The dining room glowed under soft light, silverware catching the gleam of the chandelier.
The long table had been set to perfection: polished cutlery, white linen, and crystal glasses that sparkled.
Richard lifted the bottle with ceremony, the cork popping in a burst that echoed through the room.
Champagne spilled in a cheerful fizz as he filled each glass.
"To new beginnings," he said, raising his glass high.
Sarah mirrored him, her eyes warm. "To fate finally behaving."
Gabriel lifted his glass too, though his other hand remained on Ethan's knee beneath the table, grounding him.
Ethan hesitated but clinked his glass with the others.
They all drank. Or tried to.
Ethan's nose wrinkled the second the bubbles touched his tongue.
He lowered the glass quickly, making a face like he'd bitten into something sour.
Gabriel caught the expression and leaned close, voice low and teasing. "You don't like it?"
