Chapter 165: The Return of the Moonbeam and the Claim of Stars
The car cruised back toward the Ainsley estate, the kind of quiet that's charged with anticipation — the easy kind of silence that happens when everyone's too busy stealing glances at each other instead of talking.
Eva leaned against Seraphina, her head resting lightly on Seraphina's shoulder, fingers curled around Seraphina's hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. With the other hand, Eva tapped through her phone, nails painted a soft periwinkle shade, carefully matching the color of Seraphina's blouse. She didn't have to say it — the colors just said it for her.
Briony sat across from them, smirking like she was holding the funniest secret. "You two are a walking rom - com," she teased. "Honestly, it's getting hard to tell if you're dating or starring in one."
Seraphina gave a playful roll of her eyes but smirked right back. "Maybe both. Eva's got the drama; I just supply the charm."
"Oh please," Eva shot back, winking. "You're the drama queen. I'm just the hopeless romantic."
Vivienne, driving, glanced at the rearview mirror and raised her phone to record. "This is gold," she said quietly. "Maman is going to lose it."
Briony leaned forward with faux conspiratorial tone. "I'm thinking of adopting Eva. Could you blame me? Look at her."
Seraphina instantly narrowed her eyes and snatched Eva's hand back, tugging it protectively. "Mine. Absolutely mine."
Eva giggled, biting her lip. "Aunt Briony's just jealous she can't snatch me away."
"Jealous?" Briony grinned. "More like devastated. You're impossible to resist."
Seraphina snorted. "Impossible to adopt, too."
"Challenge accepted," Briony said sweetly, leaning back with a mock pout.
Vivienne laughed quietly. "You're just going to have to fight me for her attention. And lose."
Eva glanced up from her phone and smiled wide. "If you both want to fight over me, I'm happy to referee. But I'm warning you, I don't play fair."
Seraphina squeezed Eva's hand tighter and whispered, "Good. Because you're stuck with me."
When the estate finally came into view, its grand gates slowly swinging open felt like the opening scene of a long - awaited sequel. The sun was dipping low, casting warm light across the manicured lawns and gleaming marble steps.
Eva practically skipped down the driveway, still holding Seraphina's hand, while Briony and Vivienne followed behind, still teasing and filming.
"Tell me she's still sleeping in your room," Briony asked with a grin.
Eva shrugged, already unlocking the front door. "She's here almost every night. And it's the one place I don't feel like I have to pretend. She's the only one who gets it."
Seraphina shot Eva a soft smile. "She's mine," she said quietly.
Briony smirked. "You're so possessive. I love it."
"Jealous much?" Seraphina teased, pulling Eva into a quick hug, fingers tangled in her curls.
Eva laughed, resting her chin on Seraphina's head. "I'd be jealous too if I were you."
Vivienne turned the camera to capture the moment. "Perfect. This one's going straight to maman."
Inside, Eva's room was the cozy, artfully messy space everyone who knew her would recognize instantly. Books stacked in neat piles, art supplies scattered across the desk, and the unmistakable sparkle of the diamond harp standing proudly in the corner.
Seraphina dropped her bag and flopped onto the bed, pulling Eva down beside her.
"I missed this," Seraphina said, her voice soft, eyes locked on Eva's.
Eva smiled shyly. "Me too."
Briony peeked in, arms crossed, grinning like she was watching a romantic movie unfold in real life. "You two make this look effortless. Are you sure you're not in on some secret?"
Vivienne clicked off the recording and joined them, wrapping an arm around Briony. "Secret's out: they're head over heels."
Eva leaned against Seraphina, fingers tracing invisible patterns on her hand. "I'm just lucky she's as crazy about me as I am about her."
Seraphina smirked and kissed Eva's temple. "Crazy is a good thing."
Briony shook her head, mock-exasperated. "I can't handle this much adorable in one room."
"Neither can maman," Vivienne whispered, scrolling to send the video.
The next morning, sunlight spilled through sheer curtains as Eva was already up, sitting cross - legged at the kitchen island, carefully assembling Seraphina's lunchbox like a pro artist crafting her masterpiece.
She meticulously arranged cucumber sandwiches shaped like tiny teacups, heart - shaped strawberries, a carved mango rose, and an onigiri with a perfect seaweed heart on top. The finishing touch: a dark chocolate truffle with a tiny edible gold leaf.
In the corner, a pale pink envelope peeked out, sealed with a delicate sticker.
Briony strolled in, raising an eyebrow. "You're doing it again, huh? I swear, these lunchboxes should be in a gallery."
Eva grinned without looking up. "Only the best for Seraphina. She deserves it."
Vivienne wandered in from the hallway, phone in hand. "Say hi to maman."
Eva waved cheerfully. "Morning, Maman! Look, I made lunch for Seraphina. It's full of all her favorite things."
Briony sighed dramatically. "You're going to give me a heart attack before breakfast."
Seraphina appeared in the doorway, still in her pajamas, rubbing sleep from her eyes. She spotted the lunchbox and smiled like it was the most precious thing she'd ever seen.
Eva held it out to her. "Try not to drool."
Seraphina laughed and took the box carefully. "I don't know how you do it every time, but this is perfect."
Eva shrugged playfully. "Magic. And maybe a little obsession."
Seraphina's grin softened. "You're my favorite person."
Briony snorted. "Can we pause for a moment and appreciate how utterly ridiculous this is? Like a living rom - com on repeat."
Vivienne chuckled. "You two really know how to make us all feel old."
Later, as Seraphina grabbed her backpack and prepared to leave for school, Eva walked her to the door, still holding onto her hand like she didn't want to let go.
"Don't forget to eat the fruit first," Eva reminded her, voice low and teasing.
Seraphina rolled her eyes but kissed Eva's cheek. "I never forget."
Vivienne, filming again, whispered, "I swear, you two were born for this."
Briony waved a mock warning. "If you keep this up, I'm demanding adoption rights. No questions asked."
Seraphina threw a playful glare at her. "Not a chance."
Eva grinned and tugged Seraphina close for one last squeeze. "See you tonight. Bring extra pajamas."
Seraphina smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Always."
As the car pulled away, Eva leaned against the doorframe with a satisfied sigh.
Briony grinned and linked arms with her. "So… what's next on the 'how to drive everyone crazy with love' list?"
Eva laughed, nudging her. "Step one: never stop."
Vivienne caught the whole thing on video, already typing out a message to Evelyn: "Proof that love like this can't be hidden. You'd be proud."