Chapter 276: Chapter 280

Chapter 280 a 40%

Audrey After a long flight, we finally touched down in Italy. The sunlight streaming in through the plane window was a promising golden hue, and just the sight of it made me feel like my heart was about to leap out of my chest.

“I might need a nap when we get to the villa,” Edwin yawned, shaking the bleariness from his eyes.

But I was too excited to feel tired, even with jet lag and having just spent hours sitting in a seat on a plane.

a Once we picked up our bags, we piled into a van that Edwin had rented for us. He kept smiling over at me, and I had no doubt that he had quite the surprise lined up. It had been a full year since he had booked this trip, after all, and he still hadn’t told me anything about the rental.

When we pulled up to the villa, my mouth dropped open, and so did everyone else’s. The place was massive, stretching out across the beachside with white stone arches, sprawling balconies, and sun–drenched terraces. It felt like something out of a dream, and I could hardly believe that it was real.

Peter was the first to speak. “Holy Goddess–Edwin, what did you do?”

Edwin shrugged, feigning nonchalance, but there was no missing the glimmer in his eyes. “I had to do it. For all of you.”

Tina gave him a playful jab in the ribs. “He really is a big softie after all, isn’t he?”

As if on cue, everyone scattered, rushing to explore every nook and cranny. I could hear Tina’s laughter as she ran up to the second floor to claim a room, and Peter’s exclamation from somewhere down the hall as he discovered the pool table.

My heart raced as I wandered through the villa, my fingers brushing along the cool stone walls. Every room I passed was more extravagant than the last. There was a grand living space with plush sofas, a sparkling hot tub outside with a view of the ocean, and bathrooms with tubs that were practically big enough to swim in.

“This is... magical,” I breathed as Edwin came up beside me, slipping his arm around my shoulders.

He chuckled softly. “You deserve a little magic, don’t you think?”

I leaned into him, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. “You didn’t have to go all out like this, but... thank you.”

Edwin smirked, glancing around. “I think it’s more than worth it just to see everyone running around like kids at a carnival.”

Once we had all settled in and had some time to rest, we set out to explore the town. Sunlight gleamed off the ancient stone buildings, and there was the faint, mouthwatering scent of baked bread and fresh tomatoes wafting from nearby cafes.

We visited every tourist spot we could fit into that first day–sprawling beaches, towering cathedrals, and cozy gelato shops where we probably overindulged on sweets. But who could resist?

By late afternoon, we had all gathered at a small cafe overlooking the water. The conversation flowed, and with it, updates about where life had taken us over the past year.

“So, the charity’s been amazing,” I said, feeling a little shy under their attentiIt’s grown faster than I ever thought it would. We’re helping so many people, and... I couldn’t have done it without all of you.”

Avis beamed. “You’re the one who made it happen, Audrey. And speaking of which...” She exchanged a look with Gavin, her face lighting up. “We’ve decided to start trying for a baby. It just feels like the right time.”

A chorus of cheers and congratulations went up from the table, and I could see the love in Gavin’s eyes as he squeezed Avis’s hand.

1/3 19:33 Wed, Nov 20 Chapter 280 “You two are going to be amazing parents,” I said, reaching across the table to give Avis’s hand a squeeze.

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She blushed. “Let’s hope so. I’ll need all the advice I can get from you seasoned caregivers,” She winked over at Eliza, who laughed.

“Well, speaking of caregiving...” Eliza’s gaze softened as she looked at Joseph, who was busy doodling in his notebook beside her. “I’m now officially the head of Crescent Orphan Services. Overseeing the orphanages and foster homes has been incredible, and having Joseph with me... It’s made it all the more meaningful.”

Joseph looked up at the sound of his name, smiling shyly as we all applauded for them.

“I think you’re going to change so many lives,” I said to Eliza. “Those kids are so lucky to have you.”

Eliza looked down, her cheeks pink. “Thank you, Audrey. Really Tina piped up next. “And my LGBT counseling department is finally off the ground!” She paused, leaning into my who was sitting beside her. “Claudia has been amazing, too–she’s basically become my second mom, and she’s gotten back into designing again, too. And Audrey, we have to thank you. You made all of this possible.”

mother, My mother blushed. “I have so many daughters in this group... it feels like such a blessing,” she said softly, pinching Tina’s cheek. “I hope Tina never moves out.”

I grinned, glad to hear it. Tina had been living with my mom for almost a year now, keeping her company and helping her out. It was nice to see my mom have company after everything that had happened with Fiona, and Tina definitely needed a proper family experience. We all spent many nights together, cooking dinner and playing badminton on the back lawn.

Peter nudged Betty next. “I think it’s our turn.” He slipped an arm around her shoulders, looking down at her with a glint in his eye. “We’re moving in together next month.”

More cheers and toasts followed, and I felt a rush of happiness for my friends. Seeing everyone so settled, so fulfilled–it was all I’d ever wanted for them “And what about you, Mr. Brooks?” I teased Edwin, nudging him with my shoulder. “Anything new with you?”

He chuckled. “Well, I’m back in the ring again. Boxing, that is. Just for fun this time, and not nearly as intense as before. And...”

He hesitated, glancing around at everyone. “Peter and I are still trying to make things right with Malakai. We’ve been meeting up, just talking and catching up.”

Peter nodded. “Maybe the Brooks family isn’t completely lost after all.”

A soft murmur of approval went around the group at that, and I squeezed Edwin’s hand beneath the table. I’d been by his side, of course, throughout all of it. It wasn’t easy for him, but I was proud of him for trying.

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of laughter, stories, and the warm, golden Italian sun shining down on us. By the time. we made it back to the villa, the sky was painted in vibrant shades of pink and orange, the sun dipping low over the horizon.

We gathered on the beach, the sand cool beneath our feet, each of us with a glass of wine in hand. The waves lapped gently at the shore, and a calm, contented silence fell over us as we sat down on an enormous blanket, our shoulders pressed up against one another in a big line, and watched the sun slowly set I glanced around at my friends, at my family, my heart swelling to double its size in my chest. Everyone looked so happy, so at peace. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to this day, to this year.

“I think this calls for a toast,” I suddenly said, standing.

Raising my glass, I looked down at everyone. They all fell silent, waiting.

“To all of you,” I said softly. “To friends who became family, to dreams that became reality. And to the future, whatever it may hold.”

2/3 Ħ SEND GIFT 19:33 Wed, Nov 20 Chapter 280 Edwin stood and joined me, Jooping his arm around my waist and pulling me close. He lifted his glass a little higher. “And to the ones who stand by us, through everything. To love, to loyalty and to the bonds that can never be broken.”

One by one, everyone stood and raised their glasses, each adding their own quiet “cheers” as they looked around at each other It was a simple moment, but one I knew I would carry with me forever.

And as our glasses clinked together, silhouetted by the light of the setting sun, I looked up at my mate and felt my heart explode into a million luna moths in my chest.

“To you,” I whispered through the bond, clinking my glass against his. “And to a thousand lifetimes well–spent.”

Edwin beamed down at me. Wordlessly, he dipped his head and brushed his lips against mine. It wasn’t a kiss, but a promise; a promise that we would spend a thousand more lifetimes together, and a thousand more, until the end of time and even further.

The end.