Chapter 305: Chapter 305

It was finally the day of the festival, and the air was vibrant with excitement, charging at everything and everyone it touched. The entire island buzzed with excitement, vibrant energy flowing through the streets as people moved about, their faces aglow with joy.

Colourful banners fluttered in the breeze, laughter echoed from every corner, and the scent of delicious food wafted through the streets, teasing senses and stirring appetites even before dawn had broken.

Children skipped excitedly, unable to contain their glee, while adults smiled, their steps lighter than usual. The sense of celebration was contagious, sparking smiles and laughter among everyone, as if the very air itself was shimmering with the promise of a day filled with joy, community, and unforgettable memories. This was no different to Shelby and her kids.

This was the first wine festival that Shelby had felt so at ease in. Because of her state of mind previously, she did not even remember if she had come for the others over the years past. Shelby could not remember anything from that time.

So, Shelby woke up very early with a spring in her step. The kids had never gone for such an occasion before, so their excitement seemed to have rubbed off on her too.

Ian looked on, amused.

"Are you that happy about this?"

"Yep! I am so excited!" She looked like a little girl who had received her first birthday gift in life. Ian shook his head and hugged her tight, swaying side by side with his chin resting on her head. He could never tire of touching and holding her.

"I cannot join you at the start of the day, but feel free to explore and buy anything you’d like. Don’t skimp on that."

Shelby pouted a little at the fact that he would not be there, but she knew that Ian had lots of work and could not always accompany her on her whim.

"You sound like Gabriel now,"

Ian teased and landed a small kiss on her nose, making her giggle. He looked down at her inviting lips and then groaned.

"See you later in the day!"

Ian pecked her, and he was gone. He knew better than to stay behind and ’delay’ both of them because a single second more and they would have been back under the covers.

Shelby also quickly freshened up to start her day. Ian had not gone for breakfast, but as soon as she opened the door, she saw three bright eyes waiting for her.

"Hehehehhe.... Good morning, my sweeties!"

She gave them a group hug. Samantha was a bit squiggly but finally gave in. The festival was a day set aside for many small vendors to launch different wines. One could go around the many stands, taste various wines, and buy the ones they wanted.

This time, it was being held in a large field right in the middle of town. Many vendors took advantage of this opportunity to establish a presence in the market. This was not only limited to the wine vendors but included the local farmers who farmed the vineyards and other fruit plantations as well as the small food shops. Everyone wanted a stake in this and put up their best.

As such, the large field and the streets leading to it were filled with different stands representing each vendor. Obviously, the largest stand, which was basically, a whole building, was reserved for the produce of the Thornston family, including sample grapes, wines and many other services as well.

The festival usually lasted one weekend, and the first day already had the whole town buzzing.

Shelby spent the better of the first day on the grounds with the kids. They went from one stand to the other, along with Murray and Suzie. These two insisted on going everywhere with Shelby and would never take ’No’ for an answer. Shelby was glad that she was now cherished that much and welcomed it.

"Mama Shelby! Look at that!" Gabriel would cry out for things that he thought were exciting, from sugar-coated fruits to shaved fruit ice, to fruit cotton candy and the like. The girls were more reserved and followed quietly but the sparkle in their eyes gave them away.

The ’Ooos!’ and ’Ahhhs!’ from Gabriel drew a lot of attention to them. Also, Shelby herself was a sort of celebrity, so many eyes would always follow her from drooling and lusty men to jealous women.

She had thought that she was already used to this, but Shelby had just been so used to her new sheltered life that she had almost forgotten what it was like before she had come to the Thornston estate. Of course, Shelby felt so much better in her skin this time, and her confidence had skyrocketed, making her appear even better than she previously was. This was ridiculous, but it was true.

With Murray around, no one could get within arm’s reach of the small group.

By mid-day, they were tired but had barely covered half of the exhibits.

"Let’s go to Ava’s stand to take a rest."

The group quickened their pace and the building that housed the T-Vino Wine display.

From Shelby’s understanding, the new wines that had been launched at the Soiree where she had her unfortunate accident were being launched at this festival, and a whole floor was dedicated to this.

Ava manned the whole of the ground floor, a plush, relaxed ambiance very different from what was displayed on the outside. Shelby entered the cool interior and nearly teared up. She was one of the few who truly understood where Ava had come from and how far this new job had taken her.

"Aunt Ava!" Gabriel rushed to her as soon as she was spotted. Because the place was not as loud as the outside, his voice attracted a lot of attention.

Ava stopped what she was doing and bent down to hug the boy, who crushed into her arms.

"Well, isn’t that my little fake angel?"

"I’m hungry, Aunt Ava...."

"Well, you have come to the right place then," Ava stood up and walked to Ingrid, giving her a side hug. She only spared a look at Samantha and then turned. Ava was not as forgiving as Shelby was. She felt that whatever Samantha did and said towards Shelby was done knowingly, and therefore, she had Samantha on her radar for some time.

"Aunt Ava, Sam also came. She now likes Mama...."

"Won’t you look at that? I’m glad that she now likes your Mama. Didn’t you want to eat?"

Gabriel nodded vigorously and then let Ava lead them to a seat.

Samantha was very self-conscious and bowed deeply to Ava in greeting, but Ava only snorted.

’She needs to understand that there are repercussions for all actions.’

Tables lined the floor of the large room on all sides, and they looked to be filled with different fruits. Even without the surprised exclamations coming from the people who were eating, Shelby would have still guessed that not all the ’fruits’ were fruits. It was Ava’s specialty, so it would have been surprising if they had set up all those stands for just fruits.

"This is amazing! I will be visiting the T-Vino small chop shop daily then. This food is to die for! Mmmmmmmm...."

A woman exclaimed, and Ava smiled.

Several tables and chairs were set up in the middle of the room for guests to eat and drink.

Ava led the group there, and soon, their table was filled. Each child was given what they preferred: cream puffs for Ingrid, Strawberry milk for Gabriel, and flat, sweet, fruity bread for Samantha. She was so surprised that her eyes nearly bulged out. Samantha never knew that Aunt Ava, seemingly cold, knew of her preference.

She lowered her head and munched on it. Samantha used to hate everything and the world at large, but in her heart, she wanted to improve the relationships she had soured.

Suzie and Murray did not have preferences and just munched on anything.

Ava pulled Shelby aside to another table as they were eating, giving them some privacy.

"You can leave us, Ava. I know you must work."

"What do you mean? I have enough people moving around and taking care of things. I just oversee things. Besides, if the workers under me cannot work autonomously, then what is the use of having them around? Mum put so much confidence in me and gave me this position, so I take what I do seriously!"

"As you should! And I know you have that covered."

Ava said and got up to hug Shelby tightly in her seat. She could see the looks that were being thrown their way, but these two friends were used to it. Even without making an effort, their looks were more than enough to make people want to take a second look.

They were a deadly combination, and they knew it. The only difference was that Shelby’s confidence level had increased and was on par with Ava’s then.

"Are you feeling better now? I’m so sorry that I have been too busy with this planning and neglected you...."

"Stop dramatizing! Do I look neglected? I am even better than when the accident happened."

"Well, you do look better. Somebody’s getting some down there!"

"Ava!" Shelby looked around frantically and clamped her hand on Ava’s mouth. The two looked so much at ease that envious glances came their way.

"Stop talking about that!" Shelby whispered and then let Ava go, ensuring Ava would not spew nonsense again.

"Ok!" Ava raised her hands in front of her chest. I will not do so again.

Ava’s phone buzzed and then she ignored it.

"So, tell me, what has been going on with ... you know?"

"Nothing much. Everything is as is." The two chatted for a while and then

"Ah! What of that training with ....."

"Do not mention that name! That your bodyguard trains me like I am in a senior military camp. It is hellish!"

"Why are you sorry? I chose this for myself and..."

Ava’s phone buzzed again, and she ignored it, making Shelby frown. They had been talking for barely ten minutes, but Ava’s phone had rung thrice!

"You can go ahead and answer it. It’s not like we are talking about anything overly important."

"Forget about it. It is an unimportant person."

Ava replied and then blocked the number. She had already deleted Josh’s contact but still recognized the number.

"Who is it, Ava?" Shelby asked in concern but quickly narrowed her eyes when she got the response.

Ava sighed, "My ex-boyfriend."

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