The soft hum of the private jet filled the air as we flew toward the Hart estate. The comfort and luxury of the plane were impressive, but what truly made this trip special was the company. We were all there: Sack, Olivia, Ellie, and me, along with Ellie's mother, who had turned out to be as warm and down-to-earth as her daughter. She told us gratefully how her younger daughter, the one undergoing treatment for her chronic illness, would be discharged in three days and then join us at the estate. It was clear that she felt a deep sense of relief and joy for everything we had done to help them.
At that moment, Ellie's mother was chatting animatedly with James and Sophia Hart. Watching them interact was fascinating; James, always charismatic and effusive, shared funny anecdotes that made both Ellie's mother and Sophia laugh. Sophia listened with her usual serene yet genuine elegance. It was a reminder that, though our lives might differ in some ways, there were universal human connections that brought us together.
Meanwhile, in the back of the plane, we were immersed in a game of Monopoly that Olivia had insisted on starting. According to her, it was "the best way to pass the time without dying of boredom." Of course, no one fully believed her, but we agreed because we knew Olivia wouldn't rest until she got what she wanted.
"It's official! I'm the queen of real estate monopoly," I announced triumphantly after purchasing my third consecutive property, leaving Olivia completely out of the game.
Olivia frowned, looking at her nearly empty pile of fake money.
"This isn't fair. I have bad luck with the dice. Plus, I'm sure Sack taught you all his real estate tricks. After all, his family has a real estate empire."
Sack raised his hands in a gesture of innocence, though he couldn't help but smile.
"What? I haven't done anything. Lindsay just has a natural talent."
"Natural talent, sure," Olivia retorted, rolling her eyes. "I'm sure you were trained from a young age to be some kind of real estate genius. Weren't you, Sack?"
Sack shrugged, pretending indifference.
"Well, it's true my dad taught me a few things about investments and properties. But I decided to study medicine, remember? All that was left behind when I chose to follow in my mom's footsteps."
Ellie then intervened, trying to calm Olivia down.
"Come on, Olivia. Don't be a sore loser. Besides, Sack isn't winning."
Olivia huffed.
"That's because he's letting her win. It's obvious he's using psychological tactics to distract me while she accumulates properties."
Sack shook his head, still smiling.
"I'm not doing any of that. I'm just good at losing."
"Sure, sure," Olivia replied, clearly unconvinced. "Whatever. But don't think I don't know what's going on here. This is a conspiracy."
Ellie giggled as she moved her piece, landing casually on one of my most expensive properties.
"Oh no… here again," she murmured, pretending despair as she handed me a few bills. "I think I'll have to mortgage something soon."
"Welcome to the club," Olivia shot back, crossing her arms dramatically. "Lindsay has become a villain. I never thought I'd see the day."
I laughed, feeling strangely powerful with my accumulated properties and increasingly frustrated opponents.
"Thanks for the support, Sack. But remember, even the best allies can turn into rivals if they decide to build a hotel on Mayfair."
Olivia made an exaggerated gesture of horror.
"That would be an act of declared war! I won't allow you to use dictatorial tactics against me."
Ellie and I exchanged an amused glance. It was amazing how Olivia could turn any situation into a Shakespearean drama.
As we continued playing, I glanced forward, where Ellie's mother was still chatting animatedly with James and Sophia. There was something comforting about seeing how such different people could connect so easily. I wondered if that was what made relationships work: the ability to find common ground, even amidst seemingly insurmountable differences.
When we finally finished the game (with me declared the undisputed winner), we packed up the board and turned our attention to the windows of the plane. The landscape below us was beginning to change: endless green fields, small farms, and dense forests appeared under the clear blue sky.
"There it is!" Olivia announced excitedly, pointing ahead. "Welcome to the Hart estate. Get ready to experience countryside paradise… and for Lindsay to have the most epic birthday in history."
The plane touched down smoothly, and as soon as it stopped, Olivia was already on her feet, ready to disembark. When we stepped off the jet, we were greeted by a scene that looked like it had been pulled straight out of a movie. In front of us, three red-haired figures stood out under the afternoon sun. They were Olivia's siblings: Emma, the eldest, charismatic and radiant, with a smile that lit up any room; Sarah, the second sister, more reserved and elegant, with an air reminiscent of Sophia; and Matthew, the only brother, a perfect blend of James' charisma and Sophia's serenity.
Emma was the first to approach, extending her arms toward Olivia with a huge smile.
"Little Oli! Finally, you're here! I thought you'd never arrive."
Olivia rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide her smile.
"I'm not that little, Emma. I'm almost 19."
Emma pretended to be surprised.
"Almost 19! Well, you're still my favorite little sister."
Matthew then approached, ruffling Olivia's hair affectionately.
"Leave her alone, Emma. You know she's our youngest sister, so technically she's everyone's favorite."
Sarah, more restrained, simply smiled and gave Olivia a gentle hug.
"Welcome home, Olivia. We've missed you."
As Olivia's siblings took turns greeting her, they also approached us. Emma, always sociable, greeted us enthusiastically.
"So these are your famous friends, huh? Nice to meet you. I'm Emma Hart, the eldest and most impressive sibling in the family."
Matthew shook his head, laughing.
"Don't listen to her. She's just the loudest. I'm Matthew, the responsible brother."
Sarah, with her usual elegance, extended her hand.
"And I'm Sarah. Welcome to the Hart estate. I hope you enjoy your stay."
Ellie's mother, who had been conversing with James and Sophia during the flight, approached then. Her name was Margaret Miller, and her presence radiated calmness and kindness.
"Thank you for having us, Mrs. Hart," Margaret said with a sincere smile. "This place is even more beautiful than I imagined."
Sophia smiled warmly.
"Please, call me Sophia. And there's no need to thank us. We're delighted to have you here."
Olivia, always the center of attention, wrapped an arm around Sack and me, and another around Ellie.
"Alright, now that everyone's here, we can officially begin the most epic vacation in history. And remember, Lindsay, this is just the beginning. Your birthday will be legendary."
We all laughed, including Olivia's siblings, who clearly adored their younger sister. Despite her extravagance, it was impossible not to be swept up by her energy.