Chapter 62: Family Bonds

The words, though said in jest, sent a chill down Mysa's spine. Her smile faltered as she tried to process the strange comment. Draven's eyes darkened, and he stepped protectively in front of Mysa.

“Why?" Draven asked, his voice tense.

"What do you mean?" Mysa added, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

Noah chuckled, seemingly oblivious to their discomfort. "It's just that I wouldn’t be able to bear someone else looking at her," he said, his tone light and casual.

Mysa glanced at Noah in disbelief, her heart pounding. "That’s a rather odd thing to say," Draven replied, his voice tight with barely concealed irritation.

Noah laughed again, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Just kidding, of course. Lighten up, man."

Both Draven and Mysa found the comment strange, but they forced themselves to laugh it off. The tension lingered in the air, but they decided to move past it.

"So," Noah said, trying to steer the conversation to safer grounds, "what do you two have in your mind about your wedding?"

Mysa took a deep breath, focusing on the excitement of their upcoming wedding. "We are thinking of having a beach wedding," she said, her eyes lighting up at the thought.

Draven nodded, his arm still protectively around her. "Yeah, we want something intimate and beautiful. A sunset ceremony by the ocean sounds perfect."

"A beach wedding sounds amazing. I’ve always thought those are the most beautiful ceremonies too,” Noah spoke up.

Mysa glanced at him, still feeling a bit uneasy but trying to be polite. "Thank you, Noah. We are really excited about it."

Draven nodded, his eyes still wary as he looked at Noah. "We just want everything to be perfect."

"It will be," Noah assured them, his voice filled with warmth. "A beach wedding with a bohemian theme sounds wonderful. Have you thought about the decor and theme?"

"We are leaning towards a bohemian theme," Mysa said, her enthusiasm growing. "Lots of flowers, lanterns, and a laid-back, romantic vibe."

Draven smiled, squeezing Mysa’s shoulder. "And we want to keep it small, just close family and friends."

Noah nodded, a smile on his face. "That sounds perfect. As your wedding planner, I’ll make sure everything is just the way you want it."

Mysa forced a smile, still feeling a bit unsettled. "Thank you, Noah. We are counting on you."

###

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the beach as waves lapped gently at the shore.

The Taylon and Valentino families bustled about, setting up decorations for Draven and Mysa’s wedding.

The air was filled with laughter and the scent of the ocean, a perfect backdrop for the upcoming celebration.

Noah directed the setup with a clipboard in hand, his honey-colored eyes glinting with enthusiasm. "Fabian, could you make sure the flowers are arranged symmetrically along the aisle?" he called out.

Fabian, ever the flirt, winked at Mysa as he passed her. "Anything for the bride-to-be," he said with a grin.

Draven, who was nearby, narrowed his eyes playfully. "Keep your charm to yourself, Fabian."

Fabian laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, just helping out."

Mysa was arranging a cluster of lanterns as she chuckled. "You two will never change."

Vayden and Bayren were working on the archway and exchanged glances. "Hey, Vayden, hand me that ribbon, will you?" Bayren asked.

Vayden tossed the ribbon over, his gray eyes twinkling with amusement. "Jenny, does it look even?" he called out.

Jenny stood a few feet away to see the position, so she nodded. Her amber eyes shone with pride and joy. "It looks perfect, Vayden."

Diva ran around with a basket of seashells and stopped in front of Mysa. "Where should I put these, Mysa?"

Mysa crouched down to Diva's level, her gray eyes softening. "How about we place them along the aisle? They will add a nice touch."

Diva beamed, her platinum blonde hair shimmering in the sunlight. "Great idea!"

“I still don’t understand why Aunt Zinnia decided to make all of us work instead of hiring people,” Bayren grumbled.

“That’s because Mom felt it would bring all of us closer, as a whole family,” Draven cleared out.

Nearby, Zinnia and Clave were setting up a table with refreshments. Zinnia’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she watched the bustling scene. "It’s amazing to see everyone working together," she remarked.

Clave nodded, his expression serene. "Indeed. It’s moments like these that make all the challenges worthwhile."

Meanwhile, Vayden walked over to Jenny, a tender smile on his face. "You know, I never thought I would find happiness again," he said softly. "But you have changed everything for me."

Jenny reached out, taking his hand. "I feel the same way, Vayden. Thank you for standing by me."

Everyone learned about Jenny and Vayden soon after Vayden realized his feelings for Jenny. The Taylon family openly accepted Jenny.

Noah was still holding his clipboard as he approached them with a grin. "Alright, everyone, let’s take a quick break. We have made great progress."

As they gathered around the refreshment table, Mysa looked around at her friends and family. "I can't believe this is happening," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "Thank you all for sparing some time to help us."

Draven wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "We are lucky to have such an amazing family."

Fabian raised a glass of mimosa. "To Draven and Mysa, the most perfect couple. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day."

"Cheers!" everyone echoed, lifting their glasses.

Diva's eyes sparkled with mischief, looking at Draven. "Aven, are you going to cook something special for your own wedding?"

Draven laughed, shaking his head. "Not this time, Diva. This time, I am just going to enjoy the food and the company."

"Besides, why will the groom cook at his own wedding?" Fabian teased with a grin.

Draven laughed, shaking his head. "Exactly. I’m leaving the cooking to the other professionals this time."

The comment elicited a round of laughter from everyone gathered around. Diva, always quick-witted, chimed in, "Aven, can you imagine yourself in that chef’s hat and apron at your own wedding?"

Draven mockingly feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. "Hey now, I can rock any outfit," he quipped, earning more laughs.

Noah used the opportunity to flirt with Mysa, leaning in a bit closer than necessary as he offered her a drink. His honey-colored eyes twinkled as he said, "Let me get that for you, Mysa."

Draven noticed Noah’s closeness and exchanged a knowing glance with Fabian.

They both frowned slightly, a flicker of jealousy crossing their expressions.

Fabian leaned towards Draven and muttered, "How can you tolerate him? If I were you, I would’ve fired him, I swear to God.”

Draven chuckled softly, watching Mysa chat politely with Noah. "It’s okay," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Mysa loves me, and that’s all the assurance I need."

Fabian smiled knowingly, a mix of relief and genuine happiness for Draven and Mysa evident in his expression. It wasn’t in his fate to marry Mysa, but seeing her happy with Draven was enough for him.

Their moment of mutual agreement was interrupted by the arrival of Nathan and Flora, hand in hand.

Fabian rolled his eyes dramatically at that.

Nathan greeted everyone warmly. "Looks like things are coming along nicely here."

Flora nodded, her gaze sweeping over the preparations with approval. "Indeed. It’s going to be a beautiful wedding."

Mysa looked up with a bright smile as she greeted them, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Flora and Nathan? You two managed to come!"

Flora and Nathan were officially a couple now. They nodded with matching smiles.

Ava and Ace had accepted Nathan openly, but Fabian was still skeptical about his baby sister dating him.

Mysa and Draven had grown close to Nathan, often calling him by his first name. Even Flora had become a good friend, leaving behind the past misunderstandings.

Draven leaned back casually and arched an eyebrow teasingly. "I thought you two were busy and wouldn’t be able to make it."

Nathan chuckled lightly. "Yes, but we thought you guys could use some help."

Mysa gestured towards the beach chairs. "Great! But we are taking a break now so come and sit."

Nathan and Flora settled into their seats, Flora taking the spot next to Draven. She looked at him with genuine happiness. "You know, Draven, I am really happy for you two."

Draven nodded appreciatively, his gaze meeting hers. "Thanks, Flora. I am happy for you and Nathan too, trust me.”

Flora smiled warmly, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "I know," she replied softly. "We were really stupid back then, weren’t we? You kept thinking your crush was 'true love' while I used you for fame."

Draven chuckled, shaking his head at the memory. "You are right. How could we be so dumb?"

Flora shrugged playfully. "You were so oblivious to Mysa’s feelings."

Draven looked genuinely surprised. "You knew how she felt?"

Flora nodded knowingly. "Everyone knew. Mysa was right. You are an 'idiot.'"

Both of them burst into laughter, the tension of the past replaced by a shared sense of understanding and amusement.

"But I am glad that everything fell into place eventually," Flora added, her tone sincere.

Draven leaned back, his gaze drifting towards Mysa again, a soft smile playing on his lips. "So… Do you know what love is now?" he asked curiously.

Flora's gaze softened as she glanced at Nathan, who was engaged in conversation with Fabian. "I know now," she said softly. "After meeting Nathan, I got to know what love means."

Draven's smile widened as he looked at Mysa once more, his heart swelling with affection. "Love is a wonderful feeling. Really," he murmured to himself, his eyes full of love and gratitude for the woman who had changed his life.

He would go crazy if Mysa wasn’t in his life. There was no future of his without her.