Samuel and Jena had returned from Norway, and they invited the entire extended family to come to their house to celebrate Jena's birthday tonight.
The risk of having a husband who was too attentive and romantic was receiving every sweet gesture, even though Jena had begged him to stop celebrating her birthday, feeling too old for such things.
"We're still young, Illana hasn't given us a grandchild yet, so relax."
Actually, Samuel had been preparing everything for a week, and luck was on their side with a business trip schedule to Norway, so Illana and the household staff could arrange the party preparations.
Tonight, Samuel's residence was almost filled with fifty people from his entire extended family.
Jena didn't have any relatives in Germany; she was born and lived in Canada for a while, then met Samuel when they attended the same university when Jena received a scholarship in Germany.
"I didn't expect that we would all gather again at Jena's birthday party; everyone's busyness made it hard for anyone to meet."
"True, it seems like Jena's age increment always brings blessings to many people."
Illana smiled hearing her aunts talk about good things about her mother; she came to greet them.
"Unfortunately, this warm situation will only last for a few hours, after that, we have to go back to our own lives."
"Thank you for coming, Aunt Leah and Aunt Anette. Would you like a drink?" Illana offered two glasses of drinks to each of her aunts. "Make yourselves at home."
"Ah, thank you very much, Illana. Thanks to this event, we also got to meet you."
"I'm also sad to hear about how your marriage had to end." Anette said sincerely. "I hope you find new happiness soon." She hugged Illana while holding her glass.
"Don't make me cry, Anette. We're at your sister-in-law's birthday party, you know?"
Illana smiled in response to their silly antics.
"If I cry, I'll just grab some tissues; we have plenty here."
"I'm just joking, Illana. You know that."
"Alright, enjoy your snacks. I'll go greet others."
She moved away and took more glasses for other guests; she was very friendly to every one of Samuel's relatives.
Her parents were busy interacting with Samuel's stepfather, who happened to be present tonight, and although it was only attended by the extended family from her father's side, it didn't diminish Jena's happiness because she felt loved.
"Illana."
The woman in a white dress turned around, immediately approaching Cody, the son of Samuel's youngest brother.
"Hey, Cody. Sorry I didn't see you here."
They stood behind the tables filled with many snacks and glasses of drinks. From this angle, almost every situation from right to left was visible; Cody was good at choosing his spot.
"It's not a problem; I was watching you being very busy greeting everyone."
"I have to do it, don't I?" Cody smiled, taking something from behind his waist and handing it to Illana. "This is my wedding invitation, Illana. You have to come."
The woman was surprised, receiving a thick, luxurious invitation with silver ornaments on the outside.
"You're getting married?"
"Yes. We've been engaged for six months, but she had to pursue her doctorate degree; I was afraid of losing her, so we accelerated our wedding."
Cody spoke while showing his happiness, his face glowing and eyes shining.
"That sounds quite possessive."
"You're right; she also said that. But she's happy to accelerate the wedding."
"I'm also happy to hear that, Cody."
The man was younger than Illana, their ages differed by three years.
"I'll definitely come."
"Yes, you have to come. However, I also want to apologize to you." His expression changed significantly; he tried to control the situation.
"Sorry? You didn't do anything wrong, why apologize?"
"Sorry for sharing this happy news when you've just divorced Mark, I didn't mean to do it, Illana. I—"
"Cody." She cut him off. "Why worry? The end of my marriage doesn't concern you, everything is fine, so don't feel guilty."
"You're right, Illana. I just didn't want you to feel like I'm showing off."
"Hey! Why so serious?" Illana laughed in response to the man's concern. "Thanks for trying to think of me, but the situation is under control."
"I'm relieved to hear that."
"Alright, I'll store this invitation elsewhere. Did you bring a lot and share it with everyone here?"
Cody shook his head. "No, I only brought it specifically for you."
"You must be very excited to bring it here."
"Of course."
Illana moved away to store the invitation, heading to the second floor of her parents' house, intending to put the invitation in her room, the room she always stayed in when she slept over at this house.
However, when she returned after closing the door and walking down the hallway, Illana heard the voices of a few people talking behind the special wine storage room.
She wasn't sure what they were doing there, but Illana was intrigued by the topic of their discussion.
"Since it's Jena's birthday tonight, I don't want to ruin her mood, but if I meet her elsewhere, I'll try to talk to my sister-in-law."
"Is this about the blind date you mentioned?"
"Yes, Illana could go on a blind date after her divorce."
"Actually, my husband's colleague also asked about Illana, whether she's willing to go on a date? But I think the man's age is too old for Illana. I'm not sure Samuel's daughter would agree."
"How old is the man?"
"Over forty."
"Quite mature."
"Yes, you're right. He looks very sexy, he's a widower."
Illana was taken aback by the conversation between the two women inside the room; they hadn't noticed her standing behind the slightly ajar door, holding back her urge to enter.
"Illana should be jealous of her parents' romance. Meanwhile, their daughter's marriage ended in just two years."
"What's most annoying is that Mark was lured back by his ex-lover, it's so funny, isn't it?"
They laughed loudly, mocking Illana to their heart's content.
"I'm shocked to hear that, it's like Illana is too bad and should be left behind."
"You're right, meanwhile, Cody is getting married next week. Illana should be jealous of that news, shouldn't she?"
CRASH!!!
"WHAT WAS THAT!"
Illana deliberately slammed the door loudly, walking away from the room as the two women inside were startled and confused.
"Oh my god! Who slammed the door, huh?"
"Is there a ghost in this house?"
"Are you crazy? Think about it if someone heard our conversation. Check quickly!"
However, they didn't find anyone after opening the door.
Meanwhile, Illana returned to the main floor, mingling with many people while suppressing her emotions; she didn't want to ruin her mother's event, even though she was very annoyed by the hurtful words that wounded her pride.
***