Chapter thirty-six
The crashing waves echo in my ears, blending with the pounding of my heart as I stare out at the endless blue horizon. I take a slow sip of my faux mojito, letting the cool mint dance over my tongue.
"So it's crazy that we've found each other like this," Devon says, "each in our own unconventional relationship situation." Her eyes are bright with excitement. "I mean, finding just one other person in a relationship like ours is so rare. When Angel and I connected, I thought it was a total fluke."
Angel nods, her vibrant purple hair bouncing with the movement. "Seriously! And then here you come, making lightning strike twice."
I can't help but laugh. "If you told me a year ago I'd be sitting here, in this kind of relationship—one woman and several men, living together in romantically, I would've thought you were insane. I’d thought it was something that only happens in books.” I take another sip of my icy beverage, and it’s bold flavors help ground me as I delve into this new dynamic. "I never imagined finding one man I was compatible with, let alone three. But Dimitri, Josef and Florian just work. As bizarre as it sounds, we balance each other out."
Sharing this makes my heart swell with gratitude and pride. The road that led me here was long and painful, full of men who claimed to love me but tried to tear me down. Their scars still ache within me, and I’d be lying if I said there weren’t still times I wake up in the middle of the night, my heart pounding, or find myself stuck in a dream where I can’t run or scream, and they’re chasing me.
Some things just don’t heal overnight, and maybe some things never heal at all. Yet, somehow I've found partners who lift me up and push me to become my best self.
Angel and Devon are the first people I've found—other than the guys of course—who truly understand. Their smiles radiate warmth and acceptance as I bare pieces of my soul. For once, I don't feel alone, and it’s refreshing being able to share my journey with them, openly and honestly.
I take a deep breath before continuing my story, comforted by the compassion in their eyes.
"For years, I was trapped in a relationship that slowly destroyed me. He isolated me from friends and family, insulted me, gaslit me until I doubted my own sanity." The words pour out in a torrent, releasing pain long-buried. “We’d argue often, and I didn’t know how he did it at the time, but I always ended up looking like the crazy one. I felt like I was losing my mind. Therapy has shown me that he had traits of narcissism, and making people feel like that is really common. Someone like him actually has the power to make you lose your mind, and lose yourself.”
Angel reaches out and squeezes my hand. The simple gesture of support nearly brings me to tears.
"The manipulation took a toll on my self-esteem,” I continue. “I stopped doing things I loved—writing, cooking, dreaming. I was just focused on survival."
“So how did you get out?” Devon asks, her voice gentle.
"Leaving was the hardest thing I've ever done,” I shrug. “I had to claw my way out of that pit of despair and learn to love myself again. Go to therapy, set boundaries, rediscover my passions." I meet their gazes, my vision blurry with tears but also pride. "It's a constant struggle, but I'm getting there. And finding Dimitri, Josef and Florian has shown me what real love can be. All three of them encourage me to shine, not snuff out my light."
Devon nods, her eyes glistening. "You're so strong, Aria. We've got your back now—all of us misfits have to stick together."
Their faith in me ignites a fire in my spirit. With friends like these, I know I'll make it through. I’m just so grateful we crossed paths.
Itake a deep breath and smile, the heavy emotions of the past fading as I focus on the present.
"Enough dwelling on the darkness. I want to celebrate the good in my life now!" I say brightly.
Angel and Devon's faces light up at my enthusiasm.
"Like my new restaurant! It's been my dream forever to run my own place." I clap my hands together, barely able to contain my excitement.
The others respond with claps of their own, beaming at me.
Their enthusiasm makes me feel really good, validated somehow I suppose, and I continue. "Dimitri's helping me with the business side of things—you know, paperwork, licenses, all that official stuff that requires you to sit down and focus on details and take things step-by-step." I shudder at the thought.
Devon chuckles knowingly. "Gotta have someone organized to balance out your creative spirit."
I laugh. "Right? And Josef designed the interior. I gave him the overall concept, and then he wanted it to have an airy, relaxed vibe that could be amped up with lighting to change the atmosphere a bit. And lots of plants to bring the outside in!"
"Oooh, I love that earthy look combined with tropical elements," Angel says.
"Me too. It'll be perfect for a beachfront bistro." I sigh happily, picturing my little slice of paradise.
"And Florian offered to write a jingle for the restaurant! He's so talented." I shake my head in amazement. "I don't know how I got so lucky finding these three. It's like..."
"Fate brought you all together," Devon finishes with a smile.
I grin back. "Exactly."
With the support of my lovers and friends like Devon and Angel, I know I'll make my dream a reality. The past, and our ongoing war with Tane, can't hold me back anymore—I'm ready to soar.