Later that evening, the sun dipped low behind the trees, casting golden light across the backyard. A crackling fire burned in the center of a stone pit, sending sparks up into the darkening sky. Blankets and folding chairs surrounded the fire, and the couples gathered close, wrapped in hoodies and each other's arms.
Tim and Sam arrived last, still damp from the pool, laughter trailing behind them. Sam's hair was tied in a messy bun, cheeks flushed from both swimming and whatever quiet moment they had shared underwater. Tim handed her a cup of hot chocolate and took the seat beside her, their knees touching.
"You two missed the marshmallow instructions," Brian said, smirking as he roasted one to a perfect golden brown.
"Don't worry," Tim replied, "we're good at improvising."
The group laughed.
The fire cracked and popped as someone turned on soft music from a nearby speaker. Harper leaned against Theodore's shoulder. Alva sat beside Cody, her head resting against his chest. Kyle and Sophie shared a blanket, their hands tangled together.
Gramps, holding a cup of cider, stood to make a toast.
"To love that swims deep," he said with a wink at Tim and Sam, "and bonfires that keep it warm."
Everyone clapped, and the night settled into a sweet rhythm of stories, jokes, roasted s'mores, and shared glances. Somewhere in the middle of it all, Sam looked up at Tim, her eyes reflecting the firelight.
"I like this," she said softly. "Us. This moment."
Tim pulled her closer, brushing a kiss against her temple. "Get used to it," he whispered. "Because I don't plan on going anywhere."
They sat in silence for a while, just watching the flames dance, surrounded by friends and warmth. It wasn't about who won the race anymore—it was about the memories they were creating, the love blooming in the flickering light.
The fire crackled as laughter floated into the night air. Flames danced, casting golden glows on every face gathered around. One by one, each couple began writing small notes—secrets, wishes, memories, dreams—each destined to be fed to the flames.
"What are you writing?" Alva asked, nudging Cody's shoulder with a grin.
Cody smirked, not looking up. "That you should stop thinking we're going to a BTS concert when you already have me."
Alva rolled her eyes, then held up her own paper. "Mine says we should all go together on my birthday anyway."
They both burst out laughing, playful as ever, while little Alice—now awake and sitting between them—watched with wide, sleepy eyes.
Nearby, Harper leaned toward Theodore. "Are you going to tell me what you wrote?"
"Nope." He smiled, folding the paper with care. "Some things are better left to burn."
Harper chuckled and folded her own.
Brian and Vicky sat with their papers side by side.
"My wish," Vicky said, "is for this love to last forever."
Brian paused. "That's exactly what I wrote."
They folded their notes in sync, sharing a soft look.
Across from them, Alex held up his paper dramatically. "I wrote that I want to open a store... one that everyone comes into. Famous, like a legend."
Lisa burst out laughing, shaking her head. "Of course you did."
In a quieter corner, Tim leaned closer to Sam as she folded her letter.
"What did you write?" he asked.
"I can't tell you," she said with a mysterious smile.
"Is it about me?"
"No. It's about us. That's the only hint you're getting."
Tim watched her, the firelight dancing in her eyes. He didn't need more.
Kyle looked down at his paper as Sophie peeked over his shoulder. "What are you writing there?"
He smirked. "A baby."
Sophie gasped, then laughed. "Don't be ridiculous—we already have one." She pointed to her baby bump.
Kyle whooped with joy, wrapping his arms around her. "Ahh! Don't break me or the baby!" she squealed, laughing harder.
One by one, they all stood, approaching the fire with folded slips of paper in hand. Even Alice held her small note, toddling up with help from Cody and Alva. Together, they tossed their wishes into the fire, watching them curl and burn, turning to soft ash.
For a moment, no one spoke. They just watched, eyes reflecting the flames, filled with new hopes, deeper love, and quiet promises.
As the final ember drifted into the sky, there was only peace, laughter, and the warmth of hearts full and glowing.
The End.
{TRAILER: THE STORY CONTINUES...
Just when Alva thought her life had found peace — with Cody, with Alice, with her own beating heart finally still — everything shattered.
Cody vanished.
Kyle disappeared.
And Alva was left holding a child who now hums songs in languages never spoken by mortals.
The love story you followed has become something deeper.
The man she once loved isn't just a boss… he's something ancient. Something dangerous.
A vampire prince, bound by a curse older than kingdoms.
And her daughter?
She's not just Cody's child — she is the key to awakening a tree that should never bloom again.
The stars are shifting.
The cursed tree has bloomed. The Witch King has returned.
And Alva?
She's no longer just a mother or a woman in love — she's the one destiny fears.
From Chapter 61 onward… the fantasy begins.
Magic. War. Forbidden love. And a mother willing to tear realms apart to bring her family back.
🌙 Thank you for reading this far.
If you've laughed, cried, or fallen in love with Alva and Cody — stay with me. The story isn't ending.
It's just evolving.
Welcome to the second life of this novel.
Let the cursed world begin.}
[ read the author thought~minsucy🦋}