The birthday banquet soon began to wind down. Guests started leaving in small groups, guided out by their drivers waiting at the entrance. The once lively hall gradually softened into quieter conversations, the clinking of glasses fading into distant echoes.
Edward and Seraphina were already standing by their car, waiting for the girls.
Damien stepped out of the hall with Cedric beside him. Almost at the same time, his driver arrived and opened the car door.
Cedric tapped Damien's shoulder and gave a faint smile.
"I always seem to remember your mother more on my birthdays," he said.
Damien paused slightly.
"When she was still alive, she would always make me a birthday dinner and send it over, even though she knew I would probably eat at the party."
Damien's expression softened. He r
