Andrew sighed as he half-carried, half-dragged a thoroughly drunk Ava into the King mansion. Her words slurred and sharp as she yelled, “You’re a jerk, bastard, idiot, moron!”

“Yes, yes, I am,” Andrew agreed patiently, his tone gentle. “Let’s get you inside without anyone noticing, okay?”

Ava wobbled in his arms before catching sight of Irene on the balcony. Her eyes lit up, and she broke free, stumbling as she ran towards her. “Irene! Irene!”

On the balcony, Irene had been deep into her studies while Tristan sat beside her, working.

“How many chapters did you finish?” Tristan teased.

“Two,” Irene said with a grin. “I thought I could do four, but...”

Tristan shook his head. “Your study habits are horrible.”

Irene huffed and playfully smacked his shoulder. “You try studying, then!”

Their playful banter was interrupted by the sound of Ava’s shouting. The drunk woman barreled towards Irene, hugging her tightly. “I missed you so much!” she cried.

Tristan stood, his tone stern. “Ava, are you drunk?”

Ava flinched, her fear evident as she screamed, “Andrew!” and fled back to his arms, clinging to him as tears streamed down her face. “Brother is scary!”

Andrew rubbed her back soothingly, while Tristan crossed his arms. “Did she drink?” he asked.

“Just a little bit,” Andrew replied sheepishly.

Tristan raised a brow. “She looks more than a little drunk.”

Ava sniffled. “Can’t I drink my sadness away, brother?”

Tristan’s stern demeanor softened as he sighed. “Come here,” he said gently.

Ava hesitated before walking over. Tristan cupped her face, checking to see if she was okay. “Have you eaten?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Good. Go get some rest,” he instructed. He then turned to Irene. “You should stay at the Foster mansion until you graduate.”

Before Irene could reply, Tristan left, leaving Andrew staring after him with narrowed eyes.

“What’s going on between you two?” Andrew asked Irene, suspicious. “Why does he want you to stay there?”

“It’s nothing,” Irene replied quickly. “Now take Ava to bed.”

Upstairs...

Andrew carried Ava into their room, ready to lay her down, but as soon as she hit the bed, she pulled him down with her and kissed him.

Andrew froze in shock before melting into the kiss, returning her passion. When they broke apart, both were breathing heavily.

“Sweetheart, you’re becoming bold,” Andrew teased, caressing her lips with his thumb.

Ava smiled mischievously and pulled him down next to her. Andrew blinked, startled. “What are you doing?”

“Be quiet,” she whispered, pressing a finger to his lips before replacing it with another kiss.

“Sweetheart,” Andrew said, his voice husky, “you’re drunk. We shouldn’t do this in this state.”

“But hubby,” Ava pouted, straddling him. “Fine at least show me the stars.”

Andrew swallowed hard. “Fine,” he conceded with a sigh. “Let’s go see the stars.”

On the Balcony...

Ava insisted on sleeping under the stars. Despite Andrew’s protests about the cold, he relented, setting up a makeshift bed on the balcony. She snuggled against him, counting stars before drifting off.

Andrew brushed the hair from her face, chuckling softly. “You’re dangerous when you drink,” he murmured. Despite his teasing, his heart swelled with love as he held her close and fell asleep beside her.

The Next Morning...

Andrew awoke to an unfamiliar softness beneath his head. Realization hit as he saw Ava’s chest rising and falling under him. He panicked, trying to move, but Ava’s arms were wrapped securely around his neck.

Ava stirred, moaning softly in her sleep. Andrew quickly pretended to still be asleep, his eyes squeezed shut.

When Ava opened her eyes and saw him, she smiled, playing with his hair and tracing his cheek. Andrew smirked and opened his eyes. “Sweetheart, shouldn’t I get a good morning kiss?”

Ava blinked before shyly pecking his cheek. Memories from the night before began flooding back, and she gasped, covering her mouth in embarrassment.

“Last night, you were so bold, and now you’re shy?” Andrew teased. “Give me a proper kiss. Don’t you love your hubby?”

Ava hesitated but leaned in, her courage returning as she kissed him on the lips. Andrew took the lead, deepening the kiss, and they lost themselves in each other.

Downstairs in the Garden...

Alex and Irene were chatting when Alex caught sight of the balcony. “Mr. Andrew King and Mrs. Ava King!” Alex shouted.

Andrew broke the kiss and glared down at his brother, while Ava squeaked, hiding under the blankets.

Alex laughed. “Stop your romance! We singles are suffering down here!”

Tristan walked up, frowning. “What’s going on?”

After Alex explained, Tristan’s expression darkened. “Perverts,” he muttered, smacking Alex on the back of the head.

“Ouch!” Alex yelped, rubbing his head.

Irene tried to act innocent, but Tristan wasn’t fooled. “My love,” he said to her, “go talk to Mia. She’s inside looking for you.”

“Why?” Irene asked, confused.

“Evan’s parents are here to discuss the wedding,” Tristan replied.

Alex’s jaw dropped. “Wait a minute. Did you just call Irene your love?”

Ignoring him, Irene pulled Alex away. “Come on, Alex. Let’s go inside.”

Inside the Mansion...

Alex pouted. “Princess, explain what’s going on! Did he really call you his love?”

Irene sighed, finally confessing. “Yes, I love Tristan. I confessed first, but he rejected me.”

“What?” Alex shouted, furious.

“It’s okay,” Irene assured him. “It worked out in the end. He admitted he loved me too, but was scared to show it.”

Alex softened. “If you’re happy, then I’m happy,” he said before whining, “but now I’m the only single one. I’m going to die alone!”

Irene laughed, patting his shoulder. “You’ll find someone, Alex. Don’t pout.”

Alex nodded, the two walking inside together as life at the King mansion continued with love, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings.