Soon, everyone moved to the dining table where Danny, the chef, had prepared a luxurious birthday dinner.
The presentation was beautiful, with an inviting aroma, but for the first few minutes, the atmosphere remained stiff.
Forks clinked a little too carefully. Napkins were unfolded with unnecessary precision.
Everyone kept stealing glances at everyone else, as if unsure which family should breathe first.
And then Oliver saved the night.
"Daddy... Congratulations on turning a year older..." he said with his cute voice, full of excitement, looking so proud of his own words that the whole table slowly burst into laughter.
Axel smiled, though there was a slight heaviness behind it.
Turning older was not exactly something he enjoyed being reminded of by his four-year-old son.
"Hahaha, brother-in-law, don't worry," Stella chimed in immediately. "You do not look older than your actual age. You are still young as long as you smile."
