Chapter 357

Serena’s POV

Milo and Stella had practically dragged me to the astronomy museum for three consecutive days. I was beginning to think I was raising two aspiring astronauts instead of children.

I was already growing tired of Benjamin Kennedy's constant presence, so it came as a relief when Joseph Kennedy announced that relatives would be visiting today and everyone was expected to be present for the gathering.

Benjamin finally found an excuse to decline Milo's invitation to the museum, though he promised to accompany him tomorrow. I silently thanked the universe for small mercies.

As afternoon approached, I mentally prepared myself for the arrival of the relatives Joseph had mentioned. I'd heard they were the Langstons, another powerful family from Washington. The matriarch, Kestrel Langston, was Joseph Kennedy's younger sister, and she had recently become a widow.

The two families weren't particularly close, but they made a point of gathering once or twice a year. It was partly to maintain family connections and partly for public show—a demonstration of the families' unity that reinforced both their positions in society.

At three o'clock sharp, Kestrel arrived with the Langston entourage. A parade of expensive cars pulled up to the Kennedy mansion, and at least twenty people emerged. Thankfully, the Kennedy estate grounds were spacious enough to accommodate them all.

This was my first interaction with the Langston family. I hadn't encountered them during any of my previous visits to the Kennedy compound. I had no intention of being the center of attention and planned to blend into the background. After dinner, I'd make my exit. All I needed to do was maintain a polite facade until then.

But then I saw them—Mateo and that girl.

Actually, she spotted me first.

"Beautiful lady!" she exclaimed with genuine delight.

A thousand expletives ran through my mind as I froze in place.

"You know each other?" Kestrel asked her granddaughter with a curious smile.

"We've bumped into each other a few times," Hattie replied earnestly. "She's too beautiful to forget."

"You're quite adorable yourself," I responded with a forced smile.

"Is this little Hattie? My, how you've grown! When did you return to the country?" Joseph Kennedy spoke up warmly. "How's your health these days?"

"Much better, thank you. I've only been back in the country for a few days, and I couldn't wait to come see you with Grandmother." Hattie's voice was sweet as honey.

"Good, good. You must visit more often," Joseph nodded approvingly.

Hattie turned her attention to Benjamin. "And you must be Cousin Benjamin," she said excitedly. "I saw you with the beautiful lady a few days ago, and thought you looked familiar. I can't believe you're actually my Cousin Benjamin!"

"You're Hattie Langston?" Benjamin seemed genuinely surprised. "How old were you the last time I saw you? Five? How old are you now?"

"I'm twenty-five," Hattie replied with a bright smile.

Thanks to Hattie's natural enthusiasm, the atmosphere between the two families remained warm and pleasant.

"Is this your boyfriend, Hattie?" Joseph asked, looking directly at Mateo.

Mateo responded respectfully, "It's nice to meet you, sir. I'm Mateo García."

"A fine-looking young man!" Joseph remarked, studying him. "Though you look somewhat familiar."

"Uncle, haven't you noticed how Mateo resembles your great-grandchildren?" Hattie gestured toward Milo and Stella.

Joseph's eyes widened with recognition. "Yes, yes, he does look quite like little Milo and Stella."

"Must be coincidence," Mateo replied modestly.

"Brother, is this your granddaughter?" Kestrel asked, looking at me.

"Yes, she works in Manhattan and doesn't visit Washington often. Serena, this is your great-aunt," Joseph introduced us.

"It's nice to meet you," I greeted her politely.

"Oh, I certainly know who Serena is! You've been so successful in your career—I see you in the news frequently. I never realized you were part of our family," Kestrel said with admiration. "I always said our family produces the most excellent people."

"You're too kind. I've just been fortunate," I responded humbly.

"Nonsense! Your design talent is remarkable, just like your mother's..." Kestrel sighed.

I smiled faintly, choosing not to pursue that particular subject.

The mood shifted subtly.

"Wait, isn't the beautiful lady—I mean, Serena—Benjamin's wife?" Hattie suddenly asked, clearly confused.

Benjamin quickly corrected her, "What made you think that, Hattie?"

"I've seen you together, and you seemed to take such good care of her," Hattie explained.

"No, I'm just showing Serena around whenever she visits Washington since she's not here often," Benjamin clarified.

"What a misunderstanding," Hattie said, looking embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Serena."

"It's nothing," I replied evenly.

I didn't bother explaining further. I'd thought Mateo and Hattie were just strangers to me, but now they were practically family. Our paths were now even more entangled than before.

"So, Serena, where is your husband?" Hattie asked innocently.

I pressed my lips together before responding, "He passed away."

"I'm so sorry," Hattie was clearly flustered. "I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine. It's been many years," I said with surprising calmness.

"Right..." Hattie nodded, wisely dropping the subject.

After the large family exchanged pleasantries, everyone dispersed to enjoy the gathering in their own way. I lingered in the living room briefly, and once I was satisfied that everyone seemed comfortable, I took Milo and Stella to the backyard for some fresh air. The social demands were becoming overwhelming, and I needed a moment to breathe.