Chapter 0308 Life will still throw us many hurdles. We will face many challenges, but the normalcy of living without fear of something happening feels like a dream come true. I’m ready, ready to play with my children, send them to school, be here when they arrive home, cook for them, and put them to bed every night. I’m ready to be there for Valerie, to help her heal and move on from the pain of losing Jai. Something that will always remain with all of us. I’m ready to be there for when she’s able to move on, go out with her, be silly, maybe spa nights, or movie nights. Anything she wants. I’m ready to be there for her. I’m ready to see Dad become free and be himself instead of being forced to do things by another. I’m ready to help Aran and Sebastian mend the broken bridge between them, to become closer than ever and to understand one another wholeheartedly by respecting one another. I’m ready to see everyone around me live their best lives. I’m ready for it all. One moment, one step, and one day at a time. Staring in the mirror, I look at my reflection. I’ve applied some makeup tonight, a touch of glitter on my eyes and some gloss on my lips. I’ve pinned my loose. curls back and put on some earrings. I don’t remember the last time I’ve just been able to take a moment to relax and get dressed up. Doing something so normal is relaxing. I close my bedroom door after me and almost bump into Valerie. She’s wearing a dusky cerise- coloured dress, like myself, it’s the first time she’s stepped away from black. , We stare at one another before I hug her tightly. “You look beautiful.” I compliment her with a small smile. My beautiful Val… you will live on and thrive. “Thanks, you too Zaia… you will have everyone’s attention tonight,” she teases as she moves back and gives me a small smile. , TO 18 BOHU! Sebastian has made no attempt to mask his emotions and I’m very aware of the way he’s always looking at me… I’m ok… as long as he keeps his distance and respects my decision. Deep down my emotions are a storm. I know I love him, but at the same time, he has hurt me regardless of the situations he was in. “Shall we go?” she says, “the children have been impatient for a while.” “Yes, let’s,” I say, I had gotten them ready before myself and they were downstairs with Sebastian and Atticus. I had heard him reply not long ago. Valerie leads the way down and once again I wonder what the goddess’s words to her were. She had spoken to us all that night, even though we have kept what she said to ourselves. I have a strong feeling, even Zade was spoken to. “Val, you look beautiful,” Atticus says, as he takes her hand before she reaches. the bottom and gives her a warm hug. She hugs him back, and it makes me so happy to see the bond they have formed. “No point in saying you look good, don’t you always?” Valerie says, making him smirk before his gaze flicks to me. He smiles faintly, “Hey Red, you look beautiful, but that’s no surprise.” He says while Valerie smiles as she steps away. “Thanks. You look great too,” I reply. He’s dressed in tan pants, with a belt and a white shirt. “I’ll go check on the… cake!” she says. Cake? The cake is ready and set to go…. ‘Really? Is that all you could come up with?’ I say through the mind link, amused. ‘Well, the sexual tension from my brother was suffocating, and it’s ick soooo.” I can’t help but smile at that, and Atticus cocks a brow as he offers me his hand. I’m glad she’s addressing him as her brother now. I love the bond they have created. , “The mind link feels like a blessing and a torment,” Atticus says. “Well, some things aren’t for you men to hear,” I respond as he pulls me in for a hug. 15 BONUS He gives me a gentle squeeze before he lets go of me after a moment. That’s another thing… Since that night, I feel we’ve all changed in a way, and I see it in Atticus too. The way he smiles at me, despite the emotions in his eyes, I also see acceptance. Acceptance that we will never be. “So does the birthday boy know this is all for him?” Atticus asks. “Birthday boy?” Sebastian’s deep, sexy voice comes. Atticus moves back, and we both turn to Sebastian who is standing there all in black, looking drop-dead gorgeous, the sleeves of his black shirt are pushed up, and he has a few buttons open that show off two chains. His gaze snaps to me and he makes no attempt to hide the way his eyes rake over me. It feels like he’s undressing me with them, and I suddenly feel extremely exposed under that burning gaze… 9 Moonlight Muse Author for reading. ל1 15 15 BONUS Chapter 0309, Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.