Chương 46: Little Star

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Morning]

[Location: Home]

[*BEEP BEEP BE—*]

Before letting Lust-E get her third beep out, I immediately turned her off refraining her from waking up Whitney who was sleeping in today. I sat up on my bed, stretching and letting out a yawn then grabbed Lust-E off the nightstand.

[Good morning! You've got a message from Chelsey.]

A smile played on my face after she told me Chelsey had texted me, so I immediately went to my messages to see what Chelsey had sent me. I looked at the message and my smile only grew bigger.

{Chelsey: Buenos dias, Papi ♡ So, I know it's a bit early for you but Adrianna really wants to see you and I do too. She's gonna be performing in a play this evening at her daycare, and she wants you to come with. Think you can show up? Text me when you see this xoxo}

I immediately texted back, agreeing to spend time with Adrianna and Chelsey as well as agreeing to go to the play to see Adrianna perform. After texting Chelsey, I decided to get out of bed and get my day started with a good shower and breakfast.

While I was showering, Lustie warped into the bathroom, seemingly having something she wanted to talk about with me. She tried to get my attention, but I couldn't hear her due to me having music playing in my ears while showering. She looked around for an item to get my attention with, soon finding one of my earrings on the sink countertop.

Lustie grabbed one of the earrings, flicking it toward me, hitting me directly on my neck. I grunted softly, looking down and picking up my earring then looked at Lustie, taking an earbud out of my ear.

"Oh I thought an intruder had walked up in here, you were about to be going through that wall..." I said, letting out a sigh of relief and calming my nerves. "What's up?"

"Sorry if I startled you, but we have some serious business to talk about," Lustie said, sounding more serious than ever.

I immediately understood the severity of the situation once I noticed how serious Lustie looked. "Alright, let me finish up with my shower then I'll meet you downstairs."

"Okay, don't take too long. Athena mainly wants to speak to you," Lustie said, her tail swaying as her eyes instinctively narrowed toward my lower half.

"Got it. Also, I have a question. You refer to Talenta as Athena. Is that her real name?" I asked, continuing my shower.

"Mhm. Athena is her real name. All of my sisters real names are hidden within their Love Demon names, the exceptions being Passion and Luckie. My real name isn't Lustiella. My real name is Lusella," Lustie explained.

"Interesting. That's all I wanted to know. I'll be down in about five minutes," I said, fully returning to my shower.

Lustie nodded then warped back downstairs.

My mind was now filled with thoughts of what Lustie and Talenta wanted to talk to me about. It had to be something bad if Lustie was serious, but I decided to not think the worst and keep a positive outlook.

After I finished with my shower and throwing on some clothes, I made my way downstairs to meet with Talenta and Lustie. Once I was downstairs, I noticed Talenta and Lustie talking to each other on my couch then made my way over toward them.

"Red, Blue, I'm here now. What's going on?" I questioned, sitting down on my recliner.

Talenta glanced at me with a serious expression then took a deep breath and exhaled. "I have something I need to tell you. Before you killed Vance, he did... something."

I rose an eyebrow, curious about what Talenta meant. "What did he do?"

"Eric and Jake...when you stopped them from killing Mark, Eric secretly put a microphone on Mark. That's when Vance and Caden set up their plan behind the scenes. The Syndicates know Mark told people about what's going on. While you were doing your daily duties, Vance and Caden went behind the scenes and told Chelsey's ex-boyfriend where she is and where to find her," Talenta said, dropping a huge bomb on me.

"What?!" I asked, immediately standing up in shock.

"It's true. Chelsey's deadbeat baby daddy is in Destiny Central and we can only assume he's wanting to come back into Chelsey's and Adrianna's lives. It's also to note that he is a member of The Syndicates, but not a leader or anything. He's no threat to you per se, but he is a liability. If he knows you're dating Chelsey, he's definitely gonna have problems," Lustie added to Talenta's report.

I sat back down, closing my eyes and processing everything. I couldn't even believe that they could have set such a plan up in a span of two days.

After processing everything, I let out a sigh and looked at Lustie and Talenta. "Who is this unnamed father?"

"Michael Washington. Age 22. Hair color, dark brown, dreads. Well built, not too slim and not too much bulk. Eye color, brown. He also has a tattoo of a lion on his shoulder," Talenta said, giving me a detailed description of Michael.

"Got it. Is there anything else I should know?" I asked.

"Yeah, Michael, although not being a leader of The Syndicates does have his own crew. Two guys named Ryan and Cedric, both also directly affiliated with The Syndicates. I know Michael isn't gonna show up alone, so I want to give you my Mark of Talent where you can utilize a downgraded version of my One in A Million ability called Jack of All Trades," Talenta said, getting up and hovering toward me, placing her hand on my chest.

The faint glow of Talenta's blue ethereal energy surrounded my body, the Mark of Talent appearing on my arm with my other Love Demon Markings. After being bestowed with Talenta's Love Demon Marking, Lust-E beeped.

[New Ability: Jack of All Trades]

[Description: You are a jack of all stats and traits, a person who's has no specific weakness or strengths. You will still gain the boosts from your Unleashed State and you will become faster, stronger, and tougher, but you will not be the fastest, the strongest, nor the toughest; effectively, you will be great at everything, but the best at nothing. This ability can be evolved into Ace of All Trades, a unique version of One in A Million, also known as The Ace, The Master of All.]

"With that, you are essentially unstoppable now. I don't want anything happening to Chelsey, Adrianna, nor any of their family. You are now set up for success across the board," Talenta said, hovering backwards.

I gave Talenta a grateful smile, giving her a nod. "I won't allow anything to happen to them. With the Mark of Talent and my new ability, there's nothing that can or will stop me. Thank you, Blue."

Talenta returned my smile, nodding back at me. "Mhm~ Now, let's get ready to meet Chelsey at her place in an hour, we have a fun day ahead of us."

"Gotcha," I said, getting up to make some breakfast for myself and Whitney, once she woke up from her sleep.

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Noon]

[Location: Chelsey's House]

I parked my car in front of Chelsey's house, getting out and grabbing a few gifts I wanted to surprise Adrianna with. Once I had everything, I made my way to the door and rang the door bell, patiently waiting for an answer.

The door swung open and Chelsey greeted me with a warm hug. I returned her hug, a happy hum sounding from Chelsey as I gave her a good squeeze.

"It's so good to see you again! Come in, don't let me be in your way," Chelsey exclaimed, stepping aside to let me in.

"Likewise~ And where's my little princess?" I replied with a grin, looking around for Adrianna.

"She's in the living room with Caroline. I'll take you there," Chelsey said, closing the door then led me toward the living room.

Once we entered the living room, Adrianna and Caroline turned over to see who Chelsey had invited inside. Once Adrianna noticed it was me, her eyes lit up with excitement and she quickly got up, rushing over toward me.

"Mr. Shiro!~" Adrianna exclaimed, rushing into my arms for a hug.

I chuckled softly, returning her hug. "Hey, Adrianna. Guess what?"

Adrianna looked up at me with curiosity in her eyes. "What?"

I held up the bags filled with gifts, giving her a smile. "I got some gifts for you..~ I know Mami wants you to wait for Christmas, but a little spoiling won't hurt anyone."

Adrianna gasped with excitement, taking the bags out of my hands. She looked inside and noticed boxes that contained new dolls, a new doll house, and some jewelry inside. She looked up at me with adornment, her smile brighter than ever. "Thank you!~"

I chuckled and watched her run over to Caroline so she could help her unbox her new gifts. I looked up at Chelsey then noticed her roll her eyes with a sweet smile.

[Bond with Chelsey greatly increased!]

[Chelsey's Affection Meter skyrocketed to 40%]

"Oh don't be like that~ Someone's gotta spoil her at all times~" I teased, poking her side.

Chelsey's body jumped and she giggled, swiping my hand away. "Yeah, yeah~ Come sit down, señor~"

Chelsey led me toward the couch and we sat down, conversing and watching as Adrianna and Caroline set everything up. I decided to help build the doll house with them as they did need tools to build it. Once everything was built, Adrianna's fantasy world was now underway as she played until her heart was content.

An hour went by, Chelsey and I together in the kitchen preparing lunch for a picnic that Adrianna wanted to go on. As Chelsey and I busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing sandwiches and snacks for the picnic, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie.

"Hey, Chelsey, can I ask you about the play Adrianna's going to be in?" I inquired, slicing tomatoes with practiced ease.

Chelsey glanced up from her task, a fond smile gracing her lips. "Of course. It's called 'Little Star,' and Adrianna is playing the lead role."

"Little Star, huh? What's it about?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Chelsey paused for a moment, considering her words. "Well, it's a beautiful story about a little star that shines the brightest in the sky, no matter where it is. The star faces challenges and obstacles but never loses its light, inspiring hope and joy wherever it goes."

I listened intently, a wistful expression crossing my features as I thought about the play's message. "That sounds like a wonderful story," I commented softly, my mind drifting to memories of my mother.

Chelsey noticed the change in my demeanor and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Is everything okay, Shiro?"

I shook my head slightly, offering Chelsey a small smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. It's just… the play reminded me of something special. It reminded me of a conversation I had with her not too long ago.."

Chelsey nodded understandingly, her eyes reflecting empathy. "I'm sure your mom is like that little star, shining brightly no matter where she is."

A lump formed in my throat at Chelsey's words, and I swallowed hard before responding. "Yeah, she is. And you know what? I think there's a little bit of that star in all of us, too."

Chelsey's gaze softened, and she squeezed my shoulder gently. "I think you're right, Shiro. And I know Adrianna's going to shine just as brightly on stage."

I gave Chelsey a soft chuckle, nodding my head. "I know she is too.."

Chelsey gave me a quick hug before we returned to our preparations. Chelsey and I finished preparing the food for the picnic, our hearts filled with love and gratitude for the special bond we shared and the little star that illuminated our lives.

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Afternoon]

[Location: Destiny Central Park]

As the warm sunlight filtered through the lush green trees of Destiny Central Park, I sat on a checkered blanket spread out on the grass, surrounded by Chelsey, Caroline, and Adrianna. The laughter of children echoed in the air as families enjoyed the picturesque setting.

Adrianna tugged at my hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can we play tag, Mr. Shiro? Please?"

I grinned, my heart swelling with affection for the energetic girl. "Of course, princess! You're it!" With a playful tap on her shoulder, I darted away, Adrianna giggling as she chased after me.

As we raced around the playground, my keen eyes caught sight of a figure in the distance, a man watching them with a tense expression. Recognition flickered in my mind as I realized who it was—Michael Washington, Chelsey's ex-boyfriend and Adrianna's biological father.

"Tag! You're it!" Adrianna giggled as she tapped my arm.

I looked down at Adrianna, giving her a smile as I watched her dart away. 'E, keep track of that guy.'

[Affirmative.]

Michael was now highlighted and I activated only Level 1 of my Unleashed State, which gave me enough of a boost to stay alert of where Michael was.

Keeping my composure, I made sure to keep Adrianna away from the area, engaging her in games and activities to distract her. I made sure to stay close, never letting her out of my sight as I kept a watchful eye on Michael.

"I think he's gone now, but that creep was definitely watching Adrianna and Chelsey. Want me to go eliminate him?" Talenta asked, summoning her weapon.

"Whoa! No ma'am! We don't kill unless Shiro gives the order! Although I wish we could act upon our own accord, it's too risky and we'll put Adrianna in danger.." Lustie said, making Talenta lower her weapon.

[Lustie is right. We need to keep our composure like Shiro is doing. He's not making it obviously that he noticed Michael, and even though no one but Shiro can see you all it's still too risky to attack.]

"Fine, but just say the word and I'll split his head open!" Talenta said, determined to take down Michael as fast as possible.

As Adrianna and I continued to play and engage in various activities, I noticed she had started to grow tired so I picked her up and took her back to Chelsey and Caroline. As Adrianna drifted off into a peaceful slumber beside Caroline, Chelsey and I wandered a short distance away, finding a secluded spot beneath the shade of a towering oak tree.

My expression was serious as I relayed my encounter with Michael to Chelsey. "I saw him, Chelsey. He was here, watching us."

Chelsey's heart skipped a beat, her worry evident in her eyes. "What was he doing? Was he following us?"

I shook my head, my voice low and reassuring. "No, he wasn't following. But he was watching Adrianna, and you. I don't like the vibes I got from him, Chelsey. He seemed… off."

Chelsey's anxiety spiked, but she forced herself to remain composed. "Can't believe he would try to come back after four years...Thank you for telling me, Shiro. And thank you for keeping an eye on Adrianna. You're so good to her."

I nodded, a determined glint in my eyes. "I'll always look out for Adrianna, Chelsey. She's like family to me now. I'll be the dad she deserves.."

[Bond with Chelsey drastically increased!]

[Chelsey's Affection Meter skyrocketed to 80%]

[Love/Empathy/Charm EXP +5000]

Chelsey gave me a loving smile, her hand gently caressing my cheek. She leaned toward me, pecking my lips. "I know you will..~ I know she'll love for you to be her dad as well. She's really attached to you now..~"

"I can see and I'm glad she is..~ I love her like she's my own blood. I'll stop at nothing to protect her," I said softly, holding Chelsey's hand.

Chelsey's smile brightened and she gave me a big hug with me returning her hug. Caroline watched us, a smile on her face that her sister found someone she loved and someone who loved her just as much. She looked down at Adrianna, seeing how peaceful she looked while sleeping. She knew that I was the right choice and it showed.

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Evening]

[Location: Chelsey's House]

The sky casted down a golden glow as the evening colors wrapped around Destiny Islands. It was nearing the time for us to head to the daycare for Adrianna's play and I was very excited to see what Adrianna's costume looked like for the play.

As Chelsey helped Adrianna prepare for her play, I waited downstairs, my heart swelling with pride and anticipation. I glanced at my watch, noting the time, and couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness for Adrianna.

Finally, the sound of footsteps on the stairs drew my attention, and I turned to see Adrianna descending, her golden dress shimmering in the light. The dress was adorned with tiny stars that seem to dance as she moved, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"Wow, Adrianna, you look absolutely stunning," I exclaimed, my eyes filled with admiration.

Adrianna beamed up at me, her excitement contagious. "Thank you, Mr. Shiro! Do you like my dress? It lights up, see?" With a delighted giggle, she pressed a hidden button, and the dress illuminated with a soft, ethereal glow, casting a warm aura around her.

My heart swelled with pride as I gazed at Adrianna, the brightest star in my universe. I knew she'd shine just as brightly on stage, filling the hearts of everyone in the audience with her radiance.

"She begged me to add that onto her dress~ She's a natural!" Chelsey giggled, looking proudly at Adrianna.

Caroline descended downstairs as well and smiled at Adrianna. "Oh wow~ Look at my beautiful sobrina..~"

Adrianna shone brightly, her smile just as bright as her dress as she accepted all the praise and nice words we had to say for her. She was now more than ready to shine on the stage and knock the whole audience away with her stellar performance.

"Alright, let's head out! The main act can't be late to her own play~" Chelsey giggled as she walked to the living room to grab her purse.

All of us headed outside and walked toward my car as I was the one driving. We all got in and I drove us toward the daycare.

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Evening]

[Location: Little Destiny's Daycare]

We made it to the daycare and I was thrown off by how big the building actually was. It was more impressive than the usual daycares I was used to seeing. We got out of the car and made our way inside the building.

"Okay, I'm gonna take Adrianna to the theater room. Can you two find some seats for us please?" Chelsey asked, smiling at me and Caroline.

"Of course! Count on us, sis," Caroline said, smiling back at Chelsey.

Chelsey nodded then began to take Adrianna down the halls. As Chelsey guided Adrianna to the theater room for practice, Caroline and I made our way into the auditorium, finding our seats amidst the bustling crowd. My heart swelled with anticipation, knowing that Adrianna was about to take the stage in a role she's been eagerly preparing for. Chelsey soon met up with us, taking her seat with us and eagerly waited for the play to start.

Once the play began, I was immediately captivated by Adrianna's presence on stage. Her voice rang out clear and confident as she recited her lines, each word filled with emotion and sincerity.

As Adrianna delivered her poem about the Golden Star, my breath caught in my throat. To the audience, it was a beautiful metaphor, but to me, it was so much more. It was a reminder of my mother, the guiding light in my life who continued to shine brightly in my heart.

Tears began to well up in my eyes as I listened to Adrianna's heartfelt performance, each word resonating deeply within me. The memory of my mother fills my thoughts, and for a moment, I transported back to a time when her love and warmth enveloped him like a comforting embrace.

Beside him, Chelsey noticed my emotional reaction and placed a reassuring hand on mine. She offered me a gentle smile, silently conveying her support and understanding. Together, we watch as Adrianna continued to shine on stage, her performance touching the hearts of everyone in the audience.

Once the play was over, the audience erupted with cheers and claps. We all stood up and applauded each child for their amazing performance and gave a standing ovation for Adrianna who had moved many, including myself, into tears with her undeniable skills of acting. The theater buzzed with applause as the curtain fell, marking the end of the play.

Chelsey, Caroline, and I waited eagerly outside the theater room for Adrianna to emerge, our smiles reflecting the pride we felt for her.

As Adrianna bounded out, her eyes shining with excitement, Chelsey enveloped her in a tight hug. "You were amazing, Adrianna! Absolutely stunning!"

Adrianna beamed, her cheeks flushed with joy. "Thanks, Mommy! Did you see me, Mr. Shiro? Did you like it?"

My heart swelled with pride as he looked at Adrianna. "You were incredible, Adrianna. You truly shone like the brightest star up there."

Adrianna's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I'm glad you liked it, Mr. Shiro."

Chelsey chuckled. "You know, Adrianna, you even managed to make Shiro tear up with your performance."

Adrianna's gaze turned to me, her expression a mix of disbelief and awe. "Wow, I didn't know my words had that much power."

I smiled warmly at her. "Your words were beautiful, Adrianna. They reminded me of something very special."

Curious, Adrianna followed me outside, where the cool night air greeted us. As we gazed up at the star-studded sky, I pointed out a particular star that gleamed with a golden hue.

"Do you see that star, Adrianna?" I asked softly. "That's the Golden Star, the one you mentioned in your play."

Adrianna's eyes widened in wonder as she took in the sight. "It's so pretty..."

I nodded, my voice gentle. "It is. And you know, that star holds a special meaning for me. It reminds me of someone very dear to me."

Chelsey and Caroline joined us, their gazes fixed on the Golden Star.

I continued, my tone reflective. "That star represents love, strength, and resilience. It's a reminder that no matter where we are or what challenges we face, love will always guide us through."

Chelsey reached for my hand, her eyes shimmering with understanding. "I see now, Shiro. Now I understand why you seemed so sad when I explained the play...It really does shine tbe brightest in the sky.."

Adrianna snuggled closer to me, her heart full. "I'm glad we could share this moment together, Mr. Shiro."

Underneath the starlit sky, amidst the embrace of family and the twinkle of the Golden Star, we stood together, united in love and the promise of brighter tomorrows.