Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 34

Chapter 34: A New Day Dawns

"How was your sleep?" Fred asked, leaning closer as he wiped a bit of syrup from the corner of his mouth. The gesture made Adhara giggle, and she could feel herself blushing under his gaze.

"Like a rock! I think I'm still getting used to how peaceful it is here," she replied, glancing around the bustling kitchen. "It's so different from the manor."

"Good! You should stay here forever," Fred said with a wink, and Adhara's heart skipped a beat.

Molly chimed in, "You're always welcome to come back whenever you want, dear. The more, the merrier! Right, Fred?"

"Absolutely! Plus, I need someone to keep my mother in check," he teased, earning a playful glare from Molly.

Adhara laughed, feeling lighter than she had in ages. Molly shared stories of her family, recounting humorous anecdotes about Fred and his brothers.

"So, Fred was always the troublemaker, huh?" Adhara said, glancing over her shoulder at him with a teasing smile.

Molly chuckled, a twinkle in her eye. "Oh, you have no idea! He and George were inseparable. If one got into trouble, you could bet the other was right there with him."

"Hey! I'm not that bad!" Fred protested, but he wore a sheepish grin that betrayed him.

"Of course you are, dear. But we wouldn't have it any other way," Molly said fondly, ruffling Fred's hair.

Fred suggested, "How about we explore the garden today? There are some amazing spots I want to show you."

"I'd love that!" Adhara replied, her excitement evident. She followed him outside, the fresh air invigorating and alive with the sounds of nature.

The garden was sprawling and vibrant, filled with colorful flowers, tall trees, and even a small pond. Fred led her along a winding path, pointing out various plants and sharing stories about the memories associated with each one.

"This is my favorite spot," he said, stopping in front of a large willow tree. Its branches cascaded down, creating a natural curtain that offered a sense of privacy. "I used to come here when I wanted to think. It's peaceful."

Adhara stepped beneath the branches, a sense of tranquility washing over her. "It really is beautiful here," she whispered, taking a moment to breathe in the scent of the flowers surrounding them.

"Not as beautiful as you, but I'm biased," Fred replied, his voice low and teasing.

Adhara felt her cheeks heat up, and she turned away, trying to hide her smile. "You always know what to say, don't you?"

"I try," he said, grinning. "But honestly, I'm just glad you're here. It makes everything better."

As they leaned against the tree, a comfortable silence settled between them. Fred watched her with an intensity that made Adhara's heart race. Without thinking, he suddenly leaned in and pressed his lips against hers in a quick, surprising kiss.

Adhara's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she could hardly process what had just happened. The kiss was sweet, brief, and completely spontaneous, yet it sent a thrill down her spine. When Fred pulled back, he was wearing a lopsided grin that only made her heart race faster.

"Wow," she breathed, still caught off guard.

Fred's smile softened as he looked at her. "Didn't mean to surprise you, but I couldn't help myself."

Adhara smiled back, a rush of boldness filling her. "You know, I think I love you," she blurted out, her heart pounding in her chest.

Fred paused, his playful demeanor fading slightly as he processed her words. His gaze locked onto hers, and he leaned in a little closer. "Did you just...?" he started, his voice laced with disbelief.

"I did," she confirmed, her heart racing as she looked into his eyes. "I love you, Fred Weasley."

A mixture of emotions danced across Fred's face—shock, joy, and a hint of disbelief. "Wow. I've wanted to hear you say that for so long," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Adhara felt warmth spreading through her as she realized the significance of the moment. "It's true. You make me happy, Fred. You make me feel things I didn't know I could feel."

Fred grinned, the corners of his mouth lifting in an infectious smile. "I can't believe this. I love you too, Addy. I've loved you for ages."

In that moment, the world around them faded away. Everything felt right, as if the universe had aligned perfectly for them. Adhara's heart swelled with joy, and she leaned in, capturing his lips in another kiss. This time, it lingered a little longer, filled with the promise of everything that lay ahead.

As they pulled away, breathless and smiling, Adhara knew they had crossed a new threshold in their relationship. This was just the beginning of their journey together, and she couldn't wait to see where it would lead.