Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 524

Chapter 524 Shore to Celebrate

+5 Pearls

When Ayla buried herself in R&D at the tech department, her thoughts often drifted towards Julianna. Ms. Julianna was devoted to her work, and Ayla felt herself becoming more like her with each passing day.

A mother so demanding of herself, so rational, so resilient… Could a woman like that really have collapsed into depression simply because her husband had an affair?

Sometimes, Ayla didn’t understand her mother either.

Maybe being deceived for over 20 years was just too much for anyone to bear.

These thoughts were fleeting, though. Ayla admired Julianna fiercely. She was a mother—both stern and gentle, and emulating her now only fueled Ayla’s own drive.

Once work picked up, Ayla was constantly traveling. Draven was, too. They didn’t see each other often.

Still, Ayla had been quietly planning his 29th birthday.

It was oddly endearing that Mr. Storm harbored any anxiety about his age, but she pushed the thought aside.

This birthday had to be special. It was their first together, and she was determined to make it memorable.

Besides, there was something very important she intended to do with him.

“What do you think of this?” Ayla asked during a break, showing her phone to Halle.

Halle glanced at the screen and rolled her eyes. “It’s just a normal nightgown. What’s special about it?”

“I only ever wear pajama sets, you know, with pants and tops. Never dresses. Isn’t that hint enough?”

Halle sighed, exasperated with her best friend. Even as a divorcée, Ayla was more conservative than she, the perpetually single one, would ever be. “Fine, I get your style. Nothing overtly daring. Something classic with a subtle, tasteful twist is more you.”

She took Ayla’s phone and tapped for a moment. “Try this brand. I’m sure you’ll find something you like.”

Ayla took the phone back.

It was a minimalist sleepwear brand. Sleek, sharp, exactly her taste. After browsing the site for a bit, her eyes landed on a black, floor–length nightgown.

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A round neckline. Long sleeves. Hem brushing the ankles. Elegant and restrained at first glance, almost conservative, but every detail was deliberate.

Nothing that mattered was exposed. The sleeves and the skirt from mid–thigh down were crafted from a whisper–thin, semi–sheer fabric.

And the back was plunged in a deep, elegant V all the way to the tailbone, held together by nothing but a slender black strap.

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10:45 pm PPDD

Chapter 524 Shore to Celebrate

In a stiffer, more luxurious fabric, it could have walked a red carpet.

Ayla placed the order.

The nightgown was carefully packed in her suitcase.

Draven loved the ocean.

Sacha had recommended a stunning vacation villa with a private beach.

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The pictures she’d sent showed crystal–clear, impossibly blue water. It was the kind of view that would make Draven reach for his phone to capture it.

It was November now, the air growing chilly, making an escape to the warm southern seas even more perfect.

Since it was a birthday, a gathering felt right.

Draven’s inner circle was small, and the villa could comfortably host them all.

Ayla invited only those she knew well, making numerous calls to arrange the getaway.

Then she created a group chat and added everyone in.

James was immediately enthusiastic when he heard they were celebrating Draven’s birthday with a seaside

vacation.

He took charge: he and Draven would handle their own travel. The rest of the group would meet at his place first, then he’d fly everyone down on his private jet, arriving at the villa around six in the evening.

Shawn, coming from a different city, would arrive around the same time.

Ayla and Draven would go a half–day early to oversee the final dinner arrangements.

And, incidentally, enjoy some time alone.

The “alone time” was James’s idea, delivered with a proud grin about his thoughtful planning.

In truth, even without James’s suggestion, Ayla and Draven would have had to arrive early anyway due to their packed schedules.

By the time they reached the villa, it was already three in the morning. After settling in and washing up, it was nearly four,

Exhausted, they fell into bed and were asleep almost immediately.

Any other plans for their early arrival were all but forgotten.

Ayla wasn’t sure if it was because this was the first time she’d ever planned a birthday for Draven, or because she kept thinking about the black backless nightgown hidden in her suitcase, or because she was

both nervous and excited about what was to come.

Whatever the reason, Ayla found herself drifting into a rare dream of the

past.

10:45 pm PPDD

Chapter 524 Shore to Celebrate

+5 Pearls

It was her 24th birthday, just months ago.

In the dream, she was planning to tell Troy about the pregnancy on her birthday. He had promised to be home to celebrate with her. But he was out drinking with friends, having completely forgotten his promise. He didn’t remember until the next day.

A terrible dream.

Yet, within it, Ayla watched the scene unfold with a strange, detached calm.

Unlike previous nightmares about Troy, which left her heart suffocating even in sleep, this time there was only quiet observation.

She opened her eyes silently.

Draven was still asleep beside her. She turned her head to study his handsome features in the soft light.

Once she took that step today, everything would change.

With Troy, she had lived in constant anxiety, always afraid of losing him, always bracing for disappointment.

With Draven, their connection was built on something positive and beautiful. There was no room for that old, familiar ache.

From the beginning, she had been afraid to give her heart again, terrified of being shattered once more. And soon, she and Draven would be together, holding nothing back.

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