I press my lips together for a moment before looking towards the front door.
“Your father’s. It’s his birthday today, remember?” I explain, glancing back at him.
He cocks a brow.
“Right… don’t really remember celebrating it…” he remarks as he frowns, as if thinking over what I just said for a second.
I’m relieved when the doorbell rings and I break the extreme tension between us and hurry over to the door.
“Fuck.” I hear Sebastian mutter, about to turn questioningly but decide against it and instead pull open the door.
Mr King is standing there, looking surprisingly casual. He’s traded in his usual suit for pinstripe pants and a white shirt.
“Hello Zaia, good evening.” he holds out some flowers, making my eyes widen in surprise.
“Oh, thank you!” I exclaim, accepting the white roses. He has two other bundles and I smile, knowing instantly that one is for Valerie and the smaller bouquet is for Sia. “This is so sweet.”
He gives me a curt nod in response as I step aside, allowing him in.
“It’s nothing.”
‘He’s here! Stay ready guys.’ I tell Valerie.
‘On it.’ she replies.
and turning around to see Atticus has gone into the lounge too, but Sebastian is still standing there leaning against the wall as he gives his father a nod
head to follow his father, but he doesn’t move until I reach him. He pushes away from the wall, falling in step with me just as the others shout
bit much, isn’t it?” Sebastian remarks as the kids begin
We made a surprise party for you!” Zion exclaims, gesturing
that… this was not necessary, but thank you. Thank you, children.” Aran pats their heads and I smile, watching the exchange. There’s a faint smile tugging at the corner of
they’ll have him
that were put up and smile, glancing
click that it was your dad’s birthday with the décor?” I ask quietly
lot on my mind.” He counters arrogantly as he looks down
I
knot in the balloons, but he also burst so many.” Zion is explaining to Aran, shaking his
burst some, Zion.” Sia reminds him, before admiring her small bouquet of roses. “I love these,
in the
dance too!”
two have a lot
after your son, since my daughter is
and I tilt my head as we all turn to him. He stands there, hands in his pockets, cocking a
think she’s
you?” I
his gaze raking over me and I’m sure he means during
heat up as he runs his fingers through his hair.
eyes meet and I give
is this
her and take her hands in
us both chuckle and Valerie pulls away, turning slightly as she brushes a stray
You guys wait here. I’ll help Zaia get those delicious dishes she’s
starved.” Zion says
the room together and head to the kitchen. Most of the things
eyeing you up,” Valerie teases. My heart skips a beat as I look down at
I know.” I say quietly,
the circumstances were against him?” she says softly, placing the stuffed tacos
look up at her, knowing what she’s trying to
was hurt in the
lost Jai… after all these years of holding a grudge against him, hurting myself and him… I regret it. The wasted time, the misunderstandings. I know things aren’t perfect, but if you work on them together, you can heal together,” she tries to reason softly as I
but call me selfish or unreasonable, but I still feel like I need time. If I try to make this work because I love him or because someone tells me it’s the right
you will try
have an answer to that… deep down, I know I love him, but I also know I need time to understand what I want in life and what I am ready to work on and what
consider the future,” I reply quietly. I look up at her as she opens her mouth and
but nods before she goes to call the others to the table, leaving me there standing alone. I look down at the table, realising I will have to talk to Sebastian and
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