Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Wait a minute, if I'm not mistaken, the Sullivan clan and the Dixon clan share some distant blood. Technically speaking, Scales should be calling you 'cousin' or something, right?"

That was also why Corley, despite being a businessman, was always treated like a VIP in the Dixon household.

They were relatives, after all!

Owen Reynolds cracked a slight smile, "Well, if Scales's friends are calling him that, I guess 'cousin' isn't too far off."

At that, Corley's face went dark as a thundercloud.

Sure, the Sullivan and Dixon families were related, but it was such a distant connection that saying they were "strangers" wouldn't be far off. Yet, Owen Reynolds somehow made this obscure family tie a topic of conversation, even suggesting it should affect how they address each other.

Roseanne, seizing the moment, chirped, "Hey, cousin!"

She nearly burst out laughing at her own words.

Corley was fuming.

Who wanted to be her 'cousin'?!

Geez-

"Mr. Sullivan" sounded way better than some 'cousin' title!

Oh, Owen Reynolds-

He'd remember this!

...

After dinner came the cake.

A square-shaped cake was brought out.

Laird patted his son on the back, smiling proudly, "Happy birthday, Scales. I hope you'll always be as sharp and distinct as this cake, not smoothing out your edges with age, not letting the years wear you down."

"Thanks, Dad."

Helga stood by Laird, waiting till he finished before adding, "Make a wish, my dear boy!"

This was the first time Scales's birthday was celebrated on such a grand scale.

Not just with grandparents and immediate family, but with a bunch of childhood buddies and two like- minded friends, he felt a warmth in his heart.

What used to feel awkward, the wish-making, suddenly felt just right.

He closed his eyes, took a moment, not overly dramatic, but when he opened them, his gaze was firm. With a smile, he blew out the candles.

Mamie led the applause.

The vibe was so contagious that everyone started clapping along.

When cutting the cake, Scales passed the first piece to Roseanne.

She was surprised, especially with elders around. Why her?

But then Scales said, "I rarely admire anyone, but you're an exception."

Battling against the odds, striving to survive in tough times, and pushing hard once a goal is set.

Smart, strong, cool-headed, and unique...

Roseanne had many qualities he aspired to.

Scales raised his glass, "To us, the Three Musketeers, may we always advance fearlessly and conquer all!"

Roseanne accepted the cake with a smile, feeling a rush of warmth, "Let's brave the thorns and ride the winds."

Mamie's eyes crinkled in amusement, "Exactly! The Unbridled Three Musketeers, our swords point where our hearts lead!"

The trio exchanged looks, full of youthful vigor.

Years later, Scales, sitting in his

university office, would recall this

moment and couldn't help but smile,

AQUAS

his eyes filled with nostalgia

Back then, they were filled with aspirations, boundless enthusiasm, and a resolve to reach the pinnacle,

no matter what.

The struggle and climb, not the

successes or failures, nor the

passage of time, were what defined those youthful days, making them

the most cherished memories.

Back to the present, seeing their son's gesture, Laird and Helga exchanged glances.

Helga hesitated before speaking, "Did our son just... come of age? It's the first time I've seen him

voluntarily give a girl a piece

cake."

of

Laird whispered, "What's the big deal? When I was twenty, I baked you a cake and fed you with my own hands..."

"Shh! Mind the occasion, will you? Can't believe you'd say that out loud..." Helga pinched him on the waist, her cheeks flushing red.

The two were childhood sweethearts, and their families were well-matched, making their union a foregone conclusion.