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.
lounge too,
reach him. He pushes away from the wall, falling in step with me just as the others shout ‘surprise,’ making Aran stop in his
it?” Sebastian remarks
surprise party for you!” Zion exclaims, gesturing
children.” Aran pats their heads and I smile, watching
they’ll have him smiling soon
put up and smile,
the décor?” I ask quietly as Aran greets Dad, Atticus, and
did it say happy birthday, and I had a lot on my mind.” He counters
I guess,”
he also burst so many.” Zion is explaining to Aran, shaking his
Sia reminds him, before admiring her small bouquet of roses. “I love these,
music in the background, making the room feel even
dance too!” Zion
a lot of
after your son, since my daughter
as we all turn to him. He stands
Do you really think she’s calm?”
you?” I
says through the link, his gaze raking over me and I’m sure
up as he runs his fingers through his hair. “No, not really, but I
give a small smile, looking
is this
our Zaia, strong, passionate and incredible,” Valerie says with a smile. I walk over to her and take her hands in my own. “And
chuckle and Valerie pulls away, turning slightly as
guys wait here. I’ll help Zaia get those delicious dishes she’s
I am starved.”
leave the room together and head to the kitchen. Most of the things are down already and we only need to
you up,” Valerie teases. My heart skips a beat as
say quietly, carrying the tray
against him?” she
knowing what she’s
in the process, I can’t just forget it all,
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
like I need time. If I try to make this work because I love him or because someone tells me it’s the right thing to do, it will always eat up at me.
softly. “So, you will try
life and what I am ready to work on and what I
reply quietly. I look up at her as she opens
before she goes to call the others to the table, leaving me there standing alone. I look down at the table, realising I will
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