Chapter 280

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Audrey

After a long flight, we finally touched down in Italy. The sunlight streaming in through the plane window was a promising golden hue, and just the sight of it made me feel like my heart was about to leap out of my chest.

“I might need a nap when we get to the villa,” Edwin yawned, shaking the bleariness from his eyes.

But I was too excited to feel tired, even with jet lag and having just spent hours sitting in a seat on a plane.

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Once we picked up our bags, we piled into a van that Edwin had rented for us. He kept smiling over at me, and I had no doubt that he had quite the surprise lined up. It had been a full year since he had booked this trip, after all, and he still hadn’t told me anything about the rental.

When we pulled up to the villa, my mouth dropped open, and so did everyone else’s. The place was massive, stretching out across the beachside with white stone arches, sprawling balconies, and sun–drenched terraces. It felt like something out of a dream, and I could hardly believe that it was real.

Peter was the first to speak. “Holy Goddess–Edwin, what did you do?”

Edwin shrugged, feigning nonchalance, but there was no missing the glimmer in his eyes. “I had to do it. For all of you.”

Tina gave him a playful jab in the ribs. “He really is a big softie after all, isn’t he?”

As if on cue, everyone scattered, rushing to explore every nook and cranny. I could hear Tina’s laughter as she ran up to the second floor to claim a room, and Peter’s exclamation from somewhere down the hall as he discovered the pool table.

My heart raced as I wandered through the villa, my fingers brushing along the cool stone walls. Every room I passed was more extravagant than the last. There was a grand living space with plush sofas, a sparkling hot tub outside with a view of the ocean, and bathrooms with tubs that were practically big enough to swim in.

“This is… magical,” I breathed as Edwin came up beside me, slipping his arm around my shoulders.

He chuckled softly. “You deserve a little magic, don’t you think?”

a quick kiss to his cheek. “You didn’t

it’s more than worth it just to see everyone running around like

time to rest, we set out to explore the town. Sunlight gleamed off the ancient stone buildings, and there was the faint,

every tourist spot we could fit into that first day–sprawling beaches, towering cathedrals, and cozy gelato shops where we probably overindulged

we had all gathered at a small cafe overlooking the water. The conversation flowed,

amazing,” I said, feeling a little shy under their attentiIt’s grown faster than I ever thought it would. We’re helping so many people,

one who made it happen, Audrey. And speaking of which…” She exchanged a look with Gavin, her face

up from the table, and I could see the love in Gavin’s eyes as he squeezed

hand.

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Chapter 280

going to be amazing parents,” I said,

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I’ll need all the advice I can get from you seasoned

her. “I’m now officially the head of Crescent Orphan Services. Overseeing the orphanages and foster homes

name, smiling shyly as we all applauded

to change so many lives,” I said to Eliza. “Those kids are so lucky

down, her cheeks pink.

LGBT counseling department is finally off the ground!” She paused, leaning into my who was sitting beside her. “Claudia has been amazing, too–she’s basically become my second mom,

mother,

feels like such a blessing,” she said softly, pinching Tina’s

helping her out. It was nice to see my mom

slipped an arm around her shoulders, looking down at her with a glint in his

toasts followed, and I felt a rush of happiness for my friends. Seeing everyone so settled, so fulfilled–it was all I’d ever wanted

Mr. Brooks?” I teased Edwin, nudging him with my shoulder. “Anything

not nearly as intense as before. And…” He hesitated, glancing around at everyone. “Peter and I are still trying to make things right with Malakai. We’ve been meeting up, just

“Maybe the Brooks family isn’t completely lost after

and I squeezed Edwin’s hand beneath the table. I’d been by his side, of course,

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