CHAPTER 26

"In that unexpected moment, I discovered a treasure worth cherishing for a lifetime."

Isla Isabelle POV

As we finished gathering flowers, a wave of anxiety washed over me. I voiced my concerns to Seb and Liam, my thoughts racing with worries about the gardener's reaction to our flower-picking escapade.

"Can we really pick these flowers? I'm worried the gardener might get mad at us. What if we've done something wrong?" I expressed, my voice tinged with apprehension. My mind conjured up images of a stern gardener scolding us for our actions.

Seb, ever the reassuring presence, quickly came to my aid. "It's alright, Doll," he said, his tone filled with confidence and comfort. "These flowers belong to you. Everything you see in this house is yours, so you can do whatever you want with them."

His words washed over me like a soothing balm, alleviating my worries. Seb's assurance that I had the freedom to enjoy the garden and its flowers put my anxious thoughts to rest. The idea that I possessed the right to explore, create, and embrace the beauty around me lifted a weight off my shoulders.

With the flower crown adorning my head, we made our way back inside the house, Seb and Liam trailing behind me. I was eager to share the beauty we had created with my brothers and cousin, wanting to showcase the enchanting crown that now graced my hair.

Entering the living room, where my brothers and cousin were gathered, I couldn't contain my excitement. I approached them with a wide grin, my eyes sparkling with anticipation. Their attention turned towards me as I called out to them, my voice filled with delight.

"Brothers, look at me! Am I pretty?" I exclaimed, my voice brimming with joy. With a gentle twirl, I showcased the flower crown that Seb, Liam, and I had painstakingly crafted. Its vibrant colors and fragrant aroma captured the essence of the garden, emanating a sense of natural beauty.

Their eyes widened with awe as they took in the sight before them. Astonished by the intricacy and charm of the flower crown, they were momentarily lost for words. Soon, their faces lit up with admiration and love, as they recognized the effort and creativity that had gone into its creation.

I could feel my cheeks turning warm and a soft flush spreading across my face as Emi's kind words washed over me. Hiscompliment made me feel special and beautiful. He always had a way of lifting me up and making me feel confident. With a genuine smile, helooked at me and said, "It looks good on you." His words resonated deep within me, filling me with a sense of joy and gratitude.

In contrast, Chris, who was known for his playful teasing, couldn't resist making a lighthearted comment. "Munchkin, you are so pretty. I really want to put you in my pocket and keep you forever," he said, pretending to snatch me up. Confusion washed over me as I tried to comprehend the meaning behind his nickname for me. I wasn't particularly small or petite, so it puzzled me.

"I can't fit in your pocket, Chris," I replied, my head tilted to the side, a quizzical expression on my face. "And besides, there are so many wonderful things I want to see and experience, so don't keep me away from them." The remark elicited laughter from everyone, including Chris himself. He ruffled my hair affectionately, assuring me that he was only joking.

Lijah, always a pillar of comfort and protection, came over and enveloped me in a gentle hug. His presence made me feel safe and cherished. Looking down at me, he grinned and said, "Elle, you are so innocent. Don't worry, he won't put you in his pocket. And if he ever tries, I'll be there to protect you." His words, laced with laughter, conveyed a sense of loyalty and friendship that warmed my heart.

"I will show to papa and other this I'll be back" I said shouting to them and running in the stairs. which made all of them shout to be careful and do not run.

when I arrive in papa's office I'm thinking if I will interrupt them if I do and I'm a bit shy now to do it.

after thinking for long. I decided to knock and show it to everyone.

With excitement pulsing through my veins, I shouted back to my friends, "I'll show this to papa and the others! I'll be back!" As I dashed up the stairs, their voices echoed after me, cautioning me to be careful and not to run.

Reaching my father's office, I paused outside the door, suddenly struck by a wave of shyness. The thought of interrupting their conversation made me hesitate. I stood there, contemplating my options, weighing the desire to share my newfound treasure against the fear of intruding on their privacy.

After a long internal deliberation, I finally mustered the courage to knock on the door. My heart pounded in my chest as I anxiously waited for a response. The seconds felt like an eternity until I heard my father's voice inviting me to come in.

Pushing open the door slowly, I stepped into the room, clutching the precious item tightly in my hands. The atmosphere shifted slightly as all eyes turned towards me, curiosity etched on their faces. The weight of their attention added to my nervousness, but I knew deep down that I had something special to share.

As I stood there, surrounded by my family members, the nervousness inside me intensified. It wasn't just my immediate friends now; it was my extended family too. My aunt and uncles, my grandparents, my papa, and even my older brothers and cousins were all present. It felt overwhelming to have so many pairs of eyes focused on me, waiting to see what I had to share.

Summoning all the courage I could muster, I held out the flower crown that I had lovingly crafted with Sebastian and Liam in the garden. My hands trembled slightly, but I managed to show it to them, feeling a mix of shyness and excitement at once. "Look, I made this with Sebastian and Liam in the garden," I said softly, my voice filled with a hint of apprehension.

The room fell quiet again as they took in the sight of the flower crown. I could feel their gaze on the delicate petals and leaves that adorned it. Then, like a ripple effect, smiles began to form on their faces, replacing the initial silence with awe and wonder. Their warm reactions eased my nerves a little, and they beckoned me closer, encouraging me to share the story behind my creation.

Hesitantly, I began to recount the tale of how Sebastian, Liam, and I had spent the afternoon exploring the garden, marveling at the array of colors and scents that surrounded us. We had carefully handpicked the flowers, choosing the most vibrant and delicate ones to weave into the crown. It had been a delightful adventure, and I couldn't help but smile as I reminisced about the joyous moments we had shared.

As I continued, I felt the need to address my papa directly, my voice tinged with a touch of worry. "I hope that you won't get mad, papa, because I picked the flowers in the garden." I gazed at him intently, waiting for his response, feeling a knot of uncertainty in my stomach.

His expression softened, and he met my gaze with understanding and reassurance. "Vita Mia, my dear, I'm not mad at all," he said gently. "In fact, I'm proud of you for creating something so beautiful and for being so thoughtful about the flowers. The garden is here for all of us to enjoy, and your act of creativity and kindness is truly appreciated."

Relief washed over me, and a radiant smile spread across my face. My papa's words filled me with a sense of validation and acceptance, making me feel proud of my accomplishment and my ability to express myself.

My papa's words resonated deeply within me, soothing my worries and filling me with a sense of reassurance. "Vita mia, you don't need to worry about such trivial things," he said affectionately. "Everything is yours, so you don't need to ask. And if you want something, just tell everyone, and they will make it come true for sure."

The unanimous agreement from my family members, including my brothers and cousin, affirmed his sentiment. Their smiles and nods of approval added to the growing sense of comfort and belonging that enveloped me.

Feeling emboldened by their support, I couldn't help but share a little anecdote. "Seb also tells me the same thing," I said, a smile playing on my lips. As the words left my mouth, the smiles in the room grew wider, connecting us all in a shared understanding of the love and care we had for one another.

Nana, my dear grandmother, beckoned me closer with a warm smile. "Come here, dear, let me see it clearer," she said, her eyes sparkling with delight. Obediently, I walked toward her, the flower crown still adorning my head. But as I reached out to take it off, she gently stopped me, her voice filled with tenderness. "You don't need to take it off, my sweet one. It suits you perfectly, and you look like a little princess with it."

Her words caught me by surprise, and I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to react. However, her sincerity and love washed away any lingering doubt or self-consciousness I had felt. I trusted her judgment, and her acceptance made me feel cherished.

"It really look good on you my dear, Do you like it?" Nana's question filled the room with a warm anticipation, and I nodded eagerly in response. "Yes, Nana, I really like it," I answered, my voice filled with genuine joy. I proceeded to share the story of our garden adventure, recounting the playful moments spent with Sebastian and Liam, the soft fragrance of the flowers, and the joy of creating something together.

As the conversation continued, Nonno, my grandfather, interjected with a surprising request. "Kid, can I pick you up and sit you on my lap?" he asked, his eyes twinkling mischievously. The room fell silent, and a collective gasp escaped from everyone present. I was taken aback by their reaction, unable to comprehend the significance of Nonno's question.

Uncle Lorenzo, with a mixture of shock and amusement, broke the silence. "This is the first time Dad has ever asked permission from someone for anything. I think the world is going to end," he exclaimed, his disbelief apparent in his voice. The room erupted in laughter, with everyone finding humor in the unusual turn of event.

As Nonno's playful request hung in the air, he suddenly silenced Uncle Lorenzo with a stern, cold voice. "Shut up," he uttered, his deep voice sending chills down my spine. The sudden shift in his demeanor startled me, momentarily freezing me in place. I looked at him, wide-eyed, unsure of how to interpret his words.

But just as swiftly as the coldness came, it dissipated, and Nonno's demeanor softened once more. He continued playing with my hair, his touch gentle and reassuring. The room gradually returned to a state of lightheartedness, the tension dissipating with the laughter and ease that filled the space.

However, amidst the jovial atmosphere, Nana's concerned voice brought attention to something I hadn't noticed before. "Dear, what happened to your wrist and knee? Did you fall?" she inquired, her words capturing the attention of everyone present. Their curious gazes focused on the areas Nana was referring to.

I felt a rush of embarrassment wash over me as I realized that the sleeve of my dress had ridden up, revealing a scrape on my wrist and a bruise on my knee. Flustered, I quickly pulled down my dress, hoping to conceal my minor injuries. The scrutiny of my family's gaze made me self-conscious, and I longed to find solace in the comforting presence of my papa.

With a sense of urgency, I made my way down from Nonno's lap, my eyes searching for my dad in the room. I approached him, extending my hands towards him, a silent plea for him to pick me up. My longing for his familiar embrace was apparent in the grabby motion I made.