"My, aren't you all adorable?" Sophia smiled as she leaned forward to get a better look at the children.

The children, growing increasingly bashful, huddled together. "Erm..."

"Aw, how sweet," Sophia said, placing a fist over her heart. "Don't be shy."

"Well, come on in," Sarrah insisted.

The children timidly crossed the threshold and entered through the wide-open front door, their parents following closely behind.

"Are you all feeling hungry?" Bethany asked as they made their way to the lobby.

"Mhm!" Jean nodded vigorously.

"To the dining room, then!" Edgar suggested with a playful smile.

Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, George, and Jean's steps were slower than a turtle's—as if an invisible force was holding them back from fully entering.

Oliver knelt behind his children and spoke gently. "Hey, why are you feeling so shy? This is your new home now."

     As Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, George, and Jean entered the lobby, they found a spacious room that boasted a grand staircase, gracing the area with its presence. Tilting their heads in unison, they marvelled at the sight of a chandelier, its golden and pearly glow captivating their attention. Their jaws dropped as they took in the intricate artistic details carved into the wooden panelling.

     The children's eyes wandered, and they found themselves walking on a plush, red carpet that covered the polished wooden floor. Their smiles couldn't be contained as awe swept over them, leaving them breathless. They admired the beauty within the room, realizing that each corner held countless treasures, with gold accents painting the walls.

     As Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, George, and Jean entered the dining room, they discovered a long table encircled by numerous chairs. Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the room in a heavenly glow. Gasping in surprise, their eyes widened at the sight before them.

     A feast lay spread across the table, glistening like the morning sun. In the centre towered a three-layered cake, its creamy frosting as white as vanilla. Steam rose from the spaghetti, pork barbecue, roasted chicken, and poached salmon, their scents wafting into everyone's nostrils. Chocolate cupcakes flooded a plate, while fruit baskets overflowed with grapes, bananas, and apples, completing the lavish display.

     The extraordinary sight triggered rumbling stomachs, urging the children to sprint towards the tempting feast. Yet, their bashfulness held them back, preventing even a single step. With sparkly eyes, they glanced at their parents, silently seeking approval.

"Go on," Oliver smirked.

     The children rush towards the nearest chairs, their eyes shining with hunger. They settle into their warm, comfortable seats and gawk at the meals steaming enticingly before them. Giggles of excitement escape their lips, and their hands tremble with delight as they await the adults' arrival to join them at the table.

     Oliver and Gregory pull their chairs and take a seat. Frederick, Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany join, gathering around the table. All eyes lock on the little ones as their cheerful expressions fill the room with innocence. Grins spread across the faces of the adults, their hearts brimming with joy as they witness the beaming happiness that illuminates the children's faces.

"Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, George," Oliver called out to the children. "Jean."

"Hm?" they responded.

"Welcome to your new home. This place is now yours, and you're free to make yourselves as comfortable as possible," said Oliver.

"So, let's dig in!" Gregory giggled, raising a serving spoon and encouraging them to begin their meal.

     Everyone takes their service spoons and scoops the delicious meals onto their porcelain plates. Meanwhile, attentive maids step forward and pour red wine into the adults' glasses, the liquid sparkling like crystal rubies when kissed by the light. The children receive only glasses of milk, a delightful treat for them.

     Jean glances to his left, where he immediately spots five cupcakes on a nearby plate. His rumbling stomach urges him to take one, and his tongue demands a taste. With swift hands, he grabs a cupcake and begins licking the icing.

As the delightful aroma of the meal filled the air, Oliver discreetly raised a closed fist to his lips, clearing his throat with a soft cough, capturing the attention of everyone around the table. "Ahem," he began, capturing their focus.

"Hmm," the children responded, their chewing slowing as they listened.

"I want to introduce you to your grandfather, Mr Frederick, my Dad," Oliver gestured towards Frederick with an open palm.

"Hello!" the children waved at Frederick.

Frederick waved back, his soft giggle blending with their joy.

"This is your uncle, Edgar," Oliver introduced Edgar, pressing his lips together as he contained his laughter.

Edgar's eyes widened, and he almost choked on his food. "I'm an uncle now!?" he gasped.

"Mhmh," Oliver raised his eyebrows, confirming the unexpected news. He then turned his attention to the ladies, gently pointing with open palms. "And these are your aunts—Sophia, Sarrah, and Bethany."

"I feel truly blessed to be their aunt," Sophia murmured to Sarrah and Bethany.

Suddenly, Albert's voice burst out. "Wow...!" He slammed his palms on the table, unable to contain his astonishment. "I can't believe I'm adopted by Mr Oliver—the Remaining Podeshire!"

Oliver chuckled warmly at Albert's reaction. "Oh, Albert," Oliver said with a grin.

Albert turned his head towards Oliver, a smile spreading across his face. "Ha?" he replied, intrigued.

"You have the same hair colour as my father," said Oliver. "His name was also Albert."

"What a coincidence," Gregory remarked, taking a bite of barbecue from his fork.

Albert's eyes narrowed as curiosity washed over him like a wave on a seashore. "Wait a second!" He babbled, "I thought Grandpa's name was Mr Frederick, not Albert." Placing a finger under his lips, he pondered, "Who is the other Albert, then?"

Gregory chuckled and leaned in. "Well, think about it," he said mischievously, "You have two grandfathers. One is from parent one, and the other is from parent two."

Albert's face lit up with realization. "Ohh!" he gasped. He then tilted his head. "...I don't get it."

"Is that why we have two fathers?" Victoria curiously asked, seeking clarity.

Oliver giggled and shrugged in response. "Hehe, well..." Unexpectedly, Oliver felt a gentle nudge against his arm as he took a small, modest bite from his spoon. He turned his head and found Gregory leaning closer, his lips near his ear.

"Oli, I think... it might be best if we don't share our difficult past with the children just yet. We don't want to make them uncomfortable," Gregory whispered, offering a thoughtful suggestion.

Oliver nodded. "I think you're right."

Suddenly, a glass clanged, resonating like a ringing bell, capturing everyone's attention.

All eyes turned to Frederick, who stood up with a glass brimming with red wine. "Uh... a toast! A toast to my son and his spouse for their beautiful act of adopting children! May this moment mark the beginning of a new and joyful life for their children in the embrace of their new home!"

The adults raised their wine glasses high in the air while the children held their glasses of milk. Together, they lifted their respective vessels and raised a toast, savouring a sip from their glasses.

"A toast!"