Chapter 48: Preparation
The golden evening light filtered gently through the curtains as the house buzzed with activity. Elena’s laughter echoed softly from the kitchen, mixing with the clinks of utensils as she and Daniel worked side by side, preparing the much-awaited dinner. Miles, focused and precise, was laying out the plates and cutlery at the dining table, aligning them perfectly. Hope and Asher, with all the seriousness of a military operation, were fluffing and arranging the cushions on the living room sofa—occasionally tossing one at each other and erupting in giggles.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Miles glanced at the clock—4:00 PM. "Who came so early?" he murmured, wiping his hands on a cloth.
But before he could reach the door, Hope had already dashed past. "I’ll get it, big brooo!"
She flung the door open with a beaming smile. "Hello, big sister Celina!"
Celina stood at the doorway, her presence soft and elegant. She wore a pastel beige knit dress that hugged her figure gracefully without being too extravagant—comfortable, tasteful, and modestly sophisticated. Her long hair was brushed back with gentle waves cascading over her shoulders. In her hands, she held a bottle of vintage wine, carefully wrapped in a velvet cloth.
"Hello, Hope," Celina greeted warmly, bending down to gently ruffle her hair.
Asher peeked from behind Hope, eyeing the guest curiously. "You look pretty," he said with a sincere nod.
Celina smiled and reached out to pat his head. "Thank you, Asher. You’re getting more charming every time I see you."
Miles appeared behind the twins, his arms crossed and a faint smile on his lips. "Come, have a seat."
Celina stepped inside and handed over the wine bottle to him. "Asher seems to have a better sense of things," she teased, arching an eyebrow.