Chapter 6 - The Feast of the Reborn
One year later.
The lawns of the Villarreal estate were decorated with thousands of fairy lights, cast under a clear, star-studded summer night sky. The air was filled with the delicious scent of traditional roasted meats, fresh pastries, and the beautiful melodies of a live mariachi band playing near the fountains.
It was Renata’s fifth birthday party—the first real birthday celebration she had ever had.
Two hundred guests, including the city's top executives, family friends, and community leaders, filled the gardens. But the hierarchy of high society didn't matter tonight. The center of attention was the little girl in the white lace dress who was currently running across the grass, chasing fireflies with her new school friends.
Alejandro stood on the grand terrace, a glass of champagne in his hand, his arm wrapped securely around Elena’s waist. Elena wore a stunning emerald dress, a beautiful diamond ring sparkling on her left hand—a testament to the private, beautiful wedding ceremony they had shared two months prior.
"Look at her," Alejandro murmured, his gaze locked on Renata, who had just fallen down on the grass, only to bounce right back up, laughing hysterically as she dusted off her knees. "I used to think that power meant control. It meant ensuring nothing could touch you."
Elena leaned her head against his shoulder, her hand resting over his heart. "And what does it mean now?"
"It means having something worth protecting," Alejandro smiled, kissing the crown of her head. "It means knowing that no matter how dark the night gets, the morning always comes if you're willing to fight for it."
Doña Lupita walked out onto the terrace, holding a massive, four-tiered birthday cake covered in pink frosting and sugar flowers. "Don Alejandro, Doña Elena! It’s time for the cake! The birthday girl is waiting!"
Alejandro and Elena walked down the stone steps, joining the crowd of guests surrounding the central table. Renata rushed forward, jumping straight into Alejandro’s arms. He lifted her effortlessly, placing her gently onto his shoulder so she could see everyone.
The crowd began to sing the traditional birthday song, their voices rising up into the warm summer night.
Renata looked down at the cake, her eyes reflecting the glowing light of the five small candles. She didn't look pale. She didn't look tired. Her hands didn't tremble. She was a child loved, cherished, and completely secure in the fortress her father had built out of pure devotion.
"Make a wish, sweetheart," Alejandro whispered in her ear.
Renata turned her head, planting a big, messy kiss on his cheek, then turned to Elena, doing the same.
"I don't need to wish for anything, Daddy," Renata chirped happily, her voice carrying over the music. "I already have everything."
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With a deep breath, she blew out the candles, and the entire estate erupted into a loud, joyous cheer. Fireworks burst over the lake, painting the night sky in brilliant shades of gold, crimson, and blue.
Alejandro held his family tight against his chest, looking up at the glittering lights. The dark memories of the metronome, the cold floors, and the cruel punishments had faded into the shadows of the past. Under this roof, there would never be silence again. There would only be light, laughter, and a love that could never be broken.
