The living room of Selene and Ayra's home radiated a gentle, warm glow as evening sunlight filtered through the cream curtains. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with cinnamon buns and jasmine from a vase placed by the window. Selene and Antonio were finishing the final touches—Selene arranging flowers and Antonio stacking plates—when the doorbell rang.
This wasn't just any gathering. It was the family meeting—where Mira and Amara would formally introduce their partners, Ronan and Riven, to the family.
"I'll get it," Antonio said, already walking toward the door with a calm but observant demeanor. Behind him trailed the low murmur of conversations: Ayra chatting with Devina, and Mira trying to calm Amara's nervous twitches.
Antonio opened the door to Ronan and Riven.
Ronan, dressed in a tailored deep blue jacket, held out a bouquet of soft blush roses and a box of dark Belgian chocolates. "Good evening. Thank you for having us."
Riven, less flashy but deeply sincere, stood beside him with wildflowers and a bashful smile. "Hi. I'm Riven. It's an honor to be here."
Antonio sized them up for half a breath too long—then stepped back with a sharp nod. "Come in."
In the living room, Devina, graceful as ever in a peach saree, rose from her seat, her face open and smiling. Mr. Reyes, in his signature neutral-toned blazer, was seated beside Melinda, Ayra's mother, who greeted the newcomers with a warm nod.
"Oh, you brought flowers," Devina beamed, taking the bouquet. "How thoughtful. I'm Devina—Mira and Amara's mother."
"And I'm their father," Mr. Reyes added, extending a firm handshake with an approving smile.
Antonio glanced at them,"And I was adopted right?"
Mr and Mrs Reyes chuckled."And we're firstly parents of our dearest, Mischievous and lovely baby boy ,our darling, our dashing child,our handsome cupcake ,our universe not other than our Antonio."said Devina.
Ronan and Riven smiled and then greeted them respectfully, visibly relaxing under their warm presence.
While Antonio stood there making faces.
Then Devina hugged him so his expression changed and smile appeared.
While Mira and Amara Give a pitiful look to their brother making fun of him.
After introductions and everyone settling in, Mr. Reyes leaned back and asked Ronan, "So, I hear you have a showroom business?"
"Yes, sir. I own a luxury showroom for interior decor and rare furniture," Ronan said with confidence. "Mira walked in one rainy afternoon to shelter from the weather. But she... stole the sunshine from my life that day."
Mira instantly hid behind a cushion, groaning while everyone else laughed.
"And you, Riven?" Devina asked, gently touching Amara's arm.
Riven nodded respectfully. "I'm a mechanical engineer, currently working on sustainable vehicle systems. Amara and I collaborated on a youth mentorship program… and I found someone whose fire matches mine."
Antonio cleared his throat. "So long as that fire doesn't burn her," he said with mock sternness.
Selene shot him a look. "Antonio."
"What? I'm just saying."
"I like him," Mr. Reyes chuckled, leaning toward Riven with a twinkle in his eye. "But she's our youngest. Break her heart, and you'll meet my lawyer, my brother, and my wrath."
"Understood, sir," Riven replied, half-chuckling, half-panicked.
Conversation flowed more easily after that, with Eliot and Ayra teasing the couples, and Devina recalling childhood stories of the twins. Mira and Amara softened more into the couch cushions, their shoulders brushing against Ronan and Riven's.
By the time dessert was served, Selene noticed Amara laughing in a way she hadn't in weeks.
After dinner, they all spilled onto the balcony with coffee in hand. The night air was crisp. Ronan whispered something to Mira that made her throw her head back in laughter, and Riven gently touched Amara's back while pointing out a constellation.
Selene leaned against Antonio's chest. "They look… whole."
Antonio rested his chin on her head. "They're safe. But I'll always keep an eye out."
"And I'll always soften you when you go overboard," Selene teased.
Antonio grinned. "That's why you're my better half."
Inside, Devina and Mr. Reyes shared a look—content, proud, and quietly emotional. Their children were growing up, falling in love, and creating bonds of their own.
It was more than a meeting. It was a new chapter.
A chapter that began with flowers, teasing, and cautious trust—but ended with shared laughter and the silent warmth of family.