The avenue for Daniel's first birthday was none other than Lucien's own estate — a mansion that looked like something carved from a dream, now dressed in colours of gold, ivory, and soft baby blue. The front gates were wrapped in fluttering ribbons, and inside, lanterns shaped like crowns floated gently over the main lawn. The scent of fresh-cut roses drifted from elaborate bouquets placed at every corner, while a towering cake — four tiers of vanilla, cream, and sugared fondant — stood proudly in the centre of the room like a jewel.
As guests arrived in warm waves, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Elora dazzled in a floor-length champagne gown that shimmered under the chandeliers, her hair pinned up with a diamond clip. Magnus followed, looking dapper in a tailored navy suit, his easy grin brightening the room. Little Ethan, dressed in a miniature tuxedo, resembled a mischievous gentleman. Magnus's parents soon arrived, dignified yet warmly affectionate in deep burgundy and soft beige. Amelia made her entrance in a sleek emerald dress, her heels clicking gracefully against the marble floor.
In the midst of this, Daniel, dressed in a white shirt with tiny gold buttons and a diamond crown, became the centre of attention. His curious eyes darted from one new face to another, waving his hands in delighted confusion as he greeted guests.
Lucien moved through the room with Daniel in his arms, introducing him to each guest. "Careful, Lucien," Magnus teased. "This is the part where everyone starts saying he looks like me instead of you."
Lucien smirked in response. "If he grows up with your height and my brain, he'll be unstoppable."
Magnus's father chuckled, shaking hands with Lucien. "If he has either of your attitudes, the world is doomed."
"Mr. Dane, how are you?" Lucien asked as he grabbed Daniel and gave him a forehead kiss.
"You know me? Going out hunting every other day. How's my little Daniel? Heard a lot of his tales from Elora." He said handing Daniel back to his father. Then Lucien went over to Seraphien greeting Elora and Amelia, and gave Daniel over to her. "A little décor needs my help." He said and Seraphien nodded.
As Daniel looked over to Amelia she dramatically exclaimed, ""Woo-hoo. The Handsome Little Birthday Boy's here y'all!"
As the crowd gathered around the cake, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Daniel, the star of the day, sat beside the towering cake, his eyes wide with wonder and curiosity. The cake, a magnificent creation of four tiers adorned with delicate sugar flowers and shimmering gold accents, was the centrepiece of the celebration, drawing admiring gasps from the guests.
Lucien, beaming with pride, gently placed a small knife carved from gold in Daniel's chubby hand. "Okay, buddy, it's time to make a wish!" he said, as he stood beside him. The crowd joined in a chorus of encouragement, their faces lit up with smiles, but Seraphine who was standing behind Daniel, to prevent him from falling off the table, was in fact smiling the brightest.
As the guests began to sing "Happy Birthday," Daniel's face lit up with delight. His tiny hands gripping the knife with determination. The joyful melody filled the room, echoing off the lavish decorations and enhancing the festive atmosphere.
"Make a big cut, Daniel!" shouted Ethan, bouncing in his fathers arms, his excitement contagious. The guests joined in, cheering and clapping, creating an engaging rhythm that matched the song.
With a gentle nudge from Lucien, Daniel jabbed at the cake, his small face scrunching in concentration. The knife met the soft frosting, and as he pressed down, a portion of the cake came away, sending a few crumbs flying. The crowd erupted in laughter, cheering him on. "Well done, little man!" shouted Magnus's father, Mr. Dane, while his wife clapped and recorded Daniel.
Seraphine took over, guiding Daniel's hand as they made the first official cut together. The cake yielded easily, revealing layers of fluffy vanilla and rich cream. The scent of sweet vanilla wafted through the air, making mouths water.
As the last note of "Happy Birthday" faded, Seraphine lifted the piece of cake onto a plate, presenting it to Daniel with a flourish. "And here it is! Your very first birthday cake slice!" she announced dramatically.
In a playful moment, Lucien grabbed some chocolate frosting and smeared a bit on Daniel's cheek, eliciting squeals of laughter from the crowd. The little boy giggled, reaching up to wipe his cheek, only to smudge frosting on his own nose.
"Looks like we have a little cake monster on our hands!" Amelia chimed in, sharing in the laughter as she leaned down to give Daniel a gentle kiss on the forehead.
Lucien then leaned over to Seraphine, mischievous glint in his eye. "You know what we must do next," he said, picking up a spoonful of frosting. With a swift motion, he playfully smeared some chocolate on Seraphine's cheek, causing her to gasp in mock horror.
Elora playfully slapped Lucien on his arm, "Oh you idiot," she laughed, "You just ruined her gorgeous makeup!"
"Oh no, it's on now!" she laughed, picking up her own piece of cake. The crowd cheered them on as the playful frosting battle ensued, with cake and frosting flying in every direction.
As the laughter filled the room, the atmosphere was electric with joy and camaraderie. The guests began to join in the fun, grabbing small bits of cake and teasing one another with frosting.
Finally, Lucien turned back to Daniel, who was now enthusiastically munching on his slice of cake. "Alright, buddy, time to dig in! Let's see how you like it!"
Daniel took a big bite, his eyes widening with delight as sweet flavours danced on his tongue. The crowd erupted in applause, celebrating this precious moment.
"Look at him go!" Magnus exclaimed, his laughter booming. "He's going to be a cake connoisseur before he can even walk!" Little Ethan cheered in his arms as he attempted to grab some of the cake. Lucien lifted a spoonful and moved closer to Ethan, "Say ahh, my munchkin." Ethan opened and took it delighted, before Elora cut a piece and handed it to Ethan making him sit on a chair beside Daniel.
As the excitement settled, the guests began to mingle again, many still buzzing from the joyful cake cutting. Daniel, now smeared with frosting and grinning from ear to ear, was the heart of the celebration, embodying all the love and happiness surrounding him.
At this moment Seraphine did not feel like she ever lived a past in which her parents taunted her and usually ignored her, in which no one cared about her. She stole a glance at Lucien. It's is as if he made a new life for her. What would I have done if he was not here with me? Probably still giving myself a miserable time, back at home . But all of that is over, so why should I remember a past which I was born to forget? Maybe I kept myself alive back then, maybe because I knew I would have lived a day like this. I love you Lucien. And thank you for everything.
Lucien also looked upon the crowd at Seraphine, feeling Deja Vu. My angel if it was not for you then who else would have made me so happy? I made one damn decision in my life right. And that was choosing you to be my wife. I would have still been the lonely man that I was, sulking after my parents funeral and losing touch of life. But you made all the difference. You and our child will forever be my only reason to live. I love you Seraphine.