Grace’s face lit up with delight, as if she had just discovered the most fascinating new toy.
Carson, on the other hand, looked utterly bewildered.
Yet, deep down, he found himself disliking his little sister just a little bit less.
Ariana watched from the sidelines, quietly amused by the scene.
At such a tender age, Grace had no real ability to judge character. But Ariana noticed her daughter had a particular fondness for people with curly hair. Kevin’s hair was straight and glossy, while Carson’s was softer and noticeably curly—enough to easily capture a baby’s attention.
After letting the four siblings play together for a while, Ariana gently lulled Grace to sleep. She then called for the nannies to take over, confident in their capable hands.
With time slipping away, Ariana gathered her three sons and set out for the day.
…
Amusement parks never fail to captivate children, and even the usually reserved Lucian was buzzing with anticipation. Upon arrival, Ariana collected the tickets and ushered the boys inside.
As they walked, Lucian and his brothers gazed around wide-eyed, their faces alight with wonder.
The park was a whirl of excitement—crowds buzzing, vibrant stalls offering treats and games, and thrilling rides beckoning from every corner.
Ariana glanced at the ice cream shop ahead and smiled at the three children. "How about some ice cream?" This wasn’t the ordinary frozen treat they had at home—it was the kind served in crisp, sweet cones, something entirely new to the kids.
Just as expected, their eyes lit up instantly at the suggestion. Amused by their reaction, Ariana curved her lips into a gentle smile and led them into the shop, where she bought three cones, each with a different flavor.
Lucian tentatively licked his ice cream, and as the cool sweetness touched his tongue, his eyes instinctively squeezed shut in delight. It was absolutely delicious!
"What would you like to do next?" Ariana asked them.
Lucian scanned the bustling crowd around them, thought for a moment, and replied, "Can we ride the carousel?" He’d never been on one before. Though he’d often seen them on television, experiencing it in person felt like a rare opportunity, and he intended to cherish every moment of this day at the amusement park.
Kevin nodded eagerly, her face full of longing. "I’d love to, too."
Not wanting to be left out, Carson quickly raised his hand. "Me too!"
Ariana chuckled softly and took their hands, guiding them toward the carousel. The day was warm but not overly hot, though staying outdoors for too long could still be draining. Yet the three children seemed unaffected, buzzing with energy as they patiently waited in line, ready to enjoy every ride they’d dreamed of.
Ariana stood to the side, watching them with a tender gaze. But her eyes occasionally drifted, scanning their surroundings with caution. Though she told herself nothing could possibly happen in broad daylight, she couldn’t shake off her wariness. Having survived two kidnappings, she had developed a heightened sensitivity to potential danger—always alert, always prepared for the unexpected.
Especially since she had brought all three children with her.
Of course, she hadn’t come alone with them—she had brought bodyguards along. They lingered at a distance, with additional security stationed just outside the amusement park. Though it might have seemed overly cautious, Ariana believed it was necessary.
The children were having the time of their lives, and even Carson gradually began to smile, his little face finally shedding its earlier gloom. His laughter was just as bright as it used to be.


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