---
Charlie's face lit up with pure joy as he hugged the signed book tightly, his fingers tracing over every autograph as if it were made of gold. Cherry, however, stood nearby, lips pulled into a pout.
"Don't frown, pumpkin. Look at what I got you," Tracy said, her eyes twinkling.
Cherry gasped. "A cat!" She squealed and rushed forward, scooping the fluffy kitten into her arms. In an instant, her sulk vanished as she cuddled the animal lovingly.
While the twins enjoyed their gifts, Simon stepped toward Mirabel, his expression tense.
"This is bad," he said. "There's a rumor going viral—people are claiming they saw you with a man. The pictures are spreading fast."
Mirabel's face hardened. "Send someone to take down every single post. Make whoever posted it beg for forgiveness. I won't tolerate false rumors."
No one could know about her personal life—not her relationship, not her home. Only Tracy, Simon, and her family were trusted with such secrets.
"Understood," Simon said, lowering his voice. "But you need to be more careful next time."
"I will. Now, when will Grandpa's jet land?" she asked, changing the subject.
"In an hour."
"Good." Mirabel turned to her children. "Cherry, Charlie—you're leaving in thirty minutes. Go get dressed."
"Okay," Charlie replied calmly, already heading toward his room.
Cherry tugged on her mother's sleeve. "Mummy, can Leo come with us?"
Mirabel raised a brow. "Who's Leo?"
"My cat. Please!"
A smile tugged at her lips. "Alright."
"Yes!" Cherry squealed and dashed off with Leo cradled in her arms.
Mirabel turned back to Tracy. "Sorry for pulling you away from work. The twins wouldn't stop asking for you."
Tracy grinned. "Don't apologize. I just finished a photoshoot, and nothing could make me miss their birthday."
Mirabel exhaled softly. "I'd better check on them before they start fighting over clothes."
Inside the twins' room, Cherry was already deciding. "Let's wear our round-neck shirts with long trousers today."
Charlie nodded. "Okay."
Soon, both were dressed in their matching outfits. Mirabel lifted Cherry, while Tracy carried Charlie, and together they left for the airport. Both women wore masks to stay hidden from the press as they boarded Roshan's sleek private jet.
---
An hour later, the private jet touched down smoothly in Los Angeles. A black luxury car was already waiting for them. The driver whisked them straight to Roshan's mansion.
"Grandpa!" Cherry shouted the moment they stepped inside. She ran to him and leapt into his arms.
"Ah, my sweet pie," Roshan laughed, lifting her easily. He reached down to pat Charlie's head with a warm smile.
"Grandpa, I want to show you something!" Cherry wriggled out of his arms and hurried to the guard carrying their luggage. "Excuse me, sir, my pet cage please."
The guard handed it over, and Cherry proudly pulled out Leo. She hurried back to Roshan, the kitten nestled in her arms.
"Look, Grandpa! Aunty Tracy gave him to me. His name is Leo!"
Roshan chuckled. "Adorable. He's just like you."
Charlie rolled his eyes with a quiet scoff, earning a small laugh from his great-grandfather.
Tracy stifled a yawn. "I'm sorry, Mirabel. I'd love to talk more, but I'm exhausted. I need to rest."
"Of course, go sleep. We'll talk later," Mirabel said gently.
Tracy headed upstairs, leaving Mirabel in the living room. She pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
"Hi, babe," she whispered when the call connected.
"Hi," Dave's familiar voice answered.
"I know we haven't spent much time together lately," Mirabel said softly, "but my brother is opening a hotel in California in four days. I was hoping you could come so we can spend some time together. Don't worry, I already booked our room. You're not too busy, are you?"
There was a pause. Then Dave replied, "Hmm… okay. I'll come."
Mirabel's heart softened, her lips curving into a smile. "Thank you, darling. You're the best."
It had been three years since the incident that changed everything. Three years later, fate had brought Dave back into her life—and this time, she wasn't letting go.
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