Chapter 19
Theo and Daphne
Daphne woke up with a pounding headache and a dry mouth, the remnants of her hangover making her regret every drink she had consumed the night before. She groaned softly, her body protesting as she sat up and rubbed her temples. The room spun slightly, and she closed her eyes, taking deep breaths to steady herself.
"I'll never drink again," she muttered to herself, knowing it was an empty promise. She stumbled out of bed, feeling the weight of last night's indulgence. Her mind raced, filled with guilt over the calories she had consumed. Determined to burn off every last one, she forced herself to push down the nausea and prepare for the gym.
Feeling as if her body was going to fall off piece by piece, Daphne dressed in her workout clothes, pulling on a pair of leggings and a tank top. She tied her hair up in a messy ponytail and laced up her running shoes, feeling a wave of queasiness come over as she prepared to head out. Taking in several deep breaths, she walked out of her bedroom, ready to leave the apartment, but stopped in her tracks when she saw Theo standing in the kitchen.
He was leaning against the counter, a cup of coffee in his hand. He looked up when he heard her enter, his expression unreadable.
"Morning," he said, pulling back a chair at the kitchen island. "How are you feeling?"
Daphne blinked, surprised to see him there. Her headache seemed to intensify as she tried to piece together the events of the previous night.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice raspy. She proceeded to walk into the kitchen.
"Sit," Theo set his coffee down and pointed to the chair he had pulled out. "I stayed to make sure you were okay," he said, studying her face. "You had a lot to drink."
"You changed your clothes," Daphne pointed out, her eyes moving over his casual blue jeans and black sweater.
"I had Mason drop it off this morning," Theo turned toward the stove.
"What are you doing?" Daphne asked curiously.
Theo didn't answer. He opened the cupboard and pulled out a plate. Silently he plated the eggs, toast, and sliced avocados. He worked as if he knew the kitchen like the back of his own hands. He moved almost out of habit, swiftly pulling out whatever he needed before turning around to face Daphne with the plate of food.
"What is this?" Daphne asked, her brows furrowing.
"It's called food," Theo said, watching her from the other side of the counter. "Eat. It'll help with the hangover."
"I'm not very hungry," Daphne pressed her lips together.
Theo paused, his eyes lingering on the plate for a moment before looking back at Daphne. His jaw tightened slightly, and he took a deep breath.
"I saw your journals," he said softly, the words heavy on his tongue.
Daphne's eyes widened, but she quickly masked her surprise with a forced smile.
"Thank god, I didn't draw hearts around your name and doodle about you," She teased. "Don't you know better than to go through someone's things? Someone's private things?"
"I saw the numbers," Theo said, his voice calm but firm. "You can't keep doing this to yourself."
Daphne laughed nervously, brushing her hair back. "It's just a habit. I like to keep track of things."
"It's more than a habit, Daphne," Theo's expression hardened. "It's dangerous."
"You're being crazy," Daphne laughed. "I'm going to go."
"You are out of your mind if you think you are going to go run a marathon right now just to burn off the calories from a few drinks," Theo said with an edge to his voice. "Sit down and have your breakfast."
Daphne scoffed shaking her head, "You don't know what you're talking about. Stop acting like you're my dad."
Theo was in no mood to argue. He pulled out one of Daphne's journals and flipped to the newest entries.
"Pizza with onions and peppers, 680 calories," he read. "Eight-mile run burns 700 calories."
"So what if I like to run?" Daphne pushed away from the counter. "I'm not hurting anyone."
"A dozen donuts, two thousand calories," Theo continued to read. "Twenty nine miles. But you didn't have to run twenty nine miles, did you? You threw up everything you ate that night at Edenfield."
Daphne stared, her hands trembling by her side.
"How long have you been doing this?" Theo asked. "Is this why you never eat when we go out?"
Daphne's face flushed with anger and embarrassment.
"You need to leave," she said, her voice trembling. "Right now."
"Daphne," Theo said, his tone softer now, filled with concern. "I'm worried about you."
"Don't," Daphne said, her voice breaking.
"Daphne, please," Theo pleaded, taking a step closer. "You need to get help."
"I said don't!" Daphne stepped away, tears welling up in her eyes. "Just leave me alone, Theo. I don't need your help. I don't need anyone's help."
Theo hesitated, "Daphne-"
"Leave," Daphne demanded. "Get out."
Theo felt a heavy weight in his chest, torn between his desire to stay and help and the clear distress on Daphne's face. When he made no moves, Daphne stared at him, her eyes pleading.
"Please," she said. "Leave."
"I won't."
"Theo!" Daphne stomped her feet. "Get out. Please. I don't want to see you right now. Leave."
"Would you just listen to m-"
Daphne threw her hands over her ears and turned toward her bedroom. She had tears rolling down her face as she moved as fast as she could with the throbbing pain in the back of her eyes. She could feel Theo moving with her, following her as she ran into the bedroom and slammed the door shut.
"Daphne, open the door," Theo grabbed the doorknob.
"No," Daphne said. "You need to leave. Right now or I'll call the police."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Theo, please," Daphne pressed her forehead against the door. "Just give me some space."
On the other side of the door, Theo hesitated. He could hear her sniffling on the opposite side as she stood holding the doorknob. After a long pause, Theo managed to take a small step back. He felt a heavy weight in his chest as he let go of the doorknob.
"Okay," he said. "I'll go."
Daphne didn't reply. Theo waited to hear from her. But when it was clear she was not going to answer, he moved toward the door, his movements slow and reluctant.
As he stepped out, the door closed behind him, leaving Daphne alone in her apartment, tears streaming down her face. She sank to the floor, feeling a mix of anger, shame, and sorrow, the weight of her secret pressing down on her until she laid on the bedroom floor, her tears drying on her face.
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Lily
Lily woke up to the soft light streaming through the sheer curtains of her aunt and uncle's lavish penthouse apartment. The room was tastefully decorated with elegant furnishings and soft, pastel colors, exuding an air of opulence and comfort. She stretched lazily, feeling the plushness of the silk sheets against her skin, and took a moment to admire the breathtaking view of the city skyline from her window.
She slipped out of bed, her feet sinking into the white carpet as she made her way to the en-suite bathroom. The marble floors were cool underfoot, and the crystal fixtures gleamed in the morning light. After freshening up, Lily chose a comfortable sweater and a pair of jeans, enjoying her morning routine and the absence of having to worry about making it to class on time.
As she made her way down the grand staircase, the rich scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafted up to greet her. Her stomach rumbled, and she quickened her pace, the sound of her footsteps echoing softly in the spacious hallway. The penthouse was filled with the warmth of sunlight filtering through the large windows, casting a golden glow on the tasteful artwork adorning the walls.
Lily entered the kitchen to find her uncle at the stove, expertly flipping slices of French toast in a sizzling pan. The kitchen itself was a marvel of modern design, with sleek stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and an island that could easily accommodate a small gathering. Daniel turned to her with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Good morning, sweetheart," he greeted her. "Hungry? I made your favorite."
Lily's face lit up with a smile as she took a seat at the island, the gleaming marble cool beneath her fingers. "Good morning. That smells amazing!"
Daniel chuckled, plating the golden-brown slices of French toast with practiced ease. He dusted them with powdered sugar, added a dollop of whipped cream, and finished with a generous drizzle of maple syrup before setting the plate in front of her.
"Extra sugar, just the way you like it," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately and placing a kiss on top of her head. "It's good to have you back."
"Thank you," Lily wrapped her arm around him and gave him a tight hug. "I missed you guys."
"How long are you staying?" Daniel asked, his eyes softening as he looked at her.
"I go back Monday night," Lily said. "And I was thinking of going to the ranchhouse before that..."
"Sounds fun," Daniel said, his smile widening.
"Yes," Lily nodded, tiptoeing around her next request. "Can Rose come with me?"
Daniel frowned, his expression turning serious. "No, I'm sorry."
"Butâ"
"She's grounded, Lily," Daniel reminded her gently but firmly.
"I'll be with her," Lily insisted. "She can't get into trouble with me around."
"Baby girl," Daniel sighed, the weight of a concerned parent evident in his voice. "I'm really sorry. But I am very upset with her this time, and I am not going to ease up anytime soon."
"Wow," Lily pulled back slightly, her brow furrowing. "What did she do?"
"She snuck out on Halloween to go to some senior's party in Brooklyn," Daniel shook his head in frustration. "And if that wasn't bad enough, she convinced Amelia and Miles to go with her too."
"No," Lily gasped, her eyes widening. "Amelia and Miles Dempsey?"
"It was not fun getting a phone call from Giovanni Capello at two in the morning asking me why my daughter was running around Brooklyn with his grandkids."
"Rose should really know better," Lily's frown deepened, concern etched on her face. "The Dempseys are great, but everyone knows their grandfather always has an eye on them. Did Rose think they weren't going to find out?"
"Who knows what goes through her head," Daniel said, his eyes showing clear signs of distress.
"I'll talk to her," Lily offered. "She'll listen to me."
"She won't listen even if the devil himself came out of hell to speak sense into her," Daniel sighed. "One more incident and your zia and I agreed, we're sending her to military school."
"That's a bit extreme..." Lily said, her voice trailing off.
"Maybe that's exactly what she needs."
"Let me try talking to her first," Lily insisted, determination in her voice.
"Go right ahead," Daniel chuckled a hint of hope in his eyes. "I wish you all the luck."
"Thank you," Lily said.
"How's school?"
"Great," Lily sat up with enthusiasm. "I love my roommate. I made some really nice friends, classes are good. No complaints."
"That's good to hear," Daniel smiled, his pride evident. "Your parents are very proud of you."
"And so are we," Gia's voice added, warm and comforting.
Lily and Daniel looked up as Gia walked into the kitchen, her presence as radiant as ever. She wore a silk olive green robe that cascaded gracefully around her, the fabric shimmering softly. Her full, dark hair was clipped back, accentuating her glowing, golden skin.
Gia approached Daniel with a graceful ease, her movements fluid and confident. She tilted her head back slightly, a silent invitation that Daniel responded to immediately. He pulled her into a tender embrace. With a gentle, lingering kiss, Daniel whispered.
"Good morning," his voice filled with affection.
Lily observed from across the counter, her cheeks warming as she took in the couple's open display of love. She felt her heart flutter, touched by the tenderness between them. Watching Daniel's gaze soften and Gia's smile light up, Lily couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have someone who looked at her with such devotion, someone who made her feel like the most cherished person in the world.
"You have powder sugar all over you," Gia teased, brushing off her husband's shoulder.
"That was my fault," Lily laughed. "I requested extra sugar."
"Cavities are no joke," Gia warned playfully, turning to face Lily with a knowing smile.
"I'll worry about it when I get there," Lily said, taking a bite of her French toast, savoring the sweetness.
"Where's Rose?" Gia asked, glancing around the kitchen with a hint of concern.
"She's still sleeping," Lily replied.
"She's still in the apartment, right?" Gia looked toward Daniel, her worry evident. "She didn't sneak out again?"
"She better not have," Daniel muttered, his expression darkening.
"Please go check," Gia requested, her frown deepening. "I can't. She's pushing all my buttons."
Wanting to ease her anxiety, Daniel placed a comforting hand on Gia's shoulder and kissed her forehead gently.
"I'll go check," he said. He stepped around her and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Lily and Gia alone.
Lily watched Daniel leave, then turned to Gia, who was still visibly upset. She hesitated for a moment, not knowing if now would be a good time to bring up the topic of Gabriel.
"So?" Gia sighed, rubbing her neck to roll off the tension before smiling up at Lily. "How's everything? My god, I feel like I haven't seen you in ages. Come here, I need to hold you."
Lily laughed as Gia walked around to the other side of the counter and wrapped her arms around her. She felt her aunt's warmth and motherly affection wash over her as Gia kissed her cheeks and held her close to her heart.
"I'm good," Lily tucked back her hair, her heart pounding.
"Eveything is okay at PCU?" Gia asked, brushing back Lily's hair. "You like it there?"
"It's great," Lily nodded, taking in a deep breath.
"What is it?" Gia asked, immediately noticing the way Lily's eyes flickered with hesitation.
"Um..." Lily hesitated, her gaze shifting as she began to chew on her bottom lip. Gia waited patiently, her curiosity piqued.
"So, there's this guy..." Lily finally said, her voice trailing off.
Gia's eyes widened with delight, a gasp escaping her lips. "Oh?"
"Please don't tell Dad," Lily said quickly, a note of urgency in her voice. "Or Mom. If you tell Mom, then Dad will find out."
"Lawyer-client confidentiality," Gia reminded her with a reassuring smile as she pulled up a chair beside her niece. "Tell me everything. What's his name? How did you meet? Is he sweet? How long has this been going on?"
Lily felt her cheeks grow red hot, her heart pounding as she fidgeted with her hands. Her thoughts raced, and she struggled to get the words out.
"His name is Gabriel... Gabriel Reyes," Lily said slowly, her voice barely more than a whisper. "But it's not what you're thinking. We're not dating. There's nothing going on between Gabriel and me. Well, I guess there's something, but it's not something. It's complicated."
Gia's expression softened with understanding, her eyes full of empathy. "Complicated can be a good thing, too. Sometimes it just means that there's more to figure out. But I'm here to listen, and I promise I won't say a word to anyone."
Lily took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness. "It's just...I think he knows I have this huge crush on him and I feel like he makes fun of me for it at times. I don't know. One day, he's really sweet and helps me with math. But then the next day, he will act as if he doesn't even know me. Then when we are alone, it's a whole other ball game. I feel so confused."
Gia listened intently, her eyes reflecting both concern and warmth. As Lily described her situation with Gabriel, Gia's expression grew more resolute, her empathy giving way to firm advice.
"He's sending a lot of mixed signals," Gia said softly, her tone filled with concern.
Lily nodded, her face clouded with confusion. "Exactly. One day, he'll sit with me for hours, talking about my family and his sister. He'll bring me coffee or walk me back to my dorm if it's late. But then, in public, he acts like he doesn't even know me. I just don't know where I stand with him."
Gia listened intently, her expression serious as she absorbed Lily's words. "Have you told him how you feel about him?"
Lily shook her head, her voice tinged with frustration. "No, but I'm really sure he knows. It feels like he's just toying with my emotions."
Gia's gaze grew even more serious as she considered her response. "Lily, let me tell you something important. You should never settle for someone who doesn't value you or isn't willing to own up to their feelings. You deserve to be with someone who is clear about what they want and who makes you feel respected and cherished."
Lily's eyes widened slightly, taking in the weight of Gia's words. "I don't even know if he likes me. He's so impossible to understand."
Gia reached out and took Lily's hand in hers, her touch comforting. "That's exactly why it's important to set boundaries and protect yourself. If he can't give you the clarity and respect you deserve, then it's time to rethink the situation. It's one thing if someone is unsure, but it's another if they make you question your own worth."
Lily looked at Gia. "So, what should I do?"
Gia's eyes softened with empathy. "It's okay to express your feelings, but you shouldn't have to chase someone for their attention or affection. Take the initiative to talk openly with him about where you both stand. And remember, if his actions don't align with how he makes you feel, it's a sign to reevaluate your own needs and desires."
Lily nodded, slowly. She began to ponder about Gia's words as Gia gave her a warm hug and kissed her cheek.
"You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel valued and loved, not confused and uncertain," she said.
"Thank you," Lily leaned into her aunt's embrace.
___________________________
Theo and Daphne
"Hi, this is Daphne Dashwood. I am unable to take your call at the moment. Please leave your name and your number. Thank you."
It was the third time Theo heard that voice, and each time it only deepened his anxiety.
"Daphne?" He sighed as the beep of the voicemail greeted him. "It's me. Again. Pick up your phone."
Silence. Just like before. He could almost feel the void stretching between them as if the space was widening with every unanswered call.
"I'm going to California tonight to drop Lily off. My parents are also hosting lunch for Evie and Harry. I want you here," Theo said, rubbing his forehead as he paced his parent's kitchen. "And I would also like for you to come with me to California. I'm sending Marcus to pick you up."
He paused, staring at the orange leaves outside the large kitchen window. The seconds ticked by. He could feel his chest tighten, frustration gnawing at him. What else could he say? How could he persuade her to answer?
Theo leaned against the kitchen counter, his mind racing. Every missed call and unanswered text felt like a blow. He replayed their last conversation in his mind, the raw emotion in her voice when she told him to leave. He understood her anger, her need to keep her secret hidden, but it didn't make it any easier to accept.
"Please, Daphne," Theo added. "Call me back."
Theo's heart pinched as he forced himself to take a deep breath and stay calm. He hung up the call and tossed the phone onto the counter, startling the chef by the stove.
"Sorry," Theo apologized.
Feeling restless, he clicked his tongue and picked up his phone. He pushed it into his pocket and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge before heading to the family room. He could hear his family outside in the backyard taking pictures and celebrating Evie and Harry. With a glump mood, Theo sat down on the sofa and laid his head back, letting out a heavy sigh.
"Get away from the window," he said, noticing Levi sulking. "You'll scare the children."
"Says the guy with a face like yours," Levi turned, raising an eyebrow. "What's got you in such a mood?"
Theo stared at the ceiling. "Nothing."
Levi walked over and plopped down on the sofa next to him.
"Please, don't spare any details," he muttered.
Theo sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "It's Daphne."
"I've noticed she's not here," Levi nodded.
"We had a fight," Theo continued. "And I think I was too direct, too harsh."
"What happened?" Levi asked.
"I jumped the gun and drove into a situation I didn't think through," Theo said. "And I think I've done more damage than good."
"That bad, huh?" Levi stared at his brother's face. "Have you tried talking to her? Or apologizing?"
"She's not answering my calls," Theo said.
"Give her some time to cool down," Levi advised.
Theo sighed. "Yeah, maybe you're right."
Suddenly, Lily's laughter erupted from the backyard. It filled the quiet living room as the two brothers sat in the tastefully decorated home, each one lost in their own thoughts.
"So?" Theo turned his head toward Levi. "What's the matter with you?"
Levi stiffened, his eyes darting away from Theo's gaze. He didn't respond immediately. He just sat staring straight ahead as he often did when they were children. Theo waited, but Levi remained silent, his expression growing even more guarded.
"Is it Mason?" Theo pressed, trying to break through.
"No," Levi dismissed the assumption. "Just........some stuff with school. Nothing serious."
"Must be nice to have Evie back though, right?" Theo asked.
Levi's jaw tightened, and he looked away, his eyes hardening.
"Yeah," he said flatly. "Nice."
Theo raised an eyebrow, sensing the tension. "Don't tell me you two got into an argument already."
Taking in a deep breath, Levi ran a hand through his dark hair, "Let's just drop it. I don't want to talk about this right now."
Theo nodded, respecting his brother's wishes, "Fine. But just take it easy, yeah? You know how upset Evie gets when you two argue."
"There was no argument," Levi said defensively. "Why did you automatically assume we argued?"
"Because she hasn't spoken to you since she got here," Theo pointed out.
"She's with her fiance," Levi pointed out. "She hasn't spoken to anyone."
"She spoke to me," Theo said. "And to Lily and Mason."
Levi's jaw clenched. He peered at the door leading to the backyard as he pondered the thoughts running through his head.
"Do you think Mason slept with her?" He asked.
"Who?" Theo raised his brow.
"Evelyn."
Theo laughed, "Mason has slept with more people than we have fingers but I doubt he slept with Evie."
"I think he did," Levi said. "Two years ago. At Dad's birthday party."
"Did you ask either one of them?"
"No," Levi shook his head. "But I saw Evelyn coming out of his room in the morning."
"Just ask Mason," Theo sighed. "You know he won't lie."
"He would because he knew Evelyn was off limits," Levi said.
"Then ask Evie."
Levi's frown deepened. He returned to staring at nothing as his face fell. Silence fell over the room once again. Theo pulled out his phone and checked the screen, his heart sinking as he noticed the no replies from Daphne.
As the two brothers sat brewing in their misery, the back door opened and a tall seventeen-year-old with strawberry blonde hair and mossy green eyes walked in from the backyard.
"What are you two losers doing?" Rose Dimaggio, Theo and Levi's cousin, asked as she stepped over Theo's stretched legs and took a seat between the two.
Rose was a spitting image of her late aunt Stella. She had the same blonde hair, the same facial features, and the exact same smile. The only difference was the signature Silvano green eyes she had inherited from her mother.
"And then there were three," Theo chuckled.
"Please," Rose snorted. "I just raised the value of this sofa by gracing it with my presence."
"I heard Giovanni busted your night out," Levi remarked. "So sorry I wasn't there to witness your walk of shame back home."
"Levi, do you ever wonder what you would have been like if you had gotten enough oxygen in your brain during birth?" Rose asked.
Theo laughed.
"The question keeps me up at night, I swear," Rose said.
"I would be nicer to me if I were you," Levi flicked her forehead. "You'll need a lawyer with your record."
"Did you forget that you will be working for my mother?" Rose rubbed her forehead.
"Sorry to break it to you but your mother only handles cases of importance, which you're not."
"You would know all about being the overlooked one, wouldn't you?" Rose smiled.
"Okay, that's enough," Theo said, deciding to step in before Rose got too heated and decided to punch Levi in the face.
"Where's your girlfriend?" Rose asked, looking at Theo. "I heard she's better than the last mouth breather."
"Did you all collectively hate Ava?"
"Yes," Rose and Levi answered.
"And none of you thought to tell me?"
"I assumed you were into that stuff," Rose shrugged.
"What stuff?"
"Deformity."
"That's not nice," Theo corrected her.
"Don't be mad," Rose laughed. "We all have to kiss a few frogs before we find the one."
Theo sighed, shaking his head. "Well, Daphne is definitely not a frog."
"She better not be," Rose said, crossing her arms. "A person can only handle so much ugly before they pluck their eyes out."
"I'll be fine," Theo said.
"I was speaking about myself," Rose replied.
Before Theo could say anything else, the rest of the family began pouring into the room from the backyard. A light drizzle had begun and everyone shuffled in as the skies grew dreary and lights came on inside. Lily set down the camera and sank into the seat beside Rose as the two embraced and cuddled while everyone else began gathering around the table for lunch.
The room was filled with conversation and the sound of plates and forks. Theo hung back, his find drifting to Daphne once again. He began to wonder if she had eaten lunch or breakfast for that matter when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket.
Thinking it was her, Theo quickly pulled out the phone.
Marcus: Sorry, Sir. There was no answer at Ms. Dashwood's apartment.