Upon entering to the adjacent room, where Elle could rest, Sebastian settled Elle onto the bed, his face still etched with concern and worry.
Sensing his emotion, Elle met his gaze and could see the underlying tension in his expression.
"Are you... alright, Iza?" Sebastian's voice was low. "Are you in pain anywhere? Or do you need anything? Let me..."
Elle gently caught his face, her touch interrupting his words, and a smile played on her lips. "I'm alright, Seb. I'm not in any pain, and all I need right now is... you, by my side." The love in her eyes and the sincerity in her voice conveyed her reassurance.
Sebastian paused, his eyes scrutinizing her face, searching for any signs of distress. Gradually, he released a shaky breath. He pulled her back into his embrace, holding her close as he whispered, "Thank you... for waking Alicia up. You don't know how incredible you are, Iza."
Elle was taken aback by Sebastian's words, her heart swelling with warmth. She could feel the depth of his worry and the depth of his appreciation. In that moment, she realized how much she had accomplished, how she had played a pivotal role in bringing happiness and healing to her loved ones. Albeit temporary, she felt an unparalleled sense of fulfillment and joy.
This feeling, of being able to do something so significant, of being a source of relief and happiness for those she cherished, no matter how short—it was beyond words. Elle's heart overflowed with gratitude and a profound sense of purpose. Knowing that she had made a difference, that her ability had certainly turned a course of something into something better was a feeling she would cherish forever.
"And thank you for believing in me despite all your fears and worries, Seb." She told him, her voice filled with gratitude.
Sebastian didn't respond with words, but instead buried his head in the crook of her shoulder, holding her even tighter. As Elle returned his embrace, wrapping her hand around his head, she suddenly caught sight of Azy, their innocent observer, and her cheeks flushed with a blush.
Whispering softly, she alerted Sebastian to Azy's presence, and he turned his attention to the young boy. Reluctantly, Sebastian released his hold on Elle, his hand absently rubbing the back of his neck.
"Do you have something to say to your aunt, Azriel?" Sebastian asked gently, giving Azy the opportunity to express himself.
The boy nodded meekly, his steps hesitant as he approached Elle.
Elle on the other hand smiled warmly, encouraging him to speak without pressure or expectation.
As Azy stood before Elle, his fingers fidgeted nervously before he mustered the courage to lift his gaze and meet her eyes. Elle, sitting eagerly on the bed, couldn't contain her excitement at finally being able to have a conversation with this adorable young boy.
"Princess Elle," Azy began, but his words were interrupted by Sebastian's interjection.
"When we're not in public, call her Aunt Elle, Azy. I've told you that a few times before," Sebastian corrected, a hint of feigned displeasure in his voice.
Azy turned to Sebastian, blinking innocently. "But she's not your wife anymore, Uncle."
Sebastian's expression froze, caught off guard by Azy's remark. For a brief moment, it seemed as if he had malfunctioned, trying to process the unexpected statement.
"I'm sorry... I overheard that information accidentally," Azy confessed, looking away with an apologetic expression. He seemed to sense that he had stumbled upon something that wasn't meant for his ears.
Elle on the other hand pressed her lips together to stop herself from giggling. That utterly speechless reaction of Seb was priceless she wished she could have immortalized it in a photograph.
After taking a deep breath, Sebastian seemed to have finally gathered his thoughts and responded. "That's a terribly incomplete information you've overheard, Azy. I divorced your aunt because I wanted to marry her again."
Elle and Azy blinked in surprise, their minds struggling to comprehend the revelation. Azy tilted his head, his gaze fixed on Sebastian as if he was already attempting to piece together a puzzle, the gears turning in his young mind.
But Sebastian didn't wait for Azy to speak first. His hand rested on Azy's shoulder and explained, "Our first wedding was... a bit ordinary. So we've decided to have a real wedding this time. A traditional and yes, extravagant wedding."
Azy's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "Like Mom and Dad's wedding?" he asked, referring to the cherished memories he had seen in the form of wedding pictures and videos.
Sebastian nodded with a smile. "Yes, just like that. And if you'd like, you can be the best man."
Azy blinked, taken aback by the suggestion. "But am I not too young for that? Or are you trying to say that you'll wait for me to grow up before..."
Sebastian interjected, cutting off Azy's train of thought. "Who said only adults can be a best man? Age doesn't determine the role. If you're up for it, you can definitely be the best man."
Elle could no longer help but chuckle at their exchange. Azy's innocence and genuine curiosity were always endearing, but now she saw another side of Sebastian. He seemed to have shed the weight of guilt and distance that had once plagued his interactions with Azy. It was heartwarming to witness his growing comfort and openness with his nephew.
As the atmosphere in the room lightened, Elle gazed at Azy and Sebastian, her heart brimming with warmth. In that moment, she realized that the Reigns journey as a family was filled with surprises and unexpected turns, but it was those very moments that made their bond even stronger. And with Azy now standing as a beacon of hope, Elle believed that they were ready to embark on the path of a new beginning—a journey that would weave their lives together in a tapestry of love, growth, and shared moments of laughter and happiness and pain as they overcome whatever more challenges that was waiting ahead of them all.
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