Chapter 459 - 462: Together Day and Night, Year After Year

Six months later.

Owen and Nina Lancaster were turning one, and the Lancaster family was holding a lavish first birthday party for the twins.

The entire upper echelon of Aston’s high society came to attend.

A gleaming, endless stream of luxury cars flowed down the exclusive driveway.

Celebrities from all fields, titans of business, and scions of prestigious families were all in attendance.

Powerful elites who were rarely seen together now gathered in one place. Perfumed gowns and elegant suits mingled, glasses clinking in celebration, with every detail underscoring the Lancaster family’s unshakeable, top-tier status.

Inside the banquet hall, a giant crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, its refracted light pouring down like a river of stars. The decor, a blend of pure white and gilded gold, was both gentle and opulent.

In the center of the room were two exquisite, soft cushions—the exclusive seats for the two little stars of the show.

The older brother, Owen Lancaster, had inherited Adrian Lancaster’s refined, deep-set eyes, and even at such a young age, he exuded a calm and steady nature.

The little one leaned quietly against his cushion, his dark eyes clear and pure, occasionally reaching out a curious hand to touch the decorative balloons in front of him.

His younger sister, Nina Lancaster, was adorable and sweet. Her features were the spitting image of Wren Sutton’s, with snow-white skin and long lashes. She would let out soft, delicate coos from time to time, her little hands and feet wiggling gently, looking utterly precious.

Gifts were stacked high in a dedicated gift area, all of them carefully selected first-birthday presents from the distinguished guests.

Business tycoons sent limited-edition heirloom jadeite and safety locks carved from entire blocks of top-grade Hotan jade.

Matriarchs of prominent families presented hand-stitched swaddling clothes embroidered with golden dragons and phoenixes, and pure gold longevity locks crafted by century-old heritage brands.

There were also incredibly lavish gifts like high-end baby jewelry from overseas collections, out-of-print paintings and calligraphy, and even deeds to entire manors.

Every single item was priceless, piling up to create a scene of magnificent opulence.

The guests gathered around, looking at the perfectly cherubic siblings and offering sincere words of admiration and blessing.

A senior figure in the business world raised his glass with a smile, his tone full of envy.

"Congratulations, President Lancaster, on being blessed with such precious twins, a son and a daughter to complete your family. May the two little treasures grow up safe and sound, be bright and clever, and live a life of ease and happiness!"

Several high-society ladies gathered around the cushions, gazing tenderly at Owen and Nina.

"A perfect pair, a golden boy and a jade girl. Their features are so exquisite, with Mr. Lancaster’s air and Mrs. Lancaster’s grace. They are destined for a brilliant future and a life of prosperity."

Elders from distinguished families also nodded in agreement. "The Lancaster family is truly blessed. These two children were born with silver spoons, destined for greatness. We wish them a healthy first year and everlasting joy. May your family always be happy and complete."

One after another, the guests offered their heartfelt congratulations. The hall filled with a melodious chorus of blessings, making the banquet feel all the more festive and grand.

After lingering on the two adorable little ones, the guests’ gazes all shifted in unison to Wren Sutton, who stood beside them.

Today, Wren was wearing a custom-made haute couture gown in apricot-gold. The hem was adorned with a subtle pattern of tiny pearls that shimmered with her every movement, making her look both gentle and noble.

Her long hair was loosely pinned up, with just a few wisps left to frame her face. She had shed her former gentle tranquility, replacing it with the poised and dignified aura of a great family’s matriarch.

Time had smoothed away the initial hesitance of new motherhood. Her eyes were warm and clear, and she was enveloped in an air of relaxed gentleness, nurtured by love. Her temperament had become even more exquisitely beautiful.

The guests couldn’t help but whisper their admiration, their tones filled with envy. "Mrs. Lancaster is so fortunate. She married a wonderful man and has a beautiful pair of twins. Her life is truly perfect."

"With her looks and bearing, children by her side, and a doting husband, she has a natural radiance that stands out in any crowd. No wonder she’s the most eye-catching person here."

Wren Sutton responded with a graceful and dignified smile.

"Thank you all for your well wishes."

She bent down and carefully straightened the two children’s little outfits. Her touch was feather-light and affectionate, her eyes overflowing with a gentle, unwavering smile.

Everyone in the hall knew perfectly well that while this magnificent first birthday party was ostensibly for the two children, it was, in reality, Adrian Lancaster’s way of pouring out all his resources to bestow the ultimate honor and affection upon his wife.

Adrian Lancaster stood by Wren’s side the entire time. His tall, noble frame in a black suit gave off a sharp aura, but the icy, unapproachable coldness he usually projected had completely melted away. His eyes held only a tenderness reserved for his wife and children.

He raised a hand to gently brush a stray flower petal from her shoulder, the gesture natural and doting. He never strayed from her side, shielding her from all the surrounding hustle and bustle.

Amidst the splendor and the gathering of elites, under the watchful eyes of all, the two innocent and adorable children were the joyful focus of the party. But Wren Sutton was the most dazzling sight of the entire banquet.

She was enveloped in love, envied by the world, and placed on a pedestal by Adrian Lancaster.

The crowd was lively, the lights were as bright as the stars. All the splendor in the hall was a celebration, and all the everlasting affection was for one person alone.

At this moment, Wren Sutton embodied all the affection and supreme glory in the world. Amidst a hall full of sincere blessings, she became the irreplaceable, perfect, and brilliant heart of this top-tier gala.

Someone came forward, raising their glass to tease, "President Lancaster is the model of a doting husband. This grand birthday party is really all about giving Mrs. Lancaster the prestige she deserves."

Adrian Lancaster nodded slightly and took a small sip of his champagne, his gaze never leaving his wife.

"My wife deserves the best of everything in this world."

The simple sentence, both gentle and commanding, filled everyone present with envy.

When the auspicious time arrived, the most important part of the birthday banquet—the "zhuazhou," or first-catch ceremony—officially began.

A servant wheeled a platform covered with a brocade cushion to the center of the room.

Brushes, ink, and scrolls; an abacus and gold ingots; a seal and a jade pendant; a stethoscope; and miniature musical instruments were all neatly arranged, each symbolizing a different future path.

The first to be placed on the platform was the older brother, Owen Lancaster.

The one-year-old was dressed in a custom, gold-embroidered Tang suit. His features were a striking image of Adrian Lancaster’s, and he was calm and composed for his age, not crying or fussing in the slightest.

His dark eyes scanned the items on the platform. He tilted his head for a moment as if in thought, then reached out his little hand and grabbed the jade seal, which symbolized power and enterprise. His other hand then landed on the gilded abacus next to it.

The entire hall immediately erupted in enthusiastic applause.

"What a promising child! He grabbed the seal and the abacus. He’s destined to hold power, build a great business, and have excellent financial fortune!"

"So calm and composed! He already has the air of a leader at such a young age. He will surely achieve great things in the future!"

Next, his younger sister, Nina Lancaster, was gently placed on the platform.

The little girl wore a pink and white embroidered dress. Her lashes were long, and her eyes were as bright as water, looking just like the gentle and affectionate Wren Sutton.

She blinked her eyes innocently and let out a soft coo. Her little hand moved, precisely grabbing a scroll, while her other hand clutched a smooth jade peace medallion.

The scroll symbolized wisdom and knowledge, while the jade medallion signified a life of peace and good fortune.

The hall instantly filled with smiling faces, and the sounds of admiration were endless.

"The little princess is so gentle and bright, wise and clear-headed. May she have a life of peace, joy, and no worries!"

"A perfect pair of twins! One son to build an empire, one daughter to live in peace. The Lancaster family is truly overflowing with blessings!"

With the first-catch ceremony complete, thunderous applause filled the room and lingered for a long time.

Wren Sutton looked at her two well-behaved, sensible children, a gentle smile rippling in her eyes. Her expression curved into a crescent, full of happiness.

Adrian Lancaster reached out and gently wrapped an arm around her waist. His palm was warm and strong. From an angle no one could see, he lowered his head and rested it lightly against the crown of her head, his movements exceedingly gentle and affectionate.

"Darling, thank you for giving me a complete family. I love you, and I love our children."

This sensational, top-tier banquet in Aston became a story told for a long time to come within high-society circles.

「 ... 」

The day after the first birthday party, Adrian Lancaster produced a long-planned itinerary. He had decided to take his wife and children on a trip around the world.

He had helmed a business empire for many years. He had spent half his life fighting battles, strategizing, and making moves, never once having such a relaxed and leisurely time.

Before, he stood at the pinnacle of success to give the one he loved unparalleled glory.

Now, he was setting aside the glitz and clamor, all to accompany his wife and children on a journey across the world’s mountains and seas.

Wren Sutton was pleasantly surprised by the sudden trip around the world and felt incredibly happy.

Adrian Lancaster had arranged everything perfectly. An exclusive private jet was ready and waiting, with an entourage of medical staff, nannies, and butlers to accompany them for the entire trip.

He had prepared all the milk powder, baby food, clothes, toys, and common medicines that Owen and Nina would need...

Morning light spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the room with a cozy warmth.

At one year old, Owen and Nina had shed their newborn innocence and grown into soft, lively little toddlers.

Owen remained calm and quiet. When held in his father’s arms, his little hand would gently clutch the lapel of Adrian Lancaster’s suit, his dark eyes curiously observing everything around him. He was peaceful and well-behaved, never making a fuss.

Nina was clingy and sweet. She would snuggle in Wren Sutton’s arms, rubbing her little head against her mother’s neck and letting out sweet coos. Her tiny pink hands would grasp Wren’s hair, looking utterly charming and cute.

The family packed a few simple bags, bid farewell to the old Lancaster estate, and officially began their long, leisurely journey around the world.

The private jet took off, breaking through the clouds into a vast, clear, and bright sky.

The first stop on their journey was a southern, tropical island where it was spring all year round.

Far from the biting winter of Aston, here the sea breeze was gentle and warm sunlight was everywhere.

The clear, turquoise sea met the fine, white sand. Coconut groves swayed in the wind, and the air was filled with the fresh, gentle scent of greenery.

Adrian Lancaster canceled all outside interruptions, staying by his wife and children’s side without fail.

In the early morning, at the first light of dawn, he walked with Wren Sutton along the shore. They strolled barefoot on the soft sand, and when the sea breeze lifted her hair, he would raise his hand to tuck it behind her ear, his touch gentle and affectionate.

The morning light fell upon them, outlining a tender silhouette of them leaning against each other.

When the sun was just right, they took the two little ones to play by the sea.

Adrian Lancaster carefully held Owen, letting the child’s tiny feet touch the warm, fine sand. He taught him to recognize the waves, the seabirds, and the coconut trees.

The usually composed little boy showed a rare, childlike liveliness. He stared at the surging turquoise sea with curious eyes, waving his little hands gently.

Wren Sutton sat on a beach lounger, holding the sweet Nina in her arms. The little girl stared at the glittering surface of the water, her eyes crinkling into a smile. Her crisp laughter scattered in the sea breeze, sounding sweet and soothing.

When they grew tired, they would rest in their private seaside villa, where the floor-to-ceiling windows looked out onto the boundless ocean.

Adrian Lancaster would personally prepare formula for the two children and patiently wipe the sand from their little hands and feet, meticulous and hands-on in everything he did.

To the outside world, he was a formidable emperor of the business world; in front of his wife and children, he was the gentlest husband and the most patient father.

Avoiding the noisy crowds, they slowly journeyed through mountains and rivers, embarking on one romantic foreign adventure after another.

When they arrived at a small town in Veridia, it was the perfect time of spring. Fields of lavender bloomed wantonly across the hills, forming endless waves of purple. A gentle, warm breeze carried the fresh scent of flowers and herbs, filling the vintage cobblestone streets.

The alleyways were lined with low, softly-colored European-style buildings, their windowsills adorned with vibrant roses. Streetside stalls displayed handmade trinkets, vintage candies, and fresh flowers, weaving together a tapestry of everyday life and romance.

Adrian Lancaster pushed a custom double stroller, one hand holding Wren Sutton’s tightly, their fingers interlaced, as they walked at a slow and leisurely pace.

The streets had few tourists. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled light on them, creating an incredibly tender scene.

Wren Sutton was captivated by the dazzling array of handmade trinkets on the street. Her steps faltered slightly as her gaze fell upon a small baby’s hair clip inlaid with tiny pearls.

Adrian Lancaster instantly caught her subtle expression. Without her needing to say a word, he leaned in and asked softly, "Do you like it?"

Before she could answer, he had already stepped forward and calmly bought several of the most exquisite hair clips and small bow ties from the stall.

"They’re for Nina. Our little princess will definitely like them."

Wren Sutton’s eyes crinkled in a smile as she looked up at him. "Okay."

In the stroller beside them, Nina’s big, dark eyes were wide open. Her little hands gripped the edge of the stroller as she curiously watched the passersby and the blooming flowers, babbling as if in admiration of the beautiful scenery.

Owen, on the other hand, was leaning quietly against his cushion. He sat obediently, his little hands clutching a small wooden toy his father had just given him. His gaze was serene, but whenever Wren Sutton looked down at him, his eyes would gently curve into a smile.

They passed an open-air café on the street corner, from which lazy jazz music drifted out.

Adrian Lancaster had the accompanying staff watch the two children while he led Wren Sutton to a seat on one of the wicker chairs.

The sun was warm and a gentle breeze was blowing. He added sugar to her fruit tea and stirred it for her, his fingertips occasionally brushing against hers in a tender, affectionate touch.

"Being out and about is better than staying at home, isn’t it?" he asked in a low voice.

Wren Sutton nodded. Looking at the boundless spring scenery and the gentle man before her, she replied softly, "Anywhere is wonderful, as long as I’m with you and the children."

After a short rest, the two of them got up and continued their walk through the streets.

Adrian Lancaster always kept Wren Sutton on the inside of the sidewalk, positioning himself closer to the traffic and crowds, habitually protecting her.

A few days later, they bid farewell to the romantic sea of flowers in Veridia and headed to a seaside town in Crestoria.

The coastline was at its most gentle at dusk. The setting sun dyed the surface of the sea orange-red, and the evening breeze carried the moist scent of the ocean.

The streets were lined with fresh fruit stands and artisanal ice cream shops, their sweet aromas wafting through the air.

Wren Sutton hadn’t indulged in sweets for a long time. Gazing at the softly colored ice cream, she was so tempted she could barely walk away.

Adrian Lancaster saw this clearly and ruffled her hair with a look of helpless indulgence.

"Honey, you can have a little, but don’t eat too much cold food."

He personally stood in line to buy her a mini two-scoop ice cream cone and handed it to her. Then he carefully took out a wet wipe, ready to clean any smudges from the corners of her lips.

The setting sun cast a glow on his well-defined profile, softening his sharp aura and leaving only a gentle, affectionate warmth.

As Wren Sutton took small bites of her ice cream, she looked down and saw her son and daughter in the stroller.

Nina had her little head tilted, staring eagerly at the sweet treat in her mother’s hand. Her little mouth was slightly pouted in a charming, hungry expression.

Owen was much calmer, simply watching his mother quietly, his eyes bright and gentle.

She couldn’t help but laugh out loud, reaching out to gently poke Nina’s soft little cheek.

"You can’t eat this yet, sweetie. When you’re bigger, Mommy will bring you here to try every flavor of ice cream."

Watching his wife gently teasing the children, Adrian Lancaster took out his phone and secretly captured this tender moment in time.

He had rarely taken photos before; his phone’s gallery used to be filled with work documents and reports. Now, it contained thousands upon thousands of pictures, all of them frames of his wife and children’s smiling faces.

As night fell, the small town’s streets lit up with warm yellow lights, and the gentle sound of a guitar and singing drifted from a shop along the road.

Pedestrians strolled leisurely, and the evening breeze was soft and affectionate.

Adrian Lancaster pushed the stroller with one hand and wrapped the other around Wren Sutton’s waist, letting her lean gently against his shoulder.

They traveled through the snow-covered secret landscapes of Northern Europe, watching the aurora borealis fill the night sky with brilliant, flowing light, endlessly fantastical.

In the frigid, snowy country, they stayed in a cozy wooden cabin in the woods. Outside the window, white snow fell softly, while inside, the fireplace crackled, filling the room with warmth.

When the sun came out after a snowfall, Adrian Lancaster would wrap Wren Sutton’s coat tightly around her, tie her scarf, and take the family for a walk in the snow.

He held Owen in one arm and Wren Sutton’s hand with the other, while Wren held a bundled-up, round little Nina.

The little girl curiously reached out her hand to catch the delicate falling snowflakes. The cold sensation made her giggle softly, her sweet laughter echoing through the silent, snowy forest.

Owen rested on his father’s shoulder, his clear eyes gazing at the vast expanse of white. He quietly observed the unfamiliar snowy landscape, his steady nature ensuring he never panicked or fussed, even in a completely new environment.

When they were tired from playing, they would return to the cabin. Adrian Lancaster would personally warm the children’s hands and feet, prepare warm formula, and patiently lull the little ones to sleep.

Once the two children were sleeping soundly in their soft little beds and the only sound in the cabin was the gentle crackling of the fireplace, he would pull Wren Sutton to sit with him by the floor-to-ceiling window to admire the endless snowy fields and the starry sky outside.

"I used to think that standing at the top was the only way to protect you and give you a stable life," he said, gently hugging her from behind, his voice low and tender. "But later, I realized the most stable days are like this—seeing the world with you and watching our children grow up."

They walked through lively streets, watched sunsets over mountains and seas, trod through fields of flowers and plains of snow, and marveled at starry skies and auroras.

They traveled at their own pace, stopping whenever they pleased, not rushing their schedule or chasing time, completely free and at ease.

There was no backstabbing of the business world, no clamor of the city. Just day and night companionship, year after year of peace.

The once decisive and calculating Adrian Lancaster shed his sharp edges during this long journey.

He remembered all of Wren Sutton’s trivial preferences, patiently responded to every one of his children’s coos and babbles, and devoted all his gentleness and patience to them.

Amidst the beautiful scenery and overflowing affection, Wren Sutton became even more gentle and radiant. Her features were relaxed and graceful, and she was steeped in a sense of carefree happiness.

Every sunset, every sea of flowers, every night the aurora filled the sky—each moment was etched into the gentle years of their family’s life.

After traveling thousands of miles across the world, Adrian Lancaster finally understood that the ultimate perfection in life was not holding immense power or possessing endless wealth.

It was having a virtuous wife and peaceful children, with mountains and seas as their companions, never apart from morning to night, depending on each other year after year.

Three meals a day, through all four seasons, traveling the world—living up to the tenderness they shared, and making the most of every passing year.