaggerated sigh. “You children are so hard to babysit.”

Lugh and Dia, in perfect unison, shot back, “We are NOT babies!”

Seraphina laughed softly. “Well, I’m telling the truth,” she insisted.

Lugh leaned forward, curiosity sparking in his eyes. “Alright, Mom, but why bring this up now? And if they really visited our resort, why wasn’t it in the news?”

Seraphina gave him a knowing look. “Because I thought it would excite you. And as for the news, Evangeline wants her children to have a normal life—at least until they’re old enough to handle the attention.”

Dia nodded in understanding. “That makes sense. That’s why we never heard about it.”

Seraphina hesitated for a moment before adding, “There’s also a rumor… that Evangeline’s son has amnesia.”

Lugh’s expression grew thoughtful. “Yeah, I read about that, but there was no confirmation. I also saw that Ms. Evangeline and Ms. Ophelia had their second children after their husbands passed away.”

Dia sighed. “I heard that too, but some say they had them through secret affairs. Honestly, I think that’s nothing but a bunch of nonsense spread by their haters.”

Lugh nodded in agreement. “Exactly. If that were true, then the ownership of TiVaDi Company might be different right now.”

Seraphina waved a hand dismissively. “Regardless of all that, they’re kind-hearted people. No matter what the rumors say, they’ve built an empire while staying humble and grounded.”

Lugh’s eyes gleamed with newfound interest. “I also read that Ms. Evangeline’s son, Arin, works as a regular employee in another company because of his amnesia.”

Seraphina nodded thoughtfully. “That’s quite interesting… but it’s probably for his own sake, to let him live a normal life.”

Dia stretched her arms with a small smile. “Let’s leave it for now. We’re going there soon, anyway. If they want to meet us, we’ll have plenty of time.”

Lugh grinned. “Oh, they’ll come. I read that at every transplant surgery, Evangeline and Ophelia oversee the procedure to ensure everything goes smoothly.”

Dia’s eyes widened with excitement. “Then I guess we’d be lucky if we got to meet them!”

Seraphina smirked playfully. “Don’t forget—I’m a businesswoman too.”

Lugh smiled at her warmly. “Yes, Mom, and to me, you’re the best.”

Dia chuckled, nudging Seraphina gently. “Yeah, you’re an idol for both of us.”

Seraphina’s heart swelled with warmth. She reached out and took both their hands. “Thank you, my dear children.”

After a three-and-a-half-hour journey filled with laughter and cherished moments, they finally arrived in Aurembra. The moment the plane touched down, excitement buzzed between them. Once they collected their luggage, they hailed a taxi and set off toward their rental home, where they would be staying for a week—or perhaps even longer, depending on Lugh’s recovery.

The drive through Aurembra was scenic and lively, the city's blend of modern architecture and lush greenery creating a mesmerizing view. After an hour of travel, they arrived at their cozy rental. With a satisfied sigh, they picked up their luggage and carried it inside. The home was warm and inviting, offering a sense of comfort after a long journey.

After settling in, they took some time to rest and unwind. Once refreshed, Lugh and Dia decided to explore the neighborhood, eager to stretch their legs and take in the new surroundings. However, Seraphina, still feeling the effects of flight sickness, opted to stay behind and rest, promising to join them another time.

As evening set in, the sky was painted in hues of orange and lavender, casting a golden glow over the quiet streets. Lugh and Dia strolled through the charming colony, absorbing the peaceful atmosphere. As they walked, they stumbled upon a beautiful park, its entrance framed by delicate lanterns and tall, swaying trees. Intrigued, they stepped inside, drawn to the tranquil ambiance.

Eventually, they found themselves sitting on a wooden bench overlooking a serene canal. The soft ripples in the water reflected the twinkling streetlights, creating a dreamlike scene. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. They sat there, watching the gentle flow of the canal, enjoying the stillness of the moment—a quiet interlude before the whirlwind of events awaiting them in the coming days.

After a little while, they noticed some children playing on the swings. There was one boy & one girl who was playing there peacefully. Seeing them, they got deja vu of themselves that they also played like those children in their childhood. Like them, they always stick with swings to ride on them one by one. 

As they sat on the bench, watching children run and play with carefree laughter, a wave of nostalgia washed over Dia. She turned to Lugh with a soft smile, her eyes glistening with fond memories.

“Lugh, do you remember how we used to play in a park just like this when we were kids?” she asked, her voice tinged with warmth.

Lugh’s lips curled into a gentle smile as he gazed at the children, his thoughts drifting back to those golden days of innocence. “I do remember, Dia. Those were some of the happiest times of my life… times I never thought I’d get to experience again. But even just remembering them makes me smile.”

Dia nudged him playfully, her tone full of reassurance. “I understand, but as long as we’re together, we can create new memories—ones just as wonderful, maybe even better.”

Lugh turned to her, his expression softening with gratitude. “You know, I consider myself really lucky. I have a mother who loves me more than anything, a best friend like you who’s always by my side, and a crazy, annoying—but still lovable—aunt who always finds a way to make me smile.”

Dia let out a laugh, rolling her eyes. “Listen to yourself! You sound like an old man reminiscing about the past. You’re still young, Lugh. You have your whole life ahead of you, and no matter what happens, we’ll always be here for you.”

Lugh chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh, and who’s the one talking like an old soul now?”

Dia waved him off, her eyes suddenly lighting up with excitement as she spotted the empty swings nearby. “Jokes aside, do you want to go on the swings?”

Lugh blinked, caught off guard by the sudden suggestion. “You’re joking, right?”

Dia grinned mischievously. “Nope, I’m completely serious. So? Do you want to?”

Lugh hesitated, glancing at the swings with longing before sighing. “I mean… yeah, I’d love to. But as you know, I only have one hand now. It’s not exactly easy for me.”

Dia’s expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “That doesn’t matter. Just trust me, Lugh. Now, tell me—do you want to ride the swings?”

Lugh met her gaze, and the warmth and determination in her eyes gave him courage. He took a deep breath, then nodded. “Yes… I want to ride it.”

Dia’s smile widened as she grabbed his hand and pulled him up. “Then come with me.”

Dia gently took Lugh’s right hand, guiding him toward the children with an eager smile. As they approached, she cheerfully expressed their desire to join in the fun. The children’s faces lit up with excitement, their enthusiastic nods showing just how happy they were to welcome them into their game.

Lugh hesitated for a moment, glancing at the swing before turning to Dia. "Thanks, cute kids. Now tell me, Dia, how exactly am I supposed to ride this?" he asked a hint of doubt in his voice.

Dia flashed him an encouraging smile. "Just sit with me; it's big enough for both of us, so don’t worry," she reassured him.

Lugh still looked uncertain. "Okay, but if you’re sitting with me, then who’s going to push us?" he asked, raising a brow.

Without missing a beat, Dia turned to the children gathered around them. "Kids, can you push us? As you can see, my partner here only has one hand, and I want to make sure he enjoys this properly," she said with a warm, playful tone.

The children beamed excitedly and cheered, in unison, "Yes, Di, we can push you! Just make sure to hold him properly!"

Dia chuckled, nodding. "Of course! Thank you, my little helpers," she said, before taking Lugh’s hand, her grip firm and reassuring as they prepared for the ride ahead.

As Dia and Lugh settled onto the swing, without hesitation, they began pushing the swings, their laughter filling the air as they gave Lugh and Dia a thrilling ride. The cool evening breeze rushed past them, carrying with it the joy of the moment, making Lugh forget about the struggles he had faced, even if just for a little while.

After a while, as their swing slowed to a gentle sway, Lugh and Dia exchanged a glance before stepping off. Smiling, they turned to the children and gestured for them to take their places. The kids eagerly clambered onto the swings, their excitement bubbling over, and without hesitation, Lugh and Dia began pushing them in return. Their laughter blended with the delighted squeals of the children, creating a scene filled with warmth and pure, unfiltered joy.

As the sky deepened into hues of twilight, the children, exhausted but happy, bid them a cheerful goodbye before heading home. Watching them disappear into the distance, Lugh and Dia stood there for a moment, taking in the peacefulness of the evening. Then, with content smiles, they turned and made their way back home, their hearts lighter than before.

When they arrived home, they were met with the comforting aroma of a freshly prepared meal. Seraphina had not only cooked dinner but had already set the table, her warm smile waiting to welcome them. Both Lugh and Dia were pleasantly surprised by the thoughtful gesture. After washing up, they eagerly settled at the dining table, ready to enjoy the meal. As always, Seraphina lovingly fed Lugh, and he savored each bite, grateful for the warmth and care in every gesture. The atmosphere was light and filled with laughter as Lugh and Dia excitedly recounted their adventure at the park, their voices animated with joy. Seraphina listened fondly, her heart swelling with happiness at seeing them so carefree. Once the meal was finished and the dishes were done, they retired for the night, knowing that the next morning would be a significant turning point in their lives. 

The next morning, as the golden rays of the sun spilled through the windows and the crisp wind rustled against the panes, Seraphina stirred awake. Knowing the importance of the day ahead, she gently woke Dia and Lugh, urging them to prepare for their early meeting at TiVaDi Company's Medical Zone with Claire. The air buzzed with anticipation as they got ready, ensuring they had a hearty breakfast to keep their energy up. Once everything was set, they departed, their journey filled with quiet determination. An hour later, they arrived at the grand facility of TiVaDi, its towering structures a testament to cutting-edge innovation. Navigating through the vast halls, they searched for Claire, their eyes scanning the bustling environment of scientists and doctors at work. After a few moments, their search ended as they finally found her, marking the beginning of the next step in Lugh’s life-changing journey.

As they approached Claire, a woman in her mid-thirties with a composed yet warm demeanor, she greeted them with a reassuring smile. Claire in a pristine white coat, exuded confidence and professionalism, making them feel instantly at ease.

"Seraphina, it’s wonderful to finally meet you in person," Claire said, shaking hands with her before turning to Lugh and Dia. "And you must be Lugh. I’ve heard a lot about you. You're quite brave for taking this step."

Lugh, though nervous, smiled weakly. "Thank you, Ms. Claire. I just... I just want to have my hand back, to feel normal again."

Claire’s eyes softened as she nodded. "I completely understand, and that’s exactly why we’re here. Let's go inside, and I’ll walk you through everything."

They followed Claire into the medical consultation room, where a large holographic display projected a 3D image of a mechanical arm. Claire tapped on the screen, and various components of the limb were highlighted, each labeled with specifications and details.

"This," Claire began, gesturing toward the image, "is the advanced biomechanical arm designed specifically for patients like you. It’s custom-built based on your body's structure, strength, and nerve patterns. The key difference between our technology and traditional prosthetics is that this arm will be directly connected to your nervous system, meaning with time and practice, it will function just like a real hand."

Lugh’s eyes widened with amazement. "It looks... incredible. But how does it actually work? Will I be able to move it right away?"

Claire shook her head gently. "Not immediately. The surgery itself is complex. We will implant a neural interface at the base of your shoulder, which will link your nerves to the mechanical limb. The healing process takes about a week, and you may experience some discomfort during that time. Your body will need to adjust to the foreign connection, and it will take physical therapy and mental adaptation before you can use it seamlessly."

Seraphina, who had been silent until now, reached for Lugh’s hand and squeezed it. "Will there be any risks?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Claire sighed softly before answering with honesty. "As with any surgery, there are always risks. Some patients experience nerve pain, phantom limb sensations, or temporary numbness. However, we have one of the highest success rates in the world, and our team will be with Lugh every step of the way."

Lugh inhaled deeply, processing everything. "And if something goes wrong?"

"We will have backup solutions," Claire assured him. "In the worst-case scenario, the arm might take longer to integrate, but it won’t be life-threatening. Your body just needs time to accept it. The more determined and patient you are, the better the outcome."

Lugh exchanged a glance with Seraphina and Dia. Their expressions were filled with unwavering support, and that alone gave him strength.

"Alright," he said with a firm nod. "I’m ready. Let’s do this."

Claire smiled. "That’s the spirit. Let’s proceed with the pre-surgery preparation."

The next few hours were spent conducting detailed scans, nerve sensitivity tests, and finalizing Lugh’s custom limb adjustments. Once everything was ready, Claire led them to the surgical wing, where Lugh changed into hospital attire. The sterile scent of the room and the beeping of medical monitors heightened his anxiety, but Seraphina held his hand through it all.

"Mom, promise me you won’t worry too much," Lugh said as he lay on the operating table.

Seraphina bent down, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "I can’t promise that, sweetheart, but I can promise that I’ll be right here when you wake up."

Dia placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We got you, Lugh. Just focus on getting through this."

Claire signaled the anesthesiologist, who inserted an IV into Lugh’s arm. "Alright, Lugh, count down from ten. By the time you reach five, you’ll be asleep, and when you wake up, you’ll be one step closer to your new beginning."

Lugh’s vision blurred as he whispered, "Ten... nine... eight..."

The surgery lasted several hours. The medical team worked with precision, carefully attaching the neural interface to Lugh’s nerve endings while ensuring a seamless integration with the mechanical limb. Claire supervised every step, making sure there were no complications.

Finally, as the last suture was placed and the limb was secured, the operation was deemed a success.

When Lugh slowly awoke, his head felt heavy, and a

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dull ache lingered in his shoulder. His vision adjusted to see Seraphina sitting beside him, her eyes filled with relief and love.

"Mom..." his voice was hoarse.

Seraphina cupped his face gently, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "You did it, my love. The surgery went perfectly."

Lugh turned his head slightly and caught sight of his new arm. It looked sleek and advanced, resting beside him as if it had always been a part of him. A lump formed in his throat as a surge of emotions washed over him.

"It’s really there," he whispered, flexing his fingers ever so slightly, though they barely responded.

Claire stepped in, smiling. "It will take time, but you’re on the right track. Welcome to your new life, Lugh."

A single tear escaped Lugh’s eye, but it wasn’t of sadness—it was of hope. He had taken the first step toward reclaiming what he lost, and with his mother, Dia, and his unwavering spirit, he knew he would make it.

Seraphina kissed his forehead once more. "I’m so proud of you, sweetheart."

And in that moment, Lugh knew—no matter the challenges ahead—he wasn’t alone.

Days passed, and Lugh’s condition improved remarkably. With each passing day, he gained more control over his new hand, seamlessly integrating it with his thoughts and movements. It felt almost like a part of him, responding effortlessly to his will. Seraphina and Dia watched in awe and joy as he adapted so well, their hearts swelling with pride at his resilience.

During Lugh’s recovery, they had the opportunity to meet Evangeline and Ophelia, the esteemed owners of TiVaDi, who personally visited to check on his progress. Their presence was both an honor and a reassurance, and they expressed genuine delight at seeing the success of the transplant. Claire, who had been overseeing Lugh’s healing, was also astounded by the speed of his recovery—faster than any patient before him.

After five days under careful observation, Lugh was officially discharged from the facility, marking a triumphant moment for all of them. But their joy didn’t end there. Upon returning home, they received another piece of wonderful news—Lugh and Dia’s university results had been released, and both of them had topped their class with the highest marks.

It was a moment of overwhelming happiness. Seraphina couldn't hold back her tears of pride, Dia cheered in excitement, and Lugh, for the first time in a long while, felt like everything in his life was finally falling into place.

Filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment, Lugh, Dia, and Seraphina decided to celebrate their milestones—a new beginning for Lugh with his mechanical hand and the incredible achievement of both Lugh and Dia topping their university. Wanting to make the night special, they chose one of Aurembra’s most renowned restaurants, known for its exquisite cuisine and elegant ambiance.

As they arrived, the glow of city lights reflected beautifully against the grand entrance of the restaurant. The soft melody of live music played in the background, adding to the charm of the evening. Just as they were about to step inside, their eyes landed on familiar figures—Evangeline, Ophelia, and Claire, all dressed in sophisticated party attire, exuding an air of grace and poise.

The moment their eyes met, Evangeline and Ophelia smiled warmly and approached them. “Well, if it isn’t our most resilient young man and his wonderful family,” Evangeline greeted, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

Seraphina returned the smile. “It’s so lovely to see you all here. We’re actually celebrating tonight.”

Ophelia’s eyes twinkled with curiosity. “Oh? And what’s the occasion?”

Lugh grinned. “A new hand, a new future, and a little academic victory.”

Claire chuckled. “Well, that certainly calls for a celebration. Perhaps we should join forces and make it an even grander night?”

With shared laughter and growing excitement, they decided to celebrate together, making the night one to remember.

Seraphina offered a warm yet polite smile as she looked at Evangeline and Ophelia. "What brings you here tonight, Ms. Evangeline and Ms. Ophelia?" she asked, her tone as graceful as ever.

Claire beamed. "Oh, we're here for a birthday celebration," she said with a hint of excitement.

Lugh’s eyes widened slightly as he turned toward them. "So, is today your birthday, ma’am?" he asked, his voice respectful yet curious.

Evangeline let out a soft chuckle. "No, dear, it’s not mine," she clarified, glancing at Ophelia with a fond smile. "It’s Anya’s birthday—Ophelia’s daughter. And please, Seraphina, there’s no need for such formalities between us."

Dia's face lit up at the mention of a birthday. "Oh, that’s wonderful! Where is she now?" she asked eagerly.

Ophelia, her expression filled with motherly pride, gestured toward the restaurant’s entrance. "She and the others have already gone inside to confirm our table reservation," she explained.

Seraphina nodded, taking a step back. "Oh, we had no idea. In that case, we shouldn’t intrude on your family time. Please, enjoy your evening," she said sincerely.

Lugh followed his mother’s lead. "Yeah, Mom’s right. It’s a special night for your family, and we wouldn’t want to interrupt. We hope you have a wonderful celebration."

But before they could take their leave, Ophelia gently placed a hand on Seraphina’s arm, stopping her with a warm smile. "Wait," she said, her voice laced with kindness. "You wouldn’t be interrupting at all. In fact, we’d love for all of you to join us. It would make the night even more special."

Seraphina hesitated for a brief moment before returning the smile. "Are you sure?" she asked, touched by the invitation.

Evangeline nodded reassuringly. "Absolutely. Consider it our way of celebrating not only Anya’s birthday but also Lugh’s incredible recovery and achievements."

Seraphina exchanged glances with Lugh and Dia, who both nodded excitedly. Finally, she smiled and said, "Alright then. If you insist, we’d be honored to celebrate with you. Thank you for having us."

With that, they all stepped inside together, their night of celebration just beginning.

As they stepped into the restaurant, Claire beamed and playfully pointed toward Anya, signaling the birthday girl. Lugh and Dia followed her gesture, their eyes lighting up in recognition. To their surprise, not only did they spot Anya, but they also noticed the same children they had played with at the park just a week ago.

As Lugh and Dia spotted the familiar children from the park, their eyes widened with delight.

"Oh, those children!" they exclaimed in unison.

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Are both of you familiar with them?"

Dia nodded with a warm smile. "Actually, yes. We played together in the park a week ago, just the day before Lugh’s surgery."

Ophelia’s expression softened. "Oh, that’s so sweet of you. Thank you for spending time with them—they were really happy that day."

Lugh, now even more curious, turned to Evangeline. "You know them, ma’am?"

Evangeline chuckled. "Of course, They’re our children."

Seraphina, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "I knew about them but never actually saw them before. If I remember correctly, their names are Kian and Ira, right?"

Claire grinned. "You’re absolutely right, Seraphina." Then, turning towards the children, she called them over. "Come here, all of you."

As they approached, Anya pouted playfully. "Hey! Where have you all been? We’ve been waiting here for you for so long!"

The boy standing behind Anya let out a small laugh. "Relax, Anya. Don’t you see? They just arrived with some guests. Maybe they were busy talking."

Evangeline nodded. "That’s right, sweetheart. Let me introduce you all—this is Seraphina, and these are Dia and Lugh."

The boy stepped forward with a confident yet polite smile. "Hello, everyone. I’m Arin. It’s nice to meet you. And these are Anya, Ira, and Kian."

They all exchanged greetings, and Lugh and Dia wished Anya a happy birthday.

"Let’s get going to the table," Ophelia suggested warmly.

Anya hesitated for a moment before turning to her mother. "Hey, Mom, I don’t mean to interrupt, but we only reserved a table for our family. If we had known about our guests earlier, we could’ve booked a bigger one."

Seraphina smiled reassuringly. "Is that the only problem, sweetheart?"

Anya hesitated before nodding. "Sorry to say this, Auntie, but… yeah, that’s the only issue."

Seraphina waved a hand dismissively. "Then leave it to me. You don’t have to worry about a thing. You all go ahead—I’ll be there in a moment."

With that, the group proceeded to their table, leaving Seraphina behind to handle the seating arrangement. As they settled in, they chatted while waiting for her. A few minutes later, Seraphina returned, looking quite pleased.

Lugh immediately asked, "Mom, where were you?"

Seraphina smiled knowingly. "Oh, I was checking the reservations for tonight, and it turns out that two families canceled theirs at the last moment. So, I managed to secure a bigger table for us."

Evangeline looked at her curiously. "Oh? Do you happen to know the owner, or are you just well-connected?"

Before Seraphina could answer, Arin smirked. "Mom, she is the owner. This restaurant belongs to her. And remember when we stayed at the Euphoria Resort in Euphorel? That was hers too."

Evangeline’s eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, I had no idea!"

Seraphina turned to Arin with a raised brow. "And how exactly did you recognize me, young man?"

Arin grinned. "I recognized you the moment I saw you."

Lugh chuckled. "Sharp eye, Arin."

Anya nudged Arin playfully. "Of course, he does. That’s why he’s the Chairperson of our company."

Dia raised a teasing brow. "That’s impressive. So… are you two lovers?"

Arin smirked at Anya, who rolled her eyes with a faint blush. "You could say that."

Ira, clearly growing impatient, groaned. "Are you all here to chat endlessly or to celebrate Anya Di’s birthday?"

Kian crossed his arms. "Yes! I want to cut the cake! I was the first one to wish her at midnight, and now I’m the one waiting for the longest?"

Anya laughed. "Be patient, Kian and Ira."

Just then, the restaurant staff arrived, carrying a large, beautifully decorated cake. They gently placed it on the table, the soft glow of the candles reflecting in everyone’s eyes.

Ira and Kian gasped in delight. "Whoa! This cake is huge and looks delicious!"

Claire clasped her hands together dramatically. "This is exactly the kind of cake I’ve always dreamed of having all to myself… but since I’m such a kind and generous lady, I’m willing to share it with you all."

Dia smirked. "Oh, I didn’t know you were this dramatic."

Ira giggled. "You have no idea how childish she can be!"

Lugh laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, can we start the celebration now?"

Arin, however, was studying the cake with curiosity. "Wait… this isn’t the cake we ordered."

Seraphina smiled warmly. "That’s because it’s from us. You were kind enough to invite us to your celebration, so I thought this would be a nice gift for the birthday girl."

Anya’s eyes softened. "Oh, Auntie… thank you so much. You really didn’t have to do this, but I appreciate it."

Lugh beamed with pride. "That’s my mom for you—she always knows exactly what to do."

Evangeline nodded in agreement. "She certainly does."

Claire clapped her hands excitedly. "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let’s start the party!"

With laughter filling the air, the celebration began, the night becoming one of joy, warmth, and new friendships.

The atmosphere inside the grand restaurant was nothing short of magical. Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the elegantly decorated tables, and the soft hum of a distant piano played a melodious tune, setting the perfect ambiance for the evening. The large, exquisite cake sat in the center of the table, its glossy chocolate layers decorated with intricate edible flowers and a beautiful golden inscription that read: “Happy Birthday, Anya!”

Anya stood at the head of the table, her eyes shimmering with emotion as everyone gathered around her. She took a deep breath, looking at the faces of her loved ones, her family, and the new friends who had so unexpectedly become a part of her special day.

“Alright, let’s do this!” she announced, clapping her hands together with excitement.

Kian, who had been waiting impatiently, nearly bounced in place. “Finally! I thought I’d have to wait forever!”

Everyone chuckled as the staff dimmed the lights, and the soft glow of the candles illuminated Anya’s face. Lugh and Dia exchanged glances before they all began to sing together.

“Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to you…”

As the final notes of the song faded into the air, Anya closed her eyes, making a silent wish before blowing out the candles. A round of applause erupted, and Claire playfully ruffled Anya’s hair.

“So, what did you wish for?” Dia asked, nudging Anya teasingly.

Anya smirked. “If I tell you, it won’t come true, will it?”

Kian crossed his arms. “I bet she wished for more cake.”

Anya laughed, shaking her head. “Not quite, Kian, but I wouldn’t mind that either.”

As the staff began slicing the cake, Seraphina watched the group with a smile. The joy in the room was infectious, and she felt a deep sense of contentment watching Lugh and Dia enjoying themselves. Lugh, especially, seemed different—happier, lighter, as if a weight had lifted from his shoulders. It warmed her heart.

Arin, who had been observing the cake with an analytical eye, finally broke his silence. “I have to say, this is one of the finest cakes I’ve seen. You really have an eye for quality, Seraphina.”

Seraphina chuckled. “Well, I do own a restaurant, Arin. I wouldn’t settle for anything less.”

Anya, now holding a plate with a generous slice of cake, turned to Lugh and Dia. “By the way, I never got to properly congratulate you two on topping the university rankings. That’s amazing!”

Dia beamed. “Thank you, Anya! It still feels a little surreal.”

Lugh, taking a bite of the cake, smiled. “It wasn’t easy, but we did it together.”

Evangeline raised a glass in a toast. “To Lugh and Dia, for their incredible achievement!”

Everyone echoed her words, clinking their glasses together in celebration. The conversation shifted as they reminisced about their university days, sharing stories filled with laughter and nostalgia.

As the night went on, the group found themselves engaged in deeper conversations. Evangeline, noticing the way Lugh moved his new hand with ease, leaned in curiously.

“How does it feel now, Lugh? Adjusting to your new hand?”

Lugh flexed his fingers, staring at them with admiration. “It’s incredible. At first, it felt foreign—like something attached to me rather than a part of me. But now? It’s as if it’s always been mine. The technology is beyond anything I could have imagined.”

Ophelia, who had been listening, smiled warmly. “You’ve adapted so quickly, Lugh. That’s a testament to your resilience.”

Lugh’s expression turned thoughtful. “I won’t lie—there were moments I doubted myself. But having the support of Dia, Mom, and even you all, made a world of difference.”

Seraphina squeezed his shoulder gently. “You never had to do this alone, sweetheart. We’re always here.”

Sipping his drink, Arin suddenly asked, “So what’s next for you two? Any big plans now that university is over?”

Dia exchanged a look with Lugh before grinning. “We have plenty of plans, but we’re taking it one step at a time. We might even start a project together.”

Evangeline nodded in approval. “Whatever you two decide, I have no doubt you’ll do great things.”

As the night stretched on, the restaurant buzzed with warmth and chatter. The children, including Kian and Ira, eventually grew tired and started dozing off in their chairs. Anya, still energetic, engaged in light-hearted banter with Arin, while Claire and Ophelia shared stories about their experiences at TiVaDi.

Finally, as the clock neared midnight, Seraphina glanced around the table. “I think it’s time we call it a night.”

Anya pouted. “Already?”

Lugh chuckled. “You do realize it’s almost midnight, right?”

Arin stretched, yawning. “Yeah, I think we’ve celebrated enough for one night.”

Evangeline and Ophelia stood, thanking everyone for making the evening so memorable. As they all exchanged goodbyes, Anya suddenly turned to Seraphina, eyes twinkling. “Auntie, you really made my birthday special. Thank you for everything.”

Seraphina placed a gentle hand on her head. “It was my pleasure, dear. You deserve it.”

With warm smiles and lingering laughter, the group departed, the night leaving behind nothing but cherished memories and the promise of many more moments like this to come.

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