Chapter 53
**Chapter 53: Every Birthday p>
Every Birthday.
As the soft glow of the living room lights dimmed, Celine’s voice trembled with emotion. “Serena… this is something we created just for you. Every year, on your birthday p>
Sterling, with a steady hand, pressed play on the TV monitor, the anticipation thick in the air.
The screen flickered to life, revealing a younger Celine, her eyes puffy and red from tears, yet she fought to wear a smile.
“Serena… It’s your first birthday without us,” she said, her voice breaking, a painful tremor evident in each word. “Wherever you are, baby… please be safe. Mommy loves you p>
The video transitioned, and once again, Celine appeared, this time cradling a pink cake adorned with three flickering candles. “Happy third birthday, Serena,” she said, her voice a mixture of joy and sorrow as she blew out the candles, tears trailing down her cheeks.
Then the screen shifted to a younger Sterling, standing stiffly beside Celine, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Princess… today you would have turned four. I bought you a bicycle, and your brother picked the color. If you come home… it will be waiting for you p>
It was evident that her parents had recorded these messages on the very day of her birthdays, a ritual that unfolded year after year. Celine or Sterling would always be in tears, holding a cake or a gift that Serena had never had the chance to receive.
As the videos progressed, Silas began to make his appearance.
Next, Silas appeared on the screen, a small boy clutching a stuffed bunny. “Serena… I saved this stuffed bunny for you. I’m your big brother. I promise I’ll find you soon p>
At that moment, Serena instinctively covered her mouth, her heart shattering under the weight of his words.
Time seemed to fast forward with each birthday, the years passing in mere seconds. Sterling grew older, Celine aged yet remained steadfast in her hope. Silas transformed from a small boy into a tall teenager, eventually becoming a young man. Each clip was a heartfelt message directed solely at her.
When Serena was supposed to turn eighteen, Celine and Sterling presented her with gifts that had been carefully chosen: a sparkling crown and a stunning pink dress.
“Serena, wherever you are, I hope you are celebrating your eighteenth birthday with joy,” Celine said, her voice thick with emotion.
The scene concluded with Celine collapsing into tears, enveloped in Sterling’s comforting embrace.
The final video, recorded just five months prior, marked Serena’s actual twenty-fifth birthday—not the fabricated date Victor had given her.
Celine and Sterling sat side by side, their hands intertwined.
“Serena,” Celine whispered, her voice barely above a breath, “we miss you so much. We still believe you’re out there. We will never stop looking for you. Our love for you is eternal… even if you never come home p>
Sterling nodded solemnly, sadness flickering in his eyes. “And even if we don’t find you… all we wish for is that you are safe and happy p>
Then, in an unexpected burst of energy, Silas rushed into the frame, holding a cake topped with a lit candle. Facing the camera, he exclaimed, “Happy birthday to us, Serena p>
At last, the video came to an end.
Serena found herself sobbing, burying her face in her hands. She had never experienced love like this before. The realization that she had been missed so profoundly struck her like a tidal wave.
Celine wrapped her arms around her tightly, tears spilling from her own eyes as she cried, her shoulders shaking with the intensity of her emotions.
“We want you to know that we never stopped loving you,” Celine said, her voice a soft, soothing balm against the pain.
Serena felt her father’s reassuring hand resting on the small of her back, and Silas standing close behind, ready to offer comfort. She turned to look at her brother and father, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you. Thank you so much p>
“We saved all your gifts,” Silas chimed in, his voice filled with pride. “And even after we moved, we brought everything with us p>
“Well, except for the cake,” Sterling added, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “All the jewelry is
safely tucked away in e
safe, and the toys
books-everything we thought you’d want—are in the third guest room. They’ve been well cared for, just
waiting for you p>
A small chuckle escaped Serena’s lips despite the tears streaming down her face. She knew she wouldn’t be able to use them, but her hand rested instinctively on her belly. “Maybe my daughter can use them p>
Sterling chuckled softly, a hint of warmth in his voice. “Maybe. But we can always buy new ones if needed p>
After that unforgettable night, Serena found herself utterly spoiled by her loving family. Personal shoppers arrived daily, bringing new shoes, luxurious bags, fresh clothes, and even two brand-new cars.
They shared meals together, sometimes even cooking side by side, dedicating themselves to learning everything they could about Serena, just as she learned about them.
On Wednesday, a photographer came to capture their first family portrait, with Serena finally included in the frame. That same day, the family portraits hanging on the walls were replaced with new ones, showcasing their newfound unity.
Each evening, they gathered to watch videos filled with cherished memories: Silas’s school recitals, his graduations, and various family events that had shaped their lives.
Serena beamed with pride as she watched her father’s accolades for medical innovations and Celine’s recognition as a philanthropist, the founder of the Ellison Hope Foundation, a charitable organization she had established, bringing hope from Novara Isles to Rexam City.
Amidst the joyful days of reconnecting, they eagerly planned a three-week-long vacation, all while preparing for the arrival of the twins.
Finally, Friday arrived.
It was the day Serena would be introduced to the living relatives of the Vanders, her
family’s friends, trusted employees, and esteemed business associates.
By late afternoon, the Vander estate had transformed into a grand, yet welcoming celebration.
The gates stood
wide open, the
curved driveway illuminated with
soft golden lights. Elegant canopies draped with delicate orchids
adorned the lawn, while tablon
dressed in ivory and gold
of
shimmered under the warm glow lanterns. Servers glided through the crowd, offering champagne and delectable small bites, as the soft melodies of a string quartet filled the air.
From the second-floor balcony of the mansion, Serena gazed down at the steadily arriving guests, her heart racing with nerves. She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her; what would they think of her? A divorcee, a single mother of twins on the way-could she truly live up to the Vander name?
But as she caught sight of her parents’ bright smiles and the pride shining in Silas’s eyes, something within her solidified. She lifted her chin, her hand resting protectively over her belly, a newfound determination coursing through her veins.
‘I am Serena Vander… and my children will be Vanders. No one will ever steal another moment of our lives again p>