Lilith Simmer

Hiii! You can call me Lilith :) I write Sims stories and play legacy challenges! This navigation post was totally inspired by @simscici's ! I tried, hers is much better, of course haha <3

For all the NSFW posts in my story, go to my Pillowfort!

I've also been posting my stories at my Bluesky first!

Btw, I'm Brazilian, so if you are too, feel free to chat in Portuguese with me! 😊

✦ Legacy Rules ✦ Founder Introduction ✦ First Episode ✦ Latest Episode ✦ Episode List ✦ Family Tree ✦

✦ Legacy Rules ✦ Summaries of the Past Gens ✦ First Episode (posted here) ✦ Latest Episode ✦ Episode List ✦ Family Tree ✦

✦ Legacy Rules ✦ Founder Introduction ✦ First Episode ✦ Latest Episode ✦ Episode List ✦ Family Tree ✦

✦ Legacy Rules ✦ Founder Introduction ✦ First Episode ✦ Latest Episode ✦ Episode List ✦ Family Tree ✦ ---- I've also created two Legacy Challenges so far! Find more info about them clicking either of the links below:

🏛️ THE OLYMPIANS LEGACY CHALLENGE -- RULES 🏛️

🧜‍♀️ MERMAID TALES LEGACY CHALLENGE -- RULES 🧜‍♀️

Duane's family is very happy about the news of a baby coming, specially his sister and niece! They've been helping a lot while Duane goes to work and Juniper works from home. They've also recently found out they're having a baby girl!!

.

.

.

👶

Simon: Wow! That's amazing! I'm so happy for you, Bernardo!

Sara: Congratulations! I imagine the training is going to be pretty intense.

Bernardo: Oh, definitely. My friend's boss wants me to move as soon as possible so I can get started. And with my friend's help, I've already found a great place to stay.

Fiora: Wait... so does that mean you're moving to Chestnut Ridge?

Bernardo: Yes, but don't worry, I've already thought of everything! The house I found is perfect for the two of us, and there's even space for your animals too!

Fiora: But Bernardo... I don't want to move. My place is here.

Bernardo: Come on, Fiora. You can have pretty much the same opportunities there. Working in horse competitions has always been my dream, and I can only do that if I live there!

Noticing that the mood was getting a little tense and that the two of them needed to talk privately, Sara turned to her husband.

Sara: Honey, I think we'd better say our goodbyes now. We have to... take care of some things at the bar, remember?

Simon: Already? I haven't even finished my lasagna.

Sara: Yes, already, dear... - she insisted through gritted teeth - It's urgent, remember?

Simon: Huh?... Oh! Yes! Right! Uh... sorry, friends, but we gotta go. It's urgent. We... we'll talk tomorrow.

After properly saying goodbye to their friends — with Sara promising to visit Fiora the following morning to make sure everything was okay — Fiora silently gathered all the plates and went to wash them in the kitchen. Bernardo followed her. For a few minutes, an uncomfortable silence hung between them.

Bernardo: Can we talk about this properly now? Listen, you never told me you were adamant about not going back to Chestnut Ridge.

Fiora: You never asked either. We never talked about it. And you never said your reason to go there was to look for a job.

Bernardo: It wasn't. I went there to visit my friend, like I told you. But then he came to me with this opportunity, and I simply couldn't turn it down.

Fiora: Well, then, that's great. Good for you. Good luck with your new life in Chestnut Ridge!

She was clearly upset by the news.

Bernardo: Fiora, it's not like that. We're together.

Fiora: Exactly. We are. And yet you made such an important decision without me...

Bernardo: I thought you’d be happy for me. I told you about this dream of mine when we first met.

Fiora: I guess part of me thought that maybe you had also put down roots here in Henford. That maybe your dream had changed. - She let out a sad sigh. - I’m happy for you, Bernardo... but that doesn’t mean I want to leave here.

Bernardo: Fiora, it's Chestnut Ridge. It's a great town. And you lived there for most of your life. Why are you so resistant to the idea?

Fiora: What kept me there was my family. But I never really felt like I belonged. That's why the first thing I did when I found out I had a home waiting for me here was move without looking back.

Bernardo looked away, unsure of what else he could say to convince her to go with him.

Fiora: I finally feel at home here. I have friends, I have the farm, I have a job I love, the people here know and respect me... I’ve fallen in love with Henford-on-Bagley. - She paused. - This is where I want my baby to grow up...

Bernardo froze. His expression completely changed, filled with surprise. Fiora turned her back to him, but he couldn't take his eyes off her.

Bernardo: Wait... are you...?

Fiora simply nodded.

Bernardo: Fiora...!

He suddenly stepped closer to her, overwhelmed by the news. She remained with her back to him, but spoke to him over her shoulder.

Fiora: I think you'd better go home tonight. We both... have a lot of thinking to do. We'll talk again tomorrow.

Bernardo: Fiora...

Fiora: Please, Bernardo.

He let out a heavy sigh. The last thing he wanted was to leave now that he knew she was expecting his baby. But he also didn't want to upset her any further.

Bernardo: Alright... I'll come back tomorrow.

The night seemed to have grown considerably colder when Bernardo left Fiora's house.

She remained by the window, watching him until he disappeared completely from her sight. Her expression was sad and worried. She had once been able to clearly picture her future alongside Bernardo, but now that image had completely vanished.

Fiora took a shower and got ready for bed, but she couldn't sleep. After tossing and turning for a long time, she gave up and went to the living room. She couldn't stop thinking about the baby, Bernardo, and what would become of them now.

One thing was certain: she didn't want to leave, and she wasn't going to give up her baby either. So, it seemed the only option was to end the relationship that had once made her so happy...

End of Episode 06.

Another beautiful morning started in Henford-on-Bagley...

Fiora woke up early and in a great mood. She went straight to tend to her crops and animals, a big smile plastered across her face.

Since she had the day off from work, the young woman decided to make a few more beautiful flower arrangements and went to sell them in the town center. Her usual customers were already lining up, eager to see the new creations Fiora had come up with.

After selling everything, she stayed in town for quite a while, chatting with other residents of Henford and taking on a few more odd jobs, helping people around the community. She felt completely integrated into the community now. This was definitely her home.

At dusk, she returned home and started preparing dinner. Bernardo would be coming back that evening, and he'd told her he had some great news and wanted to celebrate. And she could hardly wait to give him some news of her own once they were finally together again…

When night fell, Fiora was all ready. She had dressed up nicely and put on some perfume, eager to see her beloved again. Dinner was also prepared, and the table was set. She had made a delicious 'lasagne al pesto' and a sweet, refreshing iced tea typical of the region.

Simon and Sara had been invited to join the couple for the celebration, as the four of them had become close friends. The Scotts arrived first, and Fiora chatted with them, all excited, while they waited for Bernardo.

About half an hour later, the cowboy finally stood in front of Fiora's house, carrying a bouquet of pink tulips.

Fiora spotted him through the window before he even knocked on the door, and she rushed to welcome him.

Fiora: You finally made it! I was starting to think something had happened.

Bernardo: Sorry I'm late. I stopped somewhere first to pick up a little something.

He handed her the bouquet and smiled as he watched her eyes light up with surprise.

Fiora: Bernardo, they're beautiful!

Bernardo: I'm glad you like them. When I saw these flowers, I immediately thought of you.

Fiora stepped closer and leaned in to plant a sweet kiss on his cheek.

Fiora: Thank you, Bernardo. I love them! I missed you...

Bernardo: I missed you too, more than you can imagine.

Fiora: Well, let's go inside before the food gets cold!

Bernardo: I'm sure it'll still be delicious even when it's cold, just like everything you make.

Bernardo greeted Simon and Sara, and then the four of them sat down to start eating.

Bernardo began telling them about his trip as they ate. He seemed to have had a great time helping his friend train his boss's horses.

Bernardo: Wow, this is really delicious, Fiora! My friend and I are hopeless in the kitchen, so it's been a long time since I've had something this good.

Fiora: I'm glad you like it, but I think it's time you put an end to the mystery and tell us exactly what we're celebrating!

Bernardo: That's right! Well... I got the job I've always wanted! My friend's boss saw me riding and said that I have a lot of talent and handle horses really well. And he wants to sponsor me in the competitions at the city's Equestrian Center! It's really difficult to enter these competitions if you don't already have some status in town, but he's going to help me with that.

Continue...

The following day, Bernardo had to travel to Castanheiras to visit a friend who said he really needed to see him. After finishing work, Fiora decided to spend some time at her friend Sara's house instead. The two of them had coffee, chatted, and laughed together for hours.

The sound of rain growing heavier with each passing second soon caught both of their attention.

Fiora: Wow! The sky was perfectly clear when I came over!

Sara: Oh, that's just how summer storms are. They show up out of nowhere and they're so inconvenient!

Sara: Well, since it looks like you're going to be stuck here a little longer, there's something I've been wanting to show you. Come with me?

Fiora: Sure!

The two of them walked upstairs to a room next to the couple's bedroom. The moment they stepped inside, Fiora's eyes widened, and she instinctively covered her mouth in surprise.

It was a nursery in the making.

Fiora: Does this mean you're pregnant, my friend?! Congratulations! You and Simon have been wanting a baby for so long, haven't you?

Sara: Yeah... and, unfortunately, we'll have to wait a little longer.

Fiora followed her friend into her and Simon's bedroom, where Sara finally opened up about her infertility. She explained that she had received the joyful news of being pregnant twice before, and this had been the third time. But her happiness never seemed to last. No matter how careful she was, she always suffered a miscarriage within the first few months.

The unfinished nursery had remained exactly as it was ever since their first pregnancy.

Fiora: I'm so sorry, Sara. I really am. You and Simon are an amazing couple, and I'm sure you'll be wonderful parents someday. Don't give up, dear. There are treatments available in the city. Maybe you could give them a chance.

Sara: I don't know... I'm afraid we'll spend a lot of money on it and, in the end, it will just be another disappointment.

Fiora: If that happens, you won't have to go through it alone. You'll have Simon, and you'll have me. I promise I'll help you both in any way I can, but I truly think you should try. You deserve to make this dream come true, Sara.

Sara: Thank you, Fiora. You're a wonderful friend. I'm glad I was able to open up to you about this.

Fiora: Thank you for trusting me enough to talk about it, Sara. I know it must not have been easy for you.

Finally, the rain stopped, and Fiora returned home. Before going inside, she went to check on her chickens and arrived just in time to witness the birth of a new chick. She couldn't help but smile as she held the tiny little one in her hands.

Fiora: Hi, cutiepie! Welcome!

When she went to the bathroom to take a shower and get ready for bed, Fiora suddenly started feeling very nauseous.

Since the topic of pregnancy was still fresh in her mind, she immediately began to wonder if that could be the reason, even though they had always been very careful.

Fiora ordered some pregnancy tests, and she was completely shocked when she saw the two red lines.

Fiora: Oh my Watcher... I... I'm pregnant!

Still in shock from the news, she went to her bedroom and saw that she had received a message from Bernardo asking how her day had been. She didn't want to tell him what she had just discovered through a text message, so she simply said that everything was fine and that she missed him.

She lay down on her bed, lost in thought. It had happened in a rather unexpected way, but she didn't feel sad or lost. She was happy. Fiora knew that the feelings between her and Bernardo were real, and now they would start a family together. She couldn't wait for him to come back from his trip so she could share the news with him. She was sure he would be just as happy as she was…

End of Episode 05.

Going to sleep and waking up in Bernardo's arms began to feel like something familiar in Fiora's life. The couple seemed to not be able to stay away from each other for too long, though they weren't officialy living together yet.

It felt like that would be their next step, but at the same time, Fiora still thought it was too soon to talk about that. At that moment, she just wanted to enjoy that relationship which seemed to be working so well.

Whenever he stayed the night at Fiora's house, Bernardo would help her with the farm chores the following morning, giving the young woman more time to create new flower arrangements to sell throughout the day.

At last, it was time for them to say goodbye. Bernardo wrapped Fiora in a hug and pressed a lingering kiss on her cheek.

Bernardo: I'll try to finish everything at the ranch in time to see you at today's fair.

Fiora: Okay. I hope you make it! Have a good day at work.

And off she went to set up her little stall and display her bouquets. Each one was beautiful and crafted with great care, so it didn't take long before people began gathering around to buy the lovely arrangements.

After selling all of her arrangements, Fiora was approached by Kim Goldbloom, one of the residents of Henford-on-Bagley, who asked for her help. She urgently needed some eggs, and her usual supplier had let her down that day.

Fiora gladly accepted the request and hurried back to the chicken coop to gather a selection of eggs for Kim. The shopkeeper was incredibly grateful when Fiora arrived with the box of eggs. Moments like these made Fiora feel more and more like she truly belonged to the community. Every time she helped someone and grew closer to another resident, it filled her with happiness.

The Finchwick Chicken Fair had finally begun. Fiora entered a very rare, excellent-quality orange egg that one of her hens had recently laid. She felt confident, though she could see there were plenty of other impressive entries as well.

Bernardo: So, did I make it in time? Have they announced the results yet?

Fiora: Not yet. We're still waiting.

Bernardo: Well, at least they're playing a good song. Wanna dance?

Fiora: Of course!

Dancing with Bernardo was always so much fun. It also helped take Fiora's mind off the fair results and eased the anxiety she had been feeling while she waited.

A few hours later, back at Fiora's house.

In the end, the young woman received nothing more than a participation ribbon and some animal treats as her prize, but she wasn't discouraged by the outcome.

Bernardo: It's a shame you didn't win the prize. Your orange egg looked way better than that lady's blue one. I honestly think hers was starting to go bad.

Fiora laughed.

Fiora: Oh, it's okay. It was only the first fair I've ever entered. Maybe I'll have better luck next time.

Bernardo: I'm sure you will. And, well, I can see losing didn't upset you one bit... I'd already been thinking of a way to cheer you up once we got home...

Fiora: Oh, had you? Well, we can't let all your plans go to waste, can we?

The two of them ended the day together, sharing a warm and intimate evening that was more than pleasant to both.

Continue...

For @rosenoir-legacy !

Genevieve de Pompadour was born beneath the glittering chandeliers of old France, into the noble House of Pompadour — a family whose blood had long intertwined with the royal court. For generations, the de Pompadours were trusted advisors, patrons of the arts, and whispered legends among the aristocracy. Their lavish estates, elegant soirées, and unwavering influence made their name one of the most respected in the kingdom.

But history is merciless. Revolutions toppled crowns, fortunes crumbled, and the de Pompadour lineage slowly faded into obscurity. While mortals believed the family had vanished with time, Genevieve endured. The gift (or curse) of vampirism allowed her to watch centuries pass as every sibling, cousin, and heir disappeared into history.

Today, Genevieve walks the modern world draped in timeless elegance, carrying herself with the same regal grace that once captivated the courts of Versailles. She is the last surviving bearer of the de Pompadour name, the sole guardian of her family's legacy. Behind her poised smile lies the weight of centuries, and within her immortal heart burns a quiet vow: that the House of de Pompadour will never truly be forgotten.

(Genevieve's dark form)

(Genevieve's lookbook, going mostly vanilla as requested!)

Juniper and Duane are both in the Conservationist career now, and also living their married life to the fullest! So it was a surprise to neither of them when they found out Juniper was expecting a baby!! They can't wait to meet their little one.

.

.

.

🍼

A beautiful wedding at the beach with friends and family, and a new place to call 'home'. Juniper and Duane couldn't be happier! They're so ready to live this new chapter of their lives in their cozy treehouse.

.

.

.

🏠

A new morning started and the Malcolm Landgraab Elite Institute was fully decorated for end of year celebrations, as well as covered in the snow that fell the night before.

During his class, Zimo got a notification on his phone about the preview of a movie he knew Alexandra was excited about. When he tried to buy the tickets, he saw they were already sold out, but he still thought about asking Alexandra to watch it together another day.

During recess, Alexandra was chatting with her usual group when Zixin approached the girls.

Zixin: Hey, Lexi. Can I talk to you for a second?

Alexandra: Sure, Zixin! I'll be right back, girls.

Zixin: I heard about the preview of that movie you wanted to see, "Voicemails for Bella".

Alexandra: Yes!! Oh, I can't wait to see it! I'm sad they were already sold out, I couldn't get a ticket in time.

Zixin: Well, an acquaintance of mine helped me get the last two tickets before they got sold out. Wanna go together?

Alexandra: Are you serious?!

Alexandra: Oh, Zixin, I can't believe it!! I don't even know how to thank you! Of course I'll go with you! It's going to be so much fun!

Zixin: Hahaha, calm down, you're gonna make me fall like that, Lexi!

Their happiness was almost palpable at that time. Neither Zixin nor Alexandra noticed that such joy could bring equal discomfort to two people who had been looking for them and ended up seeing the whole thing.

End of Episode 32.

Erica: Well, you shouldn't! I saw our teacher praising you a lot last class. You're clearly making an effort.

Zixin: You did?

Erica: O-Of course I did. We're friends, aren't we? And... I like you a lot. I think you're truly awesome. You're not less than your brother in anything, Zixin, don't ever let others make you think you are.

Zixin: Thanks, Erica. For real.

Erica: No problem...

Zixin stood up suddenly.

Zixin: Okay, I think I'm feeling much better now.

Zixin: Come, there's a café nearby that is pet-friendly. We can have some hot chocolate and Bear can get a puppuccino.

Erica: Oh, but I... I didn't bring my wallet.

Zixin: And who said you'll need it? I'm paying. As a thank you for today's talk. Shall we?

Erica: Well, okay then!

Erica tried to keep calm, but on the inside she couldn't be happier about this invitation.

The two walked side by side to the café with Bear trotting happily in front of them. While hanging out with Erica, Zixin could forget about his familiar frustrations, at least for a moment. And Erica wouldn't stop smiling as she spent time with the boy she secretly had a crush on since childhood.

Night at the Fengs came with a delicious dinner made by the family's personal chef. The radio was playing some classical song in the background, while parents and children wouldn't say a word to each other. All meals they'd do together would usually be like that. The only warm thing was the food.

After getting ready for bed, Victor stopped at his sons' bedroom to talk to his eldest.

Victor: Zimo, you'll be soon finishing High School. You're almost an adult. It's time to start looking for the partner who's right for you. I was already engaged to your mom when I was your age.

Zixin, who had just come out of the bathroom and was going back to his room, heard the two talking and decided to stay quietly by the door, just listening.

Zixin: Dad, things are different here. I don't think it'd be good to start a relationship so abruptly.

Victor: But I'm talking about someone you already have a relationship with. Sebastian's eldest daughter. She'd be a good partner and the union with the Vretos family would be great for the Fengs.

Zimo felt his voice getting stuck in his throat when Alexandra was mentioned.

Zimo: Father, we're friends... and Lexi is still too young to think about getting married. Besides, she deserves to marry someone she really loves, not just an arranged marriage.

Victor: So be this person and kill two birds with one stone. Before someone else wins her heart and our family loses a valuable aliance.

Those words got tattoed in Zixin's brain. So a wedding with Alexandra was that important for his family...

After talking to his father, Zimo went to the shower to get ready to sleep. When he came back to the room, his brother was still awake, waiting for him.

Zixin: Hey, bro, can we talk?

Zimo: Sure.

Zimo sat on his bed, in front of his brother.

Zixin: So tell me, what do you think about Lexi?

The boy froze.

Zimo: Uhm... Lexi is our best friend. Of course I like her a lot.

Zixin: Yeah, but like... do you 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 like her? Like as a girlfriend.

Zimo felt his face getting hot immediately.

Zimo: What? Hahaha, Zixin, what are you talking about? Of course not!

Zixin: So if Lexi got a boyfriend, you'd be okay with it, right?

Zimo: Sure, as long as this person makes her happy. But why do you ask?

Zixin: It's nothing, I just got curious about it out of the sudden because you're two area very close. Well, let's go to bed, we have class tomorrow. Good night, brother.

Zixin lay down and quickly fell asleep, but Zimo remained awake a little longer, thinking. He felt sick of the stomach, his chest was in pain, and it was like something was stuck in his throat. The answer he gave his brother hadn't been entirely honest and now he regretted it.

Continue...

San Myshuno, in the morning.

A winter Sunday with some snow falling over the whole city.

Victor was working on his computer when Zixin approached him to talk.

Zixin: Father, may I have a minute?

Victor: Yes.

Zixin: I just wanted to let you know my grades are improving. I'll be able to finish this year with acceptable ones, and I promise to study harder so they won't drop again.

Victor: Mhmm.

Zixin: Oh, and the 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘧𝘶 named me his right hand during the kung fu classes. He says I've been of great help guiding the newcomers.

Victor: Good.

---

Shifu = Master/Teacher. Commonly used for martial arts instructors.

No congratulations. Not even a "good job". Just... "good". Zixin should already be used to this.

Zixin: So, I've been thinking... maybe now I'm ready to join you and Zimo when you go to the City Hall again.

Victor: And for what? Zimo is the one who'll follow my footsteps in the Politics, not you. You can keep doing things your own rhythm and find something that's more your style.

Zixin: But father, Zimo is always complaining about going with you! He clearly has no interest in Politics. 𝘐 do! If you could just teach me, I'm sure I'd be...

Victor: Zixin, that's enough. I need to focus and finish this here. Why don't you go hang out with your friends? Or whatever else you teenagers like to do.

Zixin closed his fist tightly. He should be used to this... but it still hurt.

Zixin: Fine, father.

Zixin got changed and decided to go to the park with his dog Bear, who loved playing in the snow. Coincidentally, Erica was passing by the same park. As soon as she saw the boy, a smile was brought to her face.

Erica approached him.

Erica: Zixin! Hi! I didn't know you had a dog.

Zixin: Oh, hey, Erica. This is Bear. Our uncle gave him to us as an early Winterfest gift.

Erica: Aww, he's so handsome! Can I pet him?

Zixin: Sure, Bear likes everyone.

Erica: What a good boy, Bear!

The dog kept wagging his tail happily.

Zixin: You came alone to the park?

Erica: I actually live nearby. I was going home after taking some books back to the library and then I saw you... and decided to come say hi.

The two teenagers decided to sit down while Bear was playing in the snow. For a moment, an awkward silence took over the scene. Until finally Zixin let out a long sigh.

Erica: Why the long face?

Zixin: I've had a discussion with my dad. Again, actually. Ever since I was little, my parents would only focus on Zimo and his achievements... and I'm left aside. Well, I guess it makes sense since I'm an accident.

Erica: An accident?

Zixin: Yeah. I heard my parents talking about it once, a long time ago. They don't know this yet. Apparently they just wanted one son. And my mother found out she was pregnant of me when it was too late... to do anything about it...

Erica: Watcher, that's horrible...

Erica: I'm so sorry, Zixin. I can't say I know exactly how you feel, but... I went through something similar. My parents are divorced. My dad cheated on my mom. For a while, he'd still visit, every time with a different girlfriend. Until one day he simply stopped coming.

Erica: With a dad who never wanted to actually know me, and a mom who was always working more than stopping at home... I always felt kinda invisible.

Zixin: Yeah... I feel like that too.

Continue...

After taking pictures with their families, it was time for the guests to enjoy the delicious food from the party. The kids, however, with their neverending energy, just wanted to focus on playing more and more.

It got late and the party reached its end. Elena, Paolo and Michela stayed in the guests room. Vicenzo slept in his cousins' bedroom. And Xochitl's family got two rooms in a great hotel booked and paid for them by the new National Leader.

Sebastian had gone to the kids' room to check if they were all sleeping well and ended up meeting Alexandra in the corridor.

Sebastian: Alex... everything was perfect today, thanks for helping your mom.

Alexandra: You don't have to thank me, of course I would help.

Sebastian: Your mom also told me about how good your grades are right now, congr...

Alexandra interrupted him.

Alexandra: You don't need to congratulate me either. I know of my responsabilities and I won't fail them.

Sebastian sighed painfully.

Sebastian: Alex...

Alexandra: Look, I don't wanna be rude, I'm just really tired. And tomorrow I have to wake up super early to go to school, you know it's far from here.

Alexandra: And I know mom forgave you and even allowed that boy to come live with us, but that's still too much for me. 𝘐 can't forgive you yet. So I'd appreciate if you stop trying to force it.

Sebastian: I... I understand...

Alexandra finally entered her room and closed the door behind her. Sebastian remained in that corridor for a few minutes. Both of them felt their chest heavy. Both of them had words and regrets stuck in their throats. And the distance between them kept increasing...

End of Episode 31.

Voting day finally came and all the votes had been counted by the start of a new day.

Reporter: We have a new National Leader! Sebastian Vretos was elected today with an avalanche of votes and support. The other candidates didn't even stand a chance!

Sebastian had finally reached the top. With the rest of his political party cheering and celebrating nearby, and his beautiful wife by his side, he gave an inspiring speech and was applauded by his votes watching live or on TV in their houses.

Time went by, and soon the night of Sebastian's youngest children's birthday finally came.

The family decided to make just a small party, after all they could only celebrate at night because of work, and it'd be harder for people to go back to their places or find free rooms in Tartosa. Marcella made the cakes and the beverages with the help of Alexandra, and Sebastian made some pizzas.

The first to arrive, as usual, were Elena and her family. Marcella couldn't wait to hold the new baby of the family in her arms. Michela was really adorable!

Alexandra approached her cousin who was all sad because their family dog had recently passed away.

Alexandra: Hey... I heard about Gracie. I'm so sorry.

Vicenzo: Thanks... I wanted to stay home tonight, but mom insisted. I really miss her, Alex...

Alexandra: I can imagine, she was the best! I'm gonna miss her too. But you guys took great care of her, I'm sure she felt loved til her last breath. She loved you too and I know she'd want to see you happy, little cousin.

Vicenzo hugged Alexandra and finally showed a little smile.

Vicenzo: Thanks, Alex! You're right. Well, at least being with you guys I can cheer up a little.

The next guests to arrive were Xochitl's family. Little Malia was also ready to have her birthday, so Marcella insisted they all celebrated together at the Mansion. The little ones definitely loved the idea!

With the arrival of all the guests, the adults gathered to talk, listen to music, drink and eat some snacks. The younger group decided to play as much as they could, as if there was no tomorrow.

Then came the time to age those toddlers up! Sebastian, Marcella, Alexandra and Xochitl helped the little ones with blowing the candles, while the others would sing and cheer for the life of those babies who would soon not be so small anymore.

Happy birthday to Nicholas, Stephanie, Julio and Malia! 🎉

Continue...

Sebastian had finally packed all his stuff and was now officially back home. On the day he came back, he also brought little Julio with him. The boy now had his father's family name, Vretos.

However, for the kids — and for most of the people, actually, since Sebastian had to protect his position — Julio was the child of a distant relative. Sebastian would remain "Uncle Sebastian" and the boy would see his half-siblings as cousins, at least until they were older to understand everything.

Julio was a little shy and hesitant when he arrived, but the twins' energy was simply contagious. Nicholas and Stephanie were ready to help their "cousin" feel at home and did their best to make him laugh right away.

As for Dina, she confessed her crime that night, as well as destroyed everything she had to use against Sebastian. His lawyer managed to keep Sebastian's name out of the trial to protect his image, and Dina was taken to the Oasis Springs Women's Facility, where she were to spend 20 years in jail.

The toddlers' bedroom was adapted for Julio and the little boy was soon feeling comfortable in it, playing with the other two, as if that had always been his home.

Sebastian couldn't be more grateful. The idea of bringing Julio to live with them came from Marcella herself. Nina, Dina's sister, tried to take custody of the boy, but Marcella knew it'd be better for him to grow next to his father and far from the influence of people like the Calientes.

Alexandra would pass by her siblings bedroom and hear those happy voices giggling and playing, but she couldn't get close to the door or force herself to participate of that moment. She still couldn't accept all that.

For her, her mom had forgiven him too easily. And she was even accepting the son of another woman under her roof? After all she suffered? It didn't seem right. Even though, deep inside, she was trying to sufocate that little ounce of joy inside her that came with her father being back home.

Even accepting being in the same room as Sebastian when the whole family gathered, Alexandra would still avoid him. She'd discreetly look his way when he was talking to Marcella or the babies. But would turn her face before his eyes could meet hers.

She'd talk to her mom like usual, as if nothing changed. But whenever Sebastian tried to insert himself in the conversation, she'd give him a quick and dry reply and quickly move her attention elsewhere.

Marcella: Are you sure you don't want me to talk to her? If she knew everything, she'd probably understand you better...

Sebastian: No... not yet. I know you're worried, but I'm okay. I wanna win our daughter back my own way.

Marcella: You know she can be hard sometimes...

Sebastian: Of course, she's our daughter.

Sebastian pulled her closer in his arms.

Sebastian: It's still hard for me to talk about what happened. It makes me feel... weak. Like I'm less of a man...

Marcella: But this is foolishness and you know it!

Sebastian: I do. Nevertheless, that's how I feel. And there's also the feeling of still needing punishment for turning my back on you all that night.

Marcella: Darling...

Sebastian: It'll all be fine, my love. Having you by my side again makes me feel like I can face anything. I know our princess will soon forgive me too.

Marcella didn't say anything. She just leaned forward and the two shared a kiss which spoke louder than any words, then fell asleep in each other's arms.

Continue...