Letting out a deep breath, Cassidy shook her head.

For a nine-year-old, her son really does have quite the attitude. He’s always picking fights with others. She often gets complaints from his teachers, and no matter how many times they lecture him, he just doesn’t learn. 

Even so, Carsein has some good points. 

He has a large group of friends. His grades aren’t bad either. The only problem is his behavior. 

Cassidy was so busy thinking about those that she did not realize the moment Carsein had finally come out of his bedroom.

“There. Are you happy?”

“Very.” 

She bent down to fix his tie. He groaned and pulled back a little. She only laughed at his reaction, being already used to it. He doesn’t like it when she shows him signs of affection, but she keeps doing it anyway. 

When Cassidy was finished, she gave Carsein a peck on the cheek.

“You look so nice. Such a dashing boy. You probably have a lot of admirers…” she complimented.

“Now, are we settled?”

“No, I hate these shoes! They fit me so tight…!” her son bolted out, aggravated. 

“Also, this suit doesn’t look good on me at all. If you want me to come so badly, why can’t I just wear my jeans? Why do we have to go all formal?”

“Because those are the rules. Mommy told me so…” her daughter suddenly interrupted as she walked over to him and gave him a big, bright smile. 

“You look so cute, big brother! Almost like a prince! You should let me do your hair! I can put some ribbons on you! I have that color, too! Do you want me to get them for you?”

Carsein was clearly not pleased with that. Adelynn just laughed it off, amused.

“Go away, Adey! You’re so annoying.” 

“Come one, Sein! I’ll even lend my teddy bear to you!”

“No thanks! Get that thing away from me! You’re going to rub your girly germs all over me! How gross! Besides, this isn’t any of your business! Just go away!”

At that point, her smile had already turned upside down. He went still then.

Heaving out a sigh, Cassidy stepped in once more and got in between Carsein and Adelynn. 

“Please, be nicer to your sister, Carsein. You’re older than her. Adelynn’s just trying to cheer you up.”

“B-But she’s always like this. It’s just so annoying and embarrassing. Whenever she sees me at school, she goes out of her way just to say ‘Hi’ to me. She acts like she doesn’t see me at home or something. Why can’t she just leave me alone? She’s always tagging along everywhere… Oh, and she better not sit down next to me during the performance thingy. I’m not going to do no babysitting.”

Cassidy was about to say something again when she saw Mia and Anthony rushing up the stairs. 

The head maid and butler told them that it was time to go and that the car was ready. With that, they all started heading downstairs, putting the matter aside in the meantime.

Adelynn didn’t waste time holding Carsein’s hand. 

He immediately shoved it away, but after much persistence, he ended up giving in to her request. Their mother smiled at the sight. Despite their differences, her kids still get along. She really couldn’t have asked for a better family. 

Cassidy was able to go on every day because of them.

—

It wasn’t long before the Millicent family finally arrived. 

At the entrance, they quickly caught sight of Olivia and Charles who seemed as impatient as ever. Cassidy got off the car first, not bothering to wait for the driver to open the door for her. Adelynn ran out next to give the two a big embrace. Carsein, on the other hand, stepped out unwillingly.

“Hi there, Adey. You came here to see your Daddy, right? You excited?” Olivia greeted, still looking as youthful as ever, especially with that grin on.

Adelynn nodded at her happily before she ran back to Carsein again. She grabbed his hand, but he quickly tried to shove it away. Cassidy just let out a small, helpless sigh before turning to look at Charles and Olivia. 

“I’m glad that you two were able to make it. Asher stopped by a little while ago to tell me that he was going to leave with Irish after all,” Cassidy informed them.

“So I’ve heard. I’m happy for them,” Olivia replied, still smiling.

“Where’s Sir Edward, by the way? Didn’t you tell me before that he’s coming with Bryan and the kids? I don’t see them around. I thought they’d be here before us?” Charles brought up.

“They must be inside already.”

“Yeah. They didn’t mention they’d wait here.”

Once their conversation finished, Cassidy walked over to her children. Charles and Olivia are now talking with Carsein. She went up beside Adelynn and grabbed her hand before turning back to the others.

“We should also get in there already. We don’t want to be late.”

—

“Are you ready, Adrian?” 

Adrian turned around to see Edward coming in his direction. 

Giving him a smile, he went back to fixing his tie. He was already running out of time. It wouldn’t be long before he had to go on stage. 

“The day is finally here, huh? You’re going to perform at last – as an official pianist, that is. You really do have a passion for it after all, don’t you?” his brother commented.

“Yeah, I thought I wouldn’t pursue it. But it’s just like you. Your dream lied in engineering rather than managing our business. I’m simply doing the same – thought, a little belated,” he told him, slumping after seeing that he failed to fix his bow tie. 

It looked kind of sloppy. Even after years of being the head of a conglomerate, he wasn’t used to doing those sorts of things. He would often get his wife to do it for him. 

Letting out a groan, he tried again. He needs to look presentable, especially since he knows that his whole family will be watching him out there. 

“Believe it or not, Edward, I’m feeling kind of nervous right now. I haven’t really performed in front of such a huge crowd.”

“You’ll be fine, Adrian. Besides, you’ve always succeeded at everything you put your mind into.”

Adrian is really grateful to Edward.

He didn’t change at all. He will always and encourage him whenever he needs it. He’s such a blessing of a big brother.

Over the course of time, Olivia and Irish have turned into quite the supportive big sisters too. 

It’s regrettable that they’ve only gotten this close when they’re already full grown-ups. Even still, what they have now is something he can never exchange for anything else.

“Daddy!” 

That voice. 

Adrian could make it out in a crowd of a million. He turned away from Edward to find Cassidy, Adelynn, and Carsein making their way inside the dressing room. 

He could see his lovely little daughter jumping up and down with excitement. Her smile always fills up his chest with warmth. 

“Oh, Uncle Edward is here too! Hello!” Adelynn greeted, which earned a smile from Edward.

“Princess,” Adrian called affectionately.

With a grin on his face, he lifted her from the ground and carried her in his arms. He then playfully pinched her nose, making her giggle out loud. The way her eyes sparkle with mirth makes her look even more adorable. 

“You look so pretty today, princess. That dress really suits you.. Someday, you’re going to be as beautiful as your mother.”