Today I turned into 29 years old woman. But that's not what was making me excited. Birthdays were never my thing and I hated that day the most in my life. The reasons might be various. One being the unnecessary attention I get out of nowhere from all around the places. The same people who don't give a shit about me on the rest of the days call me or message me. I don't understand why to bother on my birthday as well. What's so special about it anyway. I rolled my eyes at the thought and looked at my reflection in the mirror.

Oh! Wait, I forgot to tell you about the actual thing which was making me excited today. Today I will be celebrating the success of my first ever novel. The murder mystery which shook me from top to bottom a decade back. The characters are a bit different on the pages. Some are new additions while some old ones remained. The story is written with extra drama and minuting a few real facts but the main thing remained the same. I changed the ending for Hope and her Arnon as it didn't feel like adding more sadness to the already saddened story. Why I chose Arnon? Because it means roaring fire and that's how Aiden was. 

It still sends a shiver through me whenever I remember those incidents. I didn't visit Northwood again until a year back when I thought about rewinding those chapters of my life. I wanted to visit mainly when I thought of writing the book to let go of those fears but most importantly I wanted to go closer and check if I was actually fine being in Northwood again. I visited my house which has been closed ever since we left. It sent a sudden rush of so many emotions making me tear up. I walked through the woods which weren't creepy anymore. I smiled remembering about the times I ran through them. The hideout in the woods still was the same with more algae and fungi on it but it felt the happiest. That creepy grasshopper was still there making me a freak. The mountain now looked happily roaring as it smiled back at me. I felt as if the whole Northwood was being happy seeing me just how I was feeling at that time. I walked through those paths again. It felt the same but the town was changed drastically. Visiting Northwood after years was tough with so many memories so close to my heart. Tougher than I ever thought it would be but I had my dearie on my side. But I realized I was happiest there and that town never left me. London never felt that closer.

After leaving Northwood, it was hard for me to get settled in London. Especially when the nightmares used to follow me everywhere I go. I started doubting the crowd. My hallucinations worsen with time. I used to see my mom cursing me for living with the man who killed her. It was scary. Jane as I call my step-mom now have stayed by my side throughout just like the best friend she has always been. I was glad for that and I am better now. She recently got married again and now I have an annoying little sister. She is sweet and we share a friendly bond. I am happy about this new addition to my family. In fact, both David and Amelia are sweethearts. They have been my additional supporters as well. 

The first year in London was rough. I joined my new school to complete the final year and met a few new friends. But none of them got closer as to how Emily, Edmund and Aiden were to me. I faced mental issues and studying subjects got tougher because of the same. But I survived well I would say. I did well academically than I thought I would initially.

I was unable to decide what course should I choose while going to university and to everyone's surprise, I went for literature. It was good and I felt happy. I had Jane to support me and guide me as she has been a well-known writer herself. I published a few stories in papers and magazines while still being in university and they got immense love and positive reviews. Thus, I gained the confidence and thought of writing my first ever novel when I graduated. I was never into teaching so thought of trying my luck as a writer but it was a little tricky to select the topic and that's when Amelia suggested why don't I write about my personal experience. I was a bit reluctant but I thought of giving it a try regardless of my fears. Jane suggested that was the way I could overcome them and I can safely say now that she was right. I don't fear them anymore. All this time I was running away from them but all I had to do was to face them. I am stronger today and I am happiest about it. 

Okay! I know you all must be wondering about what happened to my three most favourite people. So, don't worry they are all doing just fine. Edmund took history and is an archivist working in London. He has a very beautiful girlfriend named Evelyn whom he met in Oxford. She works with him now. We were glad to find her just like us and welcomed her with open arms. I am happy that he didn't get stuck with Roselia back then. She was no good for him anyway. Emily, my sweetheart and my soulmate, got married to her soulmate, Mason, a couple of years back or more. They have a little angel named Ivy who they welcomed last year. They form a perfect little family. They got shifted to California a few months back when Mason got a job in some firm there. Emily didn't become an actress but she is a competent reporter and well known in her field. 

I heard the knock on the door and looked at it through the mirror. Jane opened the door and got inside as a wide smile followed her. I smiled back at her and got up holding my big tummy. I am seven months pregnant and it has been a hella journey but I feel blessed to grow this little angel inside me. Jane smiled again and hugged me tightly.

"You are glowing, Faith," Jane said pulling away as she looked at me teasingly, "Is it the success, the pregnancy or the overwhelming love you are getting from your boyfriend?" I giggled.

"All, maybe?" I said holding my smile back. She eyed me and looked around.

"Where is that boy? Did he run away fearing the responsibilities?" She asked making me chuckle. I shook my head gently.

"Don't worry. He can leave me but he won't leave her," I said genuinely moving my hand over my stomach and smiling down at it.

"I won't leave you as well," I looked up at the door as a wide smile formed on my face seeing the white lilies in Aiden's hand. He looked gorgeous in the tux he wore. He made his way towards me with a smile, "The last time you left me was pretty heartbreaking and I can't afford that all over again." I chuckled.

It truly was heart aching. I thought I would be fine as the time will pass by but that didn't happen. I wanted him by my side whenever I had nightmares or hallucinations. I couldn't stop loving him. But I had no courage to call him. I thought of visiting Northwood a few times but I was scared that he was long gone from me. I got to know from Emily that Aiden moved to Oxford the following year and then there was no stopping for me to go and see him. I talked with Jane about it and she loved my decision to stick with Aiden. All I hoped at that time was his feelings to not have faded with time as we were apart for over a year. 

He looked different when I saw him at first. His hairs were different and a little longer following the trendy look of the boys from the late 80s Era. His body was bulkier but tougher now and he looked better than ever as he was dressed up in a formal shirt and pants along with the lawers coat. I couldn't ever be able to forget the smile and look he gave me when he first spotted me at the gate outside his university and I knew he is still there. My Aiden never stopped loving me. I ran and engulfed him into a hug and started crying right away and it took him a whole day to make me quiet. Emily, Edmund and he start laughing their asses out whenever they remember this incidence without bothering about my big frown. 

I am not required to say but Aiden has been my biggest driving force who have stayed with me like a rock and didn't let me fall even for a moment. I don't think I would have recovered without his support. He has pushed me to be better. He has held me tight in his embrace in my worst times. He has shared my biggest milestones. He has been my biggest strength throughout the past few years. He would be always ready with his flooding advice and sweet words when I felt like I am about to break. He would leave everything and rush to me when things would get hard for me to handle. I truly thank my stars that they lead me to this man yet again giving me a second chance else I can't even think as to what I might have lost in my life. I don't think anyone would have been able to love me even 10% like how he loves me. I am the luckiest girl to have him by my side in every stage of my life and I do hope he feels the same about me. I have tried my best to be with him and by him regardless whether he needed me or not. I have made sure to let it show as to how much I love him and as to how grateful I am to have him in my life. I just hope he knows what he means to me.

"Where have you been?" I asked holding Aiden by moving my hands around his waist. He chuckled and gave me a quick kiss.

"I dropped by to pick up this for my ever so gorgeous love," he said making me chuckle. I moved away and took the boutique from his hand as I adored the white flowers. 

"You could have picked up roses, Aiden," Jane said looking at us with adoration.

"She doesn't like them," Aiden said defending him. I chuckled and nodded. I love lilies more than any flower and I don't know why.

"Yes, I don't but lilies suit my flower pot," I said and took out the dried flowers from the pot on my side table. I shoved the new lilies into it and smiled feeling contained.

"See. Isn't it lovely?" I asked looking at Jane.

"It sure is," she said with a nod and smiled at me.

"Let's go, now. People are waiting," She said and I looked at Aiden.

"Jane, just a minute," I said and held Aiden's hand. She gave us a mischievous look.

"Okay, don't take long," she said and looked at Aiden, "Aiden she is in her trimester." She said pointing at the obvious. Gosh! These people. Aiden sighed hopelessly and looked at me. The boy is going through this torture ever since I announced my pregnancy. They have been teasing us like we are some teenagers. Emily had her child before us but people were good with her.

"I know. Don't worry," he said with irritation making me chuckle. Jane smiled and left the room.

Aiden looked at me with a questioning face. I meant to ask him this question for a long time but couldn't bring myself to it. I still fear that he will leave me. I have so many fears of my own and I am trying every day to overcome them. I held Aiden's hand in mine and looked up at him.

"Are you happy? And I want to know the truth," I asked looking into his ocean blue orbs. I looked down at my stomach and then at him, "We weren't prepared for this." It happened because of our recklessness to be more precise. We were out with liquor that night and the next thing we knew was that it happened.

"Okay," Aiden said and took a deep breath as he looked at my overgrown tummy and back at me, "To be very honest, I was a bit... Slightly reluctant when you announced the news. It was out of nowhere and I didn't know how to act to this sudden thing. That's why I lacked conveying anything to you if you are still referring to that morning." He said referring to the morning when I broke the news to him. He looked plain and clueless about what I was talking.

"I am just asking... in general," I said truthfully. Aiden chuckled.

"I am happier than ever. I have my own family," he said putting his hand on my stomach and pecking me on the forehead. I closed my eyes for a moment feeling him and he pulled back as he spoke again, "Trust me, Faith but I am really really happy."

"I am glad to know that," I said smiling widely. I knew he was happy but I wanted to hear it from him.

"You and your insecurities," Aiden chuckled shaking his head slightly. 

"Should we then?" he asked offering his arm to me and I took it willingly. I engulfed my hand around his arm and he guided me slowly downstairs. I clenched my hands over his arm when the huge crowd was into view.

"Don't worry. I am here," he said with an assuring smile. I nodded with a smile at him. Those creepy stares fell on me and there was silence with some whispers. I don't know what were they talking about and neither was I interested in it. I took a few deep breaths and held my stomach as I descended the stairs.

I saw Edmund with Evelyn as they looked gorgeous together. I gave them an impressive look. Evelyn returned that and gestured about us looking beautiful. I giggled. I moved my eyes around the floor and was disappointed to not see Emily. Dylan smiled at me when my eyes met his. His girlfriend broke up with him sometime back so he came alone. Mr and Mr Wright along with Jane and David stood closely as they looked at us with ever so wide and genuine smiles. I chuckled. I was on the last step when Amelia came and stood in front of us. Aiden and I exchanged a confused look but she then took her camera up and put it in front.

"Smile beautiful people," she said making me and Aiden chuckle. She clicked a few pictures. I followed Aiden further and almost had an emotional outbreak when I saw the love of my life. My little Ivy with her stupid mother and father. I thought of running but it's too draining with this big thing so I fast-walked pulling Aiden along.

I took Ivy in my hand when someone pulled the trolley in front of me. It had a three-layered beautiful cake with three flavours on each layer. Along with it, there was another one beside which had a picture of the front cover of my novel. I smiled widely looking at them both. People gathered around and shouted for my success followed by a happy birthday song. Ivy and I bent down and blew the candles. Emily took her from my hands as I needed to cut the cake. 

I took the knife and cut the cake, taking out that piece and holding up at Aiden. He held my hand and took the piece as he fed it back to me. I smiled when Amelia brat kept on clicking pictures. I agree I don't like birthdays but this one was special. I smiled widely looking around the room. I felt so happier. I looked to the side at the portrait of my mother which hung in our home. My and Aiden's home. I smiled at her as a few tears edged my eyes. I blinked them away and looked to the side when Dylan held me from the side and fed me some more cake. 

"Happy birthday, princess. And congratulations. I am really happy for you," Dylan said and pecked me on the side of my head. I giggled.

"Thank you, Dylan. I almost thought you won't come," I said smiling widely as he pulled back. He has been pretty busy lately with some political case that he is handling. He is in the heading of the newspaper every other day.

"I am always up for you both. Actually the three of you now," he said smiling at me as he went on, "And I am damn sure that this little thing is bringing so much happiness in our lives. You got your sleeper hit, Aiden got awarded, I got my biggest success yet and mom-dad are just over the moon." 

"I am sure there will be much more in store for you so don't stop," he said. I nodded genuinely.

"I won't. Thanks for being the elder brother I always craved for," I said genuinely. He has been a great support to me. He always gave his wise words and made me feel better on bad days. To be honest, he is my go-to person in my problems which involved Aiden most specifically. And along with Jane's family, this family I got because of Aiden is so much precious to me.

"I will always be here if this jerk hurts you," he said looking past me. I followed his gaze to find Aiden standing close to us.

"That's so sweet but I know he won't hurt me ever," I said giving Aiden a smile. He smiled back at me when I spoke again, "Not intentionally."

"Did you hear that? Now move," Aiden said and pulled me closer to him. I chuckled as Dylan gave us a look.

"Are you both teasing me that I am alone now?" he asked narrowing his eyes at us.

"Don't worry. There are so many people around," I said dramatically making the two boys or men, as they prefer being called, chuckle.

"I like this girl, Kavya," Dylan said as we raised eyebrows at him, "She is from India."

"Got that and I wish you all the luck," I said genuinely. Dylan smiled at me.

"Thanks," he said when I heard a loud scream and looked past Dylan. Emily came running towards me. Now that I notice her, she looked beautiful in the red plain dress she wore. I chuckled looking at her.

"Faith, Omg I missed you," she said and hugged me tightly being careful enough with my stomach. I hugged her back with equal enthusiasm. I missed her all these months and I wish she shifts back to London soon. She pulled back and gave me an emotional look, "You are glowing, girl. Looks like your boyfriend is loving you so much these days." Aiden threw a glare at her.

"What's with you people? Don't you find someone else to harras?" Aiden asked with a frown. We all let out a laugh. He looked cute.

"We are not harassing you, brother. It's our way of showing the love," Dylan chuckled and moved closer to Aiden as he put his hand over Aiden's shoulder.

"Hey girl, you are looking gorgeous and you both look beautiful as a dream," Evelyn came and hugged me followed by Edmund. I smiled genuinely at her.

"And they were breaking up. See I told you," Emily said slapping my arm lightly. Mason came along with little Ivy and stood beside Aiden. 

"You told her?" Aiden asked narrowing his eyes at me. I frowned looking at Emily. Lier!

"Shut up, Emily. It was my decision," I shouted at her and looked at Edmund. "Edmund."

"That's right," He said and looked at Emily, "Shut up Emily. We both did it," he said again as they both started laughing. I frowned at Aiden. He chuckled looking at me and pulled me closer pecking on my head. 

"You know, Eve? This jerk was so much in love with Aiden," I said eyeing Edmund. Evelyn gave me a look.

"What?" She asked. I smirked at Edmund.

"That's bullshit," he said with irritation.

"You are breaking my heart, bro," Aiden said putting some dramatic expressions and making us laugh. Edmund was still frowning.

"That's indeed true, Edmund. I even asked Aiden if you like him romantically," Dylan said and we contain our laughs.

"What?" Edmund gave a pained look to him. Dylan shrugged his shoulders.

"Yes, I mean you will go straight to his room and stay there for hours," he said giving him a suspicious glare. We tried to contain the laugher but broke into fits of laugher looking at unpleasant Edmund. My stomach felt a cramp and it gave me a slight pain as I moved my hand towards it. Aiden gave me a concerned look feeling my discomfort but I smiled anyway at him. This is every day now. It's so tough. He kept holding me closer and it was so good.

"Gross," Edmund said folding his arms over chest.

"That's right. I would see him getting jealous of Faith," Mason said. I gave him an impressive smile. He talks less but he for sure got mingled with us sooner than expected. I put my head over Aiden's shoulder getting relaxed a little. He asked me if I wanted to seat and I shook my head negatively. This was much more comforting to me. 

"Shut up, Mason," Edmund shouted at him, "I helped you with the advice you needed."

"But I am always on captain's side," Mason said making us all chuckle. I love how he still calls Aiden captain after all these years.

"He is not your captain anymore," Edmund said with a frown.

"Once a captain, always a captain," Mason said as we laughed.

"I was about to ask as to why he calls you captain," Evelyn asked. 

"Because he was captain of our football team," Mason said filling her up. Those were the days. Truly. "The youngest captain because he was so good with his game," Mason said proudly. Aw!

Edmund rolled his eyes.

"That's cool," Evelyn said with a smile. "Ed, don't be jealous now," I said holding his arm and giving him a look. 

"That's right. I have seen him getting jealous whenever Aiden preferred Mason," Emily said shaking her head. Edmund through an irritated glare at us and we started laughing again. 

"Hold on Edmund, you gave him advice? About what?" Emily asked with a frown remembering what Edmund said earlier. We moved our gazes to him. He sighed.

"About his work. Don't worry I am not interested in your love life or bedroom scenes," he said rolling his eyes.

"Shut the fuck up," Emily shouted and hit Edmund hard. Ivy started crying out of nowhere. 

"See my little boo is sad because of you, woman," Edmund said and moved to hold Ivy. Mason happily handed her over. 

We played with her for some time. It felt all good. All of my most favourite people under the same roof at the same time. I was having a blast and time of my life. 

Mr and Mrs Wright looked happy when they asked me about my health and work. I always feel good in their presence and I have asked them tons of times to come and live in London where their both sons and I are present but they like that old town better but it's true. Even I have always liked it better there. Running through those woods, that mountain, that river, walking on those streets, that crowdy market, those sweet people and those small houses. It felt peaceful unlike the rush of London. I don't know why that town still feels the closest to me no matter how many cities and countries I have travelled. I wanted to go back but Aiden has his work here. I can write from anywhere but he has settled here and I don't want to change that. 

I looked around when Mr and Mrs Wright found a company in their long lost friend from the law profession. They introduced me and I can feel the proudness they have for me in their talk. It made me feel special. They have always defended me in front of their relatives or friends whenever someone would bring up my father. I am so grateful for having them with me always. I smiled genuinely and later excused myself when they started talking about their profession because even though my long-time boyfriend is a well-known lawyer, I still don't know a few things. I walked to the side and looked around not spotting Aiden anywhere. I frowned but I could see Emily feeding her baby as she and Mason sweet-talked with her. I smiled looking at them. Evelyn was busy with some girls while Edmund was with Dylan as they talked with a few of Dylan's close friends. I sighed utterly disappointed in my boyfriend for leaving his pregnant girlfriend like this. I was craving some ice cream and I felt like crying at the moment. 

I was about to make my way towards the food counter when someone tapped on the glass grabbing the attention. I looked towards the direction to find Aiden... Making a toast? I widened my eyes and held my stomach involuntarily. He looked at me with a sweet smile making me uncomfortable and nervous. I am not used to the attention.

"Alright, sorry for the interruption but I just want your attention for next five to ten minutes if you don't mind," he said talking with the crowd. They hooted giving him a nod to go ahead. I held my breath in anticipation. He looked at me again.

"Faith, we have known each other since we were six," Aiden started and got hoots and oohs immediately. I know it's crazy to be with someone for that long and I consider myself lucky. I smiled forgetting about my nervousness as I watched him. 

"Yes, that's right," Aiden said to the crowd shaking his head slightly and looked at me.

"So for like 23 years maybe?" he asked. I chuckled and nodded my head. He smiled back and paused for a few moments before making his way towards me.

"I remember once saying this to you that we might be wrong in thinking that this is love and maybe we have just become a habit for each other," he said stopping right before me as he kept looking into my eyes. I smiled and nodded remembering my last day in Northwood. He sighed and spoke again, "But it was proven wrong later because no matter what, I couldn't stop thinking about you, caring for you or loving you." I gave him an emotional look.

"I know you are annoying most of the times," he said chuckling as I frowned. I couldn't afford to move my gaze away from him because it's not every day when Aiden becomes cheesy.

"But I still want you and I love you and just you with all of my heart," he said further making me smiled again. He sighed as he got a bit serious with a sudden change of expressions.

"There are days when I feel like running away from everything but you have held on me tight. I don't think I would have made it to whatever I am today without your enormous support and love," he said. I felt my eyes tearing up. He smiled and wiped my eyes, "I am not exactly good with speeches or anything so I would just come to the point hoping that you got what I was trying to convey." I chuckled and nodded my head. I sniffed and looked down.

"That you mean so much to me. Staying away from you was the worst decision ever and I think I should have tried a little more to stop you that day. And trust me that I don't want to go there again. I love you, Faith Greens and..." he said and I looked up. I was nervous anticipating his next move and he did exactly the same by kneeling down and holding a ring in front of me.

"If you have some spare time then would you mind marrying me?" he asked and I started crying hiding my face. This is the best birthday ever. 

"Omg!" I heard people around getting excited as they cheered for us. "Say yes," I heard Evelyn shouting along with Emily, Edmund and Mason. I started laughing through my tears looking at them as they were looking crazier than me. Aiden was still on his knees as he looked at me with adoration. A small smile playing on his lips.

"You are such a jerk," I shouted looking down at him and made him stand on his feet again, "I will and I am glad that I met you," I said offering him my hand. He slid the ring through it as more shouts and clapping followed. I laughed wholeheartedly feeling so much happiness. I pulled him in a tight hug as he kissed my neck.

"Pushing you away was the worst and most stupid decision I ever made and thank you for always putting me before your own happiness," I said in his ear as I pulled back and looked at him. He smiled. That was true. He has been with me through my worst nightmares so he needs and he deserves to be there in my beautiful dreams. No one else but just him and only him.

"I love you," I said, "I love you so much, Aiden," I said again and moved my hand over his cheek on that scar which still reminds us of what have we been through. That scar is a reminder that if we can overcome that dreadful past then we can get through anything if we are together. Aiden smiled gently as he bent down pressing his lips over mine. I heard the noise surrounding us with clippings and hooting but I didn't care. I just chose to stay in his embrace feeling his lips against mine as if it was our first kiss. 

.................

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That wasn't the end...... But the story remains...

The next morning came early. I looked to my side and Aiden wasn't around. I moved my gaze to the clock and cursed myself. It was already past 10 so he must have left for work. Feeling guilty, I made my way downstairs towards the kitchen. Mr and Mrs Wright greeted me as I apologized for sleeping until late. They laughed it off saying that everything is allowed for me and that it's not a big deal. Mrs Wright who has asked me to call her mom a few years ago reminded me the same thing again. I chuckled and nodded my head grabbing the breakfast she handed me. I am not allowed for caffeine and thus no one in this house consumes it as well as they know my love for the same. These people will give me diabetes and I still won't complain. I settled on the sofa and took the paper in one hand. I smiled looking at Dylan's photo on the front page as he is handling some big case involving politics. My least favourite topic though Aiden usually keeps feeling me with it.

I sighed and turned the pages as my eyes got widened. The plate in my hand fell down on the ground making a loud noise as I stared at the news in front. Mr and Mrs Wright came running from the kitchen giving me a worried look. I looked at them blankly and showed them the news.

"Oh my god," I heard mom say.

The headline read,

"Callum Anderson, who was imprisoned for a lifetime for killings of four people and numerous animals has run away from the prison during dawn. This generates so many questions regarding the guarding! But the main remains the same as to what lies ahead. The hunt for this serial killer is on."

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🥀 a u t h o r ' s  n o t e 🥀

So, that was all from us. Tata and bye-bye.

All the images used throughout the book are taken from pinterest.

So with this the story of Aiden and Faith will continue. It's too early to say bye to this story, those characters and this book which I hold closest to my heart. I have been planning to put it out for some time now and that finally happened. Don't know if this attempt went well but writing this made us happy.

Anyway, it has to come to an end at some point and this happens here. Thought of closing this book with a twist. ;)

So vote for this one time and do let us know what you thought about this book. This was the first in many departments. The first book without any cast, the first book in the thriller genre, the first book that we finished so fast with publishing for whatever reasons.

I hope you enjoyed this and thank you so much for all the people who showered with all the love and made us smile wide with their comments. We are so grateful and I don't think we would be able to put in words what it meant.

devilsmelody  --- a special thank you for motivating me and helping me with editing and ideas and to brush up the concept or descriptions and for being my first reader and critic.

Ayushi_shraddha vd_sk_varshra Aisha_Cherian nasreensarwath and dark_mist12 for being our driving forces as your sweet words and support kept us going. Thank you for giving this book a chance regardless of your shipper hearts. We hope we didn't let you down. THANK YOU SO MUCH, GUYS! WE ARE TRULY GRATEFUL FOR HAVING YOU ALL.

Finally, loads and loads of love to all of you and please stay safe. ❤️

---- Kritika1420