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?”

kiss to his cheek. “You didn’t have to

worth it just to see everyone

Sunlight gleamed off the ancient stone buildings, and there was the faint, mouthwatering scent of

fit into that first day–sprawling beaches, towering cathedrals, and cozy

had all gathered at a small cafe overlooking the water. The conversation flowed, and with it, updates about where life had

I said, feeling a little shy under their attentiIt’s grown faster than I ever thought it would. We’re helping so many people, and… I couldn’t have

And speaking of which…” She exchanged a look with Gavin, her face lighting up. “We’ve decided to start trying

congratulations went up from the table, and I could see the love in Gavin’s

hand.

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Chapter 280

going to be amazing parents,” I said, reaching

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advice I can get from you seasoned caregivers,” She winked over at Eliza, who

who was busy doodling in his notebook beside her. “I’m now officially the head of Crescent Orphan Services. Overseeing the orphanages and foster homes has been incredible, and having Joseph with

of his name, smiling shyly as we all

I said to Eliza. “Those kids are so lucky to have

cheeks pink. “Thank

was sitting beside her. “Claudia has been amazing, too–she’s basically become my second mom, and she’s gotten back into designing again, too. And

mother,

daughters in this group… it feels like such a blessing,” she said softly, pinching Tina’s

to see my mom have company after everything that had happened with

think it’s our turn.” He slipped an arm around her shoulders, looking down at her

toasts followed, and I felt a rush of happiness for my friends. Seeing

teased Edwin, nudging him

He

the Brooks family isn’t completely

beneath the table. I’d been by his side, of course, throughout all of it. It wasn’t easy for him, but I was proud of

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