Chapter 5: The First Name

Time passed quickly.

As neighbors and family friends, the Bennets and Hayes often crossed paths. While the adults discussed business, politics, and investments, two children slowly became familiar with each other's presence.

Lucian Hayes was now five years old.

Elara Bennet had just turned one.

The little princess remained the center of attention wherever she went. Every member of the Bennet Family adored her and spoiled her endlessly.

To celebrate her first birthday, the Bennet Family decided to hold a grand but private gathering. Only close relatives and trusted family friends were invited.

Naturally, the Hayes Family received an invitation.

The entire Bennet Mansion had been transformed for the occasion. Crystal lights sparkled throughout the halls while fresh flowers decorated every corner.

Servants rushed around making final preparations.

Everyone had dressed carefully.

After all, this would be the first official family portrait with the little princess.

Alexander and Seraphina looked exceptionally proud.

Even Cassian Bennet had abandoned his usual cold expression for the day.

Meanwhile, Lucian Hayes arrived with his parents.

As expected, he quietly took a seat near Elara and remained there for most of the celebration.

Nobody found it strange anymore.

Ever since their first meeting, Elara seemed unusually attached to him.

There was only one thing worrying the family.

Despite being one year old, Elara had yet to call anyone by name.

Alexander had secretly become anxious.

Cassian was equally concerned.

Even Augustus had consulted specialists.

Fortunately, every doctor gave the same answer.

"Some children develop speech later than others. Give her time."

The family reluctantly accepted the explanation.

Little did they know they were about to receive the shock of their lives.

As evening arrived, everyone gathered for an old family tradition.

Various objects were placed before the birthday child.

A book represented wisdom.

Money represented wealth.

A paintbrush represented creativity.

A newspaper represented influence and communication.

Several other symbolic items were arranged neatly on a soft carpet.

The family eagerly surrounded Elara as she sat in the center.

Lucian happened to be sitting directly opposite her.

"Come on, Princess," Seraphina encouraged gently.

"Choose one."

Under dozens of expectant gazes, Elara slowly began crawling forward.

The entire family watched with anticipation.

She first reached the pile of money.

Several businessmen immediately started laughing.

"Of course she's a Bennet."

"She's definitely Alexander's daughter."

Alexander looked extremely pleased.

Then Elara continued moving.

She crawled past the money.

Past the book.

Past every object.

Straight toward Lucian.

Before anyone could react, she grabbed his hand.

Then she crawled back.

One hand held a stack of money.

The other held Lucian Hayes.

The little girl sat proudly in the middle of the room.

Then she smiled.

A bright, victorious smile.

It looked as if she had already secured both her fortune and her future husband.

Silence.

Absolute silence filled the room.

A servant nearly dropped a tray.

Someone coughed awkwardly.

Finally, Augustus burst into laughter.

"It seems our little princess has already chosen a lover."

The room exploded with laughter.

For the first time in his life, Lucian felt dozens of eyes staring directly at him.

His ears immediately turned red.

Embarrassment spread across his face.

Yet despite everyone's teasing, he never let go of Elara's tiny hand.

In fact, his grip tightened slightly.

Nobody missed that detail.

The laughter slowly settled.

Then came the second shock.

While everyone was still smiling, Elara suddenly turned toward Lucian.

Her bright eyes locked onto him.

Then she shouted at the top of her tiny lungs.

"Lu-Lu!"

The childish nickname echoed across the room.

Everyone froze.

Alexander froze.

Cassian froze.

Even Augustus stopped laughing.

Elara pointed directly at Lucian.

"Lu-Lu!"

Lucian's head snapped toward her instantly.

On Alexander's lap sat the tiny princess of the Bennet Family.

She looked like a queen giving orders.

Her tiny finger pointed toward him with absolute confidence.

As if she expected him to come immediately.

As if listening to her was the most natural thing in the world.

For a moment, Alexander felt suspicious.

Where had his daughter learned such commanding behavior?

Then realization struck.

She had learned it from him.

The thought immediately ruined his mood.

Meanwhile, Cassian Bennet looked devastated.

The two men stared at Elara in disbelief.

The first name she had ever spoken.

The first person she had ever called.

Neither her father.

Nor her brother.

Not even her mother.

It was an outsider.

Lucian Hayes.

The two men's hearts suffered a heavy blow.

Beside them, Seraphina was trying very hard not to laugh.

Unlike her husband and son, she found the entire situation incredibly amusing.

Elara happily stretched both arms toward Lucian.

"Lu-Lu!"

Without needing further explanation, everyone understood.

She wanted him.

Lucian quietly approached.

The moment he reached her, Elara shifted away from Alexander and climbed directly into Lucian's arms.

She settled comfortably against him.

As though she belonged there.

The room erupted into smiles.

Even the older family members looked entertained.

Only Alexander and Cassian remained unhappy.

For some reason, it felt as though Lucian Hayes had stolen something precious from them.

And he had done it before Elara could even walk properly.

A terrifying image appeared in their minds.

Their precious princess growing older.

Following Lucian everywhere.

Ignoring them completely.

The mere thought made them miserable.

Seeing their expressions, Seraphina sighed.

She gently patted her husband and son.

Like a patient owner comforting jealous pets.

"Don't look so pitiful."

Neither of them felt comforted.

Across the room, Elara giggled happily while holding onto Lucian.

Neither child knew it.

But years later, everyone present would remember this day.

The day Elara Bennet spoke her first word.

And the day she chose the person she wanted beside her before even knowing the word "mine".

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