Chapter 48. Lucien Mikhail

[Flashback]…

Eight years ago…

It was supposed to be a perfect day.

Lucien and his twin brother, Cassien, were turning ten. Their mother, always determined to make her children’s birthdays special, had planned an elaborate celebration this year—more guests, more decorations, more food than ever before. She wanted it to be a day her boys would never forget.

By noon, the mansion’s large front lawn was filled with children. Some were classmates from school, others were the children of her business partners, and a few were neighbors. Bright balloons swayed gently in the breeze, and long tables were covered in colorful cakes, drinks, and snacks.

Lucien remembered the warmth in his chest that morning. He loved birthdays—especially big ones. To him, more guests meant more presents, and more presents meant more things to cherish.

He wore the new outfit his mother had bought for him and Cassien—matching white shirts tucked into neatly pressed navy trousers,