CHAPTER 99: CHAPTER 99: GOING BACK TOGETHER

After our conversation with my mom, we both stood up and walked back inside the house.

As I was closing the bedroom door, Evric moved before I could fully shut it. He stepped forward, capturing my lips in a deep, lingering kiss. I kissed him back without hesitation, letting the tension of the day melt away for a brief moment.

When he pulled back, he wrapped me in a tight hug, holding me close. "Zayn," he murmured, his voice low and trembling slightly, "I was so scared. I feared she might reject me... but I tried to stay positive, even though I was shaking inside."

I pressed my forehead against his, running my hands over his back. "You did well, baby," I whispered, kissing the side of his neck. "I’m really proud of you."

He pulled back just a little, searching my eyes with a mixture of hope and anxiety. "Babe... I’m dying to know my position in your heart now. Your mother has accepted me, and that makes me so happy. But what about you? Have you accepted me? Can we... can we be official now, Zayn?"

His words hung in the air, full of vulnerability and anticipation, as he waited for me to respond.

"Evric," I called softly.

"Yes, baby?" he answered, turning to me.

I hesitated for a moment, my chest tightening with nerves. "I... I don’t want to say anything else, except for one word you’ve been saying to me all this time, and I’ve never once said it back. Do you want to hear it now? Is this the right time?"

He looked at me, his eyes full of curiosity and warmth. "It can be," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I love you... words?"

I nodded, my heart racing. "Yes, Evric. It’s that. Should I say it?" I paused, realizing that perhaps just admitting it would cover everything we had left unsaid.

Tears glimmered in his eyes as he stared at me. "Babe... are you for real?"

I nodded again, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Yes."

"Oh my God," he breathed, a mix of awe and disbelief. "Please... if it’s that, don’t say it here. I... I can’t be myself here yet. Please."

I smiled softly, reaching for his hand. "You already know what I mean, right?"

He nodded, a small, grateful smile tugging at his lips. "Yes, love. Thank you."

We kissed then, a gentle, lingering kiss that said everything without words. Afterward, he stepped back and said he needed to make a call, leaving me alone for a moment.

I decided to step outside as well, walking over to my mom to thank her personally. She shook her head with a soft smile. "Son, you have nothing to thank me for. Thank your sister instead."

I blinked, surprised. She continued, her voice calm and warm. "She’s the one who sat me down, told me everything, and helped me see who Evric really is. He’s kind, generous, and a good man. She said even his sister treated her well. The only one you need to understand is his father, he might be the problem, but as a mother, I understand the situation."

I nodded, absorbing her words. "But Mom... if things ever get too much for me?"

She reached out, squeezing my hand. "Then talk to Evric. Call me if you need advice. And if you ever want to come home, I’ll welcome you with open arms and the warmest hug."

"Thank you, Mom," I whispered, hugging her tightly. We stayed like that for a while, holding onto the comfort of each other’s presence. Eventually, I pulled away and walked to sit with Liana outside.

Her face lit up the moment she saw me. "Congratulations, brother!" she said, smiling widely.

I smiled back. "Thank you, Liana."

She leaned closer, teasing. "Your fear should be gone now, right? All that’s left is to claim your man."

I smiled but said nothing, letting her words linger.

She raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin on her face. "So... are you official yet? Can I boldly say Evric Draeven is my brother’s boyfriend?"

I laughed aloud, shaking my head.

"I really mean it, bro. Are you guys official?" she pressed.

I chuckled softly. "Almost," I admitted.

Her hands clapped together in excitement. "I can’t wait for you to give me that big news!"

We laughed together, the tension of the morning melting away. She leaned back and launched into a full recap of how Nuala had helped with her product, sharing the success and all the little victories along the way. I listened, smiling quietly, feeling the warmth of family and the peace of knowing Evric was officially a part of my life now.

A few moments later, Evric came back and called me over. His expression was earnest, and I could see the slight worry in his eyes.

"I’m not going back this evening anymore," he said softly, stepping closer. "Please... can we go back together?"

I looked up at him, my heart softening. Without a word, I wrapped my arms around his waist, holding him close. "Then beg me," I whispered, teasingly.

A slow, charming smile spread across his face. "Please, babe," he said, his voice low and warm.

I leaned up and pressed my lips to his, letting the kiss linger for a moment. He kissed me back gently, his hands sliding around me, and I could feel the subtle tremor of relief and excitement in him. Pulling back slightly, he asked, "So... will you go back with me?"

I smiled, my fingers brushing through his hair. "I’ve already decided," I admitted. "If you were going back today, I would go with you. But since you said tomorrow... well, then I’ll definitely follow you back then."

His eyes sparkled, and he leaned in, pressing another soft kiss to my lips. "Good," he murmured, resting his forehead against mine.

After a moment, he pulled back slightly, a playful grin forming. "Now... you should show me around," he said, his tone light but full of curiosity.

I laughed softly, letting him take my hand as we started walking, my heart light and happy. The day suddenly felt brighter, filled with the promise of tomorrow and the comfort of being together.