Chapter 0328 , ZAIA. , My heart’s pounding as I gaze into his eyes, those piercing blue that make my heart implode, his touch is driving me crazy, and his scent is like a drug, sending me onto cloud nine. , His words echo like a whispered lullaby and my gaze dips to his lips. , Where do we go from here… , I slowly wrap my hand around his wrist as I look into his eyes. , I want to follow my heart… , “Why do you still love me?” I ask softly, trying to find the answer in his eyes. , I still love him, despite the years gone by. I love him with every fibre of my being, and he has always affected me. , He grips the side of my face, his thumb caressing my cheek. , “What’s not to love?” he counters. , I’m not perfect, no one is, but we are imperfectly perfect together… , “Only someone in love would say that.” I whisper, “Tell me… have you forgiven yourself?” , He frowns as he looks down. “I hurt you countless times, betrayed your trust and – left you when you needed me… I don’t think that’s something that can be , forgotten or forgiven.”, “But you paid the price… no matter how much it hurt you, you have given me the time I’ve asked for. The time that I needed… Your acceptance is enough to cut yourself some slack.” , “I told myself that I would give you all the time in the world, and… I told myself if we were meant to be, that we’d find our way to one another again. If not… then it just isn’t meant to be…” he says quietly, swallowing hard as he tries to contain. his emotions.. , His words resonate with my soul. , his patience. , Sebastian, too, needed to heal and not blame himself. His sacrifice with me, knowing that we may never be… I appreciated it. I appreciate him. , This time I know I don’t need to tell him about being honest or trusting because , ✪ 15 BONUS , there’s no doubt that he will be. This time I just know it. , He’s changed. Over the years I’ve seen that in him. We’ve learned from our past and learned from our mistakes. , “So, I guess we have our answer…” I say quietly, feeling my cheeks burn as a slow, sexy smirk crosses his lips. , “Something tells me I might just have a chance,” he whispers, as he leans in, his nose brushing mine, making my heart pound violently. , His fingers curl behind my neck, as he slowly tilts his head, gazing at me through half hooded eyes., A thousand emotions are coursing through me, and my eyes flutter shut when the sudden sound of something shattering makes both Sebastian and I jump apart. , The kids! , I leap up at the same time Sebastian does, both of us rushing to the door. , “Zion! Sia?!” I shout, wondering what happened as Sebastian takes the stairs three at a time and I’m right behind him. , We both come to a stop at the bathroom door, where the shower rail is now on the floor, clearly having smashed into the mirror before falling to the ground. Sia stands there barefooted among the glass. , “Sorry, Mommy…” she says sheepishly, just as Sebastian steps over and picks her up. , “Oh, it’s ok, are you hurt?” I ask as Sebastian places her in the hallway. , “I’m ok, I’m sorry for disturbing you,” she mumbles, making me look at Sebastian quickly. , Zion sighs as he steps out of his room. , “Really Sia, couldn’t you be a little careful?” he looks disappointed as Sia hangs her head sheepishly. , “I , “We were done with the wrapping,” I say quickly. “It’s alright, now let me get this cleaned up and then you can go take a shower in the other bathroom.” , Sia nods. “Ok, Mommy,” she smiles at Sebastian before hurrying down the hall. , “I’ll grab the broom…” Zion offers as he walks off towards the stairs, hands in pockets, leaving Sebastian and me alone. My heart is racing, and I occupy myself by picking up the curtain rail and, moving it aside. , 15 BONUS , “Let me grab that,” Sebastian says reaching over me from behind and taking the pole from me. , We almost kissed… , I am very aware of his body brushing against me, making me bite my lip. , He steps away, and I bend over to collect the large pieces of glass. How did she manage to do this? , “Here, Mom,” Zion says as he places the brush against the open door. , “Thank you, darling,” I respond, taking it from him as Sebastian takes the glass shards from me. , “I’ll go get rid of these.” He says, and I nod. , “And I’m off to bed, Xander’s asleep,” Zion says, leaning over and giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight Mom, Dad.” , “Goodnight,” I reply, kissing his forehead. , “Get some rest,” Sebastian says as he exits the bathroom. , “Oh yeah. Xander asked to place this under the tree for Santa to see.” He says holding up an envelope. , Another letter for Santa? , “I will,” I say, taking it from him., Zion and Sebastian both leave, and I place the envelope aside as I brush up the rest of the glass, hoping I get them all. Sebastian soon returns with an empty carrier bag, a dustpan and a brush. Sweeping up the shards I have gathered in one spot. , 15 BONUS , Chapter 0329, Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.