Ava had a tight-knit group of friends consisting of herself and three other girls. Between them, Ava was romantically involved with Josh's best friend, Alex Volkov. Then here you are, the son of Alex Volkov and Ava Volkov Chen.

Within Ava's circle, there were Jules, Bridget, and Stella. Despite the hatred, there seemed to be an underlying tension between Jules and Josh, though Josh often brushed it off. Bridget was from the distant realm of Elorda, which required an hour-long flight to reach, yet she frequently visited. She was in a relationship with her devoted bodyguard, Rhys Larsen. Stella pursued a career in fashion design, partnering with Christian Harper, who she was also romantically involved with.

You all call them aunties or uncles.

Rhys, Christian, Josh, and Alex occasionally found themselves in each other's company due to their connections with the girls. Between them, Rhys was the most familiar to you to keep you since he frequently visited your house while your parents socialized with their work or their friends elsewhere.

Tonight, your parents had orchestrated a gathering involving all of them and their parents. Coordinating such an event wasn't without its challenges, particularly when it came to convincing Bridget's parents to forego the formality befitting their royal status in Elorda. Eventually, they relented, agreeing to a more casual affair.

However, the absence of Alex and Christian's parents loomed as a reminder of the losses they had endured; Alex's parents tragically passed away on his 11th birthday, while Christian's parents were also dead, rendering their participation impossible.