CHAPTER 256: CELEBRATION

The kids who had been playing moments ago paused to greet Elena with cheerful voices.

They were all excited—it wasn’t every day they got to dress up and join such a special gathering.

"Sis Ele, look at my tiger suit! It looks fierce, right?" Little Erick exclaimed proudly, his arms stretched wide to show off the orange-striped costume.

It was a gift from his mom, matching the animal theme of the celebration.

Elena chuckled softly and reached out to pat his head.

"Indeed, you’re fiercely cute," she said with a warm smile.

Standing beside her, Ethan smirked as he watched the lively little boy.

Erick reminded him of Elena, especially with those vivid green eyes that sparkled with mischief and warmth.

His gaze softened as he imagined their own child.

’Would their daughter have the same striking eyes? The same charm?’

If his baby girl turned out to be a little Elena, she would definitely grow up to be a stunning girl.

The idea made him pause—he frowned slightly at the thought of having to guard his precious daughter fiercely one day.

Elena, unaware of her husband’s quiet musings, continued praising the other children for their adorable animal costumes.

Her smile grew as she moved from one kid to the next, offering kind words and gentle pats.

"Where is Little Mia? Why isn’t she here yet?" she asked, glancing around the room, looking for her.

"Little Mia wants to make a grand entrance," Little Koby replied with a pout, crossing his arms.

He had tried to escort her earlier, but her father, Uncle Anthony, firmly refused.

He wasn’t allowed anywhere near her before the entrance.

Noticing his sulky expression, Elena offered a light-hearted suggestion.

"Alright then, we’ll celebrate your birthday the same way Little Mia does—full of flair and sparkle."

Little Koby blinked and scratched his head, puzzled.

Sis Elena had misunderstood. That wasn’t what he meant.

He didn’t want a flashy celebration like little Mia’s—he was a big boy now, not a baby.

He opened his mouth to explain, but before he could speak, soft music began to play from the living room.

All eyes turned as Little Mia’s grand entrance began—complete with a flowing pink dress, butterfly wings, and a sparkly tiara that shimmered under the lights.

Little Koby froze, his words swallowed by the sudden attention drawn to the princess-like appearance of Little Mia.

He could only sigh and watch, completely forgotten for the moment.

Meanwhile, little Mia was having her special moment, walking proudly between her mom and dad as they guided her to the center of the room.

It was her fourth birthday, and today, she truly looked like a little princess.

One by one, the adults stepped forward to congratulate her, handing over neatly wrapped gifts with warm smiles and affectionate words.

Elena stood to the side, watching with a soft gaze as Little Mia grinned from ear to ear—healthy, joyful, and full of life.

That bright smile was worlds away from the one she remembered in her past life.

She wasn’t usually someone who showed her emotions easily, but this moment broke through her calm facade.

A single tear slipped down her cheek—not from sorrow, but from pure happiness.

It was time, at last, to let go of the heavy burden of regret she carried for Little Mia’s tragic fate in the life before.

Noticing the tear, Ethan quietly stepped behind his wife and wrapped his arms gently around her.

His voice was low and soothing. "Don’t cry. We’ll protect this little lady until she’s strong enough to handle herself."

"Hmph," Elena sniffled softly, trying to hide her emotion. "I’m not crying. I’m just... happy to see her like this."

A gentle chuckle escaped Ethan as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

Soon after, the familiar melody of the birthday song began to play.

The children gathered around, joined by their pets Poochi and Mimi, their cheerful voices rising in unison as they sang for Little Mia.

Once the birthday song came to an end and the cheerful applause faded, Aunt Liza stepped forward.

She looked around the room, her gaze filled with gratitude.

"Thank you, everyone, for celebrating this day with us," she said gently.

"I won’t say too many words. I just hope that you’ll continue to watch over my little girl and care for her as she grows."

The room responded with nods and soft murmurs of agreement, promising to look for Little Mia.

Aunt Liza then knelt beside her daughter and gently nudged her.

"Come now, Baby Mia, say thank you to everyone."

With practiced grace, Little Mia curtsied slightly.

"Thank you for the gifts! Aunts, Uncles, Gwandpa and Gwandma... and to my fwiends—thank you too!" she said sweetly.

Then, puffing her chest a little, she added with confidence, "But, Mom, I’m not a baby anymore. I’m going to be an aunt soon!"

Laughter broke out among the adults.

Her proud little declaration stood in such contrast to her appearance—clad in glitter and ribbons like a storybook fairy, she looked every bit the precious child she still was.

Yet her bold words and serious expression only made her more endearing.

Aunt Liza chuckled and pulled her into a gentle hug.

"Yes, yes... our little grown-up," she whispered fondly, brushing back a strand of hair from Mia’s forehead.

Elena then stepped forward and handed her gift to Little Mia with a warm smile.

"Happy birthday, Little Mia."

Little Mia’s face lit up with pure joy as she ran toward Elena, twirling a little to show off her sparkling dress.

"Thank you, Sister Ewe!"

Elena chuckled, her eyes soft with affection.

Even after all these months, Little Mia still couldn’t quite pronounce her name right.

And with Ethan’s gentle help—since Elena couldn’t bend easily because of her big belly—he lifted Little Mia up so she could plant a sweet kiss on Elena’s cheek.

The room filled with warmth and laughter as everyone clapped and congratulated Little Mia once again on her 4th birthday.

Not long after, dinner was served.

Everyone gathered around the table, eating with cheerful appetites.

Laughter and chatter filled the dining room.

Meanwhile, Elena quietly gave instructions to Xander to bring some of the food to the kids at Paradise Homes and let them have a taste of today’s celebration, too.

So, the children in both her building and Jetro’s building were enjoying rare treats—fried chicken, cold soda, and sweet desserts.

Their eyes lit up with excitement, as some hadn’t tasted food like this in a long while.

Until now, Elena had only provided them with basic supplies so they could gradually adjust to the new reality.

Now, with this surprise feast, the children thanked their boss again and again, their eyes wide with gratitude.

They felt truly blessed by the treat and eagerly vowed to work even harder for the shop.

They also promised to keep their ears open and serve as little informants around their assigned areas.

Back at Elena’s side, once everyone finished their meal, she stood up and addressed the group.

"Thank you, everyone. I know these past few weeks have been hectic and full of challenges, but you’ve all helped take care of us. Now that I’m six months pregnant and getting close to my due date, things might get even busier once the water outside finally recedes. I hope you’ll continue doing your jobs well, even without me around to manage everything."

"Yes, Elena."

"We will, sister-in-law."

Everyone nodded in agreement, each silently vowing to work even harder to keep the peace and stability within Paradise.