The mansion was silent.
Almost too silent.
Which, considering it was usually a riot of voices, stomping boots, music, and the occasional argument over who drank the last can of soda, was immediately suspicious. Aunt Camila and Mrs. Havoc stepped into the grand hallway, both looking confused.
Camila frowned. "Where is everyone? Did something happen?"
Before Mrs. Havoc could answer, a burst of light flickered to life. Streamers popped, confetti shot into the air, and an explosion of voices filled the hall:
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Camila clutched her chest dramatically, then laughed in pure delight. The entire Havoc clan stood gathered, grinning like mischievous children. The decorations were vibrant, glittering, and shockingly well done—balloons twisted into floral shapes, fairy lights twinkling along the walls, and a giant banner overhead that read: Havoc's Heart Turns 60!
Camila blinked, genuinely touched. "You guys… this is beautiful."
Zion, standing off to the side with his arms crossed, gave a small, proud nod. Elias stepped forward and held out a small cake. “Just a little one for now,” he smiled. “Save room for the real chaos tomorrow.”
Camila chuckled, eyes glistening. “Of course you have a secret party planned.”
As the cake was cut, family members stepped up to hand her small gifts. Thoughtful ones—a bracelet from Marisol, a cozy shawl from Selene, an embroidered clutch from Bianca. Then Elara stepped forward, hiding something behind her back.
With a shy grin, she revealed a delicate crown of fresh flowers, woven in soft blues and whites. “I made this for you,” she said.
Camila’s breath caught. “Sweetheart… it’s beautiful.”
Elara gently placed it on her head. “The fairy told me it’d suit you.”
Camila looked around, bewildered. “Fairy?”
Elara just smiled, mysterious. “Mm-hmm.”
Luca leaned over to Nico. “Alright, when did I sign up for a goddamn fairy now?”
Lola burst out laughing. “Watch her say it’s a designer in disguise or something.”
Zion tensed again .
Could this be another scheme of those bastards ? are they pulling the same threads again? His thoughts wandered off. But he quickly regained his senses from Elara's laughter.
This time, this time I won't let that happen again.
He promised to himself.
Chaos resumed quickly, with chatter and music flowing through the house. Aunt Camila danced with Nico. Mrs. Havoc teased her sons. Luca and Lola got into a playful spat over who messed up the gift wrapping. Elias, ever the responsible one, tried to maintain order, only to be pulled into a spontaneous conga line by his wife.
Everyone danced to several songs which were managed by D.J Bianca and Dante. The two had the most elite musical taste . Adrian being as immature as his wife lola, stayed behind and decorated each other's face with cake.
Dante picked up Elara in two arms and danced ( weirdly to be precise), not a second later, Zion joined picking up Nico. . Amongst all the chaos , Victor ,Elias , Mrs . Havoc and Aunt Camila smiled at them.
---
Later that evening, Zion quietly led the core family into the meeting room.
The lights were dimmed, but the center of attention shone bright.
On a mannequin stood the midnight blue gown.
Gasps echoed around the room.
Camila stepped forward, eyes wide and shimmering. She ran her fingers across the neckline, admiring the cascading folds and fine embroidery.
"It’s… perfect," she whispered. “She designed this?”
Zion nodded and answered calmly, “It’s a special piece. If you like it, you’ll wear it tomorrow. But if anyone asks… tell them it’s a teaser from our new fashion division.”
Mrs. Havoc stared at her son. “So… you’re really serious about this idea?”
Zion nodded. “More than ever.”
The women murmured excitedly.
Bianca studied the intricate patterns. “This isn’t just a good designer. This is elite-level couture.”
Zion raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
The family marveled longer, the room buzzing with excitement. But just as the clock ticked closer to midnight, Zion gave a final nod. “Meeting tomorrow. Sharp. We introduce the plan formally after the party.”
---
The next day…
The mansion was abuzz again, but this time with birthday anticipation. Mrs.Havoc had been pampered and distracted all morning, kept far away from the ballroom-turned-runway. The final touches were being placed.
And then, amidst the soft chatter and rushing about, the front door opened.
No one noticed at first. They were too busy adjusting lights or setting tables. But one small voice rang out.
“Elara?”
Freyda smiled, standing in the doorway in a sharp white tucked-in blouse and tailored trousers. She looked every bit the part of a confident, composed professional.
Elara ran to her and wrapped her arms around her. “You came! I invited you to the birthday in my dreams yesterday, so you're really a fairy!”
Freyda knelt slightly to her level. “Would I miss the birthday of someone who wears flower crowns?”
Elara giggled. “She loved it. She almost cried.”
Freyda smiled warmly. “Good. That’s what magic does.”
“Are you the fairy?, did you fly all the way here? Can you make magic desserts again?” Elara bombarded Freyda with a tons of questions.
Freyda winked. “Shhh. That’s a secret.”
Still, no one else had noticed her arrival.
Elara led her inside, and the two shared a quiet moment in the hallway, completely unaware th
at the next time the doors opened to the ballroom, everyone would finally meet the mystery designer.
—