Last chapter: A big thanks to all the lovely readers for staying with me on this journey.

Love you all.

Enjoy!

........

When we think we lost the most precious thing to us ever, the thing we were protecting from eyes of everyone with our everything.

Is when it either makes us or breaks us.

And in our case. It build us. Together.

I always feared loosing him. And thought I couldn't live without him. But it proved wrong, I survived , I became stronger.

I learner to live for myself.

While he always feared hurting others. Hurting me. And when he unintentionally did exactly that, his fears crumbled and it brought him out of the walls he kept himself restrained.

I survived the wound. Thankfully it was nothing serious when I woke up in the hospital next day. But in complete contrast.

Aaron's biggest fear turned out to be true. And along with it came, the desire to see me well.

The doctors were amazed. Even I was.

One could see that he wanted to wake up. He was not giving up. He was a fighter.

Seeing him responding to the medicines for the first time in all these years, the doctor's opened another door.

They were ready to operate on him.

The chances were 50:50 but we all had decided. We were going to take it.

And after that? Miracle happened as I said.

Before Declan could read further ,a voice echoes from the hallway , that made him look up in surprise.

" Mommaaaa!!"

The 9 year old Zaria's voice. Broke him out of his trance and his heart thuds as he looks at a figure approaching.

The clicking of heels. To be followed by a man's long strides.

" My baby! I missed you sweetheart!"

That voice. Declan could recognise it from anywhere. And that's when he sees her.

Dressed professionally in a beautiful blouse with a pencil skirt .She looked just like he left her. Elegant and perfect.

Yet, the most beautiful ornament she wore was that million dollar smile.

Which seemed to illuminate the entire room.

Zaria literally jumps into her arms and she crouches down to pick her up. Pulling her to her chest, she places loving playful kisses all over her face making Zaria to giggle.

" Momma it tickles! Hahaha!"

A smile automatically makes way on everyone else's lips. When Declan's eyes stop at a little guy standing behind Ezra. His fists clenching Ezra's business trousers as he looks at Declan

Those innocent brown eyes a replica of Ezra.

" Ace! Come meet your sister"

The boy looks up at Zaria. And her eyes widen in excitement.

" Brother! I missed you."

Urging to be placed down. Ezra lowers her to only see Zaria pull Ace for a hug. A smile making way on his lips.

" Hi Zari"

He speaks for the first time and they remain in each other's embrace.

Ezra's eyes tear looking at them. And Declan couldn't help just stare at the women in front of him.

How long it has been.

" I wasn't aware we had guests coming over."

Ben's voice echoes from behind. And that's when Ezra looks up to finally meet Declan's eyes.

A spark lightning in her eyes as she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

" Declan?"

She speaks in disbelief. And Declan rubs his neck awkwardly. Speaking with a bit reluctance. Not knowing what to say after so many years.

" Hi Ezra"

When Ezra rushes towards him, and engulfs him in a warm hug. Eliminating the very need of words.

Her actions, filling him with warmness. And he smiles. Hugging her back.

Zaria and Hayden look at their parents and then back at each other, confused yet happy. While Ace had his eyes set on Hayden.

His innocent eyes hardening. As he pulls Zaria back from her wrist to whisper in her ear.

" Who is he?"

Zaria looks back at Ace with widened eyes. Realising she forgot to introduce them.

Pulling him , she approaches Hayden. Who was feeling shy and awkward.

" Hay! Meet Ace. My brother."

She exclaims and Hayden pulls out his hand for Ace to shake. Shyly smiling at Ace who looked at the boy ,with nothing except seriousness.

" Hi! I am Hayden."

Staring at his outstretched hand. Ace doesn't shake it.

" Oh my god! Is that your son! He is so cute!"

Ezra exclaims looking down. To only have her smile disappear seeing Ace.

He was behaving different. Yet again.

" Greet him Ace. Come on Son."

Reluctantly, Ace keeps that cold look on. To finally shake Hayden's hand firmly. Nodding.

" H-i"

Gulping the lump in her throat. Ezra smiles back. Looking at Declan. They continue to talk, like old times. When suddenly a voice booms from behind.

" Ben Reed! Why weren't you picking up your damn cell!"

Olivia comes out from the kitchen. A spatula still in her hands as Ben approaches her with open arms. Rubbing his neck.

" Hi baby. Oh m..sorry. I didn't check"

" Sorry huh?"

Next they know. She shows him the Spatula and Ben exclaims.

" Oh damn women! What are you doing! There are kids here!"

Suddenly her eyes widen seeing everyone in the hallroom , staring at them. And a blush rises up her cheek.

Lowering the spatula immediately. She nudged Ben who was amused at her reaction.

Enjoying it.

" Oh..sh*t! Ezra ? Hey!"

She comes forward and meets her. And Ezra hugs her back. They all talk and soon their laughter echoes around.

" So you read the book , huh?"

Ezra asks. Looking at the book on the table. And Declan nods.

" The completed one. Yes. Finally. You left us readers as a crying mess."

" You republished the asylum scene after that accident and I will be honest. I thought the story was a tragedy "

He speaks. And Ezra smiles . Nodding

" I know. But maybe it was not. "

" But I guess I know now what happened after."

" It was a happy ending indeed."

He speaks and Ezra stares at the book. Nodding. A wide smile on her lips.

" Endings are always supposed to be happy. "

" You know I...."

" Oh no! I forgot!"

Her words trailed. As she remembers the tea she kept on the stove . And rushes to the kitchen.

Switching off the burner. She sighs . Rubbing her forehead. She felt mentally drained when suddenly two warm arms wrap around her waist and she felt a hot breath near her neck.

Making her stomach to do a summersault.

" I missed you."

Aaron speaks. Placing a gentle kiss on her neck from behind. Making a smile to come on her lips.

" I was only gone for few days Aaron"

She exclaims. Placing her hands on his wrists. As he trails his nose down her neck. Inhaling her scent.

" Hmmm"

Closing her eyes. She lets his warmness engulf her. He knew she needed it. His next words making her grip on his wrist to tighten.

" Please tell me I was wrong Ezra.Please tell me."

He literally begs. Tightening his arms around her. And she knew he needed her support right now.

" What did the doctor say?"

He asks again, his voice laced in concern and fear. When Ezra looks at Ace sitting in a corner. Staring at Hayden and Zaria playing.

" You were wrong Aaron. "

Aaron breathes out a sigh of relief and next she knows. A tear falls down on her shoulder.

As he dips his face in her neck. Whispering just one thing.

" Oh god! Thank you! Thank you so much!"

She turns around this time. Looking at his teary eyes that were fixed at Ace . Palming his face, she smiles softly at him.

" I... thought...he got it from me. He will suffer..."

" Shhh everything is right Aaron. Our son is perfect just like you are. There is nothing wrong."

" But he punched that boy in Zaria's school."

Caressing his cheek. She makes his grey eyes to look at her.

" He did what an elder brother should do Aaron. He is just protective over her. There is nothing wrong."

" The doctor confirmed right? He did all the tests? He isn't troubled with the monsters similar to min-"

" Shhh"

Placing her finger on his lips. She silences him. Looking at his eyes and then at his lips.

" He is not. He is alright. Trust me."

Aaron sighs. Pulling her for a hug. And she rubs his back as he keeps whispering.

" I was so afraid....I..."

" Relax Aaron. We are good. Ace is fine."

Few minutes pass and they finally get back to normal. When Aaron clenches his fist to walk towards his children. His lifeline.

Zaria shows him the house they were building with blocks and he smiles at her. Kissing her forehead.

Sitting beside Ace. He pulls the boy, to have him sit in his lap. His brown eyes looking into his grey ones.

" What's up little guy? Didn't you miss me?"

Ace bites his lip. To suddenly turn around. And next Aaron knows. His small arms wrap around him.

" They are bad! They took my blood dada! I hate them."

Aaron runs his hands on his back. Kissing his cheek.

" Did it hurt?"

The boy moves his head in a no.

" I am a strong man. A prick wouldn't hurt me. Plus I have to be strong to save Zaria!"

Little Zaria heard him. Keeping down the blocks. She crosses her arms. To speak up

" I don't need you to save me! I can save myself! Haven't you seen my muscles brother? See I am stronger than you!"

She exclaims. Lifting up her shoulders sleeve. To show everyone her non existing muscles.

To only have Hayden to speak up.

" I can protect you both! Dad taught me karate you know!"

And that's when Ace looks at the boy in surprise.

" Karate? You know? Can...can you teach me?"

" Or better Dad knows it! Dad can you teach us all?"

Aaron was surprised. He thought Ace would be offended or will try to hurt Hayden. But he didn't.

He was different. He was his better version.

And Aaron couldn't help. Tighten his arms around him. Kissing his forehead

" You guys are too young for the violence"

" Dadddddd!!! Please!"

Zaria speaks and everyone else follow. Pleading him.

" Yes uncle Aaron , please!"

And Aaron just sighs. Nodding.

" Fine. Fine. I will teach you all."

They hi five each other in excitement. Smiling and enjoying. When Aaron's eyes met Ezra's and she nods at him.

She was right.

She always was.

Maybe his Stupid girl was not that stupid after all. And he was the stupid one.

" What's cooking between you all without me, huh?"

Chloe comes, standing in front of them. And that's when they see everyone else enter.

Stel, Neil, Mr and Mrs Reed. Albert.

" Grandma!"

" Grandpa!"

" My bundle of joys! How much I missed you! "

Rose exclaims. While the kids rush to meet them and Aaron gets up.

Greeting them.

Laughter and happiness fills the Reed's estate for next few hours. And they all get seated on the table. Ready for dinner.

When Olivia asks. Serving.

" What's the occasion for this reunion today? Am I not aware of something?

And that when Rose looks at Mr Reed and he nods. While Albert looks at Ezra.

" Well, we guys just realised that we never planned a honeymoon trip for you guys."

" And you never went on a honeymoon"

Rose hands over the tickets to Aaron and Ezra. Who look at them. In shock.

" Mom, that's not possible. We are not -"

Ezra speaks. Dismissing the thought. While Albert interrupts her.

" No ifs. Daughter. You guys are going that's final." . . .

" It's been 25 years to our marriage Dad. Plus Zaria and Ace-"

" We will take care of the kids Ezra. Now no no's. Here. Take the tickets. You leave day after.'

Ezra's eyes meet Aaron's. To only see him smirking. And she kicks his shoe from under the table. Making him cough.

" Water! Son, what happened?"

" Nothing. I am good. Nothing."

Ezra narrows her eyes. Telling him to say no. Trying to kick him again, when this time he had locked her foot. Between his legs.

Making her heart to thud faster and eyes to widen.

She looks around. Embarresed of anyone noticing this. But thankfully no one did.

She tried to pull back again , when he only smirks tightening his grip.

" So is it a yes?"

Stel asks. And Ezra shrugs.

" Ask him. He is the busy m-."

She couldn't complete. As she feels warm fingers trace her calf muscles. And her heart leaped out of her chest.

A blush rising to her cheeks.

" Ezra? What happened child? Are you feeling hot?"

" No it's nothing. I-"

That smirk on Aaron's face returns and before she could speak again. She felt his fingers moving up to reach her thigh.

Pushing aside the hem of her dress to draw circles.

" Oh okay if you say."

" So Son? Are you busy ?"

Albert asks Aaron who looks at Ezra's blushing state. To speak confidently.

" I am always free for my wife and family dad. You know that already."

" Now that's like my boy! Great! It's decided then! You guys are going!"

They keep looking at each other. When Ezra's couldn't bear it anymore. Looking at the dishes. She exclaims.

" Oh ! I forgot ! The desert! Let me get it!"

Getting up Ezra walks towards the kitchen. To catch her breath. Looking down at her soaked self . She curses holding the counter.

Patting her cheeks. She controls herself.

To finally pick up the desert.

A beautiful rainbow cake , she has made for the kids.

Walking out of the kitchen. She was taking it to the dining area. When her eyes fell on a figure blocking her exit.

Leaning on the threshold. He stood with arms folded on his chest and eyes fixed at her.

" Not now Aaron. Move aside. Everyone is waiting."

She says. To only have him smirk. Moving closer to her. He sees her taking steps back.

Her back hitting the counter.

" Let them wifey. Even I have been waiting for a sweet...."

Looking at her lips getting assaulted by her teeth. He completes.

" Dessert"

Ezra's heart beats faster and before she knows, the cake is taken from her hands.

" Aghhh Aaron. Not now! Someone may come."

" So?"

" Fine but first just taste the cake. And tell me, is it fine?"

" It's my first time trying a Rainbow cake"

Aaron doesn't takes his eyes away from her. Leaning closer, he moves his hands to rest them on her waist.

" Why don't you make me taste it?"

She rolls her eyes at him. Sighing.

" You are such a kid ! Sometimes I feel like I am taking care of 3 not 2 kids!"

She leans on the kitchen shelf to pick a spoon . When he moves more closer. Trapping her between him and the counter.

" Aggh let me get a spoon atleast. How will you taste then?"

" Your fingers could come to use."

He suggests. Smirking. While her heart thuds more faster. With their fronts touching each other, his closeness still had the same effect on her, like it had earlier.

" You are such a spoilt -"

" Hurry up wifey. They are waiting."

Rolling her eyes. She takes a corner of the cake and offers it to him. To only have him open his mouth, without breaking her stare.

Her anxious eyes meeting his mischievous ones.

His lips touch her fingers and she hears her heart thudding. He tastes the cake. And she looks at his expression changing.

" Is it fine?"

His expression was saying something else. Oh no. She must have missed something. What if the kids don't like it?

" Hmm it lacks sweetness. It's bitter."

" Oh no! I must have added too much baking powder! The kids were so excited...what am I gonna say? "

" Can I correct it in someway? There has to be something! Oh god! Why do I always do blunders like this?"

Aaron smirks seeing her getting so worried about it. Her innocent brown orbs moving frantically.

Tensed.

" Taste it"

He speaks. Leaning more closer to her. And she furrows her brows.

Putting the cream portion on her lips, she tastes it to only look at him in confusion. While his eyes trailed from her eyes to that cream at the corner of her lip.

" It seems fine to me. Is it-"

He doesn't let her complete and next she knows. He presses his lips on her. Letting the creme to melt in between.

He tastes her lips hungrily. As she stood still in shock. Yet to decipher.

His hands roam around her waist, moving inside her top to move higher and Ezra's back arches.

" You are so fuc*ing perfect"

He speaks. Teasing each and every corner of her body. And she barely catches her breath.

Seeing her struggling. He finally leaves her lips.

To see her widened eyes set on him. Her face flushed and beads of sweat on her forehead.

" Now it tastes sweet. Just perfect."

Aaron says, biting his lip with his teet. Still looking at her lustrous tempting lips.

" You...you said..you lier! "

She exclaims, hitting his chest with her palms and his chest rumbles in laughter. Tightening his grip around her, he seizes her thrashing to look into her eyes.

" You still don't want to go on our honeymoon?"

" Answer me in one word."

He asks raising his brow. While his one hand moves down to tease the wetness between her legs and she curses. Throwing her head back.

" Fuc*"

He smirks seeing her reaction. Her fists tightly holding his shirt collars. And he dips his face in her neck. To whisper near her ear seductively.

Sending a shiver that made her core to throb.

" That's not the right word Ezra"

Kissing her neck tenderly , he teases her more . Taking her on the edge when she whispers half moaning. Breathing heavily.

" Yes"

He smiles. Claiming her lips again. And she responds this time. Kissing him back passionately.

When suddenly, a voice comes from behind. That made them so still.

" Adults are stupid brother" . . .

" Mommy and daddy are eating each other , than the dessert"

Little Zaria speaks , turning to Ace who nods. Looking up at their parents.

" Yes. They truly are."

Walking through them, the kids pick up the cake and turn around to leave.

To only look back at Aaron and Ezra who stares at them with mouths open.

" And yes Daddy. We both wanted to tell you something."

Zaria and Ace look at each other. To nod. Broad smiles present on their lips.

As Zaria speaks

" We both are joining you on your honey-."

" What was it?"

She asks Ace, who helps her.Nodding

" Something moon"

" Yaa! We both are joining you on your honeymoon!"

They say together.Leaving Ezra and Aaron flabbergasted.

Turning around they leave. And Aaron couldn't help rub his neck in awkwardness. While Ezra lowers her eyes in embarrassment.

" Kids these days."

. . . .

" Yaa kids"

Their eyes meet.

And they couldn't help chuckle. To only have Aaron to rush towards her. Pressing his lips back on her.

Completing the unfinished kiss.

Both withdraw with heavy breaths, smiles evident on their lips as he places his forehead against hers. Her face held in his palms.

" You are the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me, Mrs Ezra Reed."

He speaks breathing heavily. And she smiles. Looking into his eyes.

" And you are the most difficult man I have ever understood Mr Aaron Reed."

He chuckles. And she pecks his cheek. To whisper.

" Love you Aaron."

Looking into her eyes. He places her fringe behind her ear. To lower his face to her

" Love you more Mrs Ezra Reed."

And that's when they gather each other in their warm embrace. To pave way to the strongest love ever known to exist.

What started as her crush turned out to be more than it. And it was her love that brought him out of the battles he fought within. Together they were an epitome to the love beyond restrains. Love beyond constraints.

It was their unconditional love.

Which she proudly called.

" Her Selfless Love"

........

The End

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Author's Note: Thank you each and everyone, for all your love. You showered on this book.

May you get all the happiness in this world by giving selflessly. Starting with loving yourself first.

Stay updated with me via my insta @authorsuzangill98

Take care! Love you all!

Yours dear Suzan