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“Which was pointless anyway,” Sara adds, a wry smile playing at her lips. “Since she ran off with her boyfriend. So very romantic.”

“What? What are you talking about? I’m not following…” I admit, more confused than ever.

“Ethan buries himself in work, and you… you get completely swept up in his presence,” Sara says bluntly. “So we decided to help you two open your eyes.”

“Antonia’s father was retiring and wanted to sell Ethan shares in his company to make sure it thrives,” Maya continues, her grin widening.

“Since he’s close friends with our husbands, he called them, and together we hatched a plan to make you jealous,” Sara adds, mischief dancing at the corners of her lips.

“That’s not true,” I manage to whisper, stunned beyond words.

“We’re sorry, Thalia,” Maya says sincerely. “ But something had to shake the two of you out of that endless teasing.”

“You planned all of this?” I ask, struggling to process it.

“Yes. The four of us devised the entire scheme,” Sara admits. “And we even organized the room lottery with the others.”

“The top floor of our house isn’t under renovation, Thalia,” Maya confesses, rolling her eyes. “We finished that two years ago.”

“I can’t believe I fell for all your schemes,” I murmur in disbelief, though a smile tugs at my lips.

Sara tightens her hold on my hand, her gaze tender, soft, and unwavering—each look melting the last of my defenses.

“You fell for my son,” she says, smiling. “And I’m truly happy you’re the woman my son fell in love with,” she continues, her words warm and sincere, striking something deep within me. Tears instantly blur my vision.

“You’re part of our family, Thalia,” Maya adds gently. “And we hope you can feel just how loved and cherished you are.”

Over time, I realized my beginning in life was far from easy—but God repaid me tenfold by bringing these people into my world. They are, in every sense, my true family.

And if I needed one final piece to feel completely, unquestionably at home, it was the love I share with Ethan—the final piece that completed my life.

SIXTY-ONE

Ethan

The shift from not caring about relationships—never feeling the need for one—to becoming utterly obsessed with a single woman is a messy, almost unbearable transition.

And truthfully, it’s impossible to control. I can’t stand the thought of anyone touching her. I can’t tolerate when someone captures her attention for too long. I can’t endure her being away from me more than necessary. And the idea that the world doesn’t know she’s mine—that gnaws at me.

Those close to us are aware, of course, but that’s not enough. I need everyone to know. I keep asking myself where this hunger comes from, how it grows so fast, feeding on itself until it becomes a fierce and untamable force.

A few months ago, my thoughts were consumed by work, then family. Now Thalia occupies nearly all of my mental space. Work is secondary, urgent only after her.

I used to be convinced I could never give a woman my time or attention. My work has always consumed me, and I love it. I never imagined stepping back. But I’ve realized I don’t have to.

It will be difficult, no doubt. But every spark of passion, every raw emotion I feel for Thalia convinces me she’s worth any sacrifice.

I can’t believe the year’s almost over,” Aiden says.

We’re gathered at my parents’ house, killing time before heading upstairs to get ready for the New Year’s Eve party. The women are at the Thomas house, surrounded by an army of professionals doing their hair and makeup. I saw Thalia last about three hours ago, just before she sprinted from our bedroom to get ready.

“Sprinted” is the right word—I’d been holding her down, nearly convincing her to give in for a quickie.

“I still can’t believe how many changes this year brought,” Colt says, staring at me with a pointed smirk.

I know he’s trying to provoke me. They all are, ever since Thalia and I announced we’re officially a couple. It won’t work.

I meet his gaze, calm, swirling the ice in my whiskey with measured movements.