Ariana smiled and nodded gratefully. She carried Adele in her arms and went to sit at one of the tables.

Adele looked at Ariana with unfeigned love, quietly snuggling into Ariana's embrace. With both of her hands firmly clinging to Ariana's clothes, Adele muttered in her small voice, "Aria."

“Yes, sweetie? What's the matter?" Ariana asked, gently stroking the girl's hair. When her gaze fell on the untouched cake still on the table, she said softly, “Happy birthday, Adele."

When Ariana said those words, a happy smile appeared on Adele's cherubic face, and her dimples showed. She Looked very happy.

The little girl then pushed the cake towards Ariana and said in her sweet, childish voice, “For you."

Seeing that Adele was offering her birthday cake, Ariana felt her heart melt even more. She pulled Adele into a warm embrace, gently patting the child's back. In a soft, soothing voice, she said to the little girl, "There's no need to rush. Once your daddy gets here, we'll eat together, okay?"

Hearing what Ariana said, Adele lowered her head silently.

No sooner had the words left Ariana's mouth than Holden rushed into the cake shop anxiously.

Holden, perhaps a touch too anxious, rushed in hastily, his demeanor appearing angry. Adele, startled, sought refuge in Ariana's arms.

Ariana, charmed by Adele's cuteness, gently touched her head and reassured her, "Don't be afraid; with me here, Daddy promises not to scold you. I know you want to celebrate your birthday with me, right?"

Nodding from the shelter of Ariana's embrace, Adele communicated her agreement.

"Daddy will definitely not scold you. Aria will protect you, Adele,"

Ariana declared, smiling gently as she rubbed Adele's head.

"You two have become united now, huh?" Holden, who had rushed in and overheard their conversation, took a seat across from them. A gentle smile graced his face.

Observing Holden from the side, still within Ariana's embrace, Adele subtly shifted her head before turning her attention back to Ariana.

Holden, speaking with seriousness, addressed Adele, "But next time, you can't run around like that. Daddy would be really worried if I couldn't find you, you know?"

Tilting her head, Adele nodded in acknowledgment. Holden smiled, gently pinching her nose and affectionately ruffling her hair.

At that moment, Adele finally lifted her head from Ariana's embrace and softly called, "Daddy."

Then, she reached out to hug Holden.

Ariana smiled, handing Adele over to Holden's embrace, and said to Adele, “Since Daddy is here, we can now blow out the candles.”