☆Chapter 39: The Never-Ending Birthday☆

Seraphina De Luca's 18th Birthday Debut is lasting for 1 week.

"Another one?" Matteo's voice echoed through the De Luca mansion, his tone laced with disbelief as yet another luxurious gift was carried into the grand hall.

"That's the seventh Cartier bracelet today," Lucian muttered, eyebrows furrowed as he glanced at the velvet box being carefully placed with the others.

"Correction." Nonno's voice boomed with amusement as he strode in, a glass of whiskey in hand. "That's the eighth. The seventh was a diamond necklace from the Riccis."

The mountain of gifts surrounding Seraphina was getting out of control.

Gold jewelry. Limited edition bags. Exotic cars. Land titles. Even a private island.

But none of them mattered.

Seraphina sat on the velvet couch, her chin resting on her palm, her expression blank.

"Bored already, bambina?" Nonno smirked.

"This is getting ridiculous." Seraphina sighed, her eyes trailing over the endless display of wealth in front of her.

"That's what happens when the most powerful families want to get in your good graces," Matteo quipped, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.

"I swear if one more person sends a yacht…" Lucian muttered, shaking his head.

☆☆☆

Day after day, the gifts kept pouring in.

Day 2: The Romanos sent a fleet of Italian sports cars.

Day 3: The Costas gifted an entire vineyard in Tuscany.

Day 4: A prince from Monaco tried to offer a private island.

Day 5: An oil tycoon sent an ancient artifact believed to be blessed by the gods.

Day 6: A Hollywood director offered her a starring role in his next film.

"For the love of God," Seraphina groaned, burying her face in her hands.

"They're not even subtle anymore," Lucian deadpanned.

"What's next? A throne?" Matteo chuckled.

Nonno took a sip of his whiskey, smirking.

"Wouldn't surprise me."

☆☆☆

Despite the overwhelming show of wealth and power, none of the gifts held a candle to what Lorenzo had given her.

A star.

Her own star.

A real star.

Visible every night above the De Luca mansion.

Her star.

And everyone knew it.

"They can try," Matteo muttered under his breath, watching another delivery of gold-plated furniture being brought in. "But no one's beating Lorenzo's star."

"They don't stand a chance," Lucian agreed, arms crossed.

Even the most powerful men in the mafia world had to admit defeat.

No amount of wealth could outshine the sentiment behind Lorenzo's gift.

☆☆☆

By the end of the week, Seraphina's patience had worn thin.

"Papa…" Seraphina approached Lorenzo in his study, her tone dripping with frustration.

Lorenzo looked up from his paperwork, his cold, calculating eyes immediately softening when he saw her.

"What is it, dolcezza?"

"Make it stop."

Lorenzo raised a brow.

"The gifts. The constant attention. It's too much."

"They're just showing respect, Sera."

"By sending me literal islands?" She huffed, crossing her arms.

"They're desperate to gain your favor," Lorenzo explained calmly, though his jaw tightened slightly.

"I don't need their attention."

"But they need yours."

Seraphina groaned.

"Papa… I just want a normal birthday next year."

"Define normal."

"Like… ice cream and cake."

Lorenzo blinked.

"You want ice cream?"

"And cake."

"…I can arrange that."

"Without gold flakes and inedible jewels on it."

"…No promises."

Seraphina sighed.

Nonno and Matteo walked in, clearly overhearing the conversation.

"Bambina, you're part of the De Luca family." He grinned, his tone light but firm. "Normal doesn't exist for us."

"Nonno…"

"Besides," Nonno winked, his smile widening. "Admit it… you liked watching them try and fail to outshine your Papa's gift."

Seraphina's lips twitched.

"Maybe a little."

"A little?" Matteo scoffed. "You were smirking the entire time."

"I was not!"

"Oh, you definitely were."

"Shut up, Matteo."

As the banter continued, Lorenzo's eyes softened.

His daughter.

Even as the world fought for her favor, she remained true to herself.

And while Seraphina might not realize it yet…

The future of the De Luca family was in good hands.

"Dolcezza… they can give you the world… but you already own the stars."

And in that moment…

Seraphina knew… nothing could ever top that.