𝐈𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 | Levi Ackerman X Reader

| CHAPTER 5 |

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- 1 YEAR AGO -

It was Grisha Jaeger's 50th birthday, and as he did every year, he organized an event with his entire family and close friends to celebrate.

He always likes to keep these kinds of gatherings because he knows he doesn't need a huge party, especially at his age, to enjoy his birthday and he'd like to keep it this way for the rest of his birthdays if he was completely honest.

He never did anything extravagant, but as usual, after his family found out about what he wanted to do for his birthday, they took the reins and jumped on board with the preparations. Though, deep down he knew it was just to stay in his good graces.

He decided that he'd let them take charge and go the extra mile for his birthday, because the truth is, he wasn't getting any younger, and all he really wanted was to hold a gathering in his own home and take a family picture with his loved ones.

Which is why he's thankful that his family members listened to what he wanted and now, he was exactly where he hoped to be

It was no secret that Grisha's wealth has led him to have a rather...humble home. He had a backyard that was more than big enough to fit what he needed for this gathering. Currently, he was sitting at the head of a long dining table that was set up outside with a centerpiece in the middle that held Grisha's favorite arrangement, utensils, plates, and so on.

Behind Grisha, there was a 3 layer-tiered cake that had the words 'Happy Birthday, Father' on icing. Across the yard there was a table with empty glasses lined up, and ready to be used. There was also a catering service with chefs standing alongside the table of refreshments and drinks. Everything seemed to be in order, just as Grisha wanted it.

All Grisha was doing now was sitting in his respective seat, with his cane propped up against the table next to him, waiting for his family to arrive. He was also wearing his sharpest suit to go with the occasion. As he did, he closed his eyes for a moment and heard the sounds of nature around him.

There was so much greenery in his backyard, that he was rather proud of growing, and that he was happy to have the opportunity to come outside to see whenever he wanted to. He liked listening to the sounds of birds chirping, leaves rustling, the breeze against him. It was perfect.

As he continued to wait, Grisha held this resting hardened look on his face that never failed to scare off and intimidate the rest of his family. It never failed to make them always try extra hard to make a good impression in front of him.

He was the chairman of an entire enterprise after all, and also head of the family. His life experience accounted for the respect his entire family wanted to show in front of him, especially his own children.

Grisha knew the gathering was about to begin when he suddenly heard footsteps coming down the stairs that led down to his yard and where the party was set up. Without turning his head, he knew exactly who it was.

His first born, Zeke Jaeger, suddenly took the last step of the stairway and began to make his way over to his father. His associate, Yelena was following close behind him, displaying an appearance of respect towards Grisha when she saw the chairman turn his head and look up to make eye-contact with Zeke and her.

Yelena went wherever Zeke went, and at this point, she never missed one of these events if she wasn't family. She oversees and arranges anything that Zeke needs in and out of his company. It's clear to everyone else that spending so much time with Zeke means that she has secrets that she has never divulged to anyone. Career-ending secrets, at that.

She is completely devoted to fulfilling his every wish that it was starting to become creepy. Every time you saw Yelena at a gathering, you knew that the way she acted came from her fear of Zeke and she never dares to challenge or oppose him. You'd find it very chilling how she's always looking for his approval, not only from him, but also from Grisha at times.