Chapter 302 

The glow of birthday decorations transformed Irene’s living room into something from a magazine spread, Streamers hung from light fixtures, balloons clustered in counters, and handmade signs covered nearly every wall. This day one she’d berely acknowledged for years had somehow turned into an actual celebration thanks to her family’s relentless enthusiasm. 

“Mom! Happy birthday!” Lucas bounced on his toes, practically vibrating with excitement as frene settled onto the sofa. 

Alex adjusted his glasses, his smile more contained but just as gentle, Mom, stay young forever, okay?” 

“Happy birthday,” Lily whispered, carefully placing a handmade paper crown of Irene’s head. “We’ll always stick with you. Always. 

Five years back, birthdays meant pizza if they splurged, and crayon cards that frene treasured more than any fancy gift. Now, surrounded by family in this decorated room, reality felt slightly tilte 

“Thanks, you little nansters,” she said, touching each of their cheeks “Love you guys more than anything.” 

Joseph approached next, taking Irene’s hands in his weathered ones. His eyes suddenly looked suspiciously bright. 

“Happy birthday, kiddo,” he said, voice catching. “Don’t need you to conquer the world or anything. Just want you happy and healthy from here on out.” 

Irene swallowed hard, trying to keep things light despite the lump forming in her throat. “Jeez, Grandfather, it’s just a birthday. Why so dramatic?” 

Brandon wheeled closer, patting Joseph’s shoulder. “Yeah, she wants you smiling today, not weepy!” 

Joseph mentally kicked himself for getting mushy in front of everyone. Damn it, pull yourself together, old man. He straightened, adjusting his expression. “Right you are! Today’s for celebrating!” 

“That’s the spirit!” Brandon pumped his fist in the air. “Let’s get this party started!” 

Katherine immediately smacked the back of his head. “This isn’t a frat house, you idiot.” 

“Ow!” Brandon yelped, scooting his wheelchair behind Irene for cover “Just trying to liven things up!” 

He cleared his throat dramatically. “Anyway, dearest sister, happy freaking birthday! May money grow on trees in your yard, may you win the lottery while sleeping, and may you support your awesome siblings forever!” 

Irene snorted. “Your money obsession is getting out of hand.” 

The room filled with laughter, easing the emotional heaviness. Wesley stepped forward, looking more relaxed than Irene had seen him in months. 

“Happy birthday,” he said, holding out a wrapped box. “Nothing fancy, but thought you might like it.” 

Irene took it, noticing how much healthier her brother looked lately. When she lifted the lid, a beautiful music box emerged, playing a familiar melody as soon as it opened. 

“That’s my song!” Lily gasped, clapping her hands together. 

Lucas looked impressed. “Whoa, Uncle Wesley’s been paying attention!” 

Wesley shrugged, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. “Heard Lily playing it last week. Seemed important.” 

1/3 

Chapter 302 

“This is perfect. Irene sald simply, catching her brother’s eye with ook that said much more than words could. 

Adam cleared his throat, nodding slightly to Thomas who stepped forward with a package wrapped in muted silver paper. triplets immediately swarmed abund, practically sniffing the gift in heir curiosity. 

For you, Adam said quietly. “Hope it works.” 

The 

Irene carefully unwrapped it, then froze mid–motion. Iter eyes widened as she recognized what she was holding. “The seascape from the gallery?” 

Adam nodded once. “You couldn’t take your eyes off it.” 

Alex’s head snapped up. “Wait–is this from that art thing we tricked you guys into going to?” 

“No wonder you both came back all smiley!” Lucas blurted, his filter completely nonexistent. 

Irene stared at the painting, momentarily speechless. The moonlit wives captured perfectly on canvas–reminded her of that night on the island–the night tungs shifted between them. Adam had noticed. Of course he had. 

“I don’t even she finally managed, her voice softer than usual. “Thank you.” 

The look that passed between them said everything words couldn’t. Around the room, knowing glances bounced between Joseph and the triplets, all looking entirely too pleased with themselves. 

Katherine broke the moment, stepping forward with a stylish case. “My turn! This baby has spots for all your weird medical gadgets Custom made!” 

She flipped it open, showing off compartments while Irene examined it. The women shared a look of perfect understanding. 

“You get me,” Irene grinned. “It’s perfect.” 

Matthew approached next, holding a book. “Found this in R Country early research on nerve stimulation. Thought you’d find it interesting.” 

“Thanks,” Irene said with a polite smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. 

“Sure thing,” Matthew replied casually, though his eyes caught the way she glanced at Adam. He noticed the seascape painting resting nearby and something clicked into place in his expression. 

The doorbell’s ring cut through the chatter. The triplets raced to answer it, returning moments later with another wrapped box. 

“Who’s that from?” Irene asked, catching her children’s weird expressions. 

Lucas hesitated, looking at his brother. “Um, the guy said it was…” 

“Nathan sent it,” Alex jumped in smoothly. “He says sorry he couldn’t come and happy birthday.” 

Irene’s eyebrow shot up as she stared at the gift for a beat before reluctantly reaching for it. 

“You don’t have to take it,” Adam said quietly, watching her face. 

“It’s fine,” she shrugged, expression carefully neutral. “At least he remembered.” 

Brandon clapped his hands. “Alright folks, keep the good vibes flowing! It’s celebration time!” 

2/3 

Chapter 302 

Across town at Silver City Medical Center, Rose stared out the window while Nathan finished peeling an apple for her, 

Here, Mom, he said, handing over the perfectly spiral–cut fruit. 

Rose barely noticed, lost in memories. Twenty–something years ago day, she’d given birth to her daughter after three sons. She could still feel that rush of pure joy, the way tears had streamed down her face as she cradled her tiny girl. 

Now she had neither her daughter nor Anna. 

“You should’ve gone yourself,” she said softly. 

Nathan adjusted his collar, avoiding her eyes. “Work stuff. Couldn’t get away.” 

The truth stuck in his throat–he wasn’t sure Irene would want him there. Sending a gift felt safer than risking another rejection. 

“Maybe next year,” mumbled, not meeting her gaze. 

Back at the party, laughter bubbled through Irene’s house. She looked around at her strange patchwork family–people she’d only recently reconnected with, others she’d just met, all somehow important parts of her life now. 

The unexpected chime of the doorbell cut through the happy noise. 

“Who’s left?” Lucas frowned. “Everyone’s already here.” 

“Maybe it’s a surprise performer!” Lily bounced excitedly. 

Alex pushed up his glasses. “Or Nathan changed his mind?” 

“I’ll check,” Irene said, curiosity flickering across her face. 

Adam’s eyes tracked her movement across the room, a hint of puzzlement in his expression. 

Irene reached for the doorknob, pulling it open. Standing on her threshold was someone she hadn’t expected, and the surprise in her eyes told everything. 

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