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It only took a few shows for Luna to realise how badly she had hurt Noah with the words he sang, but she also got to hear how much he still loved her despite the heartache. A lot of them she already knew, but there were a few on his set list that she hadn't heard before. Essentially all of his songs were love letters to her. Luna knows she's been a stubborn fool and wants to change. Expressing her feelings was still challenging, but she was trying. They even kept up with the idea of seeing a marriage counselor and went a few times before the tour started.

The tour was chaotic but an enjoyable experience to share with Noah. While they made their relationship more prominent, they kept Harper out of the spotlight the best they could. Unfortunately, his fans were relentless, and after dissecting everything, it became known that they were married, and their child was also on tour. Noah often had to take her phone away because she couldn't stay off social media and was obsessing over the situation. Luna didn't care what his fans said about her, but she didn't want them talking badly about their baby.

After getting Harper to sleep, Luna left her with Noah's assistant, wanting to catch the last bit of her husband's show. Luna loved getting to watch him perform every night. It’s what he loved to do, and it was apparent. They met at the beginning of his career, at one of his shows almost seven years ago. The venue hired her to take photos of his show for their website. So, it was a bit of deja vu as she made her way around the stage, capturing shots of him on stage. While some fans recognised her, others couldn't pull their eyes off Noah to give a fuck.

Only recently did Riley realise how much Joe had been involved in Benny and Nikki's lives while she was away. She stopped giving the resting bitch face and the eye rolls because it was important to set a good example for her niece and nephew, and she didn't want any hostility or discomfort between any of them. Her sister never told her how close Joe had been with the family, and Riley could understand why. She barely stayed in touch as it was, and when she did call, Sara knew she didn't want to hear about Joe. However, Riley was surprised her mother had never spilt the beans. Riley was almost envious of how well Joe knew her niece and nephew. She had missed so much while away, and honestly, Riley could tell Joe was trying to help her while also being cautious not to step over the line too far. The mom thing was all new to her and, at times, very overwhelming, so Joe's help was much more appreciated than he probably knew.

Before tragedy struck again, Nikki had come home upset about being unable to attend the father-daughter dance at the community centre with her friends. Joe had been at the house that day fixing the fridge. Feeling it was something Jesse would want him to do, Joe offered to take her, and Nikki happily accepted. Seeing Joe in a nice outfit, a tie, and no backwards cap gave her flashbacks to some of their school dances. Their relationship wasn't just any ordinary teenage relationship. It had been so much more than that. Riley and Joe had known each other since kindergarten; they started dating in the eighth grade and were together for almost five years before Riley chose to end it all. She knew if she didn’t end it, within a year, Joe would have proposed; she would have felt obligated to say yes and then most likely go on to resent him for the rest of their lives. Riley didn’t want that. Now she was home, and they spent more time together than anticipated. She was having a hard time keeping her feelings suppressed.

Riley anxiously awaited their arrival. Although the dance had ended over an hour ago, she knew Joe planned to take Nikki out for ice cream. She paced back and forth in the living room before headlights finally beamed in when Joe pulled into her driveway. Instead of moving the kids, Riley chose to move into Sara’s house. She didn't have the heart to pack up the only house they had ever known during a time when they were grieving their mother.

She quickly checked herself in the mirror by the front door and flattened out her dress before running her fingers through her hair and fixing her bangs. She heard their voices grow louder as they got closer. The doorknob began to jiggle, and Riley swiftly moved to the couch and started scrolling through her phone, acting like she had been there the entire time. Her heart felt like it was about to pound out of her chest as the butterflies swirled in her stomach. It was a feeling she hadn’t experienced in so long with someone. The last person to ever make her feel this way was Joe. He’d always been there in her mind, hindering most of her relationships from progressing. She compared everyone to him, and no one could ever match up.

When her eyes met Joe's, she smiled before turning her attention to her niece. "How was your evening? Did you have good time?" Riley asked, sitting on the couch and opening her arms to her niece. "Yeah? That's so awesome! It's past your bedtime, though. Can you brush your teeth and get ready for bed? I'll be in to say goodnight soon." Of course, Nikki whined but went to her room, but not before hugging her Uncle Joe and saying goodnight.

Riley watched as Nikki disappeared down the hall and into her room. As she stood up, Riley turned her attention to Joe and smiled. "Thank you again for taking her. I know it was planned before everything happened, but I'm confident she had a night she'll never forget. I know from experience." She started walking towards the kitchen. "Did you want anything to drink?" Riley asked, stopping at the threshold.

Ethan's skepticism ran deep when Maddie shared that Avan Kahn, a well-known music producer, wanted to help her craft her debut record. While Ethan wholeheartedly believed in Maddie’s tremendous talent and potential to achieve her dreams, he found it hard to trust Avan. His apprehension stemmed not from any doubt in Maddie’s abilities but rather from his unfamiliarity with Avan and his reputation in the industry. Ethan feared Avan might exploit Maddie's aspirations, making grand promises that could ultimately lead to heartbreak. After all, this project meant everything to Maddie, and Ethan couldn't bear the thought of her being let down after having cherished this dream for so long.

However, his perspective began to shift when he finally met Avan during a series of meetings at the studio. As he watched Avan interact with Maddie, a sense of reassurance began to wash over him. Avan was talented and genuinely passionate about supporting Maddie through this pivotal moment in her career. It became clear to Ethan that Avan understood the gravity of Maddie’s ambitions and was committed to helping her realize them.

Since the end of the tour, Ethan has deliberately decided to step back from his personal pursuits and focus entirely on Maddie's journey. He wanted her to recognize that this was her moment to shine brightly in the limelight. He maintained a respectful distance to promote her independence and growth, allowing Maddie to lead the way. He only offered his thoughts when asked, ensuring she felt empowered and in control of her artistic direction.

Ethan's presence at the studio wasn't just about being there for moral support; it was a vigilant role. He made it a point to observe how Maddie was treated by her male counterparts, always on guard to ensure that respect was upheld in an environment that could sometimes be intimidating for women in the music industry. His love for Maddie drove him to be her protector, and he felt a sense of responsibility to advocate for her, ensuring that her journey was as positive and fulfilling as possible. No matter the circumstances, Ethan was unwavering in his determination to stand by her side.

While his girlfriend, Maddie, was caught up in back-to-back meetings throughout the day, Ethan took it upon himself to tackle a list of errands she had meant to get to. He first swung by the local grocery store, navigating the aisles and picking out the items Maddie had texted him—fresh vegetables, a couple of her favorite snacks, and the ingredients for the dinner recipe they had planned for the week. After that, he went to the dry cleaners to drop off some of Maddie’s work clothes, which had been sitting in the corner of their apartment, wrinkled and waiting for attention.

Once he returned home, Ethan focused on the household chores over the last few days. He knew his ADHD often tempted him to lose himself in social media, getting sucked into an endless scroll instead of addressing the responsibilities that were staring him in the face. But today was different; he was determined to turn things around.

He started by organizing the living room, fluffing the pillows on the couch, and picking up stray items from the coffee table. Next, he moved to the kitchen, washing the dishes and wiping down counters until the space sparkled. Ethan even tackled the laundry, sorting through their clothes and folding them neatly—a task usually reserved for Maddie but one he was happy to do today.

As he worked through his to-do list, Ethan imagined Maddie's pleasure when she walked through the door to find everything in order. He envisioned a cozy evening ahead, snuggled up on the couch with a movie playing softly in the background. The thought of spending quality time with her kept him motivated, and by the time he finished, he felt a surge of accomplishment. Everything was in place, and he couldn’t wait to see her smile when she got home.

Ethan wasn’t known for his culinary skills; cooking was Maddie's domain in their household. However, he wanted to do something special for her, so he decided to take on the challenge of preparing dinner. Ethan carefully marinated succulent chicken breasts in a tangy blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of rosemary, letting the flavors infuse for a couple of hours. After preheating the oven, he placed the marinated chicken on a baking tray, its aroma already promising a delicious meal, and set the timer for a few hours.

While the chicken sizzled away, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent, Ethan busied himself to create a vibrant Caesar salad. He washed crisp romaine lettuce, tearing it into bite-sized pieces, and added freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and a drizzle of creamy Caesar dressing. He tossed it all together, ensuring every bite would be perfectly flavored, and set the large bowl on the dining table, glancing at the clock in anticipation of Maddie's arrival.

Once everything was ready, Ethan slipped outside onto the balcony for a quick smoke, the nippy evening air refreshing against his skin. He took a deep drag, letting the smoke curl into the crisp winter sky. Maddie had often encouraged him to switch to vaping to avoid the chill and the hassle of stepping out during the colder months. Still, Ethan found himself unable to part with the tangible comfort of a real cigarette. As he watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, he hoped that Maddie would appreciate his efforts and enjoy the meal he had prepared just for her.

Having a baby can either fracture a relationship or forge a stronger bond, and in the case of Daphne and Vaughn, it truly brought them closer together. The arrival of their daughter, Christina, catalysed a remarkable transformation in Vaughn, who stepped up in ways that Daphne had never anticipated.

Their relationship had always been tumultuous, marked by ups and downs, but a fierce love anchored them beneath the chaos. They were two imperfect souls navigating the complexities of parenthood, yet their commitment to one another was undeniable.

With Christina’s birth, their focus shifted. More than anything, they wanted to create a warm and nurturing environment for her, a stark contrast to the childhoods they both experienced—filled with neglect and struggle. They envisioned a life for Christina that was vibrant, filled with love, laughter, and the joyful memories they had longed for themselves. In that shared aspiration, they found a renewed purpose and a deeper connection, determined to break the cycle of pain that had defined their pasts.

Weeks had slipped by since they had hit the six-week milestone, and Daphne could sense the tension building in Vaughn. She could see how his eyes flickered with anticipation, the unspoken question lingering on his tongue—would they finally take that leap and sleep together? Yet, despite the obvious desire, he hadn’t pushed the issue. Each gentle gesture and word of encouragement from him reassured her that he was truly there for her and their daughter, too. Daphne felt a deep appreciation for his selflessness, realising that this was everything she had ever wished for in a partner. Now, the weight of their patience and understanding was about to transform into something beautifully intimate, a reward for their journey together.

Daphne had been grappling with her self-esteem and body image ever since she welcomed her daughter, Christina, into the world. The changes her body underwent during pregnancy and childbirth left her feeling vulnerable and uncertain. Despite Vaughn's constant encouragement and heartfelt declarations that he adored her curves, she often found herself wrestling with a nagging self-consciousness that shadowed her daily life. In moments when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, doubts spiralled through her mind, overshadowing the compliments and love she received from Vaughn.

Today marked a turning point for her; it was the first time she didn’t feel completely hideous. She dedicated herself to her appearance, carefully styling her hair and pinning it up. Each stroke of makeup was deliberate; she applied a hint of blush to warm her cheeks and accentuated her eyes with just the right amount of eyeliner and mascara to make them pop. Afterwards, she rummaged through her wardrobe, finally settling on an outfit that hugged her curves in all the right places, one Vaughn would surely find irresistible. The anticipation of his reaction gave her a newfound confidence that she hadn't felt in a long time.

She anticipated his arrival, already envisioning him slightly tipsy but far from the careless state he used to fall into; he had learned the art of moderation over time.

As the clock inched past midnight, a familiar ping echoed through the quiet room—Vaughn’s text arrived, notifying her that he would be home soon. Excitement fluttered in her chest as she quickly lowered the overhead light's brightness, allowing the flames scattered across the living room to cast a warm, romantic glow. The soft amber light danced playfully on the walls, enhancing the cosy ambience she had created. She carefully poured his favourite whisky into a glass, letting the rich, golden liquid swirl before settling on the table beside her. After ensuring everything was right, she nestled into the couch, her pulse quickening as she prepared to welcome him home.

Noah knew her better than anyone, and she knew that he understood her tone by the look on his face. She was relieved when he finally kissed her and pushed her against the side of his truck. Luna shoved her hands into his hair, moaning softly against his lips. As their kisses continued and intensified, their hands roamed each other's bodies; kissing was no longer enough.

Luna let out a soft whimper of protest as Noah broke the kiss, his lips leaving hers reluctantly. Her brow furrowed for a moment, confusion washing over her, but then a warm smile spread across her face as she understood his intention. With a purposeful gesture, he reached for the sunshade, his fingers deftly manoeuvring it before positioning it against the windshield, shielding them from the prying eyes that could be inside. The moment unfolded, a delicate blend of intimacy and care, as Luna watched him, her heart swelling with appreciation. With his help, she swiftly got into the truck, settling into his lap and shutting the door. It took her a moment to get comfortable. She removed her top, leaving her only on her black shoulder strap, and stuffed it between her back and the middle console.

She skillfully manoeuvred her arm between the nape of his neck and the luxurious headrest, enveloping them in a warm, intimate cocoon. “Do me a favor and close your eyes for me,” Luna whispered, her voice a soothing melody that danced softly in the tranquil space around them. When he complied, surrendering to her gentle command, she nestled further into his embrace, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a well-crafted puzzle.

With a tender, playful smile that seemed to light up her face, she took her delicate index finger and traced his jawline's strong, angular contour. Her touch was feather-light yet lingering—like a gentle breeze kissing his skin on a warm summer day. Luna was determined to hold onto this precious moment, cherishing every second of their closeness.

After a few heartbeats filled with soft intimacy, she pressed warm, gentle kisses against his cheek, the softness of her lips a delicate whisper of affection. Slowly, she drifted toward his ear, her kisses turning into playful nibbles on his earlobe. Noah's soft gasp would have gone unnoticed if it hadn't been for the moment's stillness. Luna’s lips moved to Noah’s jawline, where she continued to place gentle kisses while her free hand began working on the buttons of Noah’s shirt. Once they were all undone, she pushed the shirt off his shoulder and, with his help, took his arm out of the sleeve. Her hand caressed over his chest and torso before arriving at the top of his pants. She swiftly moved her hand over his lap, wanting to see her progress; she was satiated but hesitated, kissing his exposed collarbone momentarily.

Finally, Luna unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, delicately pulling out his firm manhood in all its glory. “You can open your eyes now,” she informed him as she continued to caress him.