Chapter 247

Chapter 247

Iris's POV

I stood on the stage, Jack Lowell and William Grey proudly flanking me on either side while Sebastien remained at my side, his hand resting gently on my waist. His touch provided silent support and strength, making me feel secure despite all the eyes on us.

"I hope everyone enjoys the food and celebration. Your blessings mean the world to us, and our children will grow healthy and happy carrying your good wishes with them." I smiled as I concluded my speech, scanning the familiar faces below. The smiles beaming back at me gave me a sense of completeness I'd never experienced before.

Amid the applause, I noticed Rachel and Dina simultaneously raising their phones to capture this precious moment. The sight made me reflect on the past fifteen years of struggles and hardships. How many times had I thought I'd never experience this happiness? How many times had I nearly given up? Yet here I was, finally embracing life's most beautiful moment.

My gaze wandered through the crowd and caught an amusing detail—Blake secretly taking a photo of Dina's back and setting it as his phone wallpaper. Watching this normally composed young man display such boyish infatuation made me chuckle inwardly.

Coming down from the stage, I saw Frank laughing in Rachel's direction, probably amused by Blake's obvious crush. Rachel glanced at her phone, her expression suddenly turning complex before she tucked it back into her purse without responding. I guessed it was work-related—that workaholic never truly allowed herself to relax.

Sebastien approached me and whispered in my ear, "We need to start toasting the guests. Are you tired? Do you want to rest first?"

His warm breath tickled my earlobe, filling my heart with warmth. I was growing accustomed to this feeling of being cared for. "I'm fine. Let's do it together," I smiled back, picking up our daughter while he took our son, and we began making our rounds. Standing side by side, facing our friends and family together—I'd never felt more grounded.

Dina noticed me struggling slightly with the baby and stepped forward. "Let me help you with that," she offered. She was always so thoughtful—one of my most trusted assistants.

During the toasts, I couldn't help but notice Blake's gaze rarely leaving Dina. That intense focus reminded me of how Sebastien used to look at me when we were younger, making me feel both nostalgic and amused.

"Blake, show some restraint. Don't stare at her like that—it's not polite," I overheard Sebastien quietly scolding him, sounding exactly like an elder lecturing a youngster, which made me smile secretly.

Frank muttered nearby, "Seriously, his eyes are practically glued to her. Grown man acting like a lovestruck high schooler." His vivid description almost made me laugh out loud.

Rachel didn't miss the opportunity to tease either: "You've been hiding this side of yourself pretty well, haven't you?" I saw Blake visibly embarrassed, his ears reddening, reminding me of those awkward early moments between Sebastien and me.

I turned toward Dina and keenly detected her slightly reddened ears. Though her darker complexion made it less obvious, as a woman, I could sense her bashfulness—she clearly wasn't indifferent to the attention.

Seeing Dina rushing about, I decided she deserved a break too. "Dina, take a rest and grab something to eat. I can hold the baby."

Sebastien echoed my sentiment: "Yes, Dina, you've been busy since morning. You should take a break." His consideration for my assistant reassured me that he truly accepted her as part of our circle.

I whispered to Sebastien, "Blake really seems to like Dina. I've never seen him like this before." As I said this, I thought about all the ways Dina had helped me over the years and hoped she would find her own happiness.

I watched Dina deliberately maintain distance from Blake after sitting down, but he kept inching closer during the meal. Their silent interaction played out like a pantomime, reminiscent of Sebastien's and my own story years ago.

"They remind me of us," I said softly to Sebastien, feeling him squeeze my hand gently. That warmth conveyed our shared memories and feelings.

As time passed, guests began to leave after viewing the twins. Sebastien and I stood at the entrance saying goodbye, thanking everyone for coming and for their blessings.

Before leaving, I noticed Rachel seemed distracted. "What's wrong? Something on your mind?" I asked quietly. She just shook her head, but I could tell she was holding something back. As her longtime friend, I made a mental note to find a better time to talk later.

After seeing off the last guests, I exhaled deeply. The celebration had finally ended perfectly—even better than I'd imagined. Looking back at the great hall, everything felt just right.

I glanced at Sebastien, who was holding our sleeping son. His face showed a gentleness and happiness I'd never seen before. In that moment, I knew all the perseverance and waiting had been worthwhile.

"Rachel, stay the night. I've already had a guest room prepared," I said, leading her upstairs and handing her prepared sleepwear and toiletries.

Walking down the familiar corridor, I felt suddenly emotional. "Rachel, thank you for always being there for me." Without her support through these years, I don't know if I could have endured those difficult times.

She smiled and shook her head. "What are you talking about? We're sisters. Tonight, let's sleep together!" Her simple words held such deep friendship that my eyes grew misty.

Watching her enter the room, I remembered all the days and nights we'd spent together, her unwavering presence beside me.

After settling Rachel in, I returned to our bedroom and found Sebastien already waiting at the door, leaning against the frame with anticipation in his eyes.

He approached and gently embraced me, resting his head on my shoulder with a playful complaint: "You're sleeping with Rachel tonight? What about me?" His almost childlike tone made me laugh.

I raised my hand to caress his face. "What, are you jealous?" Seeing the longing in his eyes filled me with warmth. This man who once broke my heart had become the most important anchor in my life.

He tightened his embrace and whispered in my ear, "Can't you really spend tonight with me?" His warm breath against my ear quickened my heartbeat.