eek a

ers over my face, noticing a significant weight loss. After was

the day I first moved in there. I was overjoyed to join their family. Why am I getting emotional

g, and I demonstrated that I w

quired as he made himsel

e with a smile, clearly teasing me about m

rd a faint clatter. Tyler immediately got up and searched for the source, chuckling as he hel

d chance, Tyra?" He suggested, promp

me! And you're telling me to forgive him?" I rais

some advice," he reassur

absurd," I retorted, playful

atch a few movies. Despite choosing a romantic comedy, tears st

I muttered, wipin

y relationship together. While gazing at my wedding ring, memories flooded back, triggering a torrent of tears. I slipped my wedding ring back onto my finger and r

d a cake inside. My mother has a sweet tooth, so it wasn't surprising that we had a cake in the

ers before heading back to my room. I cracked one open and settled in

me. "What?" I called out, not wanting

Tyler's voice came through t

ace it tomorrow," I repl

out with my friends. Joana and Trisha were waiting for

yra?" Trisha inquired, con

ed up by a dinosaur," I jok

to you," Joana sympathized, a

oughts are running through their minds," Tri

s head inside," I suggested, and

rsity greeted us. Joana took charge of the

" I questioned, to which Joan

brother to pick us up," she reve

ng you well?" I probe

" I redirected the conversatio

to the music. As the night progressed, I pulled them onto the dance floor, rev

spotted my brother making

?" Tyler greeted us, planti

Joana remarked, to which Ty

h someone else," he quipped, prompting me t

teased, but he sim

n aback when Jared suddenly appeared and seated

riends allowed tonight," I scolded

d call

ff my brother befo

f isolated. Just great! I had nearly polished off

he remarked, trying to strike up a c

ght now," I curtly repli

ken one," he commented

ve?" I requested, to

re feeling broken," he re

exclaimed, unable to tolerate hi

him, I was swiftly

t's head home," he insisted,

ace to catch some sleep. I stirred as a gentle touch roused me from my slumber. It was my mom, her face etched with

e simply gave my shoulder a comforting pat. A

sked, helping me up a

is car. What a great brother! Thankfully, my mom took car

sending me rushing to the bathroom. Regret flooded in as I emptied

ned to bed, intending to catch a few more winks when the door crea

ed, prompting me

!" I remarked, shu

anted to check on you," she explained,

car last night," I half-jokingly

pretty wasted too," she apologi

just looking out for me

re for you," she interjected,

and it suddenly dawned on me that it was Laxus' birthday. Despit

axus' mother's name. Taking

ly, mustering a smile even

she inquired, to which I

to be at his birthday party," I respond

explained, tugging at my heartstrings. They were awa

ank you," I replied b

m, I found Tyler loung

k?" I questioned, to w

it easy now," he replied, cracki

drove to the salon for

ted me warmly, flashing a big smil

d the smile, settling

enhancements to make it even more beautiful. After thr

rthday bash," Mom emerged from

sence," I replied, earning a

," she advised be

axus' mother, I began to doubt my d

tapped on my car window. Step

pportunity to see you again,"

stility unlike Mika. Inside the venue, all eyes were on

trance, exchanging pleasantries with guests. His smile faltered upon meeting my gaze.

all gift. "My present for you," I stated as he accepted it with a simple "Thank

make my exit. As I headed for the d

you tonight," Mona rema

ed, sensing her unspo

firmed, mentioning plans for a night out, alt

sor

nk you, and enjoy the rest of the e

Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me, and before I could react, warm arms

brace, his scent... I missed hi

today," he whispered, send

your mom," I repl

ome bac

im off firmly

hem. Shaking my head, I walked away. I could