Chapter 229 Every Year Then

&

+2 Bonus

When Lucien’s gaze landed on her–steady, unshaken–Kaia felt an unexpected wave of calm wash over her.

“Here,” he said gently, “just relax. Take your time getting your posture right. Keep your toes steady.”

There was something about his voice–low, reassuring, magnetic.

In that moment, all Kaia wanted was to let herself fall completely, to stop holding back.

“Now slowly let go of the rope,” Lucien added. “Don’t worry about anything else, honey. Just keep your eyes on me.”

Little by little, Kaia’s heartbeat settled. She loosened her grip, the wind rushing past her ears, the sharp scent of salt in the air.

For the first time, freedom felt real–something she could touch, taste, breathe,

They surfed until the sun melted into the horizon,

When they finally came to shore, Kaia was beaming,

“I’m definitely coming back tomorrow,” she said, clapping her hands in delight.

1/8

12:05

Chapter 229 Every Year Then

+2 Bonus

“I didn’t think surfing would be this fun. Did you do this a lot when you were overseas?”

Lucien nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Yeah. When I’m out there, it’s like the waves just carry everything away. All the noise, the pressure… gone.”

He chuckled quietly, his thumb trailing along the edge of his board. Those were the years he spent longing for her–close in heart, but always just out of reach.

Back on shore, Kaia finally picked up her phone.

“Huh. That’s weird,” she muttered. “I texted Alyssa around noon, and she still hasn’t replied.”

Lucien shrugged. “Maybe they’re out having fun too.”

He wasn’t the least bit worried.

After all, it’s not like Landon was going to lose Alyssa.

And Landon? He had no plans of losing her–he was far too busy wearing her out in bed,

That evening, instead of heading back to their room, Lucien pulled Kaia onto a beach chair with him.

2/8

12:06

Every

+2 Bonus

at the night sky. The stars glittered above them, brilliant and endless. Kaia reached up, as if she

“Lucien, let’s come here every

noise from the city. Kaia felt like she had been running toward some

now, for once, she didn’t have to do anything or think about anything. She could finally slow

loved the sound of the words “every year“, and he felt

her head to

do you always say yes to me? Why are you so good

voice held a quiet stubbornness, like she already knew the answer but needed to hear him say it

married, Lucien rarely said the words “I like you”

didn’t

2/0

Every Year

every decision, every quiet moment–they all spoke louder than words ever

because Kaia

+2 Bonus

what it felt like to

she didn’t dare to hope for too

it would all

maybe it was just her,

own, with no one there

to get an answer, Lucien glanced sideways and caught the subtle flush

voice carried a trace of careful

soft to notice.

slow and sure, not the slightest bit

That little rose I once liked… she’s

229 Every Year

skipped a

+3

+2 Bonus

hers, feeling as if an invisible thread gave her heart a gentle

her voice slightly strained as she

a smile, Lucien replied, “The first time I saw

took the air right out

first time? How could it be the

was still alive, the Graves and Domont families kept in touch

it was almost always Kimberly whom Tobias brought

as Kaia could remember, the first time she met Lucien had been

“How could it have been

this time,

5/8

12:06

Every

+2 Bonus

said, “It’s late, honey. Let’s

was clearly dodging the question, and Kaia narrowed

to talk, she wouldn’t

*****

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

Comments ()

0/255