Ezra breaks the news of Axel's grandmother's sudden death to everyone. It really was sudden. She passed away in her sleep. Went to sleep at night only to not wake up in the morning. Some would say she had a peaceful death, which might be true but it still does not deny that she is gone forever and is never coming back. A truth that all her loved ones will now have to accept and live with.

They all tried to contact with Axel to console and support him, like any other good friend would do but Axel was partly busy with arranging the funeral and the other half was him still being in a shocked state. He was the type to always plan ahead of things. He had made so many plans for and with his grandma.....but he never thought he would leave her so soon. He, Asher and Ethan were at the house he had so lovingly and proudly bought solely for her, where she and his younger sister used to live at. Now, since starting next year, his younger sister was going to university and will be living in a dorm, this house would be nothing else than a concrete empty building. Axel had left one message at the group chat after everyone consoled him. He did not want to worry them. He told them he was thankful to have such great friends and is fine. He will be staying at his hometown for a few days to handle a few things and not to worry. He appreciates their feelings and its fine if they cannot make it to the funeral. The funeral was taking place that afternoon, making it difficult for Dawn, Kara and Ezra to come since they did not own a car and had to wait for bus timings and travel via different buses.

After the funeral, Ethan gets a call from work. He decides to postpone the matter for Axel but Axel tells him he should go back. Asher then states that he wants to stay here with him but Axel reminds him that he was got his last audition tomorrow morning. Asher decides to skip it but Axel convinces him its importance and not to miss its chance. Asher then finally agrees to go back on one condition that he will come back after his audition. Axel hesitates but finally agrees. Soon they take their leave, telling Axel to take care of himself.

Axel then has a detail discussion with his sisters about the house. His three-year brother-in-law, elder sister's husband was also present. His youngest sister, who was the last person to talk and see the old women, requests Axel to not sell the house as it holds importance to her since she lived here with her dear grandmother. Her elder sister would also come here and so would Axel. All their memories have filled every room of this house. After a bit more talking, they all finally head back to their own rooms. Their elder sister had decided to stay here for the night.

Axel, then finally gets the time to take a deep breath and think properly for a moment. With everything that was going on, he had yet to keep up and realise what happened. His grandmother, someone who raised him like a mother was the closest to him than anyone else in this world. She was a petite woman who was always smiling. Her long, till ankles, white-gray hair, made her look so graceful. Not once did she show any expression of hurt or trouble despite all the difficulties they lived in. She was really strong. Worked hard, despite her old age. Fed him and his sisters, raised them, gave them education, encouraged them to follow their dreams. Taught them kindness, humbleness, and care. How she managed all that was remarkable, especially considering her intense neck and back pain that she had kept a secret from her grandkids. However, Axel did secretly found out about it though he never told her. All he felt he could do was help her and not let her carry a lot of burden. That is why when he started earning a stable income, he took her to a doctor. Now that she was gone, he felt sad, obviously, but more than that, he felt regret. If only he could see her smiling face for one more time. Just one more moment with her so he could thank her for all she did. Though he gave her a lot of things, he never expressed it with his words how much he loves her and how grateful he is for everything she did. She could have tossed them aside like their uncle did. Instead she fought for them and took them in. She had nothing to gain but more to lose. Yet she showered them with so much love and care. All her small gestures were precious to him. The way she would leave small snacks for him when he was studying or cover him with a blanket when he would fall asleep on the sofa. There were even times, when she would eat less just so they three could eat more. Axel never really figured out what did he ever do to deserve such an amazing human being for raising him, but he was really grateful.

Without knowing, tears started streaming down his face. One drop trickles and then another one follows after. He does not move his hands or does any other effort to wipe them. He knows he is sad and crying it out is all he can do to help himself.

A WEEK LATER

Axel and Asher had come back to the city just one day ago. It seems as if life was back to normal. Ezra had begun her new job that she was loving more than being an anchor since she gets to travel to various locations. Dylan was publishing a weekly magazine along with his partner that was doing not so bad. Ethan's company was going the same as always. He had yet to talk to his fatter since his dad was abroad and they had less chances of meeting up. Axel's new company was also doing good. He had also opened a charity in the name of his grandmother. Asher with all his efforts had finally gotten into Ethan's company. He was assigned to a team and was also being trained. His family were at first angry and scolded him when they got to know about everything. More than angry, they were worried about his future. But seeing how Asher was not happy there, they reconciled and encouraged him. Kara had gone to stay with her father for a few days as well as, she had applied at various places for jobs.

Dawn meanwhile had finished painting and submitting all her pieces and today was going to be the art exhibition. To say she was excited and nervous was an understatement. She had told her friends about the exhibition but unfortunately they all had work during those hours except for Axel. Hence, they assigned him with the task of taking pictures and videos of everything. Dawn was still getting ready to go when she receives a call from her colleague. Her voice was cracking and she was crying.

"What's wrong?"

Dawn asked with worry. She felt as if her heart was going to be stopped.

"That bastard! He has painted over our signatures and replaced them with his. He has even put his name under them.......I yelled at him but he had me kicked out of the hall.....Dawn....it's over....."

"What....do you mean...?......How could this be? This is not fair! We should go to the police. This is stealing!"

"I know...I told him this....he laughed and said that we signed the contract so we don't really have any proof......"

"But...that was just the entry form...."

"Dawn....it states on the form that all the art works belong to him and he is their rightful owner."

"....I know....."

"I am sorry, Dawn..."

"I am sorry too....although he is the one who should be sorry. We shouldn't be apologising to each other."

"Yeah....well, listen, I have to go back home so...."

"Yeah sure...thanks for telling me..."

"No problem...."

The call then ends. Dawn notices her hands were trembling. Her vision had long gone blurry. Why? She works so hard so why her? Does she really not deserve this?

At that moment, comes a call from Axel. She picks it up without saying anything.

"Hey, can you tell me the location again? I am just leaving my apartment."

She clears her throat so that her voice doesn't crack yet it still ends up cracking,

"Hey.....it doesn't........matter."

Comes a small mumble from her mouth.

"What? What do you mean?"

Axel's surprise reply comes

"You can still go if you want to but my paintings won't be there...actually, they will be there but not under my name...."

Axel then persuades her to tell the story after which he tries to console her and tells her he is coming over.

Half an hour later, Axel comes to her apartment. Upon entering, Dawn notices that he is holding a painting. The same paining that she had gifted to all of her friends upon their high school graduation. She was shocked that he still had that.

"You still have that?"

"Yeah. Because it's the paining from my favourite painter."

Dawn slightly chuckles and retorts,

"Do you even know any other painters?"

"No. But I know you. And I know how hard you work and I do love your paintings."

"Thanks. So, why did you bring it here?"

Dawn takes the painting from him to take a closer look. The blue sky and ocean had faded over time but it still gave the calmness feeling that it once had.

"To get it signed from you. I heard that each painter has their own signature in their paintings and since yours got stolen by that guy, this is also one of yours so I thought...."

Axel tries to figure out his thoughts but fails and sighs and adds,

"Never mind. I don't know what I thought."

Dawn chuckles at this and motions him to wait while running into her room along with the painting. Using the paint brush she last used, she dips it into white paint and puts her signature at the corner of the old, faded painting. She then goes out and hands it to him,

"Here you go."

"Thanks. Actually, I originally wanted to buy your painting from the exhibition but I was told they are not for sale. Apparently they are all going to be showcased at the guy's academy. So, I brought this."

"Thank you. I.....am really hurt to be honest. I worked so hard....and I painted all night...I was..."

Dawn's voice starts cracking, her eyes fill with tears and she soon lets out a sob,

"I was...so looking forward to it.....it's not fair...why....me....its..."

She soon bursts out to tears. It hurts when you work hard for your dream only to have it snatched, leaving you with nothing. Makes one wonder where all your hard work and effort goes to. Axel hugs her and thinks about what to say. It breaks his heart to see her like this. He finally breathes a small,

"I know."

A FEW DAYS LATER

Dawn stops working at the old house. Along with the rest of the colleagues, she goes against her boss, and they manage to get the ownership of all their paintings back. After which, Dawn starts selling them online and receives a good response from everyone.

Asher was working on a new and upcoming project with other producers and was really excited about it.

Dylan's magazine was becoming also quite popular. It's sales were also increasing.

Axel's office was growing bigger as well especially after he was investing in various fields. Their net worth were increasing up to thousand of dollars and chances were it was going to keep on increasing.

Kara still had not found her dream. She had too many things that she wanted to do and while she was not clear of her future, she focused on the present happiness. She started taking piano classes, violin classes, and continued her boxing training as well. She was also learning how to paint from Dawn. She was trying out different things that she had always wanted to do in her life but could not do before because her ex-boyfriend did not allow her to do so. She had also started her own social media channel that although only had subscribers which were the people that she knew personally, she had a good feeling about it. To pay for her dues, she worked part-time at a café and a library and she quite enjoyed it despite what most people would think.

Ezra, meanwhile, had finally shifted to her own apartment. Though it was still on rent, she was happy. Starting next week, she was also going to start taking interviews, some of which could be huge. It all depends on how well she does. That is why she was really excited and fired up.

One day, while walking with her camera man, on the way to their van. She sees someone leave out from the car parked next to their van. It was Ethan's father. She freezes up, and thinks about whether to greet him or not. She is still thinking about whether he remembers her or not, when he approaches her,

"Nice to see you. How are you doing, Ezra?"

Oh, he remembers me. Thought Ezra before replying,

"I am doing good. How are you doing?"

"I am fine. I see, you finally got your wish fulfilled."

He mentions after motioning at the mic she was holding.

"Oh well yes. It's all thanks to hard work."

"Good for you."

Ezra notices Ethan's father's mouth open to speak but he doesn't say anything. It seemed as if he wanted to ask her something. Ezra then finally took the initiative and said,

"When did you came back from abroad? Ethan mentioned you were not here. I am sure he must be really happy because he really wanted to talk to you. He also missed you."

Ezra smiled and thought to herself, sorry Ethan, I exaggerated, but it had to be done.

"Oh, is that so. Actually, I got back just last night so I have yet not had time to meet or talk to him."

"That's too bad. You guys should meet soon. I think he was planning on visiting you today."

"At what time?"

"For dinner, I think. Didn't he tell you?"

"...no..."

"Oh, then it is maybe a surprise."

"I see. Well, I am afraid I have to leave now. There are urgent matters I need to attend. You take care of yourself and thank you for taking care of Ethan as well."

"You too. It was nice seeing you."

Ezra smiled and waved. She then quickly takes out her phone and calls Ethan.

"Ethan emergency. I just met your father. He told me to invite you for dinner tonight. Yay, you can finally get your chance to talk to him properly."

She spoke so quickly, that it felt like she was rapping. She didn't even give Ethan the chance to say hello.

"....what are you planning?"

Ethan replied after a pause. He knows Ezra too well and his father too.

"I might have said some things from here to there but you know.....this is your chance. You told me how you never get the chance to have a proper talk with him. Well, tonight you can reconcile."

".....What exactly did you tell him?"

"Oh...nothing...just how much you missed him and things..."

"Ezra."

"What? I shouldn't have? You did miss him. Don't lie."

"......."

Ethan does not reply, making Ezra nervous,

"I am sorry if you feel that I meddled too much."

"Why are you apologising? I was just thinking if I am free tonight or not. And it turns out, I am. Thank you. You're the best."

"Yes, I know."

Ezra giggled.

The next day, they all again had gathered over at Dawn's place. Dylan had even brought his girlfriend to introduce to his friends. They all talked, laughed and looked at the brighter times with hope. They know that life has its ups and down, and they are not always going to succeed. That is why, they decide to do their best and be happy in the moment. No matter what happens, they will continue to dream because life is all about dreaming and moving forward.

THE END

Thank you so much for reading. Sadly, the book has come to an end. I reallyyyy loved and enjoyed writing this book and I hope that you like it and had fun reading it. I would really appreciate it if you would vote and comment to let me know what you think. 🙏🏻 And please do share it with everyone because sharing is caring! 💖
With the current pandemic situation, I wanted to write something that is sweet and light that is why I wrote this book about friendship, struggles in life.
On a side note, there will be no extra chapters or any sequel to this book. Because of my busy schedule and me working on another book which will be released soon, I won't be able to work on this any further.
I hope you had fun and enjoyed reading it, please do let me know in the comments below. 👇🏻
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please do checkout my current ongoing romance book! Hope you like it ^^

Aylin Abbott is the only daughter of the billionaire businessman Brendon Abbott, the owner of Abbott Corporation. She lives a very private life despite her infamous father. What little is known about her is that her father dotes upon her and is quite protective of her which is why she is a spoiled rich kid. But no one has ever confirmed these rumours thanks to her not being active in their social circle.

                                                                                      
After the death of his parents, at the age of 26, Axel Duncan became a billionaire and the head of the Duncan Corporation. He is the most sought-after bachelor with his looks, personality, and wealth. However, all he cares about is finding the truth behind the death of his parents. While it is declared that his parents died in a car crash, only he and a few others know that his parents' death might have been a murder. But who killed them?

                                                                                       
Abbott Corporation and Duncan Corporation are the two leading companies in the world. Known as the tycoons of business these two corporations have an unmatched rivalry which is quite famous. So it comes as a shock when Axel Duncan proposes to Aylin Abbot and she agrees. Who knew that these two people would end up getting married despite the history of rivalry between their groups? Was it due to love? Or is this marriage a lie? Maybe it is just a peace treaty. But one thing is for sure, both are hiding something. But what secrets are they both hiding?

LINK:

https://www.wattpad.com/1273034922?utm_source=ios&utm_medium=link&utm_content=share_reading&wp_page=reading_part_end&wp_uname=Melody_Alyward&wp_originator=lPRgWI8jcTcEdJsgEoxfCn0PDionEz3wpJO%2BE8jnmgXgcGACWvlF9ufxzvDQa26hELKQo6pswKF3lURDQ2iXjWsaVasZqagexUzoiOqxfYl1yT6N0o2xzg4Cyd7jCYfv