She glanced at Melon, then at the little girl. Her eyes darted between Ariana and Holden standing behind the two children. She couldn't help but marvel at how good-looking the parents were. No wonder these two children were so beautiful even at a very young age.

After a while, Melon looked behind Adele and spotted Holden. Gazing at the large man, he stopped in his tracks. He was about to call him Mask Man, but Holden beat him to it. Holden's large hand lifted him up. Then, he smiled and said, “Long time no see, Melon. Did you miss me?"

As Melon soared sky-high, joy bubbling within him, he let out cheers that could rival a stadium in full swing.

Holden, seizing the moment, twirled him around before cradling him in his arms.

Wearing a grin as radiant as a sunbeam, Melon, with arms wrapped around Holden's neck, whispered in his ear, “You're not fooling anyone, you know? I know it's you who's been pretending to be my father.

Holden, chuckling, opting not to acknowledge that, just tousled the boy's hair. Setting Melon down gently, he said, "Time to head home."

Ariana, silently observing their departure, couldn't help but break into a smile as she watched Melon's sheer delight.

With Holden leading the way and Ariana trailing, tugging Adele along, the teachers in the lounge caught the infectious wave of happiness radiating from the four.

On the journey back, Ariana, initiating a conversation with Melon, suggested, "Adele's celebrating her birthday today. How about a joint celebration when we get home?"

"Sounds good!" Melon's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “But, Mommy, a heads-up about Adele's birthday would've been nice. I'd have prepared a gift."

Before Ariana could respond, Melon, smacking his forehead dramatically, said, “Wait, I got it! I'll give Adele that toy she likes."

Ariana, smiling, didn't dwell on it; Melon's generosity towards Adele was always unmatched.

Back at the villa, they celebrated Adele's birthday. Ariana decided to whip up some dishes in the kitchen.

Holden, catching her hand, a hint of concern in his eyes, offered, "How about I take care of this?"

The statement lingered in the air, both momentarily quiet. Holden, summoning courage, added, “Or maybe we could order some takeout."

"I'm good, really. No worries. It's a chance to whip up some baby food," Ariana said, redirecting him. She requested Holden to keep the kids entertained while she manned the kitchen.

Holden stationed himself in the living room, companioning the two kids. Ariana, amidst occasional laughter wafting in from the Living room, wore a gentle smile on her face.

The villa rarely basked in such warmth, especially for Holden. It was a flavor of happiness and contentment he had never sampled within the confines of his mansion.

Soon, Ariana wrapped up the meal preparations. Seated together, Melon and Adele, reveling in the moment, badgered Ariana and Holden for post-dinner games. The adults, surrendering to their whims, engaged in the evening festivities.

After playing, exhaustion led the four to recline on the outdoor terrace's lounge chairs, looking at the stars.