The Retired Young Mercenary Is Secretly a Billionaire
Chapter 49: Starfall Melody!!

Chapter 49: Starfall Melody!!

The soft click of the lock gave way to a gentle creak as the front door opened.

A gentle evening breeze slipped in first, followed by the warm glow of the porch light framing two silhouettes.

And then — she stepped into the light.

Jess, the shining star of the Reaper Entertainment empire, stood at the threshold like she had just walked out of a dream. Dressed in a soft ivory trench coat with sleek black boots and a designer handbag slung over her shoulder, her long honey-blonde hair gently curled at the ends, falling like a cascade of silk down her shoulders. Her features were delicate yet radiant, enhanced only slightly by soft makeup and the natural grace she carried effortlessly.

Behind her stood June, smiling warmly, dressed in a more modest navy dress with a subtle pearl pendant around her neck. Her poise was quiet but confident — clearly proud to be accompanying someone so renowned.

"Good evening... Boss," Jess said with a soft smile, her voice smooth and melodic, carrying the same warm tone that had charmed millions.

For a moment, the house froze.

In the living room, Hope and Asher had just peeked over their cushion castle. Their eyes widened to cartoon-like circles as they both slowly stood — mouths slightly agape.

"B–Big bro..." Hope whispered, tugging at Miles’s sleeve. "That’s the big sister from the TV..."

"The one who sings my favorite songs!" Asher added, voice high with awe.

Then they both sprinted.

Jess barely had time to react before the two little rockets reached her. "You’re Jess!" Hope shouted. "You’re really her!!" "You sing Starfall Melody! I love that song! And the other one about the moon!" Asher added, clinging to her hand.

Jess laughed, eyes sparkling. "Oh my gosh, you’re even cuter in real life. You must be Hope and Asher, right?" They nodded so fast it looked like they might lose balance. "I brought gifts for you two," she said, kneeling to their level. "But only if you promise me one thing.""What?" they said in unison.

"You’ll sing with me later."

"YAYYY!" they squealed, twirling on the spot.

Daniel had slowly stepped into view, drying his hands with a kitchen towel. His usually calm face held a rare expression — a mix of genuine surprise and silent admiration. He took a deep breath and approached.

"So this is the Jess that’s got my kids hypnotized," he said with a small grin. "Nice to meet you, young lady. I must say, you’ve got fans in every room of this house."

Jess smiled and bowed her head respectfully. "Thank you so much, sir. It’s an honor to be here."

Jess stepped forward behind her, giving a slight wave to the twins and a smile to Miles. "I hope we’re not too early."

Miles chuckled as he stepped aside and opened the door wider. "Of course not. Come on in. Welcome to our home."

He looked at Jess with a grin, "Hope and Asher already stole your attention. Now you’ll be stuck here for good."

Jess laughed as she walked in, Hope clinging to her arm and Asher holding onto her coat like it was a treasure.

The warmth of the home embraced them — laughter and light already blooming around the doorway.

As Jess stepped into the warmly lit living room, her presence seemed to sparkle even without stage lights. But before she could take more than a few steps in, a voice from the corner rose — a gasp, half-contained but unmistakable.

"Wait—Jess? Jess... the Jess?!" Celina entered the room from the kitchen, eyes wide, nearly dropping the throw pillow she’d been fluffing.

Jess turned with a gentle smile. "That’s me. And you must be Celina?"

Celina blinked as if trying to determine whether this was a hologram or reality. "I’ve seen you perform live, twice! But now you’re... in the same house. Is this real life?"

Jess laughed, stepping forward and offering a warm handshake. "It’s very real. boss invited me for dinner, and I never turn down home-cooked food. Or adorable twins."

Celina shook her hand, then suddenly pulled her into a quick hug, catching Jess by surprise. "Okay, I’m composed now," she said as she pulled back, cheeks a little pink. "Big fan. Big normal fan. No screaming."

Miles chuckled from the other side of the room. "That didn’t sound normal."

Jess giggled. "I like her already."

Celina mock-glared at him. "You didn’t tell me she was this sweet in person. I had a whole speech prepared in my head... now it’s useless."

Jess gave her a wink. "We can improvise later."

June, standing to the side with a proud smile, added, "Miss Jess is really down-to-earth. You’ll see."

Celina nodded, still slightly dazed. "I can already tell. But now the pressure’s on... I was going to ask you for a selfie, but now I feel like I should earn it through honor or something."

Jess burst out laughing. "Maybe after dinner. I’ll trade you a song for it."

And just like that, the spark of friendship was ignited.

"June, Everything alright? No problems on the way?" asked Miles.

Before June could respond, Jess chirped with a grin, "Oh, no problems at all. Boss, Miss June took such good care of me—like a big sister! She even brought snacks for the car ride. I might kidnap her next time I go on tour."

June laughed sheepishly. "It was just a protein bar and tea..."

"That’s already a five-star experience in my world," Jess winked.

Just then, Elena emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a checkered towel, the scent of baked dishes trailing behind her like a delicious breeze.

"Dinner is ready!" she announced, eyes lighting up as she saw the new guests.

Her eyes fell on Jess, and she walked over with open arms. "Jess, welcome to our house. We’re honored to have a celebrity among us."

Jess, humbled and respectful, gave a slight bow. "Hello, ma’am. Thank you so much for the invite. Your home is so warm—it already feels like a safe place."

Elena smiled warmly. "Oh, aren’t you sweet. And please, just call me aunt."

Hope tugged Jess’s hand. "Big sis Jess, sing us a song before dinner! Please? Just one?"

Jess looked at Miles and Elena for permission. Miles gave her a playful shrug, and Elena chuckled, "Only one? I think she’ll want five!"

Jess laughed, stood in the center of the room, and held an invisible mic.

"What should I sing?" she asked.

"Starfall Melody!" the twins screamed in perfect unison.

Without hesitation, Jess began humming the familiar tune. Her voice filled the living room like gentle wind chimes — smooth, emotional, and deeply enchanting.

Even Daniel, seated by the bookshelf, was drawn in by the sound.

As she reached the chorus, Hope climbed onto the couch and started dancing, twirling with Asher, who flapped his arms like a bird. Everyone burst into laughter.

"Okay, okay, now we really need to eat something," Elena declared as Jess took a seat, cheeks pink from singing and laughing.

Dinner was served.

A beautifully roasted garlic-herb chicken sat at the center, surrounded by creamy mashed potatoes, steamed buttered broccoli, soft dinner rolls, and a vibrant garden salad with vinaigrette. There were also small trays of baked ziti and a tray of warm vegetable gratin — perfect comfort food.

They all sat together — Jess between the twins, who both insisted on sitting next to her.

"Miles told me you liked singing since childhood," Daniel said to Jess as he spooned salad onto his plate.

"I did," she smiled. "But I never imagined it would lead me here... in a home like this, with people like you. Honestly, this might be the best evening I’ve had in a long time."

June nodded beside her. "I agree. It’s peaceful."

"That’s what families do," Elena said softly, pouring juice for the kids. "They create peace."

Celina, sitting opposite Miles, teased, "You keep surrounding yourself with beautiful women, Miles. Your mom might start planning weddings."

Miles coughed on his drink. "Don’t start with that..."

Everyone chuckled.

Hope whispered to Asher, "I think Big Bro is blushing."

Asher whispered back, "I think he likes Big Sis Celina."

Daniel leaned back, watching all of them with a soft grin. The house was no longer just walls and furniture — it was alive, buzzing with joy, dreams, and the sound of found family.

As dinner went on, stories were shared, jokes passed, and laughter became the melody of the night.

It wasn’t just a meal.

It was a memory.

A moment where all their paths — twisted, broken, and healed — came together at a single table.

The dinner table, once filled with laughter, stories, and clinking cutlery, now sat with empty plates and full hearts. Hope and Asher had long ago leaned into Jess’s sides, still humming the tune she sang for them earlier. Daniel chuckled softly at their sleep-heavy blinks.

Elena stood up, gently collecting a few plates. "That was one of the most beautiful evenings we’ve had in a long time..."

Jess smiled warmly, placing her hand on Elena’s arm. "Thank you, Aunt Elena. You made it feel like home."

"I’m so glad you came," Elena replied, glancing at June and giving a grateful nod. "You too, June."

June dipped her head. "It was a pleasure, Aunt."

Celina stretched her arms with a yawn. "Okay, that gratin trying to pull me into a food coma."

Jess laughed. "That means it was perfect."

"Well, its so late I should go now" said Celina looking at the time

Miles stood up as well, brushing invisible crumbs from his dark shirt. "I’ll drive you home, Celina."

Celina blinked. "Oh. You don’t have to."

"I want to. Besides, Hope will cry if she doesn’t get to say a dramatic goodbye at the door."

"I will!" Hope shouted sleepily from the sofa.

Jess rose to her feet next. "Alright," she said, patting Asher and Hope on the head. "I better head out too. I have rehearsals early tomorrow. Thank you, everyone... really."

Daniel stood and gave a firm nod. "You are welcome here anytime, Jess."

"Thank you, Uncle Daniel."

June grabbed her purse and keys. "I’ll drive her home."

Jess turned to Miles and gave a brief salute. "Good night, boss. And thanks for the invite."

Miles smiled, walking her to the door. "You’re welcome here, Jess. Always."

Celina joined him, waving at Jess as she and June got into the sleek black car. As it pulled away, June carefully checking rearview mirrors, Jess looked out the window, a small smile playing on her lips.

Inside the car, she glanced at June. "Nice family."

June nodded. "They’re... special."

"You’re lucky to work with them."

June smiled. "I know."

Back at the house, Miles held the front door open for Celina.

"Come on, I’ll drop you. Can’t let a Wraithbourne walk home in heels," he teased.

"I wore flats," she replied smugly.

"Still counts."

As they stepped into the car, the night air cool and calm, Celina buckled up. "Today was really nice, Miles."

"I know," he said, eyes on the road. "It felt... normal. Something I haven’t had in a long time."

Celina glanced at him, softened by the hint of vulnerability. "You deserve more days like this."

He didn’t reply right away. But as the city lights passed by in quiet streaks, he eventually murmured, "Thanks."

When they reached her home, Celina hesitated at the door.

"Thanks for the ride," she said softly.

Miles offered a faint grin. "Thanks for coming."

She turned away, then paused. "Tell Aunt Elena the wine was for her, not you."

Miles laughed. "I don’t drink either way."

"Goodnight, Miles."

"Goodnight, Celina."

Back home, Miles stepped out of the car and looked up at the night sky. Quiet had returned to the house. The city lights hummed in the distance, and the wind carried a hint of something peaceful.

The weekend had ended.

But something deeper had started.

A bond, a memory, a quiet strength preparing for the days ahead.

And Monday would come with new plans.

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