novelraw Chapter 196: VALENTINE’S DAY: I’M ALONE
Chapter 196: VALENTINE’S DAY: I’M ALONE
"You wake up, my darling," Denovan said warmly as Julie walked down the wide flight of stairs, her steps soft against the polished wood.
Morning light streamed through the tall windows, casting a gentle golden glow across the dining area as she made her way toward the table.
"Good morning, grandpa, grandma," Julie said politely, bowing her head slightly, her voice still carrying traces of sleep.
"Good morning, my darling. Come, come and have breakfast. We have a lot to do today," Lisa said cheerfully, her eyes bright with a hint of excitement.
Julie pulled out a chair and lowered herself into it, though one brow lifted subtly at Lisa’s words. A lot to do? The curiosity flickered briefly across her face, but she decided not to ask.
The comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea and warm toast filled the air, and for a moment she simply focused on eating, letting the familiar domestic calm settle her thoughts.
After breakfast, Denovan wiped his hands neatly, stood, and excused himself to attend to his work, leaving Lisa and Julie alone in the dining room.
The quiet that followed felt gentle rather than awkward, punctuated only by the faint ticking of the wall clock.
"My dear, can you accompany me somewhere?" Lisa asked, her tone casual but affectionate.
Julie nodded almost immediately. She had nothing planned anyway, and truthfully, she needed something to distract her from how deeply she missed her love.
The absence lingered like a quiet ache she tried not to dwell on.
"Okay, let me get ready. You too — you should change your clothes," Lisa added.
Julie rose from her chair with a small nod."Let me change them," she said softly. Lisa watched her with a fond smile, eyes full of motherly warmth.
As Julie headed upstairs, she suddenly met Azazel coming down quickly, clearly in a hurry.
"Azazel, where to?" she asked.
"It’s Valentine’s Day, sis," he replied casually.
Julie nodded, but her eyes widened for a fraction of a second before sadness quietly replaced the expression. She masked it almost instantly, forcing composure.
"Oh my, you’re going to Ava," she said lightly. Azazel winked at her with a playful smile.
"All the best. Send my greetings to her," Julie added as she resumed climbing the stairs.
"My greetings to her too, you young couples," Lisa called out from behind, having overheard the exchange.
"Okay, beautiful Lisa," Azazel replied teasingly before quickly heading out through the mansion doors.
The faint echo of his footsteps faded, followed by the distant sound of the door closing.
"Hmm..." Lisa murmured, shaking her head slightly. "Despite how much I want Julie to forget it’s Valentine’s, he still reminded her."
"You’re forgetting you’re taking her out since Roman isn’t here," Denovan said thoughtfully from nearby. "She’ll see couples outside anyway. Eventually she’ll realize what day it is."
Lisa’s lips formed a small pout.
"It totally slipped my mind. I could have created something at home so her mood wouldn’t sour."
"It was Roman’s request," Denovan replied gently. "Besides, stepping out may help her mood. A change of atmosphere can do wonders. And I’m sure he planned everything excellently."
Lisa paused, considering his words.
Then she nodded slowly, her expression softening.
"Indeed, you are right," she agreed quietly, though her eyes still carried a trace of concern for Julie.
Climbing the stairs, Julie’s steps slowed as Azazel’s words echoed softly in her mind.
The cheerful tone he had used only made the reminder sharper. Valentine’s Day. Her face fell before she could stop it, a quiet sadness settling in her chest.
"I’m alone," she muttered under her breath, the words barely louder than the faint rustle of her dress as she walked.
It wasn’t bitterness — just a gentle ache, the kind that comes from missing someone deeply.
She quickly pushed the feeling aside and continued to her room. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, illuminating the calm space as she chose a dress.
Moments later, she reappeared downstairs wearing a beautiful knee-length gown that swayed lightly around her legs with each step.
The fabric caught the light subtly, elegant yet simple, fitting her natural grace.
Lisa was already waiting in the living room. The moment her eyes landed on Julie, her face lit up with unmistakable warmth and admiration.
"As expected of my beautiful, adorable girl you look exquisite, all gorgeous," Lisa said, her voice full of affection. Her gaze lingered proudly, as though she were admiring a precious jewel.
"Julie, Julie!" Denovan chimed in enthusiastically from beside her, nodding with approval. His playful tone broke the slight emotional heaviness Julie had been carrying.
Julie couldn’t help but laugh softly. A warm blush crept across her cheeks at their compliments.
"Thank you," she said shyly, lowering her gaze for a moment before smiling again. Their kindness wrapped around her like comfort, easing the loneliness she had briefly felt upstairs.
"Let’s go," Lisa said gently, already moving toward the door. Julie and Denovan followed just behind her, their footsteps calm and unhurried.
The atmosphere felt peaceful, almost hopeful, as they stepped out together.
Meanwhile, Azazel had already arrived at his destination. He leaned casually against his blue Audi, occasionally glancing toward the entrance, anticipation clear in his posture.
The midday sun reflected softly off the polished car, and a faint breeze carried the scent of nearby flowers through the air.
Then the door opened.
"Surprise!" Ava said brightly as she appeared, her smile radiant. She walked straight to the car, opened the passenger door, and slipped gracefully into the seat.
Azazel’s eyes softened instantly at the sight of her.
"You are looking like a diamond, love," he complimented warmly.
Ava smiled, clearly pleased. She looked stunning in her red gown elegant yet striking the color enhancing her glow.
Azazel himself wore a matching red long-sleeved shirt, the coordination giving them that effortless couple’s harmony, as if they had planned it without even trying.
For a brief second, they simply looked at each other, a quiet appreciation passing between them.
"Let’s go," he said finally, his voice gentle but excited, as he settled into the driver’s seat, ready to begin their day together.
Before Ava could reply, the sudden sound of hurried footsteps broke the calm moment. Emma came running toward the car, her small shoes tapping rapidly against the pavement.
"Brother!!!!" she screamed excitedly, her voice bright and full of energy as she rushed closer.
"Emma," Azazel said with an amused sigh, immediately stepping out of the car. He bent slightly and scooped her effortlessly into his arms.
The girl wrapped her arms around his neck, clearly pleased with the attention.
From inside the car, Ava rolled her eyes, her lips pressing into a faint pout.
"Must she always steal part of my time?" she muttered under her breath, though the jealousy in her tone carried more playfulness than real annoyance.
Azazel smiled warmly at the little girl in his arms. Carefully, he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"What is it, beautiful sis?" he asked gently.Emma’s eyes sparkled mischievously.
"What gift are you bringing me for Valentine’s?" she asked sweetly, her voice hopeful.
Ava immediately leaned forward from the passenger seat, her brows drawing together."Who told you today is Valentine’s? Shouldn’t you be in your room reading or playing?" she interjected sharply.
Then she added, folding her arms, "It’s not for small kids."Emma didn’t look offended. Instead, she lifted her chin with surprising confidence.
"I’m not saying I’ll do what you and brother Azazel will be doing," she replied calmly.
Both Azazel and Ava froze, exchanging quick, puzzled glances.
What will we be doing? the unspoken question hung between them.
"All I want is a gift," Emma continued innocently. "I’m not accompanying you.
You can enjoy your time." She folded her arms across her chest in a tiny imitation of adult seriousness.
Ava blinked, still confused.
"What exactly will we be doing?" she asked again, genuinely bewildered now.
Emma frowned briefly as if searching for the right answer. Then her face suddenly brightened with realization.
"Kissing," she announced proudly, clearly convinced she had said something impressive.
Silence fell instantly.
Azazel froze where he stood, lips pressed tightly together as he released a slow breath. Ava’s expression mirrored his shock, her cheeks faintly warming as she looked away.
"Emma... where did you learn that?" Azazel asked carefully, trying to sound calm.The girl gave a sheepish smile.
"That day I saw you in the car with sis," she admitted softly, eyes flickering between them.
"Ohhh..." Azazel responded, dragging out the sound while gently pinching her cheeks in affectionate embarrassment.
"Now, can we make a deal?" he asked after a moment.
Emma nodded eagerly, curiosity lighting her face.
"Can you forget about it?" he asked hopefully.
She immediately shook her head.
"Why?" he asked, raising a brow.
"Only if you bring me everything I want then I may consider," she replied with surprising cleverness, a playful glint in her eyes.
Azazel chuckled quietly, clearly amused by how sharp she was.
"Okay, deal. Now tell me what you want."
Emma bounced happily in his arms. As her gaze landed on Ava who was silently glaring a warning she mischievously stuck out her tongue before turning back to her brother.
"First, ice cream," she said decisively.
Ava’s eyes widened instantly.
"So there’s a second?" she asked in disbelief, leaning slightly out of the car window.
Emma simply folded her arms again, wearing a proud, unbothered expression that made her look far older than she actually was.
Ava shook her head slowly, muttering just loud enough to be heard,
"How greedy."
Azazel, caught between amusement and mild exasperation, could only smile softly, the lighthearted tension settling comfortably around them as the playful exchange lingered in the warm afternoon air.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL OF YOU READERS!!!! EVEN THE SINGLE ONE’S 😁😁