Building The Strongest Family

Chapter 423: The Feast [ 2 ]

As the evening descended upon Dominion Sanctum, the sky unfolded like a rich velvet blanket, stretching endlessly over the garden, dark and adorned with twinkling stars in the distance.

As the temperature dipped, the floating lanterns began to shine even brighter, casting a comforting glow over the smiling faces and the clinking of glasses.

The atmosphere had evolved from boisterous celebration into gentle conversation, moving away from the playful chaos of children to a deeper connection that the Osborn family had long been missing: togetherness. Calm. Affection. A true sense of home.

The band shifted to a softer melody, with violins and quiet drums mingling with the air like a soothing lullaby. People drew closer, forming small circles beneath the illuminated trees.

The entire garden felt vibrant, alive with a warmth that stemmed not just from the lights or music, but from the man who stood at its heart.

Arthur lifted his glass slightly, a simple gesture that instantly drew everyone’s attention. The chatter hushed; laughter faded, and even the children paused in their play.

For the first time in years, Arthur was ready to speak to his family... with genuine intent.

He didn’t raise his voice or assert dominance as he often did. Instead, his tone was soft and relaxed,almost personal but every ear caught his words.

"Thank you," he started, surveying the familiar faces illuminated by the gentle lantern light. "Thank you all for being here tonight."

He took a moment to breathe deeply.

"I know that gatherings like this... haven’t exactly been my focus in the past."

A slight, knowing smile appeared on his lips, self-aware yet sincere. "That’s an understatement."

A ripple of soft laughter danced through the garden—a small, yet genuine sound.

Arthur continued, "We’ve traveled a long way,from the shadows, losing everything we held dear... to this."

He gestured around them. "To safety. To stability. To hope for the future."

His gaze lingered on his cousins, both the older generation and the younger ones. When his eyes finally met his siblings,Billy and Liz,something profound flickered deep within him.

"For so long," he said softly, letting warmth seep into his voice, "I felt I had to carry everything alone,not out of choice, but because I believed it was my responsibility."

His family listened with rapt attention; they had never heard him speak like this,not in all their memories.

"But now," he exhaled slowly, "I’ve come to understand that protecting you doesn’t mean isolating myself. Family is strength,not a burden."

Ashley trembled slightly as tears filled her eyes.

Arthur lifted his glass a little higher. "To the Osborn family," he said quietly. "To all of you—thank you for enduring. For staying together. For making this place truly feel like home."

The silence held steady; no one stirred or broke the moment,their hearts were racing, and their eyes glistened.

Liz broke the tranquil atmosphere, stepping into the warm radiance of the lantern light. She didn’t need to say anything; her actions conveyed everything. She moved up to Arthur and enveloped him in a tight embrace.

It was no gentle hug,it was filled with urgency, carrying all her unspoken fears, her longing for her big brother, and her worries about whether the man she loved was still beneath the cold exterior he had shown.

Arthur paused for the briefest moment before, with care, he returned her hug.

This wasn’t a formal gesture; it was heartfelt and protective,his arms wrapped around her completely, his chin resting on her head, as he struggled to contain the emotions spilling forth.

Liz tightened her grip, her tears soaking into his shirt as the garden remained silent around them.

Ashley wiped at her tear-streaked cheeks, unable to curb her own feelings. Edward stood by, watching the poignant scene unfold before him, visibly moved.

Oscar felt a tightness in his throat and his eyes stung with unshed tears as he whispered, "No way... that can’t be him..."

Even the youngest cousins were frozen, acutely aware of the significance of what was unfolding.

Next to Margaret, Richard exhaled softly and said just above a whisper, "He’s... human again."

Margaret nodded, placing a hand over her heart, while Emily turned her head briefly to wipe away her tears.

When Liz finally pulled away from Arthur, he reached out to gently touch her cheek, brushing away the remnants of her tears. Her eyes sparkled with relief,an emotion she hadn’t fully recognized had been weighing her down until this moment.

Billy hesitantly stepped forward, uncertainty etched across his face. Arthur met his gaze and gave a subtle nod.

In that instant, Billy understood.Arthur placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder,not as a command or a directive, but simply to offer support.

From a distance, Kaia watched intently, taking note of every slight change in Arthur’s expression. Her heart swelled,not out of sorrow, but from an admiration that was quiet and profound.

She had seen him as someone cold and strategic, someone capable of disassembling enemies and reshaping entire nations.

But this moment? It was the most powerful display of humanity she had witnessed from him.

After gathering her thoughts, Kaia stepped a bit closer but paused, allowing the lantern light to illuminate her face while the cool night air enveloped them.

Arthur looked at her with soft eyes that were open in a way she had never experienced before.

Then Kaia offered a gentle smile. "Welcome back," she said softly.

Arthur didn’t return the smile, at least not on the surface, but something shifted within him,something deeper than any smile could express.

He nodded slightly,just a quiet acknowledgment,but Kaia felt its warmth resonate against her heart.

Just then, as if it were choreographed by fate, the sky burst into color.

A loud boom echoed across the estate, marking the beginning of a stunning fireworks display.

Golden bursts spiraled into the night, blooming like vibrant flowers against the dark canvas. Silver sparks danced in between, while deep blue arcs glimmered above the garden.

Children squealed in joy, their laughter bouncing off the walls. Adults gasped as colors showered around them. The entire Osborn family tilted their heads up, entranced by the sky glowing with celebration.

Amidst this brilliant display stood Arthur, surrounded by loved ones. He felt warmth, calm, and the distinct sense of being fully present,truly alive. The soft glow of lanterns lit up his face and sparkled in his eyes.

For the first time in years,since he had reincarnated, avoided assassination attempts, taken on the weight of a struggling family legacy, built an empire, and shouldered enormous responsibilities,Arthur let himself genuinely feel.

In return, the night, filled with golden and silver light, wrapped around him like a warm embrace.

Together, they watched the sky unfold its magic, standing closely as one unified silhouette radiating shared warmth.

It was a moment none would forget,the night when the Osborn Patriarch returned, not as a legend or an architect of schemes, but simply as family.