Chapter 17- Dinner together

The grand shopping center was a breathtaking display of opulence. Unlike the bustling open markets, this establishment was enclosed with a high ceiling.

The well-dressed clientele moved leisurely, their conversations hushed yet laced with an unmistakable air of prestige. Everywhere they looked, luxurious storefronts boasted lavish displays.

John and Noah stood before a massive window, showcasing a variety of fine accessories tailored for young gentlemen. Inside, rows of delicate cufflinks, brooches, lapel pins, and pocket watches glistened under soft lighting, each piece crafted with an artisan's meticulous care. Yet, despite the beauty before him, Noah stood frozen, his small hands pressed against the cool glass.

His crimson eyes darted left and right, shifting uneasily as he hummed in deep thought. His breath fogged up the glass as he leaned in closer in an attempt to scrutinize the items more thoroughly. But the more he looked, the less he understood. He had no sense of their value, nor could he discern what made one superior to another.

Despite being dressed in the finest garments himself, he had never been the one to choose them. John always provided his clothes, and he simply wore what was given to him.

Today was no different. He wore a beautifully tailored brown coat accompanied by equally fine brown trousers held up by dainty suspenders that added a youthful charm to his ensemble. A crisp white blouse peeked out from beneath his coat, its ruffled collar framing his delicate features. Atop his head, a neat beret sat slightly askew, lending him an air of effortless elegance.

Yet, despite his polished appearance, Noah felt utterly out of place.

Today was Lucien's birthday, and before heading to the restaurant, he needed to find the perfect gift. But how was he supposed to choose? He kept stopping in his tracks, his gaze darting from one store to another, unable to decide where to begin. There were simply too many choices.

John, who had been silently observing, let out a soft chuckle.

Deciding to step in, he spoke in a calm, reassuring tone. "Noah, Lucien's favorite color happens to be red," he said, watching as the boy immediately perked up. "And I noticed that he's running low on lapel pins."

Noah blinked up at him, the gears in his head turning as he processed the information. Finally, he nodded, looking determined.

With a newfound sense of purpose, they entered a boutique renowned for its fine accessories. The shop was lined with glass cases, each containing rows of meticulously crafted items that sparkled under the warm lighting. Noah took careful steps forward, his small hands hovering hesitantly over the displays as he scanned the selection.

Then, something caught his eye.

A lapel pin designed in the shape of a blooming rose, its delicate petals encrusted with deep ruby stones that gleamed like molten fire under the light. The gold framework curled gracefully around the petals, emphasizing their shape without overwhelming the delicate beauty of the gemstones.

Noah's eyes widened in admiration. "This one?" he said, his voice filled with slight uncertainty.

John smiled approvingly. "A fine choice."

With their selection made, they approached the counter. As the shop attendant prepared the packaging, he turned to them with a polite smile.

"Would you like to include a letter with the gift, young sir?"

Noah's fingers curled slightly, gripping the edges of his coat as his nerves crept in.

Writing a letter sounded... terrifying. He wasn't confident in his penmanship.

Sensing his hesitation, John gave him a gentle nudge. "It doesn't have to be perfect. It's the thought that matters," he reassured him.

Noah fidgeted, visibly torn. His lips parted as if to protest, but John only smiled and offered him a pen.

With visible reluctance, Noah took the pen and sat down at the writing desk provided. His crimson eyes glared at the blank paper as if it were his greatest foe. Then, after taking a deep breath, he began to write.

The pen wobbled slightly in his grasp, his small fingers gripping it a little too tightly. His brows furrowed in concentration, and his lips pursed as he carefully formed each letter. Occasionally, he would pause, glancing up at John for reassurance before continuing.

John, meanwhile, struggled to hold back his laughter. His eyes twinkled with mirth as he watched Noah wage a silent battle with the letter.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Noah finished.

The letter was slightly uneven, with obvious mistakes here and there, but it was heartfelt and sincere.

With a proud yet sheepish expression, Noah handed it over to the attendant. The gift was neatly wrapped, tied with a silk ribbon, and placed into an elegant gift bag along with the letter.

At last, their mission was complete.

Noah exhaled in relief as they exited the store, clutching the gift bag tightly. He glanced up at John as if seeking validation.

John smiled warmly and patted his head, making the boy smile sheepishly as they made their way to the restaurant.

- - - - - -

The late evening air carried a gentle chill, crisp and refreshing against the golden glow of the setting sun. As Lucien stepped out of the car, the soft lamplight caught the rich burgundy of his coat, making the fabric shimmer subtly. With an elegant flick of his wrist, he adjusted the hem, letting the perfectly tailored garment settle neatly over his shoulders.

The ensemble complemented his natural features flawlessly, and against the backdrop of the evening, he exuded an effortless confidence that drew attention without asking for it.

As he lifted his gaze, the Elysian Hotel loomed before him, standing tall against the evening sky. Towering pillars lined the entrance, adorned with intricate carvings that spoke of wealth and history. The golden glow from the chandeliers inside spilled onto the pristine marble steps, while a long red carpet stretched from the entrance, welcoming only the most distinguished guests.

Soft classical music played from within, its melody drifting through the air, mingling with the faint scent of fresh roses from the meticulously arranged floral displays near the entrance.

Lucien had barely taken a step forward when a staff member straightened at the sight of him before giving a deep, respectful bow.

"Good evening, Young Master Lucien," the man greeted smoothly, his voice steady with well-practiced politeness.

Lucien gave him a curt nod, acknowledging him without breaking stride as he entered the hotel. The soft click of his shoes echoed faintly against the marble floor of the grand lobby.

The air inside smelled of expensive perfume, and the warm ambiance enhanced the luxurious feel of the space.

A staff member guided Lucien down a quieter corridor, where the private dining rooms were located. Outside the entrance to his destination, a group of guards stood stationed, their presence an unspoken declaration of the importance of those inside.

The men were built like stone walls, tall and broad-shouldered, with their black uniforms pressed to perfection. Their expressions were carefully masked, and their postures remained rigid with discipline. Though they spoke no words, their watchful eyes scanned every movement in their vicinity, their mere presence enough to deter any who didn't belong.

Lucien barely spared them a glance. This was an expected sight, one that was far too familiar to hold any interest. He stepped past them and entered the private room as the staff bowed respectfully before retreating.

The air inside was warm, and the space was designed for both comfort and grandeur. A large, round table sat at its center, its surface polished to a flawless shine, covered with an elegant silk tablecloth embroidered in fine thread.

Every piece of decor was flawless, but the most breathtaking feature of the room was its outside view. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched along one wall, revealing a mesmerizing scene of the vast ocean. The setting sun cast a breathtaking display of warm hues across the sky, its golden glow shimmering across the gentle waves. It was a sight fit for nobility, a reminder of the world's beauty reserved for those who lived above it.

Lucien's golden eyes fell upon the two figures seated at the table.

John sat with his usual composed demeanor, his expression calm yet carrying its characteristic air of quiet authority.

Beside him, Noah sat obediently, his small frame nearly swallowed by the plush chair.

Lucien's gaze lingered on Noah for a moment. The boy was watching him with wide, round eyes, his expression filled with unmistakable fondness. His soft frame was a stark contrast to the usual rigid formality of their surroundings.

The boy looked picture-perfect in his neatly buttoned brown coat, his small hands resting against his lap. A beret sat snugly atop his head, making him resemble a delicate portrait of a noble child.

A smirk tugged at Lucien's lips at the sight. Looks like a potato.

Approaching the table, he greeted his father first with his usual polished politeness. "Good evening, Father."

John acknowledged him with a nod before gesturing toward Noah. "He's been waiting for you. Though he seems a little nervous since you two haven't seen each other for a few weeks."

Lucien turned his gaze back to Noah, watching as the boy fidgeted slightly in his seat.

"How have you been, Noah?" Lucien asked smoothly.

Noah nodded shyly. "Um… good."

Lucien simply smiled, the same smile he always carried.

Noah, however, was visibly restless. His hands gripped a small bag in his lap, his fingers tightening around the handles as if contemplating something. After a moment of hesitation, he took a quiet breath before holding it out toward Lucien.

"Happy birthday, Brother Lucien."

Lucien accepted the gift with graceful ease, his golden eyes flickering with mild curiosity.

"Thank you, Noah," he said smoothly, his voice as composed as ever. "How thoughtful of you."

Noah's soft, round cheeks were dusted pink at the compliment.

With that, the evening settled into a more relaxed rhythm. The three of them turned their attention to the menu, ordering their meal as the rich ambiance of the room set the tone for a refined yet intimate dinner.

Beyond the vast windows, the last remnants of sunlight disappeared into the endless waves, leaving only the gentle glow of night lights and the quiet elegance of the evening behind.