Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 108

"Wow!"

Melody's eyes went wide, freezing in the doorway in pure disbelief.

"Wow! Is that Princess Elsa?"

"It's so pretty!"

"They're made out of balloons!"

"There's a purple Elsa in the back!"

"The blue Elsa is way prettier! I like the blue one!"

The children trailing in behind her reacted like they had just discovered a new world, eagerly swarming around the different Princess Elsa displays in absolute awe.

Melody was a second late to react, finally snapping out of her shock as pure joy took over.

"Mom!"

Instead of joining the swarm of kids circling the balloon princesses, she spun around and sprinted straight for Elara.

"Mom, is this your surprise?!"

Melody launched herself into Elara's arms, her little face flushed pink from overwhelming excitement. Her bright, starry eyes sparkled beautifully, practically glowing with happiness.

She had been 'helping' out for the past few days, but all she had done was blow up a few random decorative balloons. She had never actually seen the Princess Elsa sculptures being built.

Elara was currently holding Melody's heavy backpack in one hand, making it impossible to scoop her up properly, so she simply braced her daughter securely. Her eyes were brimming with deep affection. "Do you like it?"

Melody nodded aggressively, then nodded again. "I love it!"

"I love it so, so much! Thank you, Mom!"

The little girl stood up on her tiptoes, desperately reaching up to kiss her mother. Elara happily obliged, leaning down to offer her left cheek.

As she bent forward, the heavy backpack slung over her arm began to slide dangerously downward.

Just as it was about to crash directly into Melody, a hand shot out and effortlessly caught the strap.

Elara turned her head. It was Sebastian.

Sebastian hoisted the heavy bag up with one hand, his eyes meeting hers as he offered a warm, easy smile. "Let me take that."

"Oh, thank you."

Elara handed the backpack over, using the newly freed arm to scoop Melody up into a proper hug.

Melody threw her arms tightly around Elara's neck and planted a loud, sloppy kiss on both of her mother's cheeks. "Thank you, Mom! I love you the most!"

"I love you the most too."

"Is the red flower a rose?"

"What about this one? It's pink and a little bit green. What kind of flower is that?"

"A lotus?"

The children swarmed around Melody and the tarts, forming a tight circle as they chattered excitedly. The pastries were so exquisite that none of them could bear to take the first bite.

Since it was a kid's birthday, Elara hadn't hired any overly structured entertainment. She simply wanted them to run wild, eat, drink, and have a good time.

Leaving the kids to entertain themselves and raid the snack tables, Elara gracefully escorted the parents into the formal living room for coffee and conversation.

Every single year on Melody's birthday, the three of them took a formal family portrait. This year was supposed to be no exception.

The schedule had the family portrait strictly locked in for 4:30 PM.

Then, shortly after 5:00 PM, once Maddox and Meredith Beckett arrived, they would take the massive extended family photo.

But as the clock crept dangerously close to 4:00 PM, Julian was nowhere to be seen, and he hadn't sent a single text to explain his absence.

Elara found a quiet corner and fired off a text to him. Minutes ticked by, and her screen remained completely dark.

She made a polite excuse, stepped out of the living room entirely, and tried calling him directly.

It rang endlessly, entirely ignored.