âYou two have become united now, huh?â Holden, who had rushed in and overheard their conversation, took a seat across from them.
A gentle smile graced his face.
Observing Holden from the side, still within Arianaâs embrace, Adele subtly shifted her head before turning her attention back to Ariana.
Holden, speaking with seriousness, addressed Adele, âBut next time, you canât run around like that.
Daddy would be really worried if I couldnât find you, you know?â
Tilting her head, Adele nodded in acknowledgment.
Holden smiled, gently pinching her nose and affectionately ruffling her hair.
At that moment, Adele finally lifted her head from Arianaâs embrace and softly called, âDaddy.
â
Then, she reached out to hug Holden.
Ariana smiled, handing Adele over to Holdenâs embrace, and said to Adele, âSince Daddy is here, we can now blow out the candles.
â
Upon hearing that, Adeleâs gaze lifted to Holden, as if seeking his approval.
Smiling tenderly at her, Holden uttered, âBlowing out the candles is an indispensable ritual on birthdays.
Without it, the celebration lacks significance.
â
After Holden finished speaking, Adele vigorously nodded, directing her attention to the cakeâs adorned candles.
She said, âBlow.
â
Holden retrieved a lighter, igniting the birthday candles.
Meanwhile, Ariana procured a festive birthday hat from the shop, orchestrating Adele to settle between them.
Together, they adorned her with the celebratory headpiece.
The shopkeeper, noting the intimate gathering, recognized the absence of other customers.
Swiftly, she facilitated the moment by extinguishing the store lights.
Bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight, Holden and Ariana sat on Adeleâs sides.
Ariana initiated applause and serenaded, âHappy birthday to youâ¦â
Harmoniously, Holden joined, clapping and contributing his melodic rendition of the birthday anthem.
As the last note lingered, Ariana beamed and said, âAdele, make a wish and blow out the candles.
â
Adele blinked, drew a deep breath, and gracefully blew the candles.
âYou did great!â Ariana declared with a radiant smile, applauding.
Holden watched the heartwarming scene, affectionately tousling Adeleâs hair.
Adeleâs gaze shifted between Holden on her left and Ariana on her right.
Her eyes sparkled.
Despite Adeleâs occasional struggle to articulate emotions, her joy emanated clearly.
Ariana and Holden perceived it, and even Sonia, observing through the shopâs window, sensed Adeleâs palpable happiness.
Sonia contemplated the photo she had just captured, showcasing the trio in the midst of their heartfelt celebration.
A profound sense of emotion washed over her, leaving her moved by an inexplicable sentiment