Chapter 23
Lily
Two weeks had gone by since Lily's unsuccessful lunch date with Alexa, a disaster that had left her feeling more confused than ever. For the first two days afterward, she moped around her room, wrapped in blankets and scrolling mindlessly through her phone, too drained to do anything productive. Wendy eventually decided enough was enough and barged into Lily's room, announcing that she could no longer bear seeing her friend sulk. "We're going to the beach," she declared, pulling the blankets off the bed. Lily had reluctantly agreed, and the fresh ocean breeze had done wonders for her mood, though she wasn't quite ready to admit it at the time.
The next five days were more eventful, if only because Lily made a game out of avoiding Gabriel. Her daily routine had turned into an elaborate dance of dodging him, whether it meant hiding behind a corner in the hall or skipping classes altogether if she suspected he'd be there. It became an extreme sport, and Lily treated it with the same seriousness she might have for a competitive event. She knew his schedule by heart nowâwhat time he went to the cafeteria, which routes he took between classes, even the coffee shop he frequented. And, like clockwork, she planned her days to avoid crossing paths with him.
Sitting beside Wendy in study hall one afternoon, Lily absentmindedly scrolled through her phone while Wendy worked on her calculus homework. Every now and then, Lily would glance up, scanning the room just to be sure Gabriel wasn't lurking nearby. When Wendy finally looked up, she raised an eyebrow.
"Aren't you going to class?" Wendy asked, giving Lily a knowing look. It was already past time for her biology lecture.
"Nope," Lily shook her head and put her phone down with a sigh. "I don't want to see you-know-who. I'll wait until his class lets out."
Wendy leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, genuinely impressed. "Wow. I thought I would never see the day."
"I told you," Lily shrugged, picking up her bag and casually swinging it onto her shoulder. "I'm over him."
Wendy smirked, watching her with amusement. "I'm proud of you. Really. You're like a new woman."
As Lily walked around the table, Wendy couldn't resist delivering a playful smack to her butt. "Ow!" Lily yelped, glaring over her shoulder. "You hit really hard."
"Bet you like that, princess," Wendy winked.
Lily rubbed her butt with a prominent pout on her face. Despite the butt-smacking, she felt good about Wendy's words. She was a new woman. A strong independent woman who could hold her own and not let some guy throw her off.
As Lily walked toward the exit, she felt a strange mix of triumph and relief. That is, until she reached the door, and Gabriel walked in.
For a split second, everything froze. Her heart stuttered in her chest, that familiar flutter taking over her insides all over again. It was as if time had rewound, taking her back to all the moments she had spent hoping for his attention. Gabriel looked up and their eyes met. Oh, fuck me.
Gripping the strap of her bag and pushing her heart back into her chest, Lily quickly shoved the feeling away, refusing to let it take hold. Without a word, she turned on her heel and hurried back to Wendy, pretending not to have seen him at all.
"Forgot my notebook," she muttered, sliding back into her seat as if nothing had happened.
Wendy gave her a curious glance but said nothing, and Lily kept her eyes glued to the desk, ignoring the fact that her heart was still racing.
_________________________
Daphne
Daphne's mother loved the holiday season, making sure the house was decked out for each and every holiday. So, when Daphne came down the stairs and saw her father on the ladder, hanging Thanksgiving garlands and paper turkeys, she wasn't surprised. The familiar scent of cinnamon and pine filled the air, and soft holiday music played from the kitchen.
"Are those the turkeys I made in Kindergarten?" Daphne asked, pausing at the foot of the stairs, her eyes narrowing at the macaroni-covered craft dangling from her mother's hands.
"Yes, of course," Molly smiled, admiring the little turkey as if it were a prized heirloom.
Daphne scrunched her nose. "You can throw them away and get new decorations, you know."
"Or," Molly teased, eyes sparkling, "you could have a child, and they could make me new decorations."
"There are strict laws in this country about child labor, Mother," Daphne replied, laughing as she pulled her hair out from underneath her coat, the usual banter lifting her mood just a little.
"Where are you headed?" Molly asked, her eyes falling on Daphne's boots and cozy sweater, noticing her daughter was dressed for an outing.
"I ran into Logan in town," Daphne said casually, adjusting her scarf. "We're going out for a drink."
"Oh, that's nice, honey," Molly said, her tone immediately taking on a thoughtful lilt.
"Logan's a good kid," Bill chimed in from the ladder, holding up a string of garlands. "Always taking care of his grandma."
Molly's eyes brightened even more at her husband's words. "You should invite him over for dinner sometime, sweetie."
Daphne forced a smile, feeling a sudden discomfort creep in. She could see where this was going, and it wasn't a path she wanted to tread. "Mom, we're just having drinks."
Her mother's eyes gleamed with the kind of hope only parents could have. "Still, Logan's a wonderful boy. You two couldâ"
"Mom," Daphne cut her off gently, her mind already drifting somewhere else. She didn't like the idea of dating anyone right now, especially because every time her thoughts wandered in that direction, they seemed to circle back to Theo. It didn't matter how nice Logan was, or how many dinners her parents might want to invite him toâthere was only one person who seemed to linger in her mind these days. "I don't want to talk about thi-"
Daphne's words were cut off by a sudden knock on the door.
Molly smiled knowingly. "Would you look at that. Logan's here already," she said, her voice warm with expectation. Daphne, eager to escape the conversation, quickly made her way to the door, grateful for the interruption.
She swung it open, ready to greet Logan, but instead, she froze.
Standing there, looking effortlessly handsome, was Theo. He held a bouquet of vibrant flowers in his hand, their colors a stark contrast to the cool autumn air.
Theo stepped into the house as if he had done this a hundred times before. Before Daphne could form a coherent sentence, he hooked his arm around her waist, pulling her closer with an ease that sent her pulse racing. She gasped, the warmth of his touch lingering as he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, a gesture so natural it took her completely off guard.
"Hello, sweetheart," he murmured, flashing her that dazzling, charming smile that always seemed to disarm her.
Daphne's parents, Molly and Bill, stood by the stairs, their eyes wide with curiosity. Molly raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a surprised but intrigued smile, while Bill leaned against the ladder, watching the interaction with growing interest.
"Whatâwhat are you doing?" Daphne stammered, trying to regain her balance both physically and mentally, but Theo's arm remained securely around her waist.
"I wanted to surprise you," Theo said smoothly, turning to address her parents with that same easy confidence. "I've heard so much about you both. I thought it was time I finally met the wonderful people who raised this incredible woman."
Molly's face brightened immediately at his words. "Oh, hello!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
Daphne's heart raced as Theo turned to her, his expression relaxed and charming. "Aren't you going to make introductions?" he asked, his voice smooth and expectant, as if this entire situation was completely normal.
Daphne blinked, trying to gather her thoughts, but the warmth of his arm still firmly wrapped around her waist made it difficult to think clearly. Her eyes darted to her parents, who were now waiting expectantly as wellâMolly looking positively delighted, and Bill, though less expressive, still watching with keen interest.
"Uh, right," Daphne finally managed, swallowing hard. She took a small step forward, though Theo's hand remained on her back, steadying her. "Mom, Dad... this is Theo," she said, her voice sounding a little too high-pitched to her own ears. "Theo, these are my parents, Molly and Bill."
Molly practically glowed at the introduction, stepping forward with open arms. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Theo!" she said, her tone brimming with enthusiasm. "Daphne never mentioned she had such a handsome friend."
"Boyfriend," Theo corrected her politely as he accepted Molly's embrace with grace, his smile never fading. "And the pleasure's all mine," he replied, casting a quick glance at Daphne. He extended his hand to Bill next, who took it with a firm grip, his eyes narrowing just slightly in a way that only a father could manage when meeting a new man in his daughter's life.
"Good to meet you, son," Bill said, his voice neutral but thoughtful, sizing Theo up.
Theo didn't falter. "I've been looking forward to this for a while," he said smoothly. "Daphne speaks so highly of both of you."
Daphne's heart pounded harder. How was he doing this? How was he playing this role so effortlessly, as if they'd been together for years? She could barely keep up, her thoughts spinning in a whirlwind of confusion and nerves, yet Theo remained so composed, even leaning in to press another affectionate kiss to her temple, causing her breath to catch again.
"She does, does she?" Molly teased, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, we're just thrilled you're here. And so thoughtful too, coming with flowers!"
"Daphne and I wanted to surprise you," Theo said. "I hope she didn't spill the beans." Daphne could hardly believe this was happening.
"This is a surprise!" Molly clapped her hands together. "Oh, it's so nice to meet you. Please, come in, come in. Have a seat. Can I get you some coffee?"
"No coffee, thank you," Theo replied. "But I do have dinner reservations for all of us. That was the second surprise."
Molly's eyes lit up even more at Theo's words, her smile growing wider with each passing second. "Dinner reservations?" she echoed in delight. "Well, isn't that just the sweetest thing?"
Bill grinned. "That's thoughtful of you," he said approvingly.
"Of course," Theo smiled modestly. "I thought it would be nice and we can get to know one another. Although, I feel as if I already know you all so well."
Molly practically swooned at his words, her eyes brimming with excitement. "Well, I'm sure Daphne hasn't told you everything. But we're more than happy to get ready and go out!" She turned to Bill, giving him a gentle nudge. "Come on, honey, let's get ourselves together. We don't want to keep Theo waiting."
Bill nodded, giving Daphne a wink before following his wife upstairs. "We'll be quick," he promised. "You two stay comfortable down here."
As soon as her parents disappeared up the stairs, Daphne barely had time to react before Theo's hand wrapped firmly around her arm, pulling her into the living room. He moved with purpose, his grip unyielding as he led her away from the entrance and her parents' earshot. The warmth that had filled the house moments earlier evaporated, replaced by a cold tension.
"What the hell are youâ" Daphne began, trying to yank her arm free, but Theo was quicker, stepping forward and pinning her against the wall. Her back hit the surface with a soft thud, and her breath hitched in her throat. His body towered over her, and the usual lightness in his gaze was gone, replaced by something much darker. His eyes were stormy, his jaw clenched.
"You blocked me?" Theo's voice was low, but the intensity in it made Daphne's heart pound. There was no trace of the charming, effortless man who had been kissing her moments ago. Now, he was something elseâpossessive, demanding.
Daphne's pulse raced, her hands instinctively pressing against his chest as if to create some space between them, but Theo didn't budge. His gaze was locked on her, sharp and unrelenting, waiting for an answer.
"Iâ" Daphne scrambled for words, but nothing coherent came out. "I justâ"
"You blocked me," Theo repeated, his voice dripping with disbelief. His fingers tightened slightly around her arm. "And then you ran off here without telling me where you were going."
Daphne's eyes narrowed, her heart pounding in her chest as she looked up at him. "I needed space," she glared, trying to stay calm, but it was impossible with Theo standing so close.
Theo's eyes narrowed. "Space?" His lips twisted into a humorless smile. "You think blocking me and disappearing to your parents' house is the way to get space?"
He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "You don't just get to run away from me, Daphne."
Daphne's heart raced as she stared back at him, feeling trapped under the weight of his gaze.
Theo's grip on Daphne's arm loosened slightly, but the intensity in his eyes didn't waver. He leaned in closer, his face just inches from hers, his voice dropping even lower. "Do you have any idea about the hell I raised looking for you?"
Daphne's breath hitched, her heart fluttering wildly at his words. There was something raw and desperate in the way he spoke, something that made her chest tighten. Her lips parted, the question slipping out before she could stop herself.
"Why?" Her voice was barely a whisper, her pulse racing as she waited for his answer.
For a brief moment, the air between them seemed charged with something deeper, something unspoken. Her heart thudded in her chest, and a part of her dared to hope that there was more to the way he was looking at her now.
Theo's eyes flickered with something unreadable for a moment. He hesitated, the words caught in his throat. Daphne could see it, that tiny flicker of vulnerability, but it disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared. His jaw tightened.
"Because you signed a contract."
Theo said. His voice low but firm, as if trying to convince himself of the same.
"You can't just disappear on me like that. You don't get to shut me out, block my number, and run off without saying a word."
Daphne felt his words hit her like a punch to her chest. Her heart, which had been fluttering with an inexplicable hope, now wilted at his response. It was as if all the warmth had been sucked out of the room, leaving only the cold reminder of what their relationship really was. A business arrangement. A game of pretend.
Her gaze dropped from his, her chest tightening painfully. Of course. It wasn't about herâit was about the contract, the arrangement they'd made. She'd been foolish to think, even for a second, that there could be something more.
"Right," she murmured, her voice suddenly hollow. "The contract." She tried to pull her arm from his grasp, the sting of disappointment settling deep inside her.
"I didn't think it mattered where I went," she said, her voice a little sharper than intended. "I didn't realize you'd raise hell over it."
Theo stepped even closer, his hand resting against the wall beside her, boxing her in. His eyes darkened, frustration flashing across his features.
"It matters," he growled, his voice rough, "because whether you like it or not, you belong to me right now. You signed up for this, and I won't let you just walk away."
"I belong to you?" Daphne's anger flared, her eyes flashing with defiance. She straightened up, pushing herself off the wall as she stared Theo down, refusing to be intimidated by his proximity.
"I belong to you?" she repeated, her tone sharp and incredulous. "Excuse me?"
Theo didn't budge, his jaw tightening as he tried to hold her gaze, but Daphne was not about to back down. Her chest rose and fell with frustration, the heat of her anger rising to the surface. She jabbed a finger into his chest.
"I don't belong to anyone, least of all you," she snapped, her eyes narrowing as she took a step closer to him, challenging his words. "I signed a contract, Theo, not my life away. You don't own me, so don't even think for a second that you can control where I go or what I do."
Daphne didn't stop. She was on a roll, and her anger fueled her every word.
"You think you can just show up here with some lame ass flowers and act like you have any say over my life?" she continued, her voice biting. "Newsflash, Theodore: you're not the boss of me. So don't talk to me like I'm some possession you get to keep tabs on."
She took a deep breath, her chest heaving, her heart pounding with the rush of adrenaline.
"Whatever this is," she said, her voice firm but quieter now, "it's not about ownership. And if you want to keep pretending that it is, then maybe you should find someone else to play your little game with."
Theo's jaw clenched, his eyes stormy as Daphne's words cut through the air between them. He didn't flinch, but she could tell her words stung. He opened his mouth to reply when suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Molly coming down the stairs, her face etched with concern.
Theo's mind worked quickly, calculating how to diffuse the situation before Daphne's mother caught onto the tension between them. Without missing a beat, he grabbed Daphne by the waist and pulled her into him, pressing his lips firmly against hers in a swift, unexpected move.
Daphne's eyes widened in shock as Theo's mouth met hers, her pulse skyrocketing. For a split second, she froze, but then the warmth of his kiss, the way his hand cupped her lower back, made her heart leap. It was a possessive kiss, one meant to distract, to cover up the argument that had just taken place, but there was something beneath the surface.
When Theo finally pulled back, his lips barely grazing Daphne's as he whispered, "Are you done yet?"
Daphne's cheeks turned cheery red as her lips pinched and her eyes glared. She raised her hand to strike but Theo was faster. He lowered her wrist with one hand while his other hand grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her to his mouth again.
Before Daphne could react further, the sound of footsteps broke the tension, and both of them froze. Molly appeared in the doorway, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Daphne, honey," Molly called. "Everything alright? I thought I heard you yelling."
Daphne's breath hitched, but Theo, ever the quick thinker, released her wrist and turned to face Molly with a smile. His arm still rested casually around Daphne's waist, holding her close as if nothing had happened.
"Everything's fine, Mrs. Dashwood," Theo said smoothly, his voice dripping with confidence. "We were just... having a little disagreement about dinner plans, that's all."
Daphne, her cheeks still flushed from both the kiss and the argument, forced a smile and nodded quickly. "Yeah, Mom. It's nothing."
Theo chuckled softly, tightening his arm around her waist in what appeared to be a comforting gesture.
"I'm guessing you know all about her picky eating habits then," Molly chuckled, shaking her head. Her shoulders visibly relaxed, and her lips curved into a pleased smile.
"I'm growing familiar with it," Theo looked down at Daphne, who avoided eye contact. His heart sank as he listened to Molly's words, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. Picky eating? That wasn't it at all, and he knew it. The truth of Daphne's struggles was something much more serious, something that her mother clearly didn't understand.
He glanced down at Daphne, who still refused to meet his eyes. Her body language screamed discomfort, and the tension between them returned. She was withdrawing again, pulling away from the conversation and from him.
"How long as she been a picky eater?" Theo asked, trying to keep his voice casual, though the sadness was hard to mask. He hated that Molly seemed oblivious, that she thought Daphne's habits were something so simple and harmless.
"All her life!" Molly announced. "Even as a little girl, she'd pick at her food. Always pushing things around her plate, making sure nothing touched. You should've seen the fuss she made when we served her spaghetti onceâheaven forbid the sauce actually touched the noodles! Meal times were war zones in this house. She was always complaining about her food or not wanting dinner or not eating her lunch. This, that, this that."
Molly's tone was light, as if she were recalling a funny family anecdote, but Theo's stomach twisted.
He couldn't help but glance at Daphne again. She was clearly uncomfortable, her lips pressing into a thin line as her mother continued to reveal things she would rather keep private.
"I'm standing right here," Daphne said sharply, stepping out of Theo's hold and removing his hand from her back. Her eyes finally lifted to meet his, a mix of frustration and embarrassment flashing in them. "Can we not make this a topic of conversation?"
Theo swallowed the lump in his throat, his concern deepening. He hated seeing her so on edge, knowing that this wasn't just about being a picky eater. There was so much more she wasn't saying, and it hurt him that her mother couldn't see it. He didn't push back, though, not in front of Molly.
Molly, oblivious to the undercurrents between them, waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm just telling Theo what he's in for. It's not like it's a big deal."
Daphne's jaw clenched and Theo felt a pang of guilt rise up. He chuckled and shook his head as if to dispel the tension.
"So she was always a handful, huh?" He teased. "I bet she was a little troublemaker."
Molly's eyes lit up. "Oh, you have no idea! This one," she pointed to Daphne, who shifted uncomfortably, "used to run around the house with a crown on her head, insisting she was a queen and demanding that Bill and I call her 'Your Majesty.'"
Theo chuckled, glancing at Daphne, who was trying to suppress a smile despite her earlier annoyance.
"Why am I not shocked?" he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Daphne rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint flush of color creeping into her cheeks. "Mom, seriouslyâ"
"And then there was the time she tried to convince us that the neighbor's cat was her long-lost prince," Molly continued, clearly enjoying the moment. "She even made him a tiny little cape out of one of my kitchen towels!"
Theo threw his head back in laughter, his eyes glancing fondly at Daphne. "Now that, I would've paid to see."
Daphne groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Oh God, stop," she muttered, but there was a hint of laughter in her voice now, the tension slowly dissolving.
"Come on,'" Theo teased, leaning toward her with a smirk and a kiss on the forehead, "you've got to admit that's pretty adorable."
Molly laughed along, clearly thrilled to share these childhood memories. Daphne shook her head, but there was a small smile tugging at her lips. Theo's distraction had worked, and the atmosphere in the room lightened considerably. She glanced up at him, her earlier annoyance fading into a reluctant appreciation for how effortlessly he had managed to steer the conversation away from her discomfort.
"What's taking Bill so long?" Molly checked the clock. "I'll be right back you two."
"While you're at it, could you grab the baby album?" Theo called out after her.
"Don't!" Daphne protested as Theo laughed.
Molly's footsteps echoed up the stairs and disappeared. Daphne shifted her weight as she stared at the entrance, feeling Theo's eyes on the back of her head.
After a few long seconds filled with heavy silence, Theo cleared his throat. Daphne slowly turned to face him.
Theo stood there, his usual confidence slightly tempered as his eyes met hers. The tension from earlier still hung between them, but now it felt more fragile, as if it could be broken by a single word.
"Daphne," Theo started, his voice quieter now, the weight of sincerity replacing his earlier teasing. "About what I said earlierâwhen I mentioned you belonging to meâI didn't mean it like that."
Her brow arched instinctively, skepticism creeping into her posture as she folded her arms across her chest. "Then how did you mean it?" she challenged, her heart racing with a mix of curiosity.
"I was really worried about you," he admitted, his voice low and strained, and in that moment, the facade of his usual charm faded, revealing a vulnerability that stirred something inside her. "You have no idea what went through my head when I couldn't reach you. I called all of your friends, went by your place, combed through the city for hours trying to figure out where you were."
Daphne's breath hitched as she listened, her defenses beginning to crumble under the intensity of his gaze. She had always seen Theo as someone in control, someone who thrived on charm and bravado. But now, with every word he spoke, she felt as though she were peering into a part of him that he rarely allowed anyone to see.
He paused, running a frustrated hand through his hair, the gesture so endearing. "It wasn't just about the contract," he continued, locking eyes with her. "I didn't want anything to happen to you. I shouldn't have acted like that, but you scared the hell out of me."
Daphne's heart tightened at his words, a flutter of emotion dancing in her chest. The vulnerability in his tone disarmed her; it caught her off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless. She had expected anger. But instead, there was worry, genuine concern etched across his handsome features.
"I'm sorry," he finished, his gaze earnest. "I didn't mean to be such an ass. I just... I didn't know where you were, and it drove me insane."
A surge of warmth blossomed within her at his honesty. The intensity of the moment wrapped around them like a gentle embrace, and for the first time, Daphne felt herself leaning closer to him, her anger melting away like ice under the sun. The air crackled with an unspoken connection, the tension shifting from frustration to something electric.
"I completely disagree," Theo replied smoothly, his eyes glinting with mischief. He straightened up, holding his hands in front of himself as if to say he was innocent in all this. The corners of his lips twitched, trying their best to suppress a smile. "I don't want your parents to find out what's really going on here."
Daphne raised an eyebrow, feigning annoyance, but a small grin tugged at her lips despite herself. "And what exactly is going on here, Mr. Silvano? Do enlighten me."
Theo's smile broadened as he leaned in closer, his presence enveloping her. He stepped forward, bridging the gap between them, and lowered his mouth to her ear, his breath warm and inviting.
"What's really going on here," he whispered, his voice low and smooth, "is that I can't help but be drawn to you. Every time I see you, it's like a spark ignites, and I find myself wanting moreâmore of your laughter, more of your life. Just more and more and more..."
The way his lips brushed against her skin sent a tingling sensation racing down Daphne's spine. Her heart fluttered in response, a mix of excitement and vulnerability swirling within her.
"Trust me," he continued, his tone playful yet sincere, "if I'm being a little possessive, it's only because I'm not ready to share you with anyone else."
He straightened slightly, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. But just as quickly as he had made her speechless, Theo stepped aside and held out his arm for Molly, who was making her way down the stairs once more.
"Shall we?" Theo asked.
Speechless, Daphne turned toward her parents and Theo. She felt a warmth spread over her chest as Theo helped her mother into her coat and they all headed for the door. Bill draped his arm over Daphne's shoulder and squeezed, flashing her a proud and comforting smile.
"So where are we headed?" Molly asked.
"Do you guys like Italian?" Theo asked, pulling the door open. "Because I-"
Everyone paused as the door opened and Logan appeared.
"Oh," he said, lowering his hand. "Hey, Daphne."
Daphne didn't know what to say as she looked at Logan and then to the flowers he was holding."
How will Theo react to Logan? And How will Gabriel react to Lily ignoring him?