Selene's POV
It started with a look.
No, scratch that—it started with Ayra humming. At 7:30 AM. In the kitchen. While arranging strawberries in the shape of a heart on her toast.
I stared at her like she'd grown another head. "Is that toast… in love?"
She giggled. Giggled. "It's just breakfast. Calm your drama, Miss Designer."
But she didn't fool me. That hum? That glow? That grin when she checked her phone every five seconds?
Eliot.
And apparently, I wasn't the only one who noticed.
Later that evening, we were at a cozy family dinner at our place—Mom, Dad, Aunt Melinda, even Devina and Antonio's family had dropped in for dessert. It had become a warm tradition lately, our families weaving into one tangled thread of shared laughter and stories.
Ayra came back from the kitchen, cheeks flushed. Her phone buzzed, and she practically floated.
That's when Mom narrowed her eyes. "You've been… smiling a lot, Ayra."
"And singing," Devina added, taking a sip of tea. "That humming hasn't stopped for three days."
Antonio smirked and leaned over to me. "What are the odds it's the coffee guy?"
I whispered back, "High. Extremely high."
Aunt Melinda cleared her throat, eyebrows raised. "Is there something we should know?"
Ayra froze mid-sip. Then glanced at me. I gave her the smallest nod.
She took a breath.
"There's someone," she said, quiet but firm. "His name is Eliot."
Silence. Like a soft wind paused.
Then Devina smiled. "The artist Eliot?"
"You know about him?" Ayra blinked.
"I met him during an art fundraiser last year. He had this sculpture titled Still Blooming. Told me it was about people who heal late. I never forgot it."
Aunt Melinda placed her hand over Ayra's. "Do you love him?"
Ayra hesitated… then nodded. "I think I'm starting to."
Dad exhaled, slow and thoughtful. "Then it's time we meet him."
Selene's mom, eyes twinkling, looked between us. "Another family meeting, huh?"
Antonio chuckled. "We're going to need a bigger table."
Scene Ends With:
Ayra squeezing my hand under the table. Her shoulders relaxed for the first time in days.
She didn't have to hide anymore.
This time, love wasn't a secret. It was an open door—and everyone was waiting on the other side.
Ayra's POV
I bit the edge of my lip as I typed the message, deleted it, and typed again. Then finally—gave up and called him.
Eliot answered on the first ring, his voice already familiar warmth.
"Hey, beautiful."
"I need to ask you something. Actually, two things."
"Alright. Should I sit down?"
I chuckled nervously. "My family wants to meet you. And… they'd like your family to join too."
There was a pause. I could practically hear his heartbeat echoing mine through the line.
"My… my mom and sister?"
"Yeah. Just… nothing formal. I mean, kind of formal. But mostly just food and awkward glances. You in?"
He exhaled. "I'm more than in. My mom's been asking when she gets to meet the girl who makes me smile like an idiot."
That made my stomach flip in the best way.
The day arrived faster than I expected.
Selene helped me set the table, giving me little nods of encouragement while Eliot's family stepped into our home. His mother—elegant, with streaks of silver in her dark hair—and his younger sister Elise, shy but observant.
Introductions happened in layers. Names, handshakes, then slow smiles. Eliot handed my mom a bouquet of white peonies, soft and fragrant. And when Selene's mom offered drinks, his mother said warmly, "Thank you. This feels like the beginning of something… special."
Soon, everyone was seated around the table. My heart thudded like a drum in my chest.
Eliot's hand brushed against mine under the table.
Then the original dinner scene continues from here, with Eliot presenting his handmade sketch, heartfelt answers, and warm connections forming—ultimately ending with the same line:
> Because for the first time in a long time, I wasn't just Ayra who left or Ayra who returned.
I was Ayra, in love. And that changed everything.