The Russian Billionaire's Secret Heir

Chapter 25

After the adults chatted for a while, Seb's attention was drawn to the sound of laughter coming from the backyard. "I'll be right back," he said, grinning as he made his way outside.

"Hey, my boy!" he shouted, his voice booming with excitement. Inigo turned, his eyes lighting up, and he ran toward Seb with uncontainable joy.

"Dad!" Inigo exclaimed, his face breaking into a wide grin as he jumped into Seb's arms.

Seb lifted him effortlessly, holding him high as laughter echoed in the air. "Look at you, all grown up!" he said, clearly enjoying their time together.

Meanwhile, one of Iris's friends leaned closer to her, a teasing smile on her face. "You are very lucky, Iris. You have Sebastian Santini," she remarked, her tone light but sincere.

Iris couldn't help but smile as she watched the two of them. The sight of Seb holding Inigo, both of them full of joy, filled her heart with warmth. It was a beautiful moment—one that encapsulated the bond they were building as a family.

"He's wonderful with him," Iris replied, her voice soft with affection. "I knew from the start he'd be a great dad."

Her friends exchanged knowing glances, clearly thrilled for Iris. "It's so nice to see you happy like this," another friend added, raising her glass in a small toast. "To family!"

Iris raised her own glass, her heart brimming with gratitude. "To family," she echoed, glancing back outside just in time to see Seb and Inigo playing a game of tag, their laughter mingling in the warm breeze.

The scene before her was a perfect snapshot of love and connection, and in that moment, she felt a deep sense of fulfillment.

With the support of her friends and the love of Seb and Inigo, she knew she was ready for whatever the future held.

*An hour later*

"It is an honor to meet a lovely person like you, Iris, and your joyful son, Inigo," one of Iris's friends said warmly as the time came to say goodbye.

She smiled at both of them, her eyes filled with genuine affection. "Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything."

"Absolutely," another friend chimed in, wrapping her arms around Iris and Inigo for one last heartfelt hug. "You're family, and we're always here for you."

After a flurry of hugs and well-wishes, Iris felt a bittersweet pang in her heart as she watched her friends prepare to leave.

The warmth of their support had been a comforting balm during a time of transition, and she knew she would miss them dearly.

As the last goodbyes were exchanged, Iris and Inigo stood together, enveloped in Seb's strong embrace. He held them both tightly, a sense of calm washing over the trio.

"Can you believe how much has changed?" Iris said softly, looking up at Seb with a smile. "I'm so grateful for all of this."

Seb nodded, his eyes reflecting the same warmth. "It's incredible. You have a beautiful life here, and I'm glad to be a part of it," he replied, glancing down at Inigo, who was nestled comfortably in his arms.

Inigo looked up at his mother and Seb, his face alight with happiness. "Can we play now?" he asked, his excitement bubbling over.

"Absolutely!" Seb said, setting Inigo down gently but keeping a hand on his shoulder. "What do you want to play?"

As they moved into the backyard, the air filled with laughter and joy once more. The moment of saying goodbye lingered in the air, but it was quickly replaced by the sound of playful shouts and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.

In that moment, surrounded by love and connection, Iris felt a renewed sense of purpose. With Seb by her side and Inigo's laughter filling the air, she was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead, knowing that together they could face anything that came their way.

Just then, the sound of cheerful chatter and laughter reached Iris's mother and the maids as they returned from grocery shopping. They approached the backyard, arms full of bags, and paused to take in the scene before them.

Iris, Seb, and Inigo were playing a lively game, their joy evident as they chased each other around. The sight was heartwarming, a snapshot of a happy family enjoying each other's company.

Iris's mother smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "Look at them," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "I hope they know this every day."

One of the maids nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with affection. "It's beautiful to see them so happy together," she said. "I hope they continue to share these moments."

Another maid chimed in, her tone more contemplative. "I hope they become a complete family... you know, a family in every sense of the word."

Iris's mother glanced at her, understanding the sentiment behind her words. "Yes, a complete family," she echoed, a hint of longing in her voice.

"But I think they're already on their way. The love and connection they share are what truly matter."

As they stood together, watching the three of them, Iris's mother felt a renewed hope. She had always dreamed of seeing Iris find happiness, and now, witnessing her daughter's joy alongside Seb and Inigo filled her with a deep sense of fulfillment.

"Let's leave them alone," she said, breaking into a smile. "Let's cook lunch for all of us."