Stunning. Distracting. Mine.
I rub a hand over my chest.Fates must be overcompensating for every ounce of misery they handed me because that woman right there feels like the greatest gift the universe could’ve given me.
They say love is blind, but I think it’s all-seeing. You aren’t in love with someone unless you’re acutely aware of their flaws, habits, insecurities, and their special form of crazy.
Only after you’ve carried them through the dark, dragged them toward the light, and cut yourself trying to piece them together, do you see beyond the exterior and fall in love with every broken piece, every crack, every edge.
Love comes from within. You have to give up a part of your soul to make room for theirs. And think I gave Hazel mine a long time ago.
27. Do you want to sneak out of here?
Dean
Idon’t think I’ve stopped smiling since Anxo and Nevaeh stepped on the stage for their first dance. Anyone with eyes can see how perfect they fit together.
Fates must be trying to make up for everything they put the Blackburns through by giving us the best soulmates.
In our world, the one with higher status shares their surname with their mate, and since Anxo and Nevaeh are equals, we all assumed they’d keep their own name.
Then, in the middle of the ceremony, Anxo announced he was taking the Blackburn name.
Anyone who knows him wasn’t surprised in the slightest because that’s how uncomplicated the guy is.
The audience thought they were clutching their pearls, as if they were witnessing a scandal unfold. Whispers rippled through the crowd like wind through dry leaves.
Judgment, curiosity… and a little awe.
For a moment, Nevaeh was worried he’d lose the one good thing his family had given him. But Anxo convinced her he’s done carrying what his legacy represents.
His family history is written in pain, betrayal, and anger. He’s ready to bury it all and start fresh. I admire him for wanting to build a new legacy. Something their kids would be proud to be a part of.
Since that moment, Anxo’s decision has been just as much the talk of the evening as the wedding itself. People can’t stop raving about Seiji’s flair for throwing the most extravagant events.
But even the nonstop gossip feels lighter tonight.
Nothing can ruin my good mood. Not the whispers. Not the past. Not even the future.
I feel… good. And I want to hold onto that for as long as possible.
I stand in the middle of the stage, searching for the woman I swore I wouldn’t follow around like a puppy tonight.
Five minutes. That’s how long that promise lasted. And honestly? I didn’t even try to fight the urge to be close to her.
Our eyes meet, and I’m struck by how beautiful she is, like I’m seeing her for the first time.
She stands in the corner, watching everything with careful, measured eyes.
Now that I’m not running around making sure everything is perfect for my daughter, my focus is zeroed in on my mate. Everything else beside her fades into the background.
She’s the only thing that matters.
The way she moves. The way she hesitates a bit before smiling at me. The way her eyes keep finding me in the crowd, but she still won’t come closer.
I admire her restraint, but it’s not my strength.
I need her. Need to feel her pressed against me, her lips on mine, her heart beating just for me.
I make my way toward her, slow and deliberate. When her lips curl into a smirk, I know. She’s been waiting for me to come to her.
