Chapter 71
Chapter 71
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“Ugh Ella, it’s too early.” I mumbled, pulling the blanket over my head as my dog whipped her tail against my pillow.
She doesn’t care as she instead whines, wiggles, and finally plops her warm, golden body right on top of me.
“Ella! You weigh a ton now!”
She responds by licking my face. I burst out laughing, giving up. Alright, alright! I’m up! You win, furball.”
She barks, clearly satisfied with herself, and hops off the bed.
It’s been ten months since I got her and a year since I got adopted by Helen and Robert.
Which means it isn’t just any day- it’s my day. The day they had saved my ass. My “Found Day,” as Helen calls it.
And apparently, everyone has been acting weird all morning. Even the maids looked suspicious when I came downstairs for water last night.
Ella bounced ahead of me as we descend the stairs. The staff looks busy as some are setting the table, some arranging the garden, and soft jazz music floating through the speakers.
I peeped into the kitchen to see Helen, dressed in a peach silk gown and an apron that says “Queen” while flipping pancakes like a pro, a chef rolling out dough. Dad is standing behind her and Asher is sticking his face in Icecream.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” Asher greets me, grinning.”
“Morning, Dad, mom, Asher,” I sing–song.. I got even more comfortable with them and started calling them Mum and dad which made Helen tear up the first time.
Robert glances up with a small smile. “Morning, sweetheart. Happy Found Day.”
Helen turns around, a spatula in hand, her eyes lighting up. “My baby’s awake! Happy Found Day, honey!”
“Thank you,” I smiled.
Ella trots to Asher’s feet, wagging her tail hopefully.
“You already ate,” Asher tells her. “Don’t look at me like that.”
Helen places a huge plate of pancakes in front of me, topped with strawberries, whipped cream, and golden syrup. “Eat up, You’ve got a big day ahead.”
“Big day?” I blink.
Asher smirks. “Uh–oh. You weren’t supposed to tell her yet, Mom”
Helen gives him a look. “Asher Morales, I told you not to start.”
“Start what?” I demand.
Robert hides his grin behind his coffee cup. “You’ll find out soon enough, Tinker Bell.”
I groan. “Ugh, not you too dad! Asher, stop spreading your nicknames.”
Asher raises a brow. “What? Tiny fits you better, honestly.”
“You’re insufferable.” I groaned, throwing a strawberry at him which he caught easily. grinning as he dips it into his ice
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cream. “Thanks for this tiny, it tastes amazing.”
Helen shakes her head. “Both of you, I swear, it’s like raising toddlers.”
Correction. You’re raising one toddler and one overgrown child Robert chuckled.
“Hey!” Asher protests.
“No talking.” Helen snapped.
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I stood in the middle of the living room, completely lost as the staff brought in even more boxes.
“Um, does anyone want to explain what’s going on?” I ask.
Asher appears from behind me, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “Surprise number one, Tiny. You are go own boutique space today.”
My jaw drops. “Wait, What?!”
“I remember we all agreed to keep that a secret, right?” Robert asks, walking into the room adjusting his cufflinks.
“Oops” Asher chuckled
Helen claps her hands. “Since the secret week so it’s all ready for you to see.”
is out, I should say
this first!” She shrieked. “We finished the interior decoration last
I cover my mouth. “You’re serious? Like, my own boutique?” For the play ‘The twelfth night‘, I adjusted my custom for the play and that birth my interest in design.
“You mean the project you wouldn’t stop talking about for more than six months? Yes, that one.” Asher smirks.
“Yes baby, Aura by Aria” Helen laughed. “Don’t mind your brother.”
I squeal, launching myself at Helen first, then at Robert. “Oh my God, thank you! Thank you so much!”
“Don’t thank us yet,” Helen smiled. “Wait until you see it.”
“You might even cry. I want you to cry though so that I can record it for blackmail purposes.” Asher muttered
I elbow him. “You’re the worst.”
He bows dramatically. “You’re welcome, Tinker Bell.”
*****
I gasped as we pulled up in front of a huge glass front building.
‘AURA by Aria‘ is written above the door in gold cursive.
I turn slowly, wide–eyed. “This is really mine?”
Helen nods, smiling proudly. “All yours, sweetheart.”
Robert puts a hand on my shoulder. “Congratulations, kiddo.”
“There’s our Queen!” A familiar voice spat
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Chapter 71
I spin around to see Nolan dressed like he walked straight out of magazine.
He grins, walking toward me. “Happy Found Day, Queen Aria.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous but charming.” He winked
Asher rolls his eyes. “Dude, stop flirting with my sister.”
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“But I’m not flirting,” Nolan replied innocently. “I’m just congratulating her, or am I not allowed to do that too?”
Helen chuckles. “You two never change.”
“Hey, Nolan!” Maya’s voice chimes as she runs up, waving her phone. Maya, now my best friend, looks gorgeous
“Aria, happy found day. Are you ready to see your studio? I’m literally vibrating!” She spat
“You’ve already been inside, haven’t you?” I narrow my eyes.
She grins guiltily. “Maybe.”
I gasp. “Traitor! You could not even wait for me”
She grabs my hand. “Come on! You’re going to love it too.”
I gawk at the room. Purple curtains with golden edges, racks filled with fabrics, and mannequins wearing my designs. There’s even a lounge corner with a coffee machine and pastel–colored couches.
My sketches are framed on the wall, my name shining in gold script behind the counter.
“Oh my gosh…” I whisper. “It’s perfect.”
“I know right?” Maya smiled, squeezing my hand. “You’re officially the coolest person I know.”
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