In this chapter, Gavin finds himself in a complex emotional situation as he interacts with Judy, a young woman who is clearly intoxicated and seeking to escape her own troubles. The atmosphere is filled with the comforting scents of lavender and vanilla, yet Gavin feels a moral conflict as he is drawn to Judy\u2019s charm while grappling with the unsettling realization of their age difference. He is determined not to take advantage of her vulnerable state, especially after having previously intervened to protect her from unwanted advances.<\/p>\n
As Gavin tries to navigate his feelings for Judy, he receives a phone call from his mother, which disrupts the moment. Their conversation reveals the strained dynamics within his family, particularly after the death of his father. Gavin feels a mixture of annoyance and obligation as his mother reminds him of a family dinner planned for the next day, highlighting her clinginess and the emotional burden it places on him. He reflects on his siblings\u2019 struggles, with his sister Sarah lost in her own chaos and his brother Noah living abroad, leaving Gavin as the primary support for their mother.<\/p>\n
The conversation shifts to Gavin\u2019s romantic life, with his mother suggesting he bring Daisy, his late wife\u2019s sister, to the dinner. Gavin is uncomfortable with this idea, as Daisy\u2019s resemblance to his late wife stirs up unresolved feelings. He firmly asserts that his love life is not his mother\u2019s concern, indicating a desire for independence and a need to distance himself from the past. The call ends with a sense of tension, as Gavin\u2019s frustration simmers beneath the surface.<\/p>\n
Upon returning his attention to Judy, who has fallen asleep, Gavin experiences a mix of tenderness and unexpected desire. He cradles her as she leans against him, feeling a thrill that he thought he had lost after his wife\u2019s passing. This moment underscores the emotional turmoil Gavin faces, as he grapples with feelings of attraction towards Judy while being haunted by memories of his late wife. The chapter captures the complexities of love, loss, and the struggle to move forward in the wake of deep emotional scars.<\/p>\n
**TITLE: We Built a Kingdom From Ashes That Still Remembered Love by Aila Frost**
\n**Chapter 0038**<\/p>\n
**Gavin\u2019s POV**<\/p>\n
The air was thick with the sweet aroma of lavender and fresh vanilla, a scent that wrapped around me like a warm embrace. It was intoxicating, almost dizzying. Even in her inebriated state, Judy had an allure that was hard to ignore. There was something about the way she laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief, that drew me in. Yet, a nagging thought tugged at my conscience\u2014she was barely older than my daughter, and I was not the kind of man to exploit that youthful innocence.<\/p>\n
As I observed her, I recognized the signs of her overindulgence. The way she clutched her drink, the slur in her speech\u2014it was evident that she was trying to escape something. I couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that whatever pain had driven her to drink tonight was far more significant than the moment we were sharing. I had already intervened once to protect her from an unwanted advance earlier in the evening; I had no intention of becoming another predator in her life.<\/p>\n
Just as I began to contemplate the precarious situation, my phone buzzed insistently, shattering the fragile bubble we were in. I felt a mix of relief and annoyance as I glanced at the caller ID. My mother. Of all the interruptions\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cExcuse me for a moment,\u201d I murmured to Judy, gently nudging her aside to create some space as I swiped to answer the call.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes?\u201d I said, trying to mask my irritation, ignoring the pout forming on Judy\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that any way to greet your mother?\u201d came her familiar voice, tinged with a mix of disappointment and teasing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m kind of in the middle of something,\u201d I replied, my tone clipped as I attempted to sidestep her comment.<\/p>\n
\u201cAren\u2019t you always?\u201d she murmured, her voice softening. \u201cToo busy to speak with your mother. I gave birth to you and raised you, but you are too busy to take my calls. Is this the thanks I receive?\u201d<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t help but roll my eyes at her dramatics. \u201cWhat is it you want, Mom?\u201d I asked, striving to keep my voice steady, though the irritation bubbled beneath the surface.<\/p>\n
My mother had a knack for pushing my buttons, and while I couldn\u2019t deny her love and care during my childhood, her relentless nature often drove me to the edge. We had shared a close bond growing up, but after my father passed away, the dynamic shifted. My mother became clingy, desperate for my support, as if I were her only lifeline. I suppose, in many ways, I was.<\/p>\n
My sister Sarah was lost in her own world, drowning her sorrows in whiskey and the chaos of her tumultuous relationship. And Noah, my younger brother, had moved overseas nearly two decades ago, building a life for himself that my mother resented. She had never forgiven him for leaving, despite his attempts to reach out.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust calling to remind you about our family dinner tomorrow,\u201d she said, her voice brightening. \u201cYour grandparents, along with my sisters and brother, will be in town. I\u2019m cooking a meal to welcome them.\u201d<\/p>\n
I sighed heavily, the weight of her words settling in. It wasn\u2019t that I had forgotten about the gathering, but the thought of it filled me with dread. Family dinners had a way of spiraling into chaos, especially with my mother\u2019s sisters around. They never missed an opportunity to criticize her, and it only made her more frantic.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I remember,\u201d I replied after a pause, my voice laced with resignation. \u201cI\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should bring Daisy with you,\u201d she suggested, her tone shifting to that familiar hopeful pitch.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would I do that?\u201d I questioned, my brow furrowing in confusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause she likes you, Gavin,\u201d my mother replied, her enthusiasm palpable. \u201cI always thought the two of you would make a good couple. It\u2019s about time you start dating seriously, don\u2019t you think? Enough with these one-night stands and meaningless relationships. Daisy is a proper woman and deserves to be treated as such.\u201d<\/p>\n
My mother had always been an advocate for Daisy Sparks, my late wife\u2019s sister. I understood the appeal\u2014Daisy was undeniably beautiful and a successful fashion designer. Yet, every time I was around her, it felt like I was staring into a mirror that reflected my past. The resemblance to my wife was uncanny, and it unsettled me deeply.<\/p>\n
I glanced at Judy, who had succumbed to sleep, her head resting against the window, her breathing deep and steady.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not interested in her,\u201d I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just want you to be happy, Gavin,\u201d my mother replied softly, her concern evident.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy romantic life isn\u2019t your concern,\u201d I asserted, my tone firm as I sought to end the conversation. \u201cI\u2019ll see you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Without waiting for a response, I ended the call, my heart racing slightly as I turned my attention back to Judy. She appeared peaceful in her slumber, a stark contrast to the turmoil in my mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpha, we have arrived,\u201d Leroy announced, rolling down the window that separated the front from the backseat.<\/p>\n
I nodded, stepping out of the car and making my way to Judy\u2019s side. As I opened the door, I caught her just in time, cradling her in my arms to prevent her from tumbling out. She felt incredibly light, her head resting against my chest. The sound she made\u2014a soft, satisfied sigh\u2014sent an unexpected thrill coursing through me, igniting a fire I had thought long extinguished.<\/p>\n
In that moment, as I held Judy close, the weight of my responsibilities and the ghosts of my past began to fade into the background. The intoxicating scent of lavender mingled with the soft rhythm of her breathing, creating an atmosphere that felt both fragile and electric. I was reminded that love, in all its forms, could rise from the ashes of heartache and loss. While I had been so focused on protecting both myself and Judy from the chaos of our lives, I realized that perhaps there was a chance for connection, a glimmer of hope that could lead us both toward healing. This was not about exploitation; it was about understanding and compassion, about finding solace in each other\u2019s presence amidst the turmoil.<\/p>\n
As I carefully lifted her from the car, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Tomorrow\u2019s family dinner loomed ahead, a reminder of the tangled web of relationships I had tried to navigate for so long. Yet, as I cradled Judy in my arms, I understood that love could be the bridge that connected the past to the future. It was time to confront the ghosts that haunted me, to embrace the possibility of new beginnings, and to allow myself to feel again. With Judy resting against me, I took a deep breath, ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that even in the darkest moments, love could still emerge, stronger than before.<\/p>\n
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**<\/p>\n
In the upcoming chapter, tensions will rise as Gavin grapples with the mounting pressure of family expectations and the haunting memories of his past. The family dinner looms ominously on the horizon, promising a whirlwind of chaos and confrontation. With his mother\u2019s insistence on introducing Daisy into his life, Gavin finds himself at a crossroads, torn between honoring his late wife\u2019s memory and the possibility of new beginnings. Will he be able to navigate the emotional minefield of family dynamics while keeping his heart protected from further pain?<\/p>\n
As Gavin\u2019s relationship with Judy deepens, the stakes become even higher. Her vulnerability and the secrets she carries may begin to unravel, forcing Gavin to confront not only his feelings for her but also the ghosts of his past that threaten to resurface. The allure of Judy\u2019s youthful spirit may challenge Gavin\u2019s resolve, leading him to question the boundaries he has set for himself. Will he allow himself to embrace the warmth of connection, or will he retreat into the shadows of his grief? Prepare for a chapter filled with heart-wrenching decisions, unexpected revelations, and the tantalizing prospect of love blossoming amidst the ashes of loss.<\/p>\n
Sara is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
We Built a Kingdom From Ashes That Still Remembered Love by Aila Frost 38 We Built a Kingdom From Ashes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-shadow-slave-by-author-novelnozi-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21107"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21107\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}