Chapter 280

a

40%

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.

a

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?”

into him, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. “You didn’t have to go all out like this, but… thank

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

out to explore the town. Sunlight gleamed off

spot we could fit into that first day–sprawling beaches, towering cathedrals, and cozy gelato shops where we probably overindulged on sweets. But who

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

little shy under their attentiIt’s grown faster than I ever thought it would. We’re helping so many

Gavin, her face lighting up. “We’ve decided to start trying for a baby. It just feels like the

the table, and I could see the love in Gavin’s eyes as

hand.

1/3

19:33 Wed, Nov 20

Chapter 280

going to be amazing parents,” I said, reaching across the table

40%

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

looked at Joseph, 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 me… It’s made it all the more

the sound of his name, smiling shyly

I said to Eliza. “Those kids are so lucky

her cheeks pink. “Thank

“And my 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, and she’s gotten back into designing again, too. And Audrey, we have to thank you. You made all of this

mother,

mother blushed. “I have so many daughters in this group… it feels like such a blessing,” she said softly, pinching

It was nice to see my mom have company after everything that had happened with Fiona, and Tina definitely needed a proper family experience. We all spent many nights together, cooking dinner and playing badminton

arm around her shoulders, looking down at her with a glint in his eye. “We’re moving

a rush of happiness for my friends. Seeing everyone so settled, so fulfilled–it

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

and 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

nodded. “Maybe the Brooks family isn’t completely

the group at that, and I squeezed Edwin’s hand beneath the table. I’d been by his side, of course, throughout all of

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255