A crisp breeze swirled over Paris as Antonio and Selene stepped out from their mansion, fingers laced, hearts light. It had been weeks since they last visited their parents—and today was about grounding themselves, reconnecting with the roots that helped them bloom.
✦ The Reyes Residence
Their first stop was Antonio's childhood home.
As their car pulled into the familiar driveway, Mira and Amara were already on the front steps. Mira waved with both hands, while Amara sipped on iced coffee and raised an eyebrow playfully.
> "Took you lovebirds long enough!" Mira grinned, opening her arms wide for a hug.
> "I thought you two were too fancy now to visit your little sisters," Amara teased, nudging Selene's arm.
Antonio just chuckled and wrapped an arm around Selene. "If anyone's fancy here, it's the woman beside me. But she still makes time for the two of you."
The door opened before more teasing could land—Devina stepped out with her signature gentle smile.
> "My children," she said, pulling both of them in. "Come in. Your father's been asking about you all week."
Inside, the living room radiated warmth and nostalgia. Mr. Reyes stood from his chair as soon as he saw them.
> "Finally! Antonio Reyes shows his old man some respect," he joked, shaking Antonio's hand with exaggerated drama.
Then he turned to Selene and placed a hand over his heart.
> "And you, my lovely daughter-in-law—how do you still look this stunning while working two jobs and babysitting my son?"
> "It's all practice, Dad," Selene laughed, hugging him.
The five of them gathered in the cozy sitting room. Mira brought out photo albums while Devina handed over tea and orange cake. Everyone talked, teased, and shared stories—until Mira opened a childhood picture of Antonio.
> " Selene?" she held up a photo of little Antonio in overalls, crying next to a muddy bike. "Your 'hero' in his pre-savior days."
Antonio groaned. "One photo album and my reputation's gone."
> "Oh come on, Wifey," he whispered to Selene. "I was still your knight in shining armor—mud or not."
She blushed, lightly nudging him. "You planned to be, remember?"
Mira and Amara exchanged a suspicious glance, but said nothing—for now.
✦ The Laurents' Home
That afternoon, Antonio and Selene drove across town to her childhood home. Selene's hands played with the bracelet on her wrist as they parked.
> "You're still nervous?" Antonio asked.
> "No. Just… nostalgic. It smells like lemon cake from the porch."
Before they even reached the door, Serena flung it open and embraced her daughter tightly.
> "My baby's home!" she cried. "And look at you, Mrs. Reyes."
> "Technically still Laurent too," Selene laughed, hugging her back.
> "And Antonio—my brilliant, charming, very overqualified son-in-law." Serena beamed, cupping Antonio's face before pulling him into a motherly hug.
Alex stood in the doorway, watching them with his usual calm demeanor—but the moment Selene walked in, his eyes softened.
> "Dad," she said warmly, hugging him.
> "Welcome back, sweetheart," he said. "And you, Antonio—still managing her chaos?"
> "Trying, Dad," Antonio chuckled, "but I love the chaos."
They all sat in the living room where Serena had already prepared lemon cake and coffee. The warmth of the kitchen mingled with laughter and old memories.
As they sipped and talked about their honeymoon and life updates, Melinda—Ayra's mother—arrived too, carrying a fresh basket of roses and figs.
> "I heard the lovebirds were here," Melinda smiled, kissing Selene on the cheek and giving Antonio a warm hug.
> "You're officially part of all our families now," she teased him. "No escape."
The group laughed, sharing more than just sweets. They shared time, wisdom, and warmth.
Serena leaned toward Antonio at one point, her voice gentle:
> "You're not just my daughter's husband, Antonio. You're my son now."
> "Thank you, Mom," he replied, genuinely touched. "It means everything to me."
At Antonio and Selene's (Anlene's) mansion
Later that evening, the group sat under the patio lights, Mira and Amara having joined with fresh gossip and even fresher juice.
> "Do you think your future kids will take after Selene's sketching talent or Antonio's bossiness?" Mira joked.
> "They better inherit her patience," Antonio smirked. "Or I'm doomed."
Selene blushed. "You're already doomed, husband."
> "Wifey," he whispered, smirking, "you love it."
Laughter echoed through the night, blending with the gentle rustle of leaves and the lingering scent of fresh jasmine.
This wasn't just a visit. This was home—in all its forms.