Venice smiled as she caught sight of the woman. Looking at Victoria, she said, “Speaking of…”
“Mom, why is the famous international designer V here?” the young woman asked excitedly as she reached Venice. Smiling, Venice took the woman’s hand and introduced her, “Daniela, meet your cousin, Victoria. She’s the daughter of my long-lost sister, your Aunt Vivian,” she said warmly. Turning to Victoria, she continued, “Victoria, this is my daughter, Daniela. You know, she’s super-”
“My cousin?!” Daniela exclaimed in a stuttering voice, unable to believe it. “My cousin is my super idol, V?!” she repeated in disbelief.
“Hello, cousin, nice meeting you,” Victoria said with a smile.
Daniela felt like she was dreaming and slapped herself.
Slap!
“Ouch!” she said, holding her cheek. “It’s true! I’m not dreaming; my idol is really my cousin!” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You know, your designs are so innovative and elegant. Your ability to blend classic and modern styles sets you apart from other jewelry designers. Your attention to detail and creativity are unmatched, and that’s why you’re my idol,” she said, breathless with enthusiasm.
Venice chuckled, “Okay, okay, save some of that excitement for later, Daniela. Your other aunts and uncles are here too, and you’ll have plenty of time with your cousin later. Besides-”
“O-M-G! Is this real?! Mr. Rozzo and Mr. Lucas are here too!” Daniela shouted again, surprised to notice their presence.
Lucas smiled, “Hello, Ms. Daniela, I’m Lucas, Victoria’s husband,” he introduced himself.
Xavier laughed, “Young people these days get so excited.”
Of course, Daniela knew who Lucas and Xavier were from watching them on TV, but she was still shocked to see these bigshots in person.
At that moment, more family members entered the room, greeted warmly by the other guests as they made their way towards the birthday celebrant, Venice. They also paid their respects to Jasmine and Benedict. About ten people arrived, accompanied by their children and grandchildren.
Among them were two younger sisters of Vivian and Venice, and their older brother. As the family members entered and caught sight of Vivian, their faces registered a mix of shock and disbelief. Before they could voice their surprise, Venice stepped forward with a warm smile, eager to bridge the years of separation.
“Everyone, I have someone very special to introduce to you,” Venice announced, her voice filled with emotion. “This is Vivian, our long-lost sister.”
The room fell silent for a moment as the realization sank in. The younger sisters exchanged glances, their eyes wide with astonishment. “Vivian? Is that really you?” one of them finally managed to ask, her voice trembling with emotion. “We thought we’d never see you again!”
Vivian nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. “Yes, it’s me. I’ve missed you all so much,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.
The other sister rushed forward, joining the embrace. “It’s been so long, Vivian. We have so much to catch up on,” she said, her voice filled with warmth and nostalgia.
Their older brother, who had always been the protective one, approached Vivian with a mixture of disbelief and relief. “Vivian, I can’t believe it’s really you,” he said, his voice deep with emotion. “All these years, we never gave up hope.”
Vivian smiled through her tears, “I know, and I’m so grateful for that. I’m sorry it took so long to find my way back.”
The siblings stood together, wrapped in a heartfelt embrace, their reunion a poignant reminder of the bonds that time and distance could never break. The room was filled with a sense of warmth and love, as the family reconnected after so many years apart.
As they pulled back, the sisters began to chatter excitedly, “You have to tell us everything, Vivian! Where have you been? What have you been doing all these years?”
Vivian smiled warmly, “It’s a long story. I’ll share it with you after the party.” She then turned to introduce Victoria, “And this is my daughter, Victoria-” but before she could finish, Lila, the sister who first recognized Vivian, and Maya, the sister who joined the embrace and expressed excitement about catching up, recognized Victoria.
Their reaction mirrored that of Daniela and the maid earlier. “Is this really Victoria, the famous jewelry designer, also known as ‘V’?” Lila exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise.
Vivian nodded, adding, “Yes, Victoria is my daughter,” which only heightened their astonishment.
“She’s so beautiful and talented!” Lila gushed, while Maya nodded in agreement. Daniela chimed in, saying, “I’m so proud to have a cousin like Victoria!” she said, sounding boastful.
Vivian then introduced Xavier as her husband. Thomas, their older brother, exchanged glances with Lila and Maya, their expressions tinged with doubt, reminiscent of Jasmine and Benedict’s earlier reaction. They had always thought Vivian was with a man of humble means.
Sensing their curiosity, Vivian reassured them, “I’ll explain everything after the party.”
Next, Vivian introduced Lucas as Victoria’s husband, and once again, her siblings were taken aback. They knew Lucas as the chairman of the Luca Group, a rapidly growing company in Italy, not just in Rome.
“My goodness, this is full of surprises,” Lila remarked. “Venice’s birthday has turned into a gathering of bigshots!”
Ethan, one of their nephews, approached Lucas, eyes filled with admiration. “I’ve always looked up to you, Mr. Lucas,” he said, echoing Daniela’s earlier reaction. “Your business acumen is truly inspiring.”
Sophie, another cousin of Victoria, expressed her admiration for Victoria, saying she idolized her work.
Venice then took the opportunity to introduce everyone. “This is Lila, our sister and her son Ethan,” she said with a smile. “And this is Thomas, our older brother, and his daughter Sophie. Finally, this is Maya, our youngest sister who’s still single and in her 30s.”
Maya pouted playfully, “Do you really have to mention that I’m single?” she said, pretending to be upset. They all laughed at Maya’s reaction.
The introductions continued, including their spouses and grandchildren. Vivian remarked, “It’s nice that you all have grandchildren,” as she glanced at Lucas and Victoria. Lucas and Victoria felt a bit shy, but at that moment, Victoria suddenly gagged.
Vivian asked with concern, “Are you okay, Victoria?”
Victoria blushed and said, “Mom, Dad, Lucas, I have something to tell you.” Everyone was left hanging, wondering what it could be.
Vivian, worried, asked, “What is it?” concerned that Victoria might be unwell.
Lucas, equally concerned, asked, “Love, is there a problem?”
Victoria shook her head, took Lucas’s hand, and took a deep breath before speaking, “Earlier, at home, I took a test,” she said, turning to Lucas with shining eyes, “Lucas, you’re going to be a father.”