The day their mother died was also the day Carsten Electronics nearly went bankrupt. Their father couldn't handle the loss, he fell into depression, and just a month later, he passed away as well.
The four Carsten siblings did their best to support each other, but it was Viviana who took it the hardest. She was not only the only daughter but also the closest to their mother. Any form of disrespect toward their mother, or even her death anniversary, would always set Viviana off. Her brothers knew this well.
Their mother had been the kindest, most generous, and gentle woman they had ever known. Their father loved her deeply, but because she had been born with a fragile condition, she passed away a few months after Viviana's 17th birthday.
Even now, though the siblings are older, most of them now senior citizens, except for Valentin, they continue to honor the memory of their parents with deep respect.
As they once promised each other, they would always support one another and gather with their families at Vincent's house before traveling together to visit their parents' graves. They meet twice a year, and this gathering has become their only true family reunion. Of course, they're all wearing black but in different fashion. Viviana always had the best fashion of them all.
But one woman, who wasn't even part of the Carsten family by blood, had disrespected their mother's death anniversary. Viviana couldn't handle it. She was enraged, and in her mind, she imagined tearing the woman apart.
Just then, Vincenzo, Vincent's youngest son, stepped out of his bedroom. Now dressed in formal attire, he unintentionally shifted the tense atmosphere.
"Hey everyone! When are we going to the grave?" he asked cheerfully, grinning from ear to ear.
Immediately, his older sister Elizabeth grabbed his ear and pulled him closer, glaring. "Shhh!" she hissed.
Vincenzo winced in pain. "Ow! What's going on?"
Viviana exhaled deeply, finally calming down. Their father, Vincent, sighed in disappointment at his son's cluelessness.
Meanwhile, Vincenzo remained visibly confused. Luckily, Felicity Carsten, Valentin's wife, chose that moment to lighten the mood. "Well, it's almost time to go," she said calmly, taking a sip of her tea before standing up.
Valentin, one of the four main Carsten siblings, also stood and perked up like an eager puppy. "Well then, let's go! Did anyone bring flowers for Mother?" He turned to Viviana, who was still simmering. "Do you have some, Vivi?" he asked with a bright smile.
Lilybeth, Vincent's wife, handed Viviana a bouquet of white roses, while Vincent placed a gentle hand on Viviana's shoulder, offering her a warm, reassuring smile.
Meanwhile, Vince walked over to Dhavni. His eyes darkened with a cold glare. Born with an intimidating presence, his mere look made her tremble. Then, he turned to his eldest son, Giovanni, his voice sharp with disappointment.
"Gio, why don't you tell your wife, one more time, to act like a real Carsten for once. If she truly belongs here, like you used to insist years ago, then prove it to me over the next year. If you can't, I'll force you both to divorce. She won't step foot in this house again. Her children will stay."
With that, Vince turned away, heading back to Viviana's side, leaving Giovanni and Dhavni visibly shaken by the threat. Dhavni knew she couldn't afford a divorce, not from someone in the Carsten clan, one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the world.
Viviana stood up, accepting the bouquet as she adjusted her clothes with a composed expression.
Then Vanessa, Valentin's 18-year-old daughter and the shorter of his twin girls, tugged at her father's sleeve with a bright, innocent smile.
"Dad! Valentina and I prepared thousands of pink, red, and white roses!" she said gleefully.
Valentin smiled warmly and ruffled her hair. "Good job, sweetheart."
Then Dhavni and Giovanni's children, Raphael and Marina, walked toward them. Raphael held a book under one arm while using his other hand to guide his four-year-old sister, Marina.
"Mom, did something happen?" he asked.
Dhavni shot them a glare, as if their presence was to blame. Giovanni immediately waved them away, and Marina sniffled, trying not to cry.
Vince, noticing the harsh treatment, exchanged a silent glance with his siblings before stepping forward. He knelt down to the children's height and softened his expression, trying to smile despite his naturally intimidating aura.
"Raphael, is there anything you'd like?" he asked gently.
Valentin, Vince's youngest brother, joined him with a bright grin.
"Aww, little cutie! Do you want a treat, Marina?" he cooed.
Marina's face lit up slightly at the warmth in his voice.
"Grandpa… Mom and Dad are acting really weird," Raphael muttered, pouting as he tugged Vince's sleeve.
"Don't worry, Raph," Vince replied. "Please get ready, we're going somewhere special soon. If the grown-ups aren't ready yet, go play with your cousins for a while." He ruffled Raphael's hair, and the boy beamed before hugging him tightly.
"Thanks, Pops."
Valentin scooped Marina up into his arms.
"Marina, why don't you go play with your cousin, my granddaughter?"
"Weally?" she asked, her eyes wide.
"Yep! She's with her mom right now. Your cousin's name is Seo-ah Faye. She's half Korean." He grinned. Then he called out, "Felix! Yiseo! Would you mind babysitting for a bit?"
"Coming, Dad! Now, where's the little girl?" A short man approached, smiling at Marina. "I'm your uncle Felix. Fe-lix. Let's play, Marina!"
Marina giggled as Valentin smiled and handed her over.
"Take good care of her, Felix. Your uncle Vince here will be handling her parents," he said with a knowing glance.
Valentin then turned to Raphael.
"Raph, go on and play with your cousins. Marina's in great hands."
Raphael nodded and smiled.
"Thanks, Grandpa Val."
Vince sighed in relief.
"Thanks, bro."
Valentin grinned.
"You're welcome!"
Just then, another small hand tugged at Vince's sleeve.
"Gramps! Is Marina here?" asked a cheerful four-year-old girl. Two other kids stood beside her, it was the triplets: Caitlyn, Cayden, and Cassius, the children of Camilla and Alessandro.
Vince crouched down again.
"Marina's playing with your aunt, uncle, and your cousin Seo-ah Faye. Do you want to join them?"
The triplets beamed with joy and ran off toward Yiseo, Seo-ah's mother, and Marina.
Minutes later, it was already 7:00 AM. The scheduled time had been 6:30 AM, but due to the trouble caused by someone outside the Carsten bloodline, they were now thirty minutes late.
Still, all of them were properly dressed for this solemn anniversary.
Vincent, the eldest of the Carsten siblings, stood at the head of the table with a glass of wine in hand. He raised it, commanding everyone's attention. The room fell silent.
"It is time," he said firmly. "Carsten family, it is time to go to the Legacy Estate, where our beloved mother was buried and now rests in peace. Every year, we visit her grave. A month later, we honor Father's as well. Let us continue this tradition and respect her memory, in the name of the Carsten family."
His wife, Lilybeth, handed a wine bottle to Vince's wife, Lillian, who poured it into Vince's glass. Then Lillian passed it to Felicity, Valentin's wife, who filled his glass as well. Finally, Valentin poured Viviana's wine. Once each Carsten sibling had their glass, they raised them in unison.
Vincent remained standing. Then, with a softened voice, he whispered:
"Mom…"
Vincent stood tall, his voice calm but heavy with emotion.
"Mother... you were the pillar of this family. Even after your passing, everything we do, every empire we build, every legacy we protect is rooted in the strength you gave us. You taught us honor, dignity, and love. When Father followed you, we nearly lost our way, but we remembered what you stood for. Today, and always, your memory leads us. We'll keep your legacy alive until our last breath."
He raised his glass.
"To Mother."
He drank.
Viviana stood slowly, her hand slightly trembling. Her voice cracked with raw emotion.
"Mom... I still feel you in every room, in every soft touch of morning wind. You were more than a mother, you were my best friend, my comfort, my warmth. I couldn't even say goodbye properly. And every year, I remind myself that I carry a piece of you in everything I do. When someone disrespects you... they disrespect my soul. I love you so much, and I miss you more than words can say."
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she smiled faintly.
She raised her glass.
"To you, Mom. Always."
She drank.
Vince stood up next, his expression unreadable. His voice was calm, composed, yet firm.
"You were gentle, even when the world wasn't. You never yelled, but your silence could calm a storm. I never told you this, but... everything I am, everything I built, was to protect this family the way you once did with grace and unshakable strength. I may not show it the same way... but you're the reason I stand tall. I hope you're proud."
He nodded solemnly, lifting his glass.
"For the woman who made us who we are."
He drank.
Valentin stood last, his smile bittersweet. His eyes were misty but bright.
"Mama... I was the baby you always coddled. You'd pat my head and tell me I'd grow up to be someone who makes people smile. I wish you could see the children now they laugh like you used to. You always said family comes first, no matter what. We're keeping that promise. Even if we argue or fall apart... we always come back together. That's your magic, Mama. You still bring us together."
He raised his glass high.
"To the heart of our family. We love you, Mama."
He drank.
Then, as always, their children, spouses, and grandchildren gathered to hug them. Valentin was surrounded by his five children, while Viviana sat quietly on her chair, alone. She had none. As the unmarried chairwoman of the Carsten clan, there was no one to comfort her.
While her brothers were embraced and consoled by their loving families, no one approached the arrogant, perfectionist, cold, and often cruel chairwoman.
"I deserve this," she mumbled to herself.
Every year, it was the same, no arms to hold her, no warmth to ease the ache when she cried in silence.
She stood up wordlessly, leaving the house while the rest of the family continued to console one another.
Without a glance back, she ordered her bodyguard and driver to prepare the car and head to the Legacy Estate.
It was a four-hour drive. She held the bouquet of white roses tightly in her hands as she stepped into the car, her expression unreadable.
Viviana had already left Vincent's house. She ordered the driver to go faster and he obeyed. Her driver, a former world driving champion with a ten-year undefeated streak before retiring due to age, handled the wheel like it was second nature. The car sped down the road, gaining momentum with each second.
Meanwhile, back at the estate, no one initially noticed her absence. It wasn't until Valentin glanced at the chair beside him that he realized something was off.
"Where's Viviana?" he blinked in confusion.
The rest of the family fell silent.
"Yeah, where is she?" Vincent asked, concern spreading across his face.
"She probably left already... like she always does," Vince replied calmly.
"What?! Then, she's going to be the first one to arrive at the Legacy Estate again?!" Valentin exclaimed, eyes wide, before realizing his volume. He cleared his throat and looked away awkwardly.
"Looks like it," Vince sighed.
"Then let's go!" Vincent declared, adjusting his coat. "Derick! Prepare the car! Let's get moving."
Derick quickly grabbed the keys.
Vincenzo perked up excitedly, grabbing his own car keys. "Oh, hell yeah!" he flipped his hair back with a smug grin.
His nephew, Elijah, jumped in. "I'm coming with you!" he called out, rushing toward his uncle's car.
"Me too," Elyza, Elijah's sister, chimed in as she followed him.
Meanwhile, some of the wives were concerned about the little children.
"What about the younger kids? The toddlers?" Lilybeth, Vincent's wife, asked with worried eyes.
At that moment, Felipe, one of Valentin's sons, stepped forward. "I'll take care of the kids ten years old and below. Ride in my truck, kiddos. Mothers, too," he added with a reassuring smile.
"I'll help take care of them," Vanessa volunteered, her voice firm. The shortest of the siblings and known for being great with kids, she added, "You just focus on driving."
Felipe shrugged and grabbed his keys.
"I'll handle the kids above ten. I can drive," came a mature voice from behind. It was Valentina, Vanessa's twin and Valentin's youngest daughter. She picked up her keys, and Vanessa guided their nieces and nephews toward their designated rides.
Since it was a four-hour drive from Vincent's estate to the Legacy Estate, Viviana's journey would only take about an hour and a half, thanks to her driver (chauffeur). He was a former world champion, and his skill behind the wheel showed in every movement. Viviana, having ridden with him for years, had absolute trust in his abilities. She didn't flinch, didn't question him. No matter how fast he was going, currently hitting 220 km/h, she remained calm.
He slowed appropriately in speed-restricted zones, handled every curve and bend with ease, navigated every traffic light and rocky road with mastery. His driving was smooth, controlled, almost like an art form. No wonder he had been a champion for a decade straight.
Meanwhile, chaos erupted in the second car.
Derick Carsten, Vincent's son-in-law, husband of Elizabeth, and father to Elyza and Elijah, was behind the wheel. He was known as the fastest driver in the current generation of the Carsten family, and while he may have married into it, he wore the name like a badge of honor.
"Slow down! Slow down!" Elizabeth screamed from the passenger seat.
"Faster! Faster!" Vincent shouted from the back seat, brimming with excitement.
"Please don't give me another heart attack!" Lilybeth cried, gripping the armrest so tightly her knuckles turned white. She was pale, clearly on the verge of fainting.
"I am slowing down, honey!" Derick shouted over the wind, just as he pressed harder on the gas.
Meanwhile, on Vincenzo's side, Elyza and Elijah were his passengers. He was behind the wheel, nearly matching Derick's speed. Vincenzo, Elizabeth's younger brother, was also considered one of the best drivers in the Carsten family.
"Uncle! Go faster!" Elijah shouted from the back seat, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Hang on, kiddos," Vincenzo grinned as he pressed harder on the gas pedal.
Elyza, in contrast, sat calmly beside her brother, her demeanor composed despite the high speed.
"Uncle Vin, go faster," she said in a cool, steady tone.
"Yes, my lady," he replied sarcastically with a smirk, pushing the car even faster as he tried to catch up with Derick.
Not far behind was Giovanni Carsten, driving with his father, Vince; his mother, Lillian; and his youngest sister, Cressida, in the car.
"Gio, if you can keep up with them," Vince said sternly, "I'll forgive what you and your wife did earlier, especially what you did to your children."
Giovanni's expression turned serious as he gripped the wheel tightly. He swallowed hard and pressed down on the gas, determination flaring in his eyes as the car surged forward.
On the other hand, Alessandro Anderson, Camilla's husband and the father of the triplets, was casually racing alongside Derick, who was also known for his speed. Although Alessandro carefully obeyed speed limits, traffic signals, and road curves, he still managed to nearly match Derick's pace.
"Hey, the kids will panic. Make it smooth," said Camilla, Giovanni's sister, who sat beside him with a calm but warning tone.
Alessandro nodded and shifted his driving style, maintaining speed but making the ride smoother and more stable.
Meanwhile, Felix was behind the wheel with his parents, Valentin and Felicity, as his passengers. Though recently separated from his wife for the sake of their eight-month-old daughter, Felix remained focused. He stepped on the gas, closing the gap between him and Derick's car.
"Hang on tight, Pa!" Felix grinned, his tone teasing but confident.
"Faster! Press it harder, Felix!" Valentin shouted, not in anger, but from sheer excitement.
Felicity, seated beside them, clutched the armrest tightly, doing her best not to scream. She was screaming internally, however.
In another vehicle, Felipe drove more gently. With him were Felix's wife, Yiseo, their daughter Seo-ah Faye, and Felix and Felipe's sister, Violet. Raphael and Marina, Giovanni and Dhavni's children, were also in Felipe's truck, along with Dhavni herself.
Felipe chose not to speed like the others. Instead, he drove with measured ease for the sake of the children and the women in the car. A natural heartthrob from his school days, Felipe had a gentle demeanor toward women and kids, a classic "sexy daddy" type, as some would call him.
Meanwhile, chaos are in another car.
"YOU JUST GOT YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE YESTERDAY!! YOU JUST GOT YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE YESTERDAY!!! SLOW DOWN!!!" Vanessa shrieked at the top of her lungs.
Her twin, Valentina, was at the wheel, driving like a maniac, completely ignoring her sister's protests as she accelerated even more.
No wonder no parent or child had volunteered to ride with her.
[Special Note: The Carsten family, particularly the men, are passionate drivers. Yes, they have chauffeurs, but they prefer to drive themselves. Most of them were inspired by Viviana's legendary driver.]
As expected, Viviana arrived at the Legacy Estate an hour and a half later. The ride meant nothing to her, absolutely nothing, thanks to her flawless trust in her driver.
She stepped out, holding a bouquet of white roses, and walked silently toward her mother's tomb. When she arrived, she gently placed the bouquet down and knelt, hands clasped as she whispered a quiet prayer.
A few minutes passed before she heard the sound of heavy panting behind her, exhausted gasps breaking the morning stillness.
"We… we came in second," a breathless voice announced.
Viviana raised an eyebrow and slowly turned her head.
"Wow. Looks like you're in second place, Vincent," she said with a smug smirk.
Vincent stood there, catching his breath, while Lilybeth looked utterly pale from the drive, and Elizabeth was hunched over, vomiting from motion sickness, far too many curves and wild turns.
Derick, looking sheepish, patted Elizabeth's back while laughing nervously, trying not to get himself murdered by his wife
[Legacy Estate is a quiet and beautiful cemetery, known for being one of the most exclusive in the world. It's a place where only billionaires and the ultra-wealthy can afford to be laid to rest. The grounds are private and luxurious, with elegant landscaping, peaceful walking paths, and custom-designed memorials. Everything at Legacy Estate is done with the highest level of care and detail, from marble tombs to private garden plots. Some families even have entire sections to themselves. It's not just a place to be remembered, it's a symbol of legacy, wealth, and lasting status. Legacy Estate isn't open to just anyone. It's where the world's richest go to rest in peace, in a place that reflects the life they lived.]
An hour later, another vehicle arrived, it was Giovanni's car.
"Good to see you're third," Viviana said smugly as Giovanni stepped out.
With him were Vince, Lillian, and Cressida, each holding a bouquet of flowers. They quietly walked toward the tomb and paid their respects. As they prayed together, Vince finally gave Giovanni a silent nod of forgiveness, for both him and Dhavni.
A few minutes later, the silence of the cemetery was shattered by the sound of screeching tires. Two vehicles skidded into view, causing several cemetery staff and nearby visitors to whip their heads around in alarm.
The car doors flew open, Valentina and Vincenzo had arrived. The two infamous speed demons.
Vanessa stumbled out of Valentina's car, completely drained from all the screaming she'd done during the ride. Valentina, unfazed, casually stepped out with a small candle in hand, only to realize she forgot the lighter.
Vincenzo, who had pulled up beside her, tossed her one. "Got you covered," he smirked.
"Looks like our fourth and fifth racers have made it," Viviana said, finally cracking a grin, her mood lifting after hours of emotional silence.
Elijah, still hyped from Vincenzo's high-speed race, jumped out with enthusiasm and rushed to pray. Elyza, calm as ever, followed with a bouquet in her hands. She approached the tomb and knelt down, bowing her head silently.
Vanessa, though dizzy and exhausted, went to the back of Valentina's car, retrieved a large box filled with white, red, and pink roses, and gently arranged them by the tomb. She bowed her head and prayed quietly, her breaths still shallow from the nerve-wracking ride.
Just seconds later, another vehicle pulled in, it was Alessandro. He parked properly in the designated lot, not one to risk any more embarrassment today. Camilla stepped out next, followed by their four-year-old triplets: Caitlyn, Cayden, and Cassius.
Alessandro exited the car with a deep pout on his face. "I thought I could catch up to Derick. I can't believe I forgot to refill the tank."
Viviana chuckled. "At least you made it. You're in sixth place."
Alessandro rolled his eyes. "And he's second, right?" He looked over at Derick, who stood beside Elizabeth with a proud, smug expression.
Clicking his tongue in irritation, Alessandro walked to the tomb with Camilla and their kids. Together, they prayed.
Half an hour later, another car arrived, Felix, accompanied by Valentin and Felicity.
At last, all four siblings were gathered at their mother's tomb.
But Felicity looked utterly exhausted, with the same pale expression Lilybeth and Elizabeth had earlier. As they stepped out, Valentin looked frustrated, Felix upset, and Felicity completely drained.
"Oi! What took you so long?" Vanessa, the shortest among the five siblings, rushed toward Felix with her hands on her hips.
"Flat tire…" Valentin answered for him with a sigh. "It took almost half an hour to fix. We were stuck in the middle of nowhere."
Still visibly annoyed, Valentin pouted and mumbled under his breath. Valentina, not missing a beat, smirked from the side.
"Hey! That's not fair, Val!" Felix exclaimed, pouting dramatically.
Felicity quietly took her bouquet of roses and placed it at the tomb. She bowed her head in prayer, joined by Valentin and Felix.
"Felipe's still not here, right?" Felix asked, turning to Vanessa with worry in his eyes. "My wifey's with him, and so are Violet and my baby girl."
Vanessa shrugged. "It's for the kids' sake. Unlike the rest of you driving maniacs," she said, throwing a look at Valentina, Vincenzo, Derick, Giovanni, and yes, even Viviana's driver. They all turned away under her glare like guilty schoolchildren.
"I'm just worried, that's all," Felix muttered, clearly uneasy. His imaginary puppy ears might as well have drooped.
"Dhavni and my kids are there too," Giovanni added as he stepped forward.
"Man, don't you trust the sexy daddy?" Vanessa cut in. "Felipe's the gentlest brother I've ever known. No, gentlest human on the planet. He's driving carefully for the sake of the kids. No accidents, no panic attacks, no trauma. Unlike you lot."
She stood in front of them like the tiniest dwarf preacher, righteous and unbothered.
A couple of hours later, Felix and Giovanni were visibly growing anxious. They kept checking the time, glancing at the road, and pacing restlessly. The worry in their faces was impossible to hide.
Eventually, they couldn't take it anymore. Both men headed toward their cars, determination set in their expressions.
"It's already afternoon and they're still not here…" Felix muttered, gripping his car keys.
Valentin, Vince, and Vincent tried to reassure them. "They're fine," Valentin said calmly. "You know Felipe, he's careful."
But Felix wasn't convinced. Neither was Giovanni. They had already tried calling Felipe and their wives multiple times, but none of the calls went through. Each attempt only deepened the pit in their stomachs.
"That's it, I'm going to find them," Felix finally snapped. He stood up, voice tight with panic, and clutched his keys.
Giovanni caught his wrist. "I'm coming with you. My kids and my wife are there too." His voice was steady, but his eyes mirrored the same worry Felix carried.
They exchanged a nod, ready to leave.
Vanessa quickly stepped in, trying to block their way. "Hey, please… trust Felipe," she urged, looking from one brother to the other.
"But it's about to rain, Van! What if—" Felix's voice cracked. Panic was seeping into his every word.
Valentin stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Felix's shoulder. "Not yet, Felix," he said gently. "Let's wait a little more."
Viviana, standing nearby with her arms crossed, scoffed. "It's only been a few hours," she said with a shrug. "It's a four-hour drive from there. The only reason I made it early was because of my driver." She smirked smugly.
Her remark didn't help, if anything, it made Felix more anxious. He bit his lip, staring at the road like it owed him answers.
Giovanni's fingers curled into fists, his mind flooding with doubts. He didn't say anything, but the tension in his jaw said it all.
The unease was spreading.
A few hours later, the skies opened up with a heavy thunderstorm. Thunder roared and lightning cracked across the sky. The cemetery had grown cold and dim. Felix and Giovanni were now deeply anxious, far beyond what they could handle. They paced like caged animals, their eyes glued to the road, desperately hoping for headlights.
"I can't take this anymore," Felix muttered. He grabbed his keys again.
Giovanni followed suit. "Me neither. I'm going."
"Wait! Gio! Felix! Please wait a little longer!" Vanessa cried out, running after them.
"They're in danger, Van!" Felix shouted back, tears now streaming freely down his cheeks.
Vanessa froze. "But… Felipe is just trying to drive safely. He's being gentle, ya know?" Her voice was soft, trembling slightly.
"But what if they got into an accident?!" Giovanni shouted, then paused, realizing the weight of what he had just said. His own words hit him like a punch to the chest.
Vince, Giovanni's father, stepped forward with a sigh. "Fine. I'll give you permission to go, Gio. But wait another 30 minutes."
Giovanni's eyes widened. "Thirty minutes?! That's too long! What if something already happened?!"
Vince glared at him firmly. Giovanni clenched his jaw, but reluctantly nodded.
Valentin turned to his son. "Felix… I agree with Vince. Wait thirty minutes. If they don't come by then, I promise, I'll let you go myself."
Valentin pulled him into a warm hug. Felix clutched his father tightly, sobbing quietly into his shoulder.
Thirty minutes later, the thunderstorm are slowing down. Rain slowed to a drizzle, and the tension in the air lightened slightly. Without hesitation, Felix and Giovanni rushed to their cars, keys in hand, eyes burning with determination.
But just as they were about to speed off, they noticed something on the road ahead.
A familiar truck was carefully pulling into the parking lot.
Felipe's truck.
Everyone froze.
The driver's door opened… and out stepped Felipe, wearing a full face of makeup, thick lipstick, white powder, and his hair tied back in twin puffs like Jinkeys from a cartoon. It was laughable. Downright ridiculous.
But no one laughed.
Instead, Felipe was immediately swarmed by his family, his mother, his father, his siblings, all rushing in with warm, relieved hugs.
From the passenger side, Yiseo, Felix's wife, stepped out, holding their daughter, Seo-ah. Felix ran toward them and embraced them tightly. He kissed his daughter's cheeks over and over again, laughing through the tears.
"You're here… You're really here," he whispered. Then, he lifted Seo-ah in the air and spun her around joyfully.
Giovanni rushed forward too, his arms opening wide for Dhavni, who came out with their two children, Raphael, 8, and Marina, 4. He hugged his wife tightly, cupping her face and brushing the wet strands from her cheeks before placing a kiss on her forehead. Then he hugged his children, whispering how much he missed them.
Violet, Valentin's second child, stumbled out next. Her hair was a tangled mess, makeup smudged, and she carried an overloaded box of candy and snacks.
She looked like she'd just survived a cartoon apocalypse.
Valentin and his wife hurried to her, wrapping her in a tight hug.
Felipe blinked, glancing around at all the emotional faces. "Uh… why are you guys acting like this?"
Vanessa stormed toward him and slapped his cheek, not too hard, but enough to make a point. "How dare you make us worry like that?! And what is going on with your face?! You look like a female clown!"
Felipe rubbed his cheek in confusion, still stunned.
Violet called out behind him, exhausted and nearly dropping the box. "A little help here? I've been carrying this snack fortress for hours!"
Felipe shrugged. "The kids wanted snacks. We went to McDonald's and KFC for lunch. Dhavni and Violet insisted on shopping for proper clothes, and I stayed behind to babysit the kids with Yiseo while they went store-hopping."
Vanessa gawked. "That's it?!"
Felipe nodded, completely confused. "Yeah… that's it. Why are you guys acting like we almost died or something?"
Dhavni, leaning against the truck, added, "Seriously. We were just trying to avoid chaos. Why the drama?"
Felix let out a shaky laugh as he leaned his head against Yiseo's shoulder. "Because we thought something did happen… but I'm so glad you're all safe. I really am."
He closed his eyes, clutching his wife and daughter tightly, never wanting to let go again.
Felipe, Violet, Dhavni, Yiseo, and the kids quietly gathered in front of the tomb to pray. Felipe placed a single flower, while the kids offered the snacks they had brought. Violet and Dhavni brought a few pieces of clothing as a tribute.
Viviana stood up and let out a sigh. "I'm heading home. I still have a lot of meetings and paperwork to finish." She waved over her driver. "I've waited for hours and had to cancel three meetings because of these kids." She shook her head, sounding annoyed.
But her brothers, Vince, Valentin, and Vincent, knew her well. They understood that she had been just as worried, even if she didn't show it openly.
"Alright, good luck, sis," Valentin said with a small smile, waving her off.
Viviana got into the car, and her driver pulled away quickly down the road.
To be continued...