ORION.
We were still laughing about something Gemma had said when the doorbell rang again—most likely the girls arriving this time.
"I'll get it!" I called out cheerfully, leaving the bustling kitchen behind. The spacious sitting room was a maze of elegant furniture, plush rugs, and towering windows that let in the soft glow of the evening sunset. Moving through this grand mansion was different from my cozy penthouse—every step felt deliberate, each corridor a little longer, each door a little more distant. As I neared the front entrance, I could already hear the familiar sounds of laughter, chatter echoing from outside.
When I finally opened the door, Athena's face lit up instantly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Riri! I missed you so much!" she exclaimed, her arms opening wide for a warm hug that enveloped me in a burst of her sweet perfume and the scent of her favorite lavender body lotion. Her voice was bright and full of affection, her smile contagious. Behind her, Azalea snorted softly, trying to hide her grin but failing miserably.
"Please, someone might think you two haven't seen each other in weeks!" she teased, her voice light making me laugh out loud. Her playful tone was infectious, and I shook my head with a grin.
"Azalea, don't tell me you're jealous?" I teased her, raising an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes, but I could see the tiny pout forming on her lips as she stepped past me into the house. Meanwhile, Athena gestured toward the sleek black car parked outside, indicating I should go grab the dessert before following her inside. She was already chatting away, telling Azalea how much she loved her, her voice filled with affection and excitement. I couldn't help but laugh. These cousins and their possessiveness—it really knows no bounds.
I headed to the car, opened the trunk, and carefully carried the dessert plates back into the house. When I set them down on the gleaming kitchen island, Harro paused his cooking for a moment and took a step back, his eyes shining with pride. He looked at everything—the polished silver trays, the carefully decorated cakes, the delicate pastries—and nodded in approval. "Perfect," he murmured, a small smile curling on his lips. Then, he returned to his station, focused on the final touches of our meal, the sizzle and aroma of spices filling the air.
The girls shed their coats and joined us in the kitchen, their vibrant energy filling the space with lively chatter. Athena and Azalea flopped onto the bar stools, helping to set out napkins and glasses, their playful chattering filling the space. The warm aroma of roasted herbs, caramelized fruits, and baked goods mixed with the faint scent of Harro's signature seasoning—sweet yet smoky, with a hint of garlic and thyme—creating an irresistible symphony of smells.
In no time, the meal was ready. The table was set beautifully with flickering candles casting a cozy glow, glasses clinking softly, and plates piled high with vibrant dishes. The first course was a delicate amuse-bouche—small, crunchy crostinis topped with whipped goat cheese, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with pistachios. The burst of sweetness and creaminess was a perfect start.
Next came the appetizer: a velvety roasted beet and goat cheese salad, garnished with microgreens and a balsamic reduction that shimmered in the candlelight. The earthy sweetness of the beets complemented the tangy cheese, and every bite was a blend of textures and flavors. The room filled with the sound of satisfied sighs and compliments to Gemma.
Harro then brought out the main course—a beautifully cooked herb-crusted chicken breast, tender and juicy, resting on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs. Accompanying it was a side of roasted seasonal vegetables—carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers—caramelized to perfection, their edges slightly charred, releasing sweet aromas. The aroma of fresh thyme, rosemary, and butter wafted up with every scoop. There's no denying it, my boyfriend is the best chef there is!
While we enjoyed the main dishes, the conversation flowed freely. Athena couldn't stop gushing over her girlfriend's new hairstyle. Azalea's white luscious hair that's usually styled into a ponytail was now flowing freely on her shoulders with bangs.
"Guys, please tell her she looks like she just stepped straight out of a fashion magazine! How are you so beautiful?" She asked looking at Azalea with lovestruck eyes.
"It's all in the genes, babe." Azalea replied with a playful wink. Everyone laughed, the atmosphere was warm and full of love.
The third course was a rich mushroom risotto—creamy, savory, with just the right amount of al dente bite. Harro carefully stirred it, humming softly, proud of his culinary creation. The fourth was a colorful vegetable lasagna, layered with roasted eggplant, zucchini, spinach, and a gooey cheese blend that stretched with each slice. The smell alone made everyone's mouths water.
Finally, the dessert—oh, the dessert—was a feast for the senses. There was a molten chocolate lava cake with a gooey center, melting into a pool of rich, dark chocolate, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Next, a lemon tart with a buttery crust and a tangy lemon filling, topped with candied zest. And a colorful array of petite fruit tarts—crispy shells filled with vanilla custard and topped with fresh berries—each bite bursting with sweetness and freshness. Athena never fails to deliver.
We raised our glasses for a toast—clinking softly, glasses catching the flickering candlelight. First, it was a toast to us—Harro and I, moving in together; then to Athena and Azalea, for finally making their relationship official; next was to Marcus, for his incredible work on our home; and finally to Gemma's surprising promotion. That last one was a shocker—no one saw it coming! But we were all so proud of her. Gemma had met Harro a few years ago with nothing but the clothes on her back after a horrible breakup, and now she was heading a managerial position in his restaurant. Her journey was inspiring, and I couldn't be happier for her. She worked so hard, and she truly deserved all these new opportunities.
The dinner was everything I could have hoped for—delicious food, incredible company, and a warm, festive atmosphere. When we weren't teasing each other, we were sharing stories about our lives, cracking jokes, and reminiscing about funny moments. I got to know Marcus better during these conversations, discovering how thoughtful and genuine he was. I was genuinely glad he came.
As the evening wound down, we decided to watch a movie—something light and fun to keep the relaxed vibe going. The big screen flickered to life, and we snuggled under blankets, laughing and teasing each other during silly scenes. After the movie, we switched to playing board games and card games, our competitive spirits coming out in good fun. The sitting room was filled with laughter, playful jabs, and teasing remarks.
I'd won twice in a row when Athena's competitive spirit was out to play. "Oh, you think you're so good at this? It's my turn now." Athena challenged, her eyes twinkling as she shuffled the cards.
Azalea grinned mischievously puffing her chest, "You better watch out for me too, I was just warming up—I'm about to beat you all!" she said cheekily making us laugh.
Before long, it was late into the night, and everyone was feeling the effects of the drinks and the fun. Since Marcus had a little too much to drink, we asked him to stay over, and he happily agreed. Gemma, Athena, and Azalea also decided to spend the night, claiming they didn't want to drive home in the dark.
We made sure everyone was comfortable, tucked into their rooms, and settled in for the night before making our way into our bedroom, exhausted but happy. Harro and I shared a quick shower before getting into bed—softly talking while I massaged his body, exchanging playful touches and kisses. The house was peaceful now, the night wrapping us in its calm embrace. We needed sleep after such a long, joyful day—filled with love, laughter, good food, and the promise of many more memories to come.