Chapter 309
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ZAIA.
I press my lips together for a moment before looking towards the front door.
“Your father’s. It’s his birthday today, remember?” I explain, glancing back at
him.
He cocks a brow.
“Right… don’t really remember celebrating it…” he remarks as he frowns, as if thinking over what I just
said for a second.
I’m relieved when the doorbell rings and I break the extreme tension between us and hurry over to the
door.
“Fuck.” I hear Sebastian mutter, about to turn questioningly but decide against it and instead pull open
the door.
Mr King is standing there, looking surprisingly casual. He’s traded in his usual suit for pinstripe pants
and a white shirt.
“Hello Zaia, good evening.” he holds out some flowers, making my eyes widen in surprise.
“Oh, thank you!” I exclaim, accepting the white roses. He has two other bundles and I smile, knowing
instantly that one is for Valerie and the smaller bouquet’is for Sia. “This is so sweet.”
He gives me a curt nod in response as I step aside, allowing him in.
“It’s nothing.”
‘He’s here! Stay ready guys.’ I tell Valerie.
‘On it.’ she replies.
I hear a giggle from Sia, and I smile, closing the door and turning around to see Atticus has gone into
the lounge too, but Sebastian is still standing there leaning against the wall as he gives his father a nod
when he passes him by.
I motion with my head to follow his father, but he doesn’t move until I reach him. He pushes away from
the wall, falling in step with me just as the others shout’ surprise,’ making Aran stop in his tracks.
“A bit much, isn’t it?” Sebastian remarks as the kids begin laughing.
“Grandad! We made a surprise party for you!” Zion exclaims, gesturing to the
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grey, black and silver balloons.
“I can see that… this was not necessary, but thank you. Thank you, children.” Aran pats their heads
and I smile, watching the exchange. There’s a faint smile tugging at the corner of Aran’s lips.
I’m sure they’ll have him smiling soon enough…
I look at the balloons that were put up and smile, glancing at the sexy man beside me. Sebastian did
pretty well.
“Didn’t you click that it was your dad’s birthday with the décor?” I ask quietly as Aran greets Dad,
Atticus, and Valerie.
“Nowhere did it say happy birthday, and I had a lot on my mind.” He counters arrogantly as he looks
down at me.
“Fair enough, I guess,” I say.
“… then Daddy made the knot in the balloons, but he also burst so many.” Zion is explaining to Aran,
shaking his head dramatically.
“Even you burst some, Zion.” Sia reminds him, before admiring her small bouquet of roses. “I love
these, thank you, grandad.”
Valerie chuckles as she puts on some soft music in the background, making the room feel even more
alive.
“Oh, we should dance too!” Zion exclaims.
“These two have a lot of energy.” Aran remarks.
“That they do, but they take after your son, since my daughter is very calm,” Hugh says,
Sebastian scoffs, and I tilt my head as we all turn to him. He stands there, hands in his pockets,
cocking a brow.
“What? Do you really think she’s calm?” he remarks.
“Don’t you?” I ask, frowning slightly.
‘Far from it…’ he says through the link, his gaze raking over me and I’m sure he means during sex…
My cheeks heat up as he runs his fingers through his hair. “No, not really, but I like it.”
Our eyes meet and I give a small smile, looking away.
Why is this so hard?
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“Well, that’s just our Zaia, strong, passionate and incredible,” Valerie says with a smile.
I walk over to her and take her hands
our Valerie,” I say softly.
in my own. “And the same can be said for
“Ok, ladies, too many emotions,” Atticus says, making us both chuckle and Valerie pulls away, turning
slightly as she brushes a stray tear away.
“Alright, fine! You guys wait here. I’ll help Zaia get those delicious dishes she’s cooked onto the table.”
She says briskly.
“Ok! I am starved.” Zion says dramatically.
We leave the room together and head to the kitchen. Most of the things are down already and we only
need to take the food to the table.
“Sebastian was really eyeing you up,” Valerie teases. My heart skips a beat as I look down at the roast
chicken that I am holding.
“Yeah… I know.” I say quietly, carrying the tray to the table.
“You know the circumstances were against him?” she says softly, placing the stuffed tacos down.
I look up at her, knowing what she’s trying to say.
“I know, but for someone who was hurt in the process, I can’t just forget it all, Valerie.”
“Zaia, I just… I lost Jai… after all these years of holding a grudge against him, hurting myself and
him… I regret it. The wasted time, the misunderstandings. I know things aren’t perfect, but if you work
on them together, you can heal
vanthar 11 cha triac to rasean caftlu as I turn hark to mot the von and notatooe
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