Special Chapter 5: New Year! New Life?

After Christmas, Tristan had to go back to work. Meanwhile, Shane stayed with Audrey and Asher to ring in the New Year. Audrey bustled around the kitchen, preparing a feast for the festivities. As she worked, Shane watched over Asher, who couldn't contain his excitement about the night ahead. 

Asher was asleep when the clock finally struck midnight and everyone erupted with cheers, welcoming the new year with optimism and hope. Audrey and Shane raised their glasses to join in on the festivities and toasted together.

"Cheers to a brand new year!" Audrey and Shane announced, clinking their glasses together. They had been through so much during the past year, but they continued to live on.

After the toast, they stepped out to the balcony and marveled at the breathtaking view of twinkling stars that lit up the night sky. Vibrant colors from fireworks filled the town with life. Everywhere was buzzing with excitement. Across the street, people were lighting sparklers and letting off crackers while singing songs that brought it all together. "It's beautiful," Audrey whispered.

Shane took a deep breath, gazing at Audrey with admiration. It was like he could feel the strength emanating from her as she stood there with such resolve. He thought back on how much they had grown together over the past few months despite the divorce and it filled him with joy to see her there, so sure of herself and her path. Moved by this sentiment, he turned to her with a smile and asked softly, “So, what’s your New Year’s resolution?”

Audrey looked up at Shane and whispered, "I want to be stronger. So I can take on whatever comes my way this New Year."

Shane nodded understandingly before taking a step closer to her. He looked into her eyes before confidently expressing his own resolution. "My New Year's resolution is for us to get even closer again in the coming months."

Surprise filled Audrey's face as she stared into Shane's eyes. A mischievous smile slowly spread across her lips before she gave him a pat on the shoulder as if giving him encouragement.

"Challenge accepted," she said with a smirk.

Shane leaned closer, the intensity of his gaze making Audrey's heart race. She could feel the heat emanating from his body, and it was getting harder to control her breathing.

Shane's hand cupped her face, and he leaned in. He was about to kiss her when Audrey turned her head to the side.

"Looks like our first challenge has arrived," she said, laughing awkwardly.

Shane took a step back, a little disappointed by Audrey's lack of enthusiasm. "What do you mean?" he asked her.

Audrey shrugged. "We're not in any relationship where we could kiss casually," she said. Though disappointed, Shane didn't insist on doing it. His only regret was failing to earn Audrey's heart again. He stepped back and grabbed her hands, intertwining their fingers together in a solemn agreement.

"Let's take it slow and steady this time," he said as he brought her hands up to his lips and gently kissed them. He looked into her eyes with a purposeful gaze, silently asking for one more chance despite all the obstacles they had faced before.

Audrey smiled sadly. "We're done with that phase, Shane. Let's not ruin the first day of the year because of someone's selfish desire, alright?"

Shane nodded before giving her hands a gentle squeeze. Things couldn't be the same between them, but at least they have an understanding. With that in mind, both of them kept their composure.

Audrey walked back into the room and shut the balcony door behind her. She could feel a warm sensation in her chest as she thought about Shane's resolution for them to get closer again in the coming months. A heavy sigh escaped from her lips as she took things slow and steady this time around so as not to fall victim to being hurt again. Taking off her shoes, she climbed into bed with Asher who had already been sound asleep since earlier, cuddled up against him for warmth and comfort. Despite feeling exhausted after such an intense encounter with Shane, Audrey couldn't help but let her thoughts drift towards what could have been had she chosen differently earlier that night.