MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 780: Intimate

The family continued their discussion for a while before shifting to the dining room, where Mitchelle had meticulously prepared every dish with the utmost care. As beings who were no longer mere mortals, they now dined on mana-infused meals, each bite a delicate blend of flavor and energy, nourishing both body and core.

Within the spacious dining hall, the soft clinking of cutlery against porcelain echoed rhythmically through the air. The faint hum of conversation mingled with bursts of laughter, creating an atmosphere steeped in warmth and bliss. The discussion flowed like a tranquil stream, unbroken and effortless, with Vega joining in, her laughter bright, her tone sincere, and her presence adding a radiant charm to the table.

After some time, Michael raised his wine glass, gently tapping its rim with a spoon to call for everyone’s attention. The faint ring of crystal resonated softly. “A toast,” he began, his voice firm yet warm, “to Vega and Anthony, the two most talented and charming souls in existence. May they continue to grow together, and may their bond shine brighter than any star.”

At his words, the others raised their glasses as well, their movements graceful and synchronized. “Cheers,” they said in unison, the gentle clink of crystal echoing softly as they shared the moment, basking in the serenity and joy that surrounded them.

Vega took a sip of her wine, a smile playing on her lips. Throughout the previous night and even this morning, as she prepared to come here with Anthony, she had imagined countless scenarios of how this meeting and introduction would unfold. She had worried, rehearsed, and speculated endlessly. Yet now, seeing everything go so perfectly, her heart felt lighter than ever. The smile on her face deepened, her natural charm accentuating her beauty all the more.

Her gaze wandered toward Mitchelle, Collins, Michael, and Irene, who were conversing among themselves with laughter and soft smiles. Vega had, of course, heard about the Supreme Monarchs, beings of unfathomable power and status. Even though she had never particularly cared for titles or positions, she had served in the military for over a year and several months, and within those circles, the names of the Supreme Monarchs were often spoken with awe.

Yet here they were, seated casually around the table, three of the so-called Supreme Monarchs, acting so… normal. So human. The thought drew another smile from her. They did not alienate her, nor did they put on false airs or hide behind carefully crafted masks. Vega would have noticed such pretenses easily, but there were none. Every laugh, every smile, every word felt genuine.

‘Indeed,’ she thought, swirling the wine in her glass, ‘they truly are one big, happy family, just as Anthony said.’

Anthony had spoken often about his family, their closeness, their strength, their warmth. She had believed him, of course, but seeing it firsthand brought a different kind of joy. Her thoughts briefly drifted to her own parents, Klaus and Amara. She imagined the day when both families would gather for a grand feast, a beautiful union of two worlds. The idea alone warmed her heart.

“Vega,” Mitchelle’s gentle voice interrupted her thoughts, “you must set up a date. We should meet again soon, perhaps a girls’ night. I might even tell you a few… hidden things about Anthony. In private, of course.” Her tone carried playful mischief.

Anthony’s calm expression immediately darkened. He had no idea what his mother was planning, but he could already guess it would not end in his favor.

“As long as I’m not on a mission, my schedule is always clear, Mitchelle,” Vega replied with a graceful smile, playing along.

Mitchelle chuckled, clearly delighted by her response.

“How do you find the food?” Irene asked politely as she delicately sliced another portion.

“Literally perfection,” Vega answered without hesitation, her tone soft and sincere. She meant every word.

“Mitchelle and I prepared it together,” Irene said with a sweet smile, visibly pleased. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, dear.” With each passing moment, her fondness for Vega grew deeper.

The conversation carried on light-heartedly. Time slipped by unnoticed as laughter and joy filled the hall. Before long, the plates were empty, the wine bottles drained, and the table stood as proof of a meal thoroughly enjoyed. No one realized when the feast had ended; they were too lost in the comfort of shared company.

Wiping his mouth with a table napkin, Anthony rose from his seat with quiet grace. “We’ll be retiring for the night,” he said with a soft smile. “It’s already quite late.”

“Can’t you stay a little longer?” Mitchelle asked, feigning a sad expression, her tone half-pleading, half-teasing.

“Mom, we’ve been here since noon,” Anthony replied, shaking his head lightly. “Maybe next time.”

He walked over to Vega’s side, resting a hand on the back of her chair. As she rose, he pulled the chair back gently, like the perfect gentleman he always was. Vega gave him a grateful look before turning to the family.

“It was wonderful meeting everyone,” she said warmly. “Thank you for the hospitality, and the love.”

“I look forward to seeing you more often, Vega,” Mitchelle replied, her smile sincere. The others nodded in agreement, their expressions soft.

“Good night,” Anthony said with a light wave. Space distorted behind him, shimmering like rippling water.

He cast one last smile toward his family before stepping through, Vega’s hand gently held in his. The moment they vanished, the portal closed silently behind them.

On the other side, within the familiar comfort of Anthony’s room, the air rippled once more before settling. Vega barely took a step before collapsing face-first onto the bed. Even with her face pressed against the soft sheets, the joy on her face could not be hidden. Rolling onto her back, she stared at the ceiling, still smiling like someone lost in a dream.

“Are you planning to lie there smiling all night?” Anthony teased, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. He, too, felt content. The evening had gone perfectly, though he was hardly surprised. He knew his parents and grandparents were nothing if not welcoming.

“Honestly,” Vega said with a sigh of pure contentment, “it was perfect. More than I could have asked for, or even imagined.” Her voice softened as she slowly sat up, her eyes filled with warmth.

She began removing her accessories, unclasping each piece of jewelry with care before slipping them into her spatial ring. Then she took off her heels and gown, folding the delicate fabric neatly before storing it away. Her movements were graceful, deliberate, almost ritualistic in their calmness.

“You should have listened to me when I told you to take it easy,” Anthony said, his tone light yet affectionate as he changed into his nightwear.

They climbed into bed from opposite sides, settling into the soft sheets. The night deepened around them, moonlight spilling through the window in silver threads. They spoke quietly, reminiscing about the evening, laughing over small details and affectionate glances exchanged during dinner. Eventually, words gave way to silence, soft, intimate, and filled with emotion.

What followed was a night of perfect, passionate bliss, a union not only of bodies but of hearts, echoing the warmth of the family that had so warmly embraced them.