Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 57

Twenty years later, their house was filled with life and laughter.

Ada stood on the balcony, coffee in hand, watching the twins argue over who got to use the mirror first. Adriel, with her long silky hair, pouted and stomped a foot.

"Raiden, move! I have a shoot today! Do you want me to be late?"

Raiden, calm as ever, leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed. "You don't need another fifteen minutes to look perfect. You already look fine."

Adriel shot him a glare but smiled anyway. "You're lucky you're cute. Move."

Ada chuckled softly. They reminded him so much of himself and Rhythm when they were younger — Adriel, full of sunshine and soft smiles, Raiden, stoic and composed but with eyes that softened whenever he looked at his family.

Behind him, a pair of arms slid around his waist.

"You're smiling," Rhythm's voice murmured against his ear. "What are you thinking about?"

Ada leaned back into him, the years etched softly on both of their faces but their love still warm. "Just... how loud the house is now. I love it."

Rhythm kissed his temple. "I love you. And for the record, I still hate it when Aiden works too much and forgets to call."

Ada rolled his eyes but smiled. "He's running an entire hotel chain and a baking school, Rhythm. He got that from me, you know. The passion for baking. The workaholic part? Definitely from you."

Rhythm grinned and turned Ada around, trapping him gently against the balcony railing. "Doesn't matter where he got it from. I just don't like sharing your attention with anyone — even our kids."

Ada laughed softly, pressing a hand to Rhythm's chest. "After all these years, you're still jealous?"

Rhythm's voice was low, teasing. "Always. You're mine, Ada. I warned you twenty years ago I wasn't letting go. I meant it."

Before Ada could respond, a voice called out from downstairs.

"Mom! Dad!" Aiden's familiar voice rang through the house. "Breakfast is ready!"

Ada smiled, his heart full. "Come on, let's go before Raiden eats all the pancakes."

Aiden stood proudly behind the kitchen island, wiping flour off his apron. "Okay, everyone, sit. This is a new recipe I want you to taste."

Adriel skipped to the table, grabbing the first plate. "If it's by my big brother, it's perfect!"

Raiden rolled his eyes but quietly served Ada first, his favorite person in the house. "Here, Mom."

Ada's heart melted at the small gesture. Raiden rarely spoke much, but his actions always spoke loudly.

Rhythm sat beside Ada, casually draping an arm around his shoulders. "Why is everyone acting like this is a normal breakfast? We should celebrate — our daughter just booked another magazine cover, and our son's baking school just opened its 5th branch."

Adriel giggled. "Dad, you're making Mom blush again."

Ada swatted Rhythm lightly, cheeks pink. "Stop it, Rhythm."

But Rhythm just smirked. "What? I'm proud of you. Proud of all of you. This is my family — my whole world."

For a moment, the kitchen was quiet, everyone smiling. Then Raiden muttered under his breath, "Corny."