79: The Final Surprise

Lisa/Kiara’s POV

“Ready?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement as soon as I got dressed in a simple sun dress, my hair styled in a loose bun.

I nodded, my heart pounding with anticipation. “Let’s do this,” I declared, my voice firm.

Asher chuckled and extended his hand. “Come on, Kiara. Your surprise awaits.”

We strolled down the hallway, hand in hand, the morning sun casting a warm glow through the windows. I remembered the countless times I had run through this hall with Asher in pursuit. It felt like only yesterday, yet also a lifetime ago.

I tightened my grip on his muscular arm as we neared the last landing, only to freeze in my tracks. My gaze was fixed on the two figures seated at the breakfast table.

Max and Jax, my brothers, whom I thought I’d never see again, were right there. My mind was a whirlwind of questions. How did they get here? Why were they with Asher? Was this some kind of dream or hallucination?

Asher’s grip on my hand tightened, as if sensing my shock a