Author's Notes : Amidst all the darkness and chaos in the story, I thought a chapter like this was much needed. Also, for anyone not familiar with what The Game of Life board game is, here's a short video-
It was a late April afternoon. The summer heat was at its peak. There was hustle around the Reed residence because someone had forgotten to order the birthday cake, and Ariel was making a last-minute fix in the kitchen. Leander, Seydon and Kaidon were forcefully kicked out of the premises, while Rihanna was allowed to stay because even if she sucked at baking, she wasn't a nuisance, unlike the men in the house.
Seydon: How is it my fault when I delegated the task to Mr Smelly Farts here? He is the one who forgot to order the cake!
Kaidon: Okay, first thing, my farts do not smell!
Leander: Is that seriously the first thing you have to say to Seydon?
Ariel: Can everyone please just shut up and focus on cleaning the house?
Alex (voicing from behind the main door): Hey guys, can I come in now?
Griffin (voice coming from the same direction but sounding more bored): I thought this was supposed to be a surprise party. Can I leave already?
Ariel: No! Both of you stay put for another two minutes!
Griffin: He's the birthday boy. But why am I not allowed to enter either?
Rihanna: Well, you were late, and we cannot have you ruining the surprise!
Alex: I mean, I already know what's going on inside.
The entire gang: SHUT UP, ALEX!
A destroyed batter, a beating for Seydon after accidentally tripping and dropping the batter, an unsuccessful attempt by Alex to get inside through the window, and five episodes of a sitcom later, everyone was finally seated around the centre table in the living room, celebrating Alex's birthday. While Seydon was salivating over another slice of the chocolate-flavoured cake, Rihanna and Alex were setting up the table for a board game, and Kaidon and Griffin were engaged in an arm wrestling match that nobody was interested in watching. The two young heirs of rivalling families with Ariel as the only common denominator between them still couldn't see eye to eye with each other despite the truce being re-established.
Meanwhile, Ariel and Leander were having an awkward chat in the kitchen. It was evident from the discomfort on his face how much he longed to hug his daughter. The two had come to an understanding, but they had to keep up appearances for the sake of the people who didn't know the truth. Leander barely caressed her head before bidding everyone a good night and heading off upstairs to his room.
Griffin: Are you sure you want to be the Banker, Alex? You are the birthday kid. Don't you wish to be more involved?
Alex: Uh, let me correct you there. First off, I am not a kid. Second, it's my birthday is exactly why I get to choose to be the Banker. This is going to be the most fun job for me.
Kaidon: I thought it was supposed to be a four-player game?
Rihanna: Oh, yes, but we got it custom-made for us. Seydon helped us with that.
Seydon (proudly blowing air into his nails): Spending some time with the research team helped me build a good rapport with everyone. I can get anything done with a few kind words.
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Red Princess
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