I was now more determined than ever to protect what was mine, no matter the cost.
AVIANA SCOTT
As the repast carried on, I finally found a moment to myself. There had been a nonstop line of friends and loved ones giving their condolences, but finally, I found myself alone at the table sitting in front of a plate I hadn’t touched.
Sighing, I stood and hoped that I could slip out of the hall without anyone noticing me. I was craving a breath of fresh air to clear the heaviness that clung to me like a veil. Being at Jeremy’s funeral felt surreal. It had been an unmistakable reminder of how short life could be. Each moment I spent there pulled at my heart, making me reflect on my own life.
In addition, I had come on my menstrual cycle that morning, so my hormones were making me even more emotional.
As soon as I stepped into the vestibule, I bumped right into Lelani, who was just coming back from the bathroom. We almost collided, but I caught myself and managed a small smile. “Lelani, hey.”
She smiled back, her eyes soft but tired.
“Hey, Aviana,” she said gently. “I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.”
“Thank you,” I replied, my heart aching a little. “I appreciate that. And, listen, I’m praying for you. You got this.”
Although she had the man of my dreams, I truly felt sorry that she was fighting cancer, especially at such a young age. I knew that she was wracked with fear since she’d lost two family members to cancer as well.
Lelani’s smile tightened, but she nodded. “Girl, I’m taking it day by day. Thank you, though. It means a lot.”
We shared a smile before she turned and headed back inside.
I took a deep breath as I stepped outside. It was a brief moment of calm, just what I needed before going back in.
I leaned against the cool brick of the building, letting the warmth of the June sun soothe me. Watching Jeremy’s casket lower into the ground made me feel like I was wasting my life. I had yet to pursue the career I truly wanted, and watching Mythic with Lelani all day made it painfully clear that I didn’t have the man I truly desired either. The thought nagged at me.
Just then, the doors of the church swung open, and there was Mythic, stepping out in a fitted black polo and jeans. The diamonds decorating his body sparkled in the sunlight, catching my eye as he approached. Relief covered his features when he finally spotted me.
“There you are.” His voice was soothing, wrapping around me like the warmest embrace. “Why are you out here alone?”
“I just needed some air and some time to think.”
He raised an eyebrow. “About what?”
I looked up at the sky, taking a relaxing deep breath. “About how short life is. Jeremy’s death has really made me realize that I want to live my life to the fullest. But I’m not. I don’t have the career I want, and I don’t have you.”
My heart raced as I spoke those words. The confession hung in the air between us. My eyes left the clear blue sky and found Mythic. Surprise blanketed his face as my honesty settled in. “Avi,” he began, clearly taken aback, “what do you mean you don’t have me?”
“I’ve never stopped thinking about you,” I confessed, my voice trembling. “I’ve always loved you, but I’m in a marriage that deserves my commitment. Damar hasn’t done anything wrong. He’s not perfect, but he’s been a good husband. The only thing he’s done wrong is not being you.”
Mythic stepped closer and wrapped me in his arms. The grief faded as I drowned in his scent. For a moment, everythingfelt right, and I could have stayed there forever, feeling safe and cherished. But reality crashed down as I remembered where we were, and I reluctantly pulled away.
“We can’t be seen like this,” I murmured with a shaky breath.
“I know,” he replied as his eyes searched mine.
His gaze made my feelings spill out like a dam bursting. “I’ve always loved you, Mythic. My feelings for you never changed, no matter how much time has passed. I crave you.”
His intense, steadfast gaze burned into me. “I love you too, Aviana. I need you in a way that consumes me.” The heat of his stare made my heart race. Exhilaration and nerves coursed through me. I felt exposed under his glare, yet strangely safe. “I love you enough to respect however you choose to handle your feelings for me.” His tone softened as he searched my eyes for understanding.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He nodded, the corner of his mouth lifting in a gentle smile. “Let’s go back inside.”
I felt a twinge of reluctance at the thought of leaving this bubble we’d created, but I sighed and agreed. “Okay.”
He gave me an encouraging smile. He squeezed my hand softly and quickly, causing me to swoon. But before I could completely unravel, he opened the large door of the event space.
