Chapter 15
Adeline West
The next morning, I prepared Bridget and Tristan for preschool
“Mommy, can we show Uncle Sebastian our paintings today?” Bdget asked as I brushed her hair.
“Of course, sweetheart. I’m sure he’ll love them,” I replied, kissing the top of her head
Tristan tugged at my sleeve. “And I want to show him my new toy carl
“He’ll be thrilled to see it, Tristan,” Lassured him, ruffling his hai
“I miss him,” Bridget said.
“Yeah. I miss him too, Tristan added.
“Ohh.. I’ll call him to meet us soon.” I assured them.
“Okay.” They said in union.
They waved goodbye with big smiles, their faces radiating happiness. Knowing they were safe and content made everything else seem manageable for me. I headed to the cosmetic store where I had first worked. Walking through the familiar doors. memories of my early days here flooded back. This place had been my starting point, and it always felt good to return.
e rang out as she saw me. Her warm smile was as welcoming as
“Adeline!” Charlie’s voice rang
“Charlie!” I hugged her tightly. “It’s so good to see you.” I said.
She stepped back, looking me over with a critical eye. “You look amazing, as always.”
“Thanks, Charlie; you look good too.” I said.
as ever.
She made us both a cup of tea. Sitting down, she looked at me with her usual mix of curiosity and concem. “And how are the kids! I can’t believe how fast they’re growing”
“They’re amazing” I said, smiling at the thought of Bridget and Tristan. “They love preschool and are making so many new
Inends.” I said.
Charlie nodded, her eyes twinkling. That’s wonderful to hear. They take after their mother, always making the best out of
every situation.”
Thanks, Charlie. That means a lot.” I said.
“And how are things going with MoonLuxe?” She asked.
“Things are great,” I replied. “Busy as always, but I love it.”
We sipped our tea in comfortable silence for a moment before she leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. “So, tell me, how’s Sebastian?”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “He’s…Sebastian. Still trying to comince me that we should be more than friends” I aid.
Charlie laughed. “That man is persistent; I’ll give him that. But he’s been good to you, hasn’t he?”
“He has, I admitted. “He’s been a rock through everything. The Eids adore him, too.” I said.
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“Alpha Sebastian is a good man,” she said thoughtfully. “But I understand your hesitation. You’ve been through a lot.”
“Yeah, I sighed. “Sometimes it’s hard to let go of the past.”
She reached across the table, squeezing my hand. “You’re doing an incredible job, Adeline. You’ve built a life for yourself and your children that anyone would be proud of.”
“Thanks, Charlie. Your support has meant the world to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.” I said.
She waved her hand dismissively. “You had it in you all along. I just gave you a little nudge.”
I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. “Well, that nudge made all the difference.”
We chatted for a while longer, catching up on the latest happenings in each other’s lives. I shared some of the exciting developments at MoonLuxe. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter.
As the time approached for me to head to the office, I stood up feeling refreshed and uplifted. “I should get going. There’s always something that needs my attention.” I said.
Charlie walked me to the door, giving me another hug. “Don’t be a stranger, okay? And bring the kids by sometime. I’d love
to see them.”
“I will,” I promised. “Thanks for the tea and the chat. It was just what I needed.” I said.
“Anytime, Adeline. Take care”
I stepped out of the store feeling light and rejuvenated. As I made my way to the parking lot, I spotted a familiar figure leaning against a sleek black car. Tall, handsome, and always impeccably dressed. Sebastian. He was a constant presence in my life. From the moment we met, he had been my anchor, helping me navigate the challenges of building MoonLuxe into the empire it had become.
He noticed me almost immediately and pushed himself off the car, a charming smile spreading across his face.
“Adeline,” he said, greeting me with a warm smile. “You’re looking radiant, as always.”
“Thank you, Sebastian. It’s good to see you, I replied, genuinely happy to see him.
“What brings you
to this part of town?” I asked.
“Business meeting nearby,” he said, shrugging casually. “I thought I’d grab a coffee and then head over. And here I am, running into you. How have you been?”
“Good,” I replied, feeling the ease of our friendship settle around us. “I just dropped the kids off at preschool and had a chat with Charlie. How about you? How’s everything going?”
“Busy, as always,” he said, stepping closer. “But I can’t complain. Things are looking up. And the kids? How are my favorite little troublemakers”
I laughed at the mention of Bridget and Tristan always brightening my day. “They’re doing great. Growing up too fast, if you ask me. They miss their Uncle Sebastian, though”
His eyes softened, a hint of affection creeping into his gaze. “I miss them too. I’ll have to swing by and see them soon
“You’re always welcome,” I said sincerely. They love having you around.”
He leaned against the car again, his expression turning a bit more serious. “And you? How are you really doing. Adeline?”
I paused, considering his question. Sebastian had a way of seeing through the facades and understanding my emotions. Tm doing better. It’s been a journey, but I’m finding my footing. MoonLuxe is thriving, and the kids are happy… I have a lot to
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Chapter 15
be thankful for.”
“That’s good to hear, he said, a hint of relief in his voice. “You’ve come a long way, Adeline. I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you, Sebastian,” I said, touched by his words. “Your support has meant a lot
“Always,” he said softly, his eyes locked on mine. “You know I’ll always be here for you, no matter what,”
I nodded, appreciating the sentiment. “I know. And I value our friendship more than you can imagine.”
There was a moment of silence, and the air between us was thick with tension, unspoken words and emotions. I tried to focus on the conversation, but the way he looked at me made it so difficult to think straight. He reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. The touch was brief, but it sent a jolt of electricity through me.
“You deserve all the happiness in the world, Adeline,” he said softly. “And if there’s anything you need, you know you can always count on me.”
“Thank you, Sebastian,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He stepped back, giving me space to breathe, but his eyes never left mine. “I should probably get going. Duty calls.”
“Of course, said, nodding. “It was good to see you, Sebastian.”
“Likewise,” he said, his gaze lingering on me. Take care, Adeline
“You too,” I replied, watching as he walked back to his car.
As I got into my own vehicle, I couldn’t help but feel something Sebastian’s presence in my life was a constant source of support and comfort, but there was also a something undeniable between us that I couldn’t ignore.
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