As the clock hit midnight, the Maximilian family burst out in jubilation, signalling the start of the new year. Xara, her siblings, and their mother gathered at her house for a happy celebration. The year had been a smorgasbord of accomplishments, new contacts, rich business transactions, and the joyful addition of a new family member. Xara raised her glass for a toast, capturing the essence of the moment. "To new opportunities, finding love, and growth!" Her eyes playfully met Aly's, knowing full well the undertones of her mother's words. The prospect of love lingered in the air, and Xara couldn't help but hope for her daughter's heart to find its counterpart. As the family rejoiced downstairs, Zeke, Aly's best friend and confidant, sensed that something weighed on her mind. Their unspoken connection led them to Xara's room, where the air was filled with a mix of celebration and the unspoken. "Are you okay?" Zeke inquired, breaking the silence that surrounded Aly. "I'm fine, Zeke,
“Mmmmhm!" Talia exclaimed as she gleefully sank her teeth into the cinnamon roll. She could barely contain her excitement about squeezing in some fun with friends before the big day. Even with her trusty wedding planner leading the charge, she wanted to ensure everything was absolutely perfect for her special day. "This is off the charts delicious, right?!" Camari asked enthusiastically. "Cam, you're the best! I really needed this," Talia beamed, giving her hand an energetic squeeze. Camari had been by her side every step of the way, energising her planning sessions with creative suggestions and keeping her motivated. "It was my pleasure! Promise me you'll let loose and have an amazing time on your honeymoon without a care in the world," Camari encouraged. "You deserve to relax and recharge so you glow from the inside out on your big day, but I know how hard it is to slow your roll!," she teased. "Luckily, my radiant complexion is always on fleek," Talia replied confidently.
Ximena was beyond excited! "Someone's looking extra happy tonight. Come on, girl, spill the beans—how did your big date go?!" she exclaimed. Her friend playfully glared back. "Only because you're so darn curious. Alright, I'll tell you about it." Ximena leaned in with anticipation."So he came to pick me up, and we hit the road. First stop was a cute little coffee shop to grab some drinks before the party. We chatted the whole ride there, and the time just flew by!" she recalled with a big smile. "It sounds like you two really connected. I'm so glad you had such a great time!" Ximena beamed. It was obvious that this date was a total success."Hey, are those flowers?" Xi asked, noticing the fresh bouquet by her bed. "After about an hour at the party, we slipped away. But he had another surprise—the most beautiful garden I've ever seen! It was on his property, but a little walk from the event. Nice and quiet too. Just peaceful.""There was a cozy blanket fort, a hammock under the tre
Talia sat nervously in her chair as Aly made her face up for her wedding. She had waited long and hard for this day, and it had finally arrived! “ Are my girls almost done?” she asked Camari, who was almost done with her makeup.“ Um, May and Lacy are done; the makeup artist is currently on Faye's; that leaves Coco and Aubrey,” Camari answered. Aly came with two apprentices, one for Cam and the other for the girls.“ That was fast,” Talia added as her make-up artist applied blush to her face. A couple of minutes later, Camari was done with her make-up, and the apprentice moved on to help her colleague.Camari went to check on the girls. They had to get into their bridesmaids robes for pictures and videos with the bride.“ You look great,” she complimented her friends as she entered the room. Aly admired her work as she applied the final stroke of lipstick to Talia’s lips. She looked very pretty.“ You look beautiful, Tal; I’m happy for you and Zeke,” Aly complimented. “ Thanks to y
“Kim?” a voice called behind her. She stopped in her tracks for about 5 seconds as she slowly turned to face him. If she had heard his voice call out to her a few months ago, she would have run to jump in his arms. But now, the feeling was different.“Calvin, when did you come to town?” she asked casually.“ A few weeks ago,” he replied.“ Good, good. I hope you’re feeling much better and have gotten the closure you needed." She referred him to the reason why he left town.“ I feel much better than before.”“ It was great meeting you, Calvin; I gotta go," she said after a while of silence between the two of them. “ Can we have lunch sometime?” He shot his shot. “ I'll check my schedule and get back to you," she said as she turned on her heels and walked away leaving him dumbfounded. I'm sorry, Calvin, but I've moved on now. Kimora said to herself while walking. ~~~~~~~Giada and Jaxon had returned to school, and Aly’s house had become lively again. She was already missing their ene
"Baz, relax. Aly will understand," said Kim, trying to calm her nervous cousin. He was worried about telling Aly that he wasn't actually a bartender like she knew, but really a wealthy businessman. However, in his search for real love, he felt he had to disguise who he was. "Easy for you to say," replied Baz. "If this was you, wouldn't you be mad?" "No, not because I know you or that you're my cousin," said Kim. "But because you're a good, kind, caring, and loving person. You pay attention to details and really support her. Those are just some of the reasons she'll understand. You just need to tell her the truth." "Thanks, Kim," said Baz appreciatively. "By the way, I ran into Calvin a few weeks ago," said Kim after a pause. "He's in town?" asked Baz, surprised. "Yeah, I was surprised too," shrugged Kim. "How do you feel about seeing him, given things with Ryker?" asked Baz. "Calvin doesn't have another chance with me," confessed Kim as they sat by Baz's pool. "Oh?" respond
"Someone's happy," Xara said as she entered her daughter's office. Ida had been going to work with Kaia these days, and Kayden's nanny was there to take care of him when he came back from daycare, so there was not as much work to do in the house as there used to be. "Mama, have a seat," she replied, happy to see her. "Thank you. So, do you mind telling me what's making you very happy?" Xara asked as Aly fixed her a cup of black coffee. "Ma! I'm always happy," she answered, setting the cup of coffee and a plate of croissants in front of her mother. "I know, but there's something else. More like a spark in your eyes. Like you just found love." Xara explained. "Okay, Ma. I did find love. I have a boyfriend now," she announced, stealing a croissant from her mother's plate. "You did? Is it the same guy you've been talking about?" "Yes, Ma," she smiled at her mother. "Finally! I'm so happy for you, Aly." "Thanks, Mama; this means a lot to me," she said, blowing her mother a k
"Bad time or good time?" Alyona asked as soon as Zeke answered his phone. "By that, do you mean 'are we in the middle of f**king or not'?" he replied with his typical blunt humor. "Oh my goodness! You never change, do you?" Aly asked, giving him an exaggerated eye roll. "If looks could kill, you'd be six feet under." "Alright, alright. What's up?" Zeke said deciding on a subject change was in order. "It's been ages since I last heard from you." "Nah, uh, it's been ages since I last heard from you!" she teased. "You've been on your honeymoon for close to a month now." "Whatever, Aly. What's new with you?" "Well, Bazyli and I are official now," she told him. "Finally!" Zeke exclaimed. "You're finally off the market. I'm really happy for you, Aly. Under that tough exterior, I know you wanted someone to call your own. I hope Bazyli is the perfect choice and that you're both very happy."Thank you , Zeke. We’re taking things slow for now,” she added.“ I’m still happy for you. You d