The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第18章 Celebration and First Joy

     The soft glow of candlelight danced across smiling faces as Eden and Kenji remained wrapped in each other's arms. Around them, friends and family clapped and cheered, laughter and happy tears blending with the gentle hum of the ocean.

Ethan was the first to step forward, enveloping Eden in another hug. "I'm so proud of you, little sister," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. Kenji gave a respectful nod, and Ethan clapped him lightly on the shoulder. "You've got my blessing, man. Truly."

Eden pulled back slightly, still teary-eyed, and her gaze fell on her hand. The engagement ring was a masterpiece. A massive 20-carat oval-cut diamond dominated the setting, held securely by four platinum prongs. Its facets caught the candlelight, refracting it into a blinding, prismatic flash with every slight movement. The band was equally exquisite, paved with smaller, glittering diamonds that seemed to spill over the sides, adding to its breathtaking sparkle.

"I can't believe this..." she whispered. "It's... perfect."

Kenji smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "It's not just me. Mia made sure it was the perfect size, and Claire helped pick it out. They wanted you to have something that felt like you—grand, bold, and unforgettable."

Her mother stepped forward next, brushing a hand over Eden's hair. "You look so happy, sweetheart. And you've chosen well." She looked at Kenji fondly, as if measuring the weight of his heart and finding it worthy.

On the other side, Claire and Ayria exchanged a satisfied glance. Claire's eyes sparkled with a secret triumph, while Ayria's gentle smile radiated warmth. Both had orchestrated the day carefully, ensuring that everything—from the rose petals to the music to the ring itself—felt intimate and unforgettable.

Mia hovered nearby, discreetly handing out glasses of champagne, her subtle nudges encouraging laughter and cheers. "To Eden and Kenji," she called softly, raising her glass. "May this be just the first of countless celebrations together."

Eden and Kenji clinked their glasses, smiling through tears. Eden whispered, "I can't believe this... I can't believe you did all this."

Kenji pressed his forehead to hers. "It wasn't just me. Your family... Claire... Ayria... Mia. Everyone wanted this moment to be perfect. But it wasn't the setup, it wasn't the ring—it's you. It's us."

The family began to gather closer, forming a small circle around them. Laughter, chatter, and congratulations filled the air, blending seamlessly with the sound of the waves. Eden caught glimpses of familiar faces—some she hadn't seen in months, some she'd only seen in photos—and it all struck her anew: the love surrounding her was immense, unwavering, and real.

Claire stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Okay, lovebirds, enjoy your moment. But the night isn't over yet. Dinner, music, stories... we've got the whole evening planned."

Ayria followed, placing a hand gently on Eden's shoulder. "You're glowing, sis. I knew this day would be special—but seeing you like this... it's everything."

Eden turned to Kenji, laughing through tears. "I've never felt so... loved."

"Good," he murmured, pulling her close again. "Because this is just the beginning." He kissed her cheeks.

The sun dipped lower, casting the last streaks of gold and pink across the sky, the candles flickering in tandem. The family celebration continued, full of warmth, joy, and laughter. But in the center, Eden and Kenji held each other, savoring their first moments as fiancés, the world around them fading until all that remained was love, trust, and the promise of forever—sparkling brilliantly on Eden's finger with a ring as unforgettable as the moment itself.