Chapter 25
Lily
Lily sat cross-legged on the soft, sun-dappled lawn of her college campus, tilting her head up to the sky. The air was warm, and Wendy and Alexa's laughter bubbled freely. The bright green grass contrasted with the blue sky above, and the sound of distant conversations and the rustling of leaves filled the space around them.
Lily leaned back on her palms, smiling at something Wendy had said when a peculiar sensation tugged at her. It was as if she could feel eyes on her. The laughter of her friends faded slightly in her ears as she glanced around, her heart giving a sudden jolt when her gaze landed on Gabriel.
He was standing at a distance, casually leaned against his motorcycle, arms crossed over his chest. His dark eyes were fixed on her, a knowing look in them that made her heart skip a beat despite herself. The leather jacket he wore, along with the sleek motorcycle, gave him a rugged, effortless aura, but Lily forced herself to turn away, willing her expression to remain composed.
She took a deep breath, ignoring the subtle thrill that rippled through her, and refocused on Alexa, her laugh sounding louder than before, determined to push Gabriel out of her thoughts. Wendy noticed the brief shift in Lily's demeanor but said nothing, and the easy conversation continued, though the feeling of being watched lingered in the back of Lily's mind.
________________________
Theo
"So," Molly smiled, setting down her wine glass and leaning in curiously, "How did you two meet?"
Daphne's gaze instinctively flickered toward Theo. The soft candlelight caught his features just right, making his dark eyes shimmer as he smiled slowly, his expression full of ease. He scratched the spot above his brow, his familiar habit calming her racing thoughts for a brief moment.
"Long story," Theo chuckled, glancing at Daphne. "But the shorter version is that we were introduced by a mutual friend. Funny thing, neither of us was particularly interested at first." He paused, locking eyes with her for a split second, before continuing, "But then, something clicked."
Daphne's chest tightened as she watched him speak. His words felt so genuine, like the truth was hidden somewhere within them. She could almost believe that there had been a moment like thatâa spark between them. She wished it were true, wished that their laughter, their shared glances, and the chemistry that felt so natural were real.
Daphne could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her palms growing slightly clammy under the table as Theo's voice washed over her. The candlelight flickered, reflecting in his eyes as he played the part of the charming boyfriend so convincingly that even she had to remind herself this wasn't real. Her parents were watching them, hanging on to Theo's every word with rapt interest.
Molly's smile widened. "Oh, I love a good 'we weren't interested at first' story," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "So what changed?" She leaned forward slightly, glancing between Daphne and Theo, eager for details.
Theo gave a thoughtful hum, his eyes drifting back to Daphne as if he were replaying some distant memory.
"Well," he began, his voice softer now, "I think it was the little things, you know? The way she'd laugh at all the wrong moments during a movie, or how she'd always get so passionate about the smallest topics, like the recent stock market crash." He chuckled, glancing at Daphne with that familiar teasing smile, and for a second, it felt like they really were reliving those moments.
Daphne's throat tightened. It was hard to look away from him, harder still to keep herself from getting swept up in the make-believe world he was spinning. She forced a smile and added, "And then he started showing up everywhere I went. Couldn't seem to shake him after that."
Bill, who had been mostly quiet until now, chuckled and leaned back in his chair. "That's persistence. Gotta admire that," he said, looking over at Theo with approval. "So, you're telling me she didn't scare you off with all her quirks?"
Theo grinned, shaking his head. "Nope, not at all. If anything, it made me more interested. She's one of a kind. In all my years, I have never met anyone like her."
His gaze softened, and for a moment, Daphne felt her breath catch in her throat. Was he just playing his part, or was there something more behind that look?
Molly clapped her hands together, clearly charmed. "Well, I think it's sweet. Daphne's always been a tough one to pin down. She's got her own way of doing things, and I'm glad you appreciate that, Theo."
Daphne's pulse raced as she tried to focus on the conversation, her head spinning slightly. Theo's hand suddenly brushed against hers under the table, a small, reassuring touch that sent a shiver down her spine. He turned to her with a smirk and added, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Her parents were delighted, completely sold on the fantasy they were presenting, while Daphne sat there trying to untangle her emotions. Every word Theo said pulled her deeper into the story, but with each passing moment, she found herself wishing more and more that it could be real.
______________________________
Lily
Lily hurriedly shoved her books and laptop into her bag, her heart racing with the pressure of needing to get out of the classroom. She had been avoiding this moment all day, trying her best to steer clear of any chance encounters, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to go wrong. As soon as the professor dismissed the class, she bolted out of her seat, slinging her bag over her shoulder and weaving her way through the throng of students filing out.
Her thoughts were scattered, a mix of relief at escaping the lecture hall and frustration at how tense she felt lately. With her head down, she barely registered the footsteps outside the classroom until it was too late. Just as she reached the hallway, she collided into something solidâsomeoneâso hard that it nearly knocked her back.
Her bag slipped from her shoulder, and dropped to her bent elbow. Startled, Lily looked up, her breath catching in her throat when her eyes met Gabriel's.
He was standing right in front of her, his expression unreadable as he stared down at her with those dark, penetrating eyes. The brief flash of surprise on his face vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his usual guarded demeanor.
They didn't speakâjust stood there, locked in a strange, heavy silence as if the world around them had paused. Her heart pounded in her chest, but not in the same way it used to. Now, it was a mix of irritation and that lingering sense of something unresolved between them. She tried to catch her breath, but all she could feel was the tension radiating off him, stirring something she didn't want to acknowledge.
Slowly, Gabriel raised his hand and grabbed the straps of Lily's bag. He didn't look away from her as he pulled the straps up and placed it back on her shoulder. Lily held her breath, her heart pounding and her throat running dry.
"Watch where you're going," Gabriel muttered, his voice low but pointed, his expression cold.
Lily's jaw clenched as she felt her irritation rise. She didn't respond, biting her tongue instead, but she was burning inside. Without waiting for her to recover or offer any explanation, Gabriel stepped around her and walked away, leaving her standing there, shaking her head in disbelief.
Lily exhaled sharply, the sting of his words lingering in the air, her frustration building as her lips pinched and she clenched her jaw.
"Watch where you're going," she called out. "Asshole."
Gabriel was the last person she wanted to deal with, and yet, there he was againâinvading her thoughts, her space, and leaving her feeling more rattled than she cared to admit.
_____________________
Theo
As the car rolled to a smooth stop in front of Daphne's parents' house, the soft hum of the engine faded, leaving a quiet stillness that made Daphne all too aware of the thudding in her chest. She swallowed the lump in her throat, her heart beating faster than she wanted to admit. Turning toward Theo, she glanced at him, studying the casual way he leaned back against the seat, completely unaware of the effect he had on her.
"Thank you," Daphne said, her voice softer than she intended, betraying the growing feelings she hadn't yet come to terms with. "For dinner and for everything else."
Theo's lips curved into a lazy half-smile, his dark eyes flickering toward her for a moment before he leaned his head back against the seat, completely relaxed. That simple, effortless movementâso casual and unintentionalâmade Daphne's pulse quicken, her breath catching in her throat as she watched him. He had no idea how he was unraveling her with every small gesture, and that made it all the harder for her to keep her feelings in check.
"You're welcome," Theo replied, his voice smooth and deep, unknowingly sending a flutter through her. "But just know that we're still leaving tomorrow."
Daphne nodded, trying to steady herself.
"I'll pick you up after breakfast?"
"You're notâ" Daphne started, but hesitated, her brows knitting together in uncertainty. The words felt awkward on her tongue, but she couldn't stop herself from asking. "You're not... staying?"
Theo raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. He didn't quite understand what she was getting at.
"Here?" Daphne asked. "With me... I mean with us?"
Daphne's heart was in her throat now, the words slipping out before she could take them back. There was a vulnerability in the way she looked at him, almost as if she wished he would say yes, that he would stay.
"No," he said simply, shaking his head slightly. "I'm staying at a hotel."
The answer felt like a weight settling in Daphne's chest, though she tried to hide her disappointment. For a second, she wished the lines between their fake relationship and real feelings could blur. But instead, she nodded quietly, masking the emotions threatening to bubble over.
Theo, still unaware of her inner turmoil, let his eyes wander toward the house. "I'll see you in the morning, then."
Daphne offered him a small smile and shook off the new and confusing emotions on her mind. "Yeah, see you in the morning."
As she stepped out of the car and closed the door behind her, the cool night air hit her, but it did nothing to calm the whirlwind of feelings building inside. Watching the taillights of Theo's car fade into the distance, Daphne couldn't help but wonder how much longer she could keep pretending her feelings weren't shiftingâhow much longer she could pretend that their fake relationship didn't mean more to her than it should.
After a few minutes, Daphne let out a heavy sigh and stepped through the door. Her parents were in the kitchen, still chatting about dinner and the jokes Theo made. She felt her heart warm as she thought of them. Theo had gone above and beyond to make an impression on them and they were impressed.
"This was such a nice evening," Molly gushed. "I love him. He's so wonderful, Daph."
"He really is," Daphne nodded, taking a seat on the edge of the sofa.
"I can't believe you didn't tell us about him."
"We wanted it to be a surprise," Daphne shrugged and stuck to Theo's story. She smiled faintly as deep down, a knot of unease was starting to form. How long could they keep this charade going?
After a few more minutes of lighthearted conversation, Daphne excused herself, claiming she was tired from the long day. She exchanged hugs with her parents and retreated to her room, her mind still swirling with everything that had happened. Once inside, she closed the door softly behind her, the quiet of her bedroom pressing in as she leaned against the door, sighing heavily.
Her room was warm and inviting, the soft light of the bedside lamp casting a gentle glow across her neatly made bed. But despite the comfort of her surroundings, Daphne felt restless. She changed into her pajamas, the cozy fabric offering little relief to the turmoil inside her. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she stared down at her phone, half expecting a message from Theo. But nothing came.
With another sigh, she climbed under the covers, pulling the blankets tightly around herself as if they could shield her from her own thoughts. But as much as she tried to relax, sleep wouldn't come. Instead, her mind kept wandering back to Theoâthe way his smile reached his eyes when he was teasing her, the warmth of his hand on her back when he pulled her close for her parents to see. How easily he had slipped into the role of someone who cared about her.
Stop, she scolded herself silently, turning over in bed and pressing her cheek against the cool pillow. But it didn't help. The image of him wouldn't leave her mindâhis voice, his touch, his presence all too vivid in her memory.
After a few long hours of tossing and turning, Daphne let out a frustrated sigh, staring up at the ceiling. She picked up her phone and quickly typed up a text. Before her mind could talk her out of it, she pressed send.
Daphne: Are we flying tomorrow or driving back to New York?
Daphne began to chew on her bottom lip as she waited for a reply. She knew Theo was a night owl. He was probably up, his eyes glued to his laptop and papers all around hi-
Daphne sat up as her phone began to ring. She gripped it in her hands as Theo's name popped up on the screen.
"Hello?" She answered.
"Why are you up so late?" Theo asked, the amusement in his voice evident.
"Why are you up so late?" Daphne leaned back against her pillow.
"Can't sleep," Theo answered.
"Same," Daphne replied, her hands toying with the buttons of her pajama.
Theo chuckled softly on the other end of the line, his voice low and smooth. "And here I thought I was the only one burning the midnight oil."
Daphne smiled to herself, tracing the edge of her pillow with one hand. "You? The only one with insomnia? Please. I bet you're working right now, aren't you? Surrounded by papers and your laptop?"
There was a brief pause before Theo replied, "Guilty. But you've distracted me. I'm thinking of something a lot more interesting than my work right now."
"Oh?" Daphne smiled. "And what might that be?"
Theo let out a slow, deliberate breath, the sound crackling through the speaker. "You, obviously."
"What are you thinking about me?" Daphne asked. "Better not be something perverted, Theodor."
Theo chuckled, "I'm wondering why you're still awake."
"I told you," Daphne rolled onto her belly. "I can't sleep."
"Hmm," Theo hummed.
A small stretch of silence appeared. Neither one seemed to mind as they each toyed with something nearby. It was a long few seconds before Theo spoke again.
"Did you enjoy dinner?" He asked.
"Very much, yes," Daphne nodded.
"Good."
"I'm sad we didn't stay for dessert."
"What?" Theo's voice was coated with a hint of surprise.
"Rosa's makes really good desserts," Daphne replied. "Anyways, I just wanted to know if we were driving back tomorrow or flying."
"I'll let you decide," Theo said. "Either way, it'll be just the two of us."
"I see..." Daphne bit down on her bottom lip to stop herself from grinning. "Okay....I'll let you go back to work then."
"Are you going to sleep?"
"Probably not," Daphne sighed. "Why?"
"Just wondering," Theo replied. "I really like your parents by the way."
"Thank you," Daphne laughed. "They really like you too. Especially my mom."
"Oh yeah?" Theo laughed. "What did she say?"
"She thinks you're a gentleman and very charming and very handsome," Daphne sighed again.
"And what did you say?"
"You're okay."
"Just okay?" Theo pushed, teasing her.
"I told her you're bossy."
"Is the pot calling the kettle black?"
"I am not bossy," Daphne gasped.
"I wasn't complaining," he said smoothly, his voice lowering a notch. "You can boss me around anytime."
Daphne's heart skipped a beat at the way he said it, her fingers playing with the edge of her blanket. "You don't mind a little bossiness?"
"Not when it's you," Theo replied, his voice teasing. "Besides, I like the way you handle things."
Daphne felt her cheeks flush. "I'm not sure if that's a compliment or if you're just trying to charm your way into getting what you want."
"Can't it be both?" Theo quipped, his voice smooth and confident. "And what is it that I want, Ms. Dashwood?"
"I don't know," Daphne chewed on her bottom lip. "What can a man who has it all want?"
"You...."
Daphne's heart stopped.
"Need to go to sleep now," Theo finished.
Daphne let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, her heart racing from the playful tension. "You're terrible," she whispered, half-relieved and half-disappointed.
Theo's laugh was low and smooth through the phone. "Am I? Or are you just waiting for me to say something else?"
She shook her head, even though he couldn't see her, her fingers still tracing the edge of her blanket. "I'm hanging up."
"No, you're not," Theo replied, his voice teasing. "You're still talking to me."
Daphne smiled despite herself. "Fine, but I really should."
"Not yet," Theo said. "Stay on the phone with me for a little longer?"
Daphne furrowed her brow, curious. "Why?"
"You'll see," he replied cryptically, his voice smooth and confident, keeping her hooked just enough to wonder what he was planning.
"Theo..." she started, her tone half-warning, half-curious. "What are you doing?"
"Just stay on the phone," he repeated, the sound of a car engine faintly humming in the background. "Trust me."
Daphne shifted in bed, sitting up a little straighter now. "Are you driving?"
"Maybe," he answered casually, though there was a smile in his voice.
"Where are you going?" she asked, her heart beginning to race with anticipation.
"To see you, of course," Theo said, the playfulness returning to his voice.
Daphne's eyes widened, her heart thudding in her chest. "You're kidding."
"No," Theo replied, sounding all too pleased with himself. "You said you were sad we didn't stay for dessert, so I'm fixing that."
She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face, even as she rolled her eyes. "You can't be serious."
"You actually want to eat something and it's dessert, my favorite thing in the whole world. Do you really think I'm going to let this opportunity pass?" Theo asked, his voice full of that familiar charm. "I'll be there in ten."
Daphne sat up fully now, her hands nervously playing with the fabric of her blanket. "You're really coming over? At this hour?"
"Stay on the phone with me until I get there?" Theo requested, his voice soft but full of intention.
Daphne's heart fluttered, the mix of excitement and disbelief swirling inside her. "I can't believe you're doing this," she murmured, half-laughing.
"Well, believe it," Theo replied smoothly. "Now, go grab a coat and meet me outside."
As soon as Theo's words registered, Daphne's pulse quickened. She glanced down at her oversized, comfy pajamasâdefinitely not what she wanted to be wearing when he arrived. Her mind raced, and she quickly slid out of bed, her heart pounding in her chest.
"I'll be there in five," Theo added, the low rumble of his voice sending shivers down her spine.
"Okay," Daphne muttered, trying to sound calm as she ended the call. But the moment the phone disconnected, she sprung into action, flinging open her closet. Her fingers skimmed through her clothes in a frenzy before landing on her favorite set of sexy pajamasâsilky, black with delicate lace trim. Perfect. She'd worn them before but never with anyone in mind. Now, she felt a new surge of excitement and nerves as she quickly changed, slipping into the luxurious fabric.
Daphne caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and smiled at the transformation. The way the fabric hugged her curves made her feel confident, a little daring even. She ran a hand through her hair, tousling it slightly for a more effortless look, and grabbed a coat to throw over her pajamas.
She hurried to the front door, the thrill of it all coursing through her veins, before pausing to catch her breath. Her fingers fumbled with the lock as she peered out the window, waiting for Theo's car to appear. She felt the chill of the night air as she stepped outside, tightening her coat around her, her bare legs beneath it brushing against the cool fabric.
Just as she was about to check her phone, she saw headlights approaching, casting long beams across the driveway. Her heart thudded as Theo's sleek car pulled up, coming to a slow stop right in front of her house.
The car door opened, and Theo stepped out, holding a small bag, his eyes instantly locking onto her. Even in the dim light, Daphne could see the way his gaze swept over her, lingering on the edges of her coat, as if trying to guess what was underneath. She walked toward him, feeling the heat of his stare.
Theo grinned, leaning casually against the car. "Nice coat."
Daphne felt her cheeks flush, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Thanks. What's in the bag?"
"Chocolate cake," he said, lifting it up. His eyes sparkled with mischief. "And some chocolate-covered strawberries."
Daphne's smirk deepened as she nodded toward the car. "In there?"
Theo chuckled, opening the passenger door for her. "After you, Ms. Dashwood."
She slid into the seat, her coat brushing against the smooth leather as she adjusted herself, conscious of the way her silk slip dress clung to her body underneath. Theo rounded the car and slipped into the driver's seat, setting the small bag of dessert between them. He glanced over at her, his eyes lingering just a little longer than necessary.
"So, chocolate cake, huh?" Daphne teased, eyeing the bag.
"And strawberries," Theo added with a grin, pulling out a small container of chocolate-covered strawberries. "Thought I'd give you options."
Daphne laughed softly, reaching for one of the strawberries. The sweet, dark chocolate melted on her tongue as she took a bite. She could feel Theo's eyes on her, the weight of his gaze heavy as she savored the treat. She glanced at him through her lashes, and her coat shifted slightly, revealing the delicate lace trim of her silk slip underneath.
Theo's breath hitched almost imperceptibly, but Daphne caught it. His eyes darkened with a gleam, and she could feel the tension rise between them, thick and palpable in the small space of the car.
"Good?" he asked, his voice huskier now, the playful edge replaced with something more intense.
"Mmhm," Daphne replied, licking a bit of chocolate off her lip, fully aware of the effect she was having on him. She reached for another strawberry, purposefully letting her coat slide open a little more.
Theo's gaze followed the movement, his jaw tightening as he watched her. She leaned back in her seat, taking a bite of the strawberry, her lips grazing the chocolate with slow precision. She didn't miss the way his eyes trailed along the curves of her body or the way they lingered on her lips parting for the strawberry.
"Are you going to have some?" Daphne asked innocently, holding the next strawberry between her fingers, and offering it to him.
Theo leaned in slightly, his gaze never leaving hers as he took the strawberry from her hand with his mouth, his lips grazing her fingertips in the process. The small contact sent a jolt of heat through Daphne's body, her pulse quickening.
"Good?" Daphne's cleared her throat.
"Very," Theo nodded, sucking the chocolate off the pad of his thumb.
Daphne's breath caught. She smiled and looked away as Theo pulled out the slice of cake.
"Ladies first," he said, handing her a spoon.
"I'm actually full," Daphne sighed as her hands came to rest on her belly.
"Daphne," Theo frowned. "You can't be full from two strawberries."
"But I am."
Theo's frown deepened as he studied her, his eyes softening with concern. He set the slice of cake down for a moment, reaching over to gently touch her hand where it rested on her belly.
"You barely ate at dinner today," he said quietly, his voice tender yet firm.
Daphne's gaze dropped, her fingers instinctively curling away. The familiar pang of guilt and anxiety washed over her, making her want to shrink into herself. She knew he was right, but the feeling of fullnessâwhether real or imaginedâwas something she couldn't shake.
Theo's hand remained steady on hers, his warmth grounding her. He didn't push, but the silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words. Finally, she glanced up, her eyes meeting his. His usual teasing expression was gone, replaced by something deeper, something protective.
"Let me take care of you," he said softly, lifting the fork with a small bite of the chocolate cake. His eyes never left hers, filled with a quiet intensity that made her chest tighten. "I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to do this alone."
Daphne's lips parted, her heart pounding at the vulnerability in his words. She wanted to argue, to pull away, but the way Theo looked at herâsteady, unwaveringâmade her feel safe in a way she hadn't expected. The walls she had so carefully built around herself seemed to crumble, brick by brick.
"I'm not here to judge or pressure you," Theo continued, his voice gentle as he brought the fork closer to her lips. "But I want you to know, I'll always be here. No matter what."
Her throat tightened as she stared at the cake in front of her, her fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against the edge of his.
Taking a deep breath, Daphne leaned in and took the bite, the rich, velvety taste of chocolate melting on her tongue. Theo's gaze softened further, and he gave her a small, reassuring smile.
"That's my girl," he whispered, his voice filled with affection. He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch gentle and calming. "We'll take it one step at a time. I'll always make sure you're okay."
Daphne blinked, her eyes misting over with emotion. She gave him a small, grateful smile, the weight in her chest easing just a little.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with sincerity.
Theo nodded, leaning in wipe the chocolate off the corner of her mouth.
"Always," he murmured, his words a quiet promise.
Do you want a Theo?