Chapter 139
139
~Elara’s POV
“For the woman who fought through the day and didn’t break,” he said quietly.
I laughed softly. “You make it sound like I was holding on by my fingernails p>
“You were,” he said simply, leaning closer. His thumb brushed mine on the glass. “But you did it anyway p>
I took the wine, feeling the warmth spread through my fingers. “I couldn’t have done it without my team,” I admitted. “They… they were incredible. All night, they were incredible p>
Janae, who had been sitting nearby David, chimed in. “And you led them beautifully. I’ve never seen you like this, Elara. Calm, yet… alive p>
I smiled, a little embarrassed. “Alive… that’s a good way to put it p>
David raised his glass. “To Luna Elara,” he said, voice steady and full of meaning. “For making this night possible. For making all of us feel like we’re part of something bigger p>
I lifted my glass. “To all of us. To what we built, and to what’s still coming p>
We clinked glasses, and for a moment, the sitting room was full of laughter, warmth, and soft music from the speakers someone had turned on.
Janae grabbed a small plate of fruit and handed me a strawberry. “You have to eat. All that stress today… I swear, you’re about to collapse if you don’t p>
I took it, smiling faintly. “I’m fine. Honestly. I just… want to enjoy this night. Not think about anything else for a while p>
“You should,” Darlon said. “Tonight, there is no responsibility, no judgment. Just… celebration. That’s it p>
The first few hours passed in a blur of laughter, clinking glasses, and people moving around the kitchen and living room. The maids stayed nearby, quietly refilling glasses when needed, carrying plates to anyone who asked, but otherwise letting us enjoy the space. I noticed the little details Darlon had requested, the flowers on the counters, the gentle music, and the way the lights weren’t too bright, so the room felt warm.
I laughed at one point when David tried to juggle three glasses at once and nearly dropped them. Janae shrieked, and Darlon shook his head, but his smile was soft. “Careful,” he said. “You’re not in a tavern. This is a safe space, not a test of balance p>
David grinned sheepishly. “I was trying to impress someone p>
“Which someone?” I asked, teasing, though I knew exactly who he meant.
“Janae,” he said, eyes locked on her, and she rolled hers dramatically but blushed.
I shook my head, laughing. “You two are ridiculous p>
“And we deserve to be,” Janae said, smirking. “It’s our night too, remember p>
Hours passed like that, drinks, snacks, soft music, laughter spilling into corners of the house. I watched Darlon, seeing him relaxed in a way he rarely allowed himself to be, smiling at me with something deeper than pride. I felt my chest tighten in the best way.
At one point, I stepped away for a moment, standing near the window, looking out at the quiet night. The city lights twinkled, reflecting faintly in my glass of wine. I leaned my forehead against the cool glass, closing my eyes. The stress of the day, the endless decisions, the pressure, the auction, the speeches, finally began to melt away.
Darlon appeared beside me, placing a hand lightly on my shoulder. “Feeling better?” he asked.
I nodded. “I am. But… I think I might sleep for a week after all of this p>
He laughed softly. “Then I will help you with that. But first, there’s something I’ve planned p>
I raised an eyebrow. “Planned p>
“Yes,” he said, leaning closer. “Tomorrow, you are going to relax. No stress. No work. No speeches. Just… spa. Massage. Time for yourself p>
I blinked at him. “You… you booked that p>
He smiled. “I did. I thought it was overdue. You’ve carried so much lately. You deserve a day to let it all go p>
My throat tightened. “Darlon p>
He gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “You’ve earned it p>
Janae leaned in, curiosity written all over her face. “Can we come p>
Darlon looked at her and then at David, who was already smiling like he knew what was coming. “Of course,” he said. “This isn’t a solo mission. You both can join. But only to support the queen of the day p>
I laughed softly. “Support the queen… I like the sound of that p>
The rest of the night passed like that. Planning for tomorrow, teasing each other, laughing over small things, and toasting to success. By the time we finally went to bed, I felt… lighter. Like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. And for the first time in months, I slept without the tension in my jaw, without the constant hum of worry in my mind.
The next morning arrived quietly. The sun shone softly through the windows, and I woke to the smell of fresh coffee and warm bread. Darlon was already up, stretching, with a small smile on his face when he saw me.
“Morning, love,” he said. “Ready for today p>
I yawned, rubbing my eyes. “Spa day… right p>
“Spa day,” he confirmed. “And we’re not just doing it. I booked a full session for you. Massage, facial, everything you need to melt the stress away p>
David popped his head into the room. “And we’re coming, right p>
Janae appeared behind him. “Don’t forget me p>
Darlon laughed. “You’re both included. But my sweetheart is a priority p>
I reached for his hand. “Thank you. Truly p>
David and Janae grinned, teasing me gently. “You’d better enjoy it, Luna. You’ve earned every second p>
I nodded, feeling the warmth of their support. Today was not about pressure, deadlines, or responsibility. It was about celebrating what we had achieved, together. And for once, I allowed myself to sink fully into that feeling, to drink in the calm, the laughter, the love surrounding me.
We arrived at the spa mid-morning. The sun was gentle, warm, spilling golden light across the quiet street. The building itself was beautiful, with stone walls, large glass windows, and vines climbing delicately around the entrance. A soft bell chimed when we stepped in, and the smell of essential oils hit me immediately. Lavender. Eucalyptus. Something sweet and calming, I couldn’t name.
A receptionist, smiling like she knew we were VIPs without needing an introduction, greeted us. “Welcome, Alpha Darlon and Luna Elara. Your appointment is ready p>
Darlon nodded, and I felt that calm confidence settle over me again. “Thank you. We’re here for the full session p>
“Of course,” she said. “Massage, facial, relaxation lounge. Everything is prepared p>
I glanced at David and Janae, both grinning. “I can’t believe we’re actually doing this,” I whispered. “It feels… unreal p>
Janae nudged me gently. “It’s real. And you need it, trust me p>
David, already eyeing the relaxation lounge, said, “Honestly, this place looks better than my apartment p>
I laughed softly. “Just focus on relaxing. Don’t start a competition with chairs and scented candles p>
Darlon wrapped an arm around my waist, guiding me toward the changing area. “No stress today,” he reminded me. “You just breathe. Let everything else fade p>
We changed into the soft robes they provided, the fabric warm and comforting against my skin. The slippers were fluffy, like stepping on clouds, and I felt a little childish delight in the sensation. David and Janae teased me, pointing at how seriously I examined the slippers.
“Is this really necessary?” David said, mock solemn. “These slippers are life-changing. You’re obsessed p>
“They are,” I said, smirking. “And don’t pretend you don’t want a pair p>
Janae rolled her eyes. “We’re not here for slippers, Elara. Focus on the massage p>