Her Song, His Heart

Epilogue: Forever After

The mansion stood silent, bathed in the soft golden glow of a late afternoon sun. Ivy crept along the walls, the soft hum of wind brushing against the sprawling gardens filled with roses, lilacs, and peonies. Inside, the grandeur of old money radiated from every corner—polished marble floors, intricate crown moldings, and antique furniture with gilded accents.

In the nursery, however, all the elegance faded into a quiet warmth. A room filled with soft pastel hues, rocking chairs, and shelves of picture books stood as a testament to a new chapter in the life of Hyunjin and Manon.

Manon stood in front of a large window, holding her newborn daughter in her arms. Her waist-length curls cascaded over her shoulders, and her icy blue eyes shimmered with tears as she gazed at the tiny bundle. The baby, wrapped in a soft pink blanket, yawned, her delicate features glowing with innocence.

Hyunjin entered the room quietly, a mug of tea in one hand and a soft smile on his face. He paused in the doorway, taking in the sight of his wife and daughter, a sense of overwhelming gratitude washing over him.

“Do you ever feel like it’s all a dream?” Hyunjin asked softly as he walked over to her.

Manon turned to him, her smile radiant. “Every day. But then I look at her, and I know it’s real.”

Hyunjin placed the mug on the windowsill and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “I can’t believe we’re parents.”

“You’re a natural,” Manon teased. “Who knew the man who trips over his own feet during choreo would be so good at rocking a baby to sleep?”

Hyunjin chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. “She’s perfect, just like her mother.”

Manon blushed but didn’t protest, her attention turning back to their daughter. “We still haven’t decided on a name,” she murmured.

Hyunjin smiled mischievously. “I still think Hyunjina is a great choice.”

Manon rolled her eyes but laughed. “Not happening. How about Elyse? It’s elegant, timeless.”

Hyunjin considered it for a moment, then nodded. “Elyse Hwang. It’s beautiful. Just like her.”

Manon smiled, leaning into him. “Our little Elyse.”

The baby stirred slightly, her tiny hand peeking out of the blanket and clutching at the air. Hyunjin reached out, letting her grab onto his finger. His heart swelled at the sight.

“Do you think she’ll be like you or me?” Manon asked, her voice soft.

“I hope she gets your creativity and resilience,” Hyunjin replied. “But maybe my patience?”

Manon raised an eyebrow. “Patience? Hyunjin, you once yelled at a toaster because it took too long.”

Hyunjin laughed, his head tilting back as the sound filled the room. “Okay, fine. Maybe just my charm, then.”

Manon grinned, resting her head against his shoulder. “She’s going to be her own person, and I can’t wait to see who she becomes.”

They stood there in comfortable silence, the weight of the moment sinking in. This was their life now—a life they had built together, full of love, laughter, and the promise of a bright future.

As the sun set over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Hyunjin and Manon made their way downstairs, Elyse cradled securely in Manon’s arms.

The rest of the group was waiting in the grand living room, a mix of excitement and adoration on their faces as they cooed over the newest addition to the family. Amara, Hannah, and Bang Chan were among the first to rush over, each fighting for their turn to hold the baby.

“This house is going to be full of noise soon,” Chan said with a proud smile as he gently rocked Elyse in his arms.

“Good,” Manon replied, leaning into Hyunjin. “That’s how it should be.”

Hyunjin wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. “Here’s to our forever,” he murmured.

Manon smiled up at him, her eyes filled with love. “Here’s to our forever.”

And as laughter and joy echoed through the halls of their mansion, Manon and Hyunjin knew that they had found something truly timeless—each other. Forever.