After checking into the Grand Hotel, Irene was finally getting settled in their suite. But as she opened her luggage to unpack, she found herself staring at the contents in disbelief. Instead of her carefully packed dresses and laptop, there was an impressive collection of perfectly tailored men's suits, crisp dress shirts, and—she quickly closed the lid—designer underwear.
"Mom? Is everything okay?" Alex's voice carried a note of carefully controlled innocence that immediately made her suspicious. Her eldest always sounded like that when he was plotting something.
"The suitcase..." She gestured helplessly at the expensive leather luggage that was definitely hers—same brand, same scratches—but somehow wasn't. "It's got men's clothes in it."
Lucas bounced over, his eyes widening with exaggerated surprise. "Oops! Maybe it got switched at the airport?"
Lily, ever the practical one, was already checking the luggage tag. "It says... Haven Enterprise." She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Isn't that the company that—"
"That's not important right now," Alex cut in smoothly, shooting his sister a meaningful look. "What's important is getting Mom's stuff back."
\---
In the presidential suite next to Irene's room, Adam was having a similarly disconcerting moment.
"Get my stuff out, will you?" he called to Thomas. "I need to shower before the event."
"On it, boss!" Thomas moved to unpack the suitcase, but as soon as he opened it, he froze.
Adam noticed his assistant's hesitation. "What's the problem?"
When Thomas didn't immediately respond, Adam wheeled closer to look for himself. His eyes widened at the contents.
"What the hell is this?"
Designer dresses, high-end skincare products, a sleek laptop, and—his fingers brushed against something soft—a small silk sachet that released a hauntingly familiar scent.
The security guard hovering nearby suddenly spoke up. "Oh man... those kids at the airport! The twins - they had the exact same suitcase. Must've gotten mixed up."
"Twins?" Adam's eyebrow arched dangerously.
"Yeah, really well-behaved kids. Exact same suitcase model as yours, sir."
Thomas quickly closed the suitcase. "Don't just stand there! We need those documents back, like, now!"
Adam's expression darkened. Those documents were worth millions, and now they were in the hands of... a woman with excellent taste in perfume and three children. Perfect.
\---
Back in Irene's room, Lucas was doing his best impression of a repentant five-year-old.
"Sorry Mom..." He scuffed his shoe against the carpet. "I really messed up. Are you gonna ground me?"
Irene found herself melting at his puppy-dog eyes, just as she always did. "Oh honey, it was just an accident. No one's getting grounded."
"Then maybe we could have dinner at that fancy restaurant downstairs?" Lucas brightened immediately. "You know, to make up for the suitcase thing?"
"They have a live piano performance tonight!" Lily chimed in, her eyes sparkling at the thought of music.
Alex, who had been suspiciously quiet, added, "Yeah, it's got like four and a half stars on Yelp!"
Irene looked at their hopeful faces and felt her resistance crumbling. "Sure thing, kiddos. Let's grab dinner there later!"
While Lucas and Lily enthusiastically discussed dinner plans, Alex settled himself in the corner with his laptop, a slight smile playing at his lips as he listened to his siblings' chatter.
"Alex, sweetheart, don't spend too long on the computer," Irene called out while trying to manage the younger two's excitement. "It's not good for your eyes."
"Okay, Mom," Alex replied dutifully, his fingers already flying across the keyboard. As Irene turned back to his siblings, he quickly accessed his specialized forums. Haven Enterprise's consultation fee had risen to ten million dollars. *Our maybe-dad sure isn't shy about throwing money around*, he thought wryly.
But the fee wasn't important anymore. What mattered now was how to orchestrate a meeting between his mother and Adam using this mix-up with the suitcases. His mother had been so confused about her pregnancy back then, having no idea who their father might be. And here he was, at five years old, playing matchmaker for his mom and trying to find a father for himself and his siblings.
Sometimes being the responsible eldest was exhausting.
Her phone rang before she could investigate further. Her grandfather's name flashed on the screen.
"Why aren't you coming to the manor?" The old Sterling patriarch's voice was gruff but concerned. "John's being difficult again, isn't he?"
"No, Grandpa. I just need to handle the engagement dissolution with Richard first. Get all the paperwork sorted out."
There was a pause. "And the children?"
"They're eager to meet you." Irene smiled at her trio, who were now pretending not to eavesdrop. "But bringing them to handle the engagement dissolution might complicate things. Let me sort that out first, then I'll bring them to see you."
"Always so practical." He chuckled. "Alright, dear. But don't take too long. I'm not getting any younger."
After hanging up, Irene gathered her things. "I've got to run some errands. I'll be back in time for dinner, okay?"
"No worries, Mom. We'll be good." Alex's angelic smile was not reassuring.
"Can I practice piano in the lobby while you're gone?" Lily asked hopefully.
"Just don't disturb other guests, sweetie." Irene kissed each of their foreheads. "And no schemes!" She added, looking pointedly at Alex.
Her eldest gasped in mock offense. "Mom! Would we ever?"
\---
The hotel corridor was quiet as Irene headed for the elevator. She was mentally reviewing her to-do list—find the owner of this suitcase, get her clothes back, deal with Richard, visit Grandpa—when movement caught her eye.
A man in a wheelchair was approaching the elevator from the other direction, his assistant hovering nearby. Even seated, he radiated authority. Sharp features, expensive suit, and eyes that seemed to pierce right through her. Perhaps it was her medical background, but Irene found herself studying him with professional interest.
Thomas was wheeling Adam toward the elevator, heading down to grab a quick bite before the evening's business meeting. After hours of meetings on the plane, even Adam had to admit he needed a break, though he'd only conceded when Thomas pointed out they could review the presentation over dinner.
The elevator dinged. Irene stepped forward just as a draft from the opening doors stirred her hair. Adam suddenly went still.
That scent.
Sweet jasmine with hints of vanilla and amber. Exactly like the sachet in the misplaced suitcase.
His hand shot out, fingers closing around her wrist. "Stop!"
Irene froze, electricity shooting up her arm from where he touched her. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.
Neither noticed the two small heads peeking around the corner, or the triumphant grin the brothers exchanged.
Phase one of Operation Mom's Happiness was officially underway.