"Misses, dinner is ready," Alfred said, coming to inform them. They had been chatting and had forgotten about Alfred's delicious meals.
No wonder Ivy heard a rumbling sound from her stomach, but she ignored it because the conversation was too interesting.
Aura and her friends followed Alfred to the dining area, where her parents were already seated, waiting for them to arrive.
"Dad, we were—"
"No need to explain," Mr Zelda cut his daughter off before she could finish. He looked genuinely happy, like the happiest man on Earth. Though his other daughter was away, the older one had returned safe and sound, and he had reason to celebrate.
"Mr Zelda, you seem very happy. I remember those weekends we used to visit; even though you were fine, something seemed missing in your eyes. Now that she's here, we need to celebrate," Wren remarked, speaking what was on the man's mind.
"Dad..." Aura started to fill his glass.
"Aura, no need," Mr Zelda said, as Ambrose filled their glasses for them.
Astrid watched her husband. He hadn't changed much, and she loved his appearance. He always tried to make her believe that good health was the key to staying together.
"You guys seem like you're not going back," Astrid observed.
"I'm not leaving," Ivy replied, raising her left hand in affirmation.
"As for me, I'll go and come back. I have to ensure that the factory is running smoothly," Wren said, sounding bored. She didn't want to leave Aura's side, but the situation at the factory required her skills. It was no wonder her dad never let her be free when she turned twenty.
Wren was the eldest daughter of her parents. Like Aura, they were just two sisters. Her younger sister was never eager to take the initiative and always relied on Wren for help.
As the first daughter, Wren's father had trained her to carve shapes out of wood. Ever since she turned twenty, her father had not left her side, always at the factory helping her bring different designs to life. She was a talented inventor, and when she wasn't with her friends, she was at the factory.
"Dad, I want to take over," Aura suddenly declared.
Ambrose beamed with pride; he knew his daughter well. After going through their experiences in A City, he was confident she was ready to handle the company.
"But your dad hasn't retired yet," Astrid interjected. She understood what was going through her daughter's mind but wanted her to stay close. Besides, Ambrose was fit and strong; she needed Aura around now that Arden was away at school.
"Mom, why not?" Aura replied without hesitation.
"I want you around," Astrid insisted.
Aura smiled but wasn't finished.
"Mom, you don't stay home either. You have your own business to run. What do you need me for?"
"Of course, I need you to go out, have some fun, and do girlish stuff," Astrid said, causing Wren and Ivy to cough in surprise.
Ambrose let out a hearty laugh.
"What's wrong with what I said? Is wanting to spend time with my daughter a sin?"
At that moment, Astrid looked almost childlike as everyone, including Aura, laughed at her.
"She wants to take over for me. She's not going to another country. Besides, Arden will be back very soon," Ambrose told his wife.
"Arden will be back in two months. She'll even make you regret having her around," Aura reminded her mother.
It seemed Astrid had forgotten about her younger daughter, Arden Zelda, who was always causing trouble. This was why Ambrose had decided to enrol her in a boarding school.
"That troublesome girl!" Astrid exclaimed.
"She's your daughter," Aura teased.
"Dad, I'm ready for this," Aura reiterated.
"I learned a lot when I was in A City."
"I know, but let me discuss this with the board of directors first."
"Alright," Aura replied, feeling hopeful.