Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 113: Cinderella Moment

Chapter 113: Cinderella Moment

Ella snorted. "And here I thought you’d say it was me keeping you sane."

"Oh, honey," I said sweetly, patting her knee. "You add to my chaos. But I love you for it."

Mrs. Davis laughed again, shaking her head in amusement. "Well, I’m glad to see nothing has changed with you two."

I grinned. "Never. Now, let’s get to the real reason I’m here—tell me everything. How’s life treating you? How was your trip? Did you bring me a souvenir? Because if not, I’ll be deeply, deeply heartbroken."

"I actually did bring something for you," she said, reaching for her bag on the center table with a knowing glint in her eyes.

My gasp was overly dramatic, but that didn’t stop me from leaning forward in anticipation. "Mrs. Davis, I knew you were my favorite person for a reason."

She pulled out a beautifully wrapped box and handed it to me. "I saw this and thought of you."

I tore off the ribbon without hesitation, revealing a delicate silver charm bracelet. The charms were tiny, intricate little symbols—some I recognized, some I didn’t. But one in particular caught my attention: a crescent moon.

I traced it lightly, my heart unexpectedly warm. "This is beautiful."

Ella leaned over to peek. "That’s perfect for you, Kate."

"It really is," I murmured, still admiring it. Then I cleared my throat and flashed Mrs. Davis a grin. "Guess you do know me well."

She smiled knowingly. "Of course I do."

Just then, Arec walked into the room, balancing a tray of juice in one hand with the kind of effortless grace that made it infuriating how put-together he always looked. He was dressed casually—well, his version of casual. A crisp white button-down with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, paired with dark gray slacks. The top button was undone, just enough to give him that easygoing, I-don’t-even-have-to-try charm.

Of course, the moment he spotted Ella, that stupidly polished image softened. His entire demeanor shifted as he walked over and set the tray down, his focus solely on her.

"No work on Sundays?" I teased, arching a brow. "You’re really embracing this domestic bliss thing, huh?"

Arec smirked as he sat beside Ella, effortlessly pulling her close, his arm draping over the back of the couch. "It’s called priorities, Kate. Besides, Ella makes a good case for staying in."

I rolled my eyes, but deep down, I smiled.

Ella’s cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. She swatted his arm lightly, rolling her eyes. "You’re just saying that because I made your favorite breakfast this morning."

I clutched my chest with an exaggerated gasp. "Aww, look at you two, being all disgustingly adorable. I love it!"

With a smirk, I pulled out my phone and started typing furiously, my fingers flying over the screen.

Ella narrowed her eyes at me. "What are you doing?"

"Sharing this sickeningly sweet display with my followers," I said without looking up. "They need to know the level of couple energy you two are radiating. Hashtag couplegoals."

Mrs. Davis chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "You’re quite the troublemaker, Kate."

"I prefer the term ’honest observer,’" I shot back with a grin. "And let’s be real, we all need proof that Arec is this perfect all the time."

Arec, ever composed, leaned back with a wry look. "Kate, if you keep this up, I’ll ban you from the penthouse."

I gasped in mock horror. "You wouldn’t dare."

His smirk deepened.

"You would miss my sparkling personality too much," I added, flicking my hair dramatically.

Ella shook her head and leaned into Arec, exasperation laced with fondness. "I honestly don’t know why we put up with her."

"Because I’m delightful," I declared, flashing her a wink before turning back to Mrs. Davis. "Now, re-tell me everything about Ella’s embarrassing childhood moments. I need to refresh my ammunition for the next time she tries to sass me."

Ella groaned. "Mom, don’t encourage her."

Mrs. Davis, however, only smiled mischievously. "Oh, I have plenty of stories. Where should I start?"

I leaned in eagerly, and before Ella could protest, Mrs. Davis began recounting a particularly humiliating story from Ella’s childhood. Within seconds, laughter filled the room, warm and unrestrained.

This was Ella’s happiness, and I’d be damned if I let anyone—including Joanne—mess with it.

The evening passed in a blur of teasing, playful jabs, and stories that made Ella bury her face in her hands. And just like that, the penthouse, luxurious as it was, felt cozy—filled with the kind of camaraderie that made a place feel like home.

---

I followed Ella and Mrs. Davis into the dining area, and the moment I laid eyes on the table, I froze.

Crystal glasses that sparkled like diamonds. White plates rimmed in actual gold. A floral centerpiece so extravagant it looked like it belonged in a royal wedding.

I placed a hand over my heart, dramatically taking a step back. "I need a moment."

Ella turned, eyebrows raised. "For what?"

I gestured at the art installation before me. "Look at this! This isn’t a dinner table; this is art. Is there a gala happening I wasn’t invited to?"

Mrs. Davis chuckled as Arec pulled out a chair for her. "Kate, you’re incorrigible."

"No, I’m poor," I corrected, already snapping pictures. "My followers need to see this. They’ll never believe I’m actually eating here unless I have proof."

Ella groaned, sliding into her chair. "Kate, it’s a table. It’s not that deep."

"Not that deep?" I echoed, scandalized. "Ella, this tablecloth probably costs more than my entire wardrobe. And don’t even get me started on the plates." I leaned in for a closer look. "Are these real gold?"

Arec, sitting across from me, smirked. "They might be."

"Of course they are," I muttered, snapping another picture. "Rich people really do live in another universe."

I gasped at a ridiculously fancy salad with edible flowers. "Is this food or a painting? Do I eat it or frame it?"

Ella shook her head, visibly amused despite herself. "You eat it, Kate. That’s what it’s for."

I ignored her and took another picture. "Caption: When your best friend marries into royalty, and suddenly you’re dining like a duchess."

Before I could hit post, Ella reached over and tugged at my phone. "Put it down, or I’m throwing it in the pool."

I clutched it to my chest. "You wouldn’t dare."

Her smirk was pure menace. "Try me."

Mrs. Davis laughed, sipping her wine. "You two are like sisters. Always bickering."

I scoffed. "We are not bickering. I’m simply documenting my Cinderella moment." Turning to Ella, I grinned. "No wonder you’re glowing these days. If I lived here, eating like this, I’d glow too."