34 Party begins - Anna and Jake

Giselle and Lia waited for their guests to arrive.

The visitors include very few associates like a handful of friends, relatives, and her parents.

Friends were first to appear with housewarming gifts.

Lia, being the active child, and also encountering a house welcoming party for the first time, kept jumping around in the animation.

Giselle had the music turned on with classic hits to entertain a welcoming ambiance.

One by one, the guests appeared, and soon it became crowded inside with chattering and gaiety of reunion.

Various new connections bonded over this get-together, and everyone happily enjoyed each other's society.

Drinks accompanied by snacks kept passing around in fancy dishes.

Amongst the brightening humor, wonder fill the room, for most of the guests dotingly watched and chatted with the little girl, surprised to see Giselle's kid, Lia.

Even though it was all sudden, where no one could get notified about the marriage, or about the kid - Giselle's close group of acquaintances that cares for her sincerely, respected the decision and didn't dwell deep into questioning.

The party commenced already.

Anna just arrived with her husband, Jake Levine.

Both dressed in their elegant outfits matching each other and appeared as star couples together.

Anna sparkled in her black Givenchy dress paired with exquisite Bulgari jewels and Jake in his classic fit Burberry black suit, looking refined as the gentleman should appear.

Their arrival became a gossip of being called the fashionably late and attracted the entire audience to greet them elegantly.

Upon meeting Jake, silent gossips passed about Giselle knowing such a man, which isn't the truth as Giselle is only associated with Anna, whose husband happened to be one of the famous interior designers in the city.

Jake Levine, named in the top ten list of promising designers with great potential;

Anna and Jake fell in love during a gathering and went out on pretty dates, eventually letting Jake propose to Anna and ask for her in matrimony.

Jake was the loving gentleman, as he is celebrated ever since his teenage years. He loved Anna upon their first encounter and cherished her company dearly enough to share the rest of his life with his love - Anna.

The wedding was strictly private, not even the public knew about it. Jake's career growth bought him fame, and so their families chose to keep it low without much flamboyance.

Jake's marriage made a public announcement later in a business magazine where the couple gave their first interview as the newlyweds.

It got reported that the issue of the magazine that month got sold out more than their previous editions. They are named the power couple in the business where they have their own domain build large and running successfully.

Nevertheless, against the status of feeling like celebrities, Jake and Anna maintain a very closed private life. They enjoy morning walks, spending time with family and friends, and indulge in their own merriment rather than partying out in the spotlight, living a quiet, peaceful life while cherishing each other dearly.

When Jake learned that his darling wife, Anna, got invited to Giselle's welcoming party, he didn't resist and insisted on tagging along to meet Anna's schoolmate.

As soon as the couple arrived, Giselle welcomed them inside.

It was Jake's first time meeting Giselle. He had few expectations which Giselle did satisfy, for she appeared calm and serene, sweet and humble, just like Anna had described.

He got the insider information of Lia's existence and wanted to meet her eagerly. Jake also made sure to bring presents for Lia, which he planned to give it personally to the little one.

Before aching to meet the little girl, Anna introduced her husband to Giselle. They had a small greeting shared to get to know each other. Towards the end of the chat, Jake requested Giselle to summon Lia as he wishes to meet the little child. Anna signaled and informed that Jake is fond of kids and loves to play with them.

Giselle agreed with a welcoming smile and quickly resorted to beckon her daughter.

Having heard her mother's call, Lia swiftly moved and rushed to Giselle.

The first thing she noticed was the two people next to her mother, who she already met the other day while the other looked at the girl with the biggest smile.

She returned the gesture with a shy hand wave and signing her mother, meaning to ask, 'Who are these people?'

Giselle gave a brief introduction to Lia about Anna and Jake. From learning their identities, Lia's smile extended, only this time even more dearly. She gazed at the couple with all likes.

Not able to handle it anymore, Jake stepped in to give his present to Lia and requested the young lady's society for a small chat.

Giselle and Anna chuckled while Lia graciously accepted Jake's invitation, and the two moved to another spot for their greetings.

Meanwhile, Anna dragged Giselle into a private space where no one can disturb them for mere seconds and questioned about Lia's father.

After much hesitation, Giselle finally responded that the two got divorced, and Lia stays with Giselle even though the father can still meet her whenever he desires.

Anna froze from learning the truth. She couldn't move or react.

When asked how did it turn out this way for her, Giselle found herself in Anna's spot, for she couldn't react to such inquest.

Anna watched Giselle with a grievous heart since she knew about Giselle.

"Don't give me that look now. You know my position very well, I don't blame anyone. Lia's existence, to me, is a gift that I can never lament. His father and I agreed to take care of Lia and will do to protect her. Our divorce was mutual, and I don't hate him or anything. He often visits us whenever he can get time off work. As for making decisions in Lia's life, I still consult with him," Giselle explained as she shared the very crucial details of her recent past.

"He was there for me when I got broken. What he did for me will always be appreciated and treasured forever. He's still my good friend. Do you want to know why? Because he knows me very well too," Giselle ended the topic when Lia came to brag about the new doll that Jake gifted her. Giselle bent down to look at the toy and her daughter smiling brightly.

Looking at Giselle and Lia, Anna somehow understood her. She envied the mother and daughter. Jake, who was nearby, noticed Anna's face, revealing her emotions so openly. He left to have a drink.

Anna held Giselle's hand, requesting her to stay connected and talk to her if there's any problem. Giselle accepted. Both the ladies moved away to join with the others.

Dinner is about to start soon.

Now, all of the guests have arrived except for Giselle's parents.