Chapter 107: Grandma's Blessing and a Midnight Ride

Ava's POV

The tension in my apartment was palpable as Liam and I returned from the Blackwood Manor. My grandmother, was a beacon of warmth and understanding, her eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and concern.

"Ava, dear," she said, her voice soft yet firm, "As always, I want to give you my blessing.

"My heart swelled with gratitude. Despite the disapproval radiating from the others, my grandmother's support meant the world to me. I knelt before her, taking her frail hands in mine.

"Grandma," I said, my voice thick with emotion, "your blessing means everything to me."

She smiled, her eyes filled with love and wisdom. "You and Liam, you have something special, Ava. Don't let anyone dim the light of your love."

She placed her hands on my cheeks, her touch gentle and reassuring. "Go, my dear," she whispered.

"Face the world together. And know that my love and support will always be with you."

I rose, tears glistening in my eyes, and embraced my grandmother in a hug that spoke volumes of our unspoken bond. Liam, watching the exchange, his own eyes filled with emotion, stepped forward and gently took my hand.

"Thank you, Mrs. Bennett," he said, his voice sincere. "Your blessing means more than you know."

My grandmother smiled at him, a warmth radiating from her gaze. "Take care of my Ava, Liam," she said, her voice filled with trust and hope. "And never let her go."Liam nodded, his grip tightening on my hand. "I won't," he vowed, his voice firm with conviction.

The apartment buzzed with a warmth that extended beyond the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen. Liam and my grandmother were engaged in a lively conversation, their laughter intermingling with the clinking of glasses and the sizzling of garlic in the pan.

Curiosity piqued, I couldn't resist asking, "What's all the giggling about?"

Liam and my grandmother exchanged a mischievous glance, a secret pact evident in their shared smile.

"Oh, just some family matters," Liam replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

My grandmother winked. "We're just planning your surprise, dear."

Intrigued, I pressed for more details, but they remained tight-lipped, their playful secrecy only fueling my curiosity.

Dinner was a delightful affair, filled with laughter, stories, and a comforting sense of familial warmth. Liam, ever the charmer, had won over my grandmother completely, their shared jokes and easy banter creating a bond that warmed my heart.

As we cleared the dishes, Liam turned to me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ava, how about a late-night adventure?" he asked, his voice laced with a playful invitation.

Confused, but intrigued, I readily agreed.

"Sure, Liam. What do you have in mind?"

"Get changed into something comfortable," he instructed, a mysterious smile curving his lips. "Jeans and a sweater should do."

I followed his instructions, curiosity piqued. When I emerged from my bedroom, I found Liam waiting for me, clad in a leather jacket and boots, a helmet dangling from his hand. But it was the sight of the sleek cruiser motorbike parked outside that truly surprised me.

"Liam, you ride?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of awe and apprehension.

He grinned, handing me the helmet. "Only the best for my girl."

I slipped on the helmet, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I had never been on a motorbike before, and the prospect of a late-night ride with Liam, the wind whipping through my hair, filled me with a thrill I couldn't deny.We mounted the bike, Liam's strong arms encircling me as I settled behind him. With a roar of the engine, we took off, the city lights blurring into streaks of color as we navigated the winding roads.

The cool night air whipped against my face, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth as we left the city behind and ventured into the mountainous outskirts. Liam expertly maneuvered the bike through the winding roads, the powerful engine a steady hum beneath us.

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally reached our destination. Liam pulled up in front of a grand manor, its silhouette bathed in soft moonlight. The house was lit up, a warm glow emanating from the windows, inviting us in.

As we dismounted the bike, I recognized two familiar figures standing on the porch, their smiles illuminated by the soft light spilling from the doorway.

"Sarah? William?" I exclaimed, surprised by their presence.

Liam grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Surprise!" he said, his voice filled with a playful triumph. "Welcome to our new home."

My heart swelled with a mix of joy and disbelief. Liam had bought us a house, a secret haven away from the prying eyes of the Blackwood clan, a place where we could build our own family, our own traditions, our own happily ever after.

As we stepped into the warm embrace of the manor, hand in hand, I knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in our love story, a chapter filled with endless possibilities and the promise of a future as bright and beautiful as the stars that twinkled above us.