They walked back to the guesthouse hand in hand, hearts full.
The children slept so peacefully, as if under a spell, and didn’t stir even when their parents checked on them.
Both Alex and Naosa felt a deep ache for what they’d put their children through—but also overwhelming joy at being reunited.
“It seems we have this night to ourselves,” Alex murmured softly, holding Naosa close in their bed. “I really won’t let you go again. Never again.”
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The next morning, Alex woke to find Naosa gone from beside him. Panic fluttered in his chest until someone knocked on the door.
“Madame invites you to brunch,” two housekeepers announced, entering with warm smiles. “We’ll help the children get ready.”
They expertly styled the children’s hair and dressed them in the lovely outfits Kacy had thoughtfully prepared for the trip.
“Monsieur, please shave and get ready,” they said kindly, ushering him toward the bathroom.
Once everyone was dressed, they were led to the elegant dining room in the main house.
Naosa stood with her back to them at the long table, arranging flowers in a vase.
When Alex and the children entered, she turned with a radiant smile and said warmly, “Good morning! And who are my hungry little kittens today?”
It was the greeting she used to give Travis and Tracy when they were very small.
Alex grinned as he walked up to her. “I’m a starving wolf, and I’m going to eat you first!”
He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her deeply. “Good morning, my beautiful wife.”
The children stood frozen in wonder, uncertain if what they saw was real—until Aaron broke the spell, rushing to Naosa and calling out joyfully, “Mammy!”
He clung to her legs, laughing with pure, innocent happiness.
Naosa bent down and embraced Travis as he came closer, whispering, “I’m so sorry I made you feel scared and lonely.”
Tracy stayed rooted to the spot, tears streaming down her cheeks. Naosa opened her arms and said softly, “Come here, my precious princess.”
Tracy buried her face in her mother’s chest, sobbing with relief and love.
Travis looked up anxiously. “Are you feeling better, Mommy?”
Naosa smiled warmly, her eyes glistening. “I’m completely fine now. The letters you sent warmed my heart and gave me strength.”
Travis beamed. “Really? My letter helped make you better?”
Naosa brushed her hand lovingly across each of their faces. “Thank you for coming all this way to find me. I’m so incredibly happy you’re here.”
The children smiled radiantly, their world finally right again.
“Alright then, let’s eat!” she announced, and everyone took their seats around the grand table.
Geneviève, Naoaki, Lu, Kacy, and Kazu were also there, all beaming at the reunited family.
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Naosa cleared her throat, lifted a small silver bell, and rang it ceremoniously.
Looking at Alex, who sat to her right, she declared with mock formality:
“The distinguished gentleman beside me is my husband, Alex O’Neill. He’s a brilliant scientist who’s received numerous awards for his groundbreaking research. He’s a devoted father and the most wonderful husband I could ever dream of.”
She rang the bell again, turning to Tracy.
“The lovely young lady to his right is Tracy. She’s remarkably bright—especially gifted in mathematics, just like her daddy. Her beautiful smile heals our whole family—she’s our innocent princess.”
It was her way of formally introducing her family to Geneviève and the household staff.
Another ring, and she smiled at Aaron, who sat to her left.
“This is our adorable little mascot, Aaron. Everyone adores him—and rightly so. He’s only three, but he’s learned so much from his big brother and sister. He’s wonderfully clever and curious.”
She rang the bell once more.
“And this handsome boy next to him is our beloved Travis. This clever six-year-old gentleman is the brave knight who protects our whole family.”
Everyone around the table greeted them with warm, joyful smiles.
Alex then took the bell gently from Naosa’s hands.
“The most beautiful, talented, and kindest woman in the world beside me is my wife, Naosa—also known by her French name, Séraphine. She’s generous, brilliant, and the sun around which our family revolves. She is my beloved queen.”
Travis eagerly took the bell next and introduced Lu and Kacy.
“Auntie Lu and Auntie Kacy always take the best care of us. They pick us up from school and help with everything, and they’re Mommy’s dearest friends. Thank you for always loving us.”
Tracy then took the bell and introduced Kazu with shining eyes.
“Uncle Kazu is the most famous pianist, and he’s always so kind to us. I love him so much!”
Finally, little Aaron rang the bell with all his might and pointed straight at Naoaki.
“Grandpa!” he shouted with a huge grin.
Naoaki’s eyes crinkled with pure joy at being claimed so proudly by his youngest grandson.
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After returning to America, they heard through acquaintances that Tiffany and Bianca had quietly moved away, burdened by mounting debts and failed schemes.
A few months later, Naosa approached Alex with a knowing smile.
“Darling, I’m afraid our second honeymoon has been postponed again.”
Alex’s face lit with understanding. “What a wonderful reason to postpone it! Another precious baby is joining our family. Thank you, Nao. I’m grateful for every gift you give me.”
He kissed her tenderly, overwhelmed with joy.
The baby was a girl, whom they named Sophie. She seemed to have inherited the strong De Valois blood—she was the only child who showed a genuine love for music from an early age.
Séraphine’s piano, however, remained mysteriously silent, as if, at last, it were content to rest whenever Sophie touched the keys.
The O’Neill family became exactly what they were always meant to be:
a lively, warm household overflowing with laughter, love, and the beautiful chaos of a life well lived together.
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