Seeing this scene right now, he finally understood.

It was all for this very moment-so that his family could be safe, happy, and carefree.

"Ian, what are you spacing out for? You're the birthday boy, hurry up and get over here!"

"Ian, we're just waiting on you," Magdalen waved him over.

lan snapped out of his daze, a gentle smile appearing in his eyes. He walked over, stepping into the warm glow of the lights set up just for him.

"Dad!" Evelyn hopped out of her seat and flew toward him like a happy little bird. He caught her, carrying her over to the dining table and setting her down right next to Eleanor.

He took the seat opposite them, his gaze naturally falling on Eleanor.

Eleanor looked up at him. This time, she didn't look away. "Happy birthday," she said softly.

Those simple words sent a surge of emotion through lan's chest. He smiled. "Thank you for coming."

The birthday dinner began in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Magdalen led a toast, and everyone raised their glasses to celebrate lan's thirtieth birthday.

There was no business talk tonight—just the laughter and warmth of family. After enjoying a meal prepared by a five-star chef, the three-tier cake Serena had ordered was brought out.

lan held Evelyn in his arms as she helped him make a wish and blow out the candles.

Sitting across from them, Eleanor suddenly felt a wave of realization wash over her. It was only his thirtieth birthday.

She couldn't help but recall the first time they met. He had only been nineteen, yet the composure and maturity he carried, along with that aloofness, made him seem so much older than his peers.

Her gaze rested on the man across the table. Despite the few silver threads in his hair, he exuded an undeniably mature and handsome charm. The flickering candlelight illuminated his lowered lashes and his focused expression as he made his wish.

The daughter in his arms clasped her little hands together, perfectly mimicking his posture.

"Can we eat the cake now?" Evelyn asked eagerly. Eleanor snapped out of her thoughts and looked up, catching lan staring right at her.

Eleanor looked back at him. With the surrounding lights turned off, the flickering glow of the candles made

it feel as if the boy and girl from the past had seamlessly transformed into mature, grounded adults.

Eleanor felt a faint pang in her chest, accompanied by an emotion she hadn't even fully recognized yet-understanding.

"Ellie, your cake," Serena said, handing her a slice.

Eleanor watched as her daughter happily dug into hers.

Just then, lan raised a glass of wine from across the table, gesturing slightly toward Eleanor.

Eleanor picked up her glass of juice and returned the subtle toast.

Magdalen and Gina Quinn exchanged a secret glance, both of them failing to hide their delight.

Once they finished the cake,

everyone moved back to the living room to hand out their presents

Eleanor handed him the pen she had

bought. Contént belongs to

FindNovel.net

lan took it with a smile, his eyes filled with genuine curiosity. "Is there some special

meaning behind giving me a pen?"

Eleanor immediately thought of what Joy had said earlier. "No special meaning," she said quickly, justel walked past a boutique and picked one out."

lan let out a sudden laugh. "What's wrong? Why are you nervous?"

Eleanor felt her cheeks warm up. "I'm not nervous."

"I love the gift, and I'll be sure to put it to good use," lan said in a low voice, looking

at her with a profound gaze.