Chapter 34
Theo
Daphne held her phone to her ear, nodding in response to Susan. "Yes, I received the file," she said, her tone professional, though her gaze flickered toward Theo, who sat beside her in the driver's seat, looking effortlessly handsome. His shirt was rolled up at the sleeves, revealing the toned muscles of his forearms, and the focused look on his face sent a pleasant flutter through her chest.
As she listened, Daphne reached out instinctively, threading her fingers into Theo's dark hair, her nails grazing the nape of his neck. She watched his shoulders relax, and a slow, teasing smile curved the corner of his mouth, his gaze never leaving the road. She felt a thrill at the effect she had on him, savoring his calm, composed response to her touch.
"Thank you, Susan," she said, unable to keep the small smile from her voice. "We'll be in touch soon." Daphne ended the call and, without a second thought, tossed her phone into the cupholder, shifting her attention fully to Theo.
As they came to a stop at a red light, Daphne leaned across the console and brought her lips to his, capturing him in a soft, lingering kiss. Theo's grin widened as he welcomed her, one hand instinctively reaching for her waist, pulling her closer. The kiss deepened, charged with unspoken affection as they shared this quiet moment together, her hand still tangled in his hair.
After a long, tender pause, Daphne pulled back, her heart racing. Theo's eyes sparkled as he looked at her, the warm smile on his face radiating pure contentment.
"Yes?" Theo arched his brow teasingly.
Daphne felt a playful smile tugging at her lips as she met Theo's gaze, still tasting the warmth of their kiss. She raised an eyebrow, mimicking his teasing expression.
"Yes," she replied, voice soft but filled with affection. "You're just... really distracting."
Theo's hand stayed at her waist, his thumb tracing small, soothing circles that sent sparks up her spine.
"I could say the same about you," he murmured, his voice low and warm. "Every time I look over, you make it impossible to focus on the road."
She laughed, leaning back into her seat but keeping her hand resting on his arm. "Well, you've managed pretty well so far, haven't you?"
The light turned green, and Theo cast her a quick, smoldering glance before returning his focus to the road.
"Barely," he admitted, his tone playful yet laced with sincerity.
Daphne's heart skipped a beat at his words. She squeezed his arm, feeling a rush of warmth in her chest.
"Good," she said softly. "Now, focus, or we'll never get to Lily."
Theo chuckled, a rich, deep sound that made Daphne's heart flutter all over again. Still smiling, he kept one hand on the wheel but let the other rest on hers, their fingers intertwined in a steady, comfortable hold. After a moment, he nodded toward the glove compartment.
"Open the glove box," he murmured, a hint of mischief in his voice, his eyes never leaving the road.
Curious, Daphne reached over and popped open the compartment. Inside was a small, velvet box. Her heart skipped as she pulled it out, glancing over at him with a questioning look.
"Go on," he encouraged, his voice soft but laced with anticipation.
She opened the box, and her breath caught as she took in the sight of a stunning diamond bracelet. The stones glistened, each one impeccably set in a sleek, delicate band of platinum that shimmered in the low light of the car. The sheer elegance and lavishness of it made her speechless.
"Theo..." she whispered, glancing up at him, overwhelmed. "This is... I don't even know what to say."
He chuckled softly, that deep, rich sound that always seemed to settle her nerves and send her heart racing at once.
"You don't have to say anything," he replied, glancing at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road. "Just let me spoil you a little."
Daphne carefully lifted the bracelet out of its box, the diamonds catching the light and casting tiny reflections across her skin. She turned it over in her hands, admiring the intricate detail, her voice barely a whisper. "This is so beautiful."
Theo watched her with a gentle smile, his gaze warm and focused. "Put it on," he said softly, releasing her hand so she could slip the bracelet onto her wrist.
Daphne fastened the clasp and let the cool weight of the bracelet settled into place. She held out her wrist in the sunlight and admired the bracelet, marveling at how perfectly it fit.
Theo reached for her wrist, his fingers grazing her skin as he held her hand up, studying the bracelet on her like it was meant to be there all along. He lifted her wrist to his lips and pressed a tender kiss just above the delicate chain, his lips warm against her skin.
"The first of many," he promised, his eyes meeting hers.
Daphne felt her heart race, her chest tightening with a surge of emotion she could hardly name. She managed a soft, grateful smile, her fingers instinctively closing around his.
"Thank you," she said, leaning her head back. "It's beautiful."
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Lily
Lily moved through her room with purpose, tossing her makeup and cllothes into her suitcase. Her movements were sharp and focused, her gaze steady as she scanned her closet for anything else she might need for a few chilly days in New York with her family. Wendy sat cross-legged on her bed, quiet and reserved as always as she watched her friend pack, her hands playing idly with the frayed edges of a throw pillow.
"Everything alright?" Lily asked, glancing at Wendy over her shoulder. "You're not packing?"
Wendy shrugged, her smile faint but brittle. "Yeah, I just... I don't really want to go home for Thanksgiving." She hesitated, the words slipping out before she could stop herself. "My parents, you know how they are. It's just... exhausting."
Lily paused, taking in the sadness in Wendy's voice, the slump of her shoulders. Her eyes watched the dreary look on her best friend's face and her heart sank to the pit of her stomach.
"Come with me to New York," she offered, her tone bright and inviting. "You can spend Thanksgiving with us. And then we're going to skiing in Aspen. It'll be so much fun, I promise."
Wendy bit her lip and shook her head.
"Why not?" Lily demanded.
"I would be intruding on your family time."
"Wendy, please. My parents would love to have you," Lily dropped the dress she was holding and made her way over to Wendy. "And you deserve a break from... well, all of it."
"Thanks," Wendy chuckled. "But I'll pass."
Lily placed a gentle hand on her friend's arm and looked into her eyes. She gave Wendy a reassuring squeeze. "You're not intruding on anyone. My parents will be so happy."
"No, I'm really fine," Wendy shook her head.
"Stop being stubborn!" Lily stomped her feet.
"Did you seriously just do that?" Wendy arched her brow. "How old are you?"
"You're coming to New York," Lily said. "And I'm packing for you."
"Lily-"
Just as Wendy tried to finish her sentence, they heard a loud knock on their door, followed by Daphne and Theo's voice. Lily perked up, her stubborn pout turning into a grin.
"Perfect timing," she declared, hurrying toward the door. "You can't argue with Theo!"
Throwing the door open, Lily greeted her brother and his girlfriend with a bright smile.
"Thank god, you're here," she said.
"Ready to go?" Theo asked. He looked over Lily's head and nodded toward the other girl. "Hey, Wendy."
"Hi," Wendy waved from inside the room.
"Daphne, this is Wendy," Lily introduced. "Wendy, this is Daphne, Theo's girlfriend."
"Jesus," Wendy laughed. "Do your parents collect hot people like trophies in your family?"
Daphne laughed, shaking her head as she extended a hand to Wendy. "I see Lily has added you as her contribution to the collection," she teased, casting a warm smile that made Wendy feel instantly comfortable. "Hi. Nice to meet you. Lily has told me a lot about you."
"I feel like we're practically family," Wendy joked. "I've herald a lot about you from Lily too."
Lily rolled her eyes playfully. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Wendy. But while we're on the topic of families, you're not getting out of this. Theo, tell her she's coming with us."
"Lily, stop," Wendy frowned.
Ignoring her friend, Lily stared at her brother, "I invited Wedny to spend the weekend with us at home and in Aspen but she's hesitating. Something about intruding on family time."
Theo arched an eyebrow at Wendy, his expression both gentle and persuasive, "Don't be silly. We have a huge family and our parents love hosting."
"See," Lily looked toward her friend. "You and I can share my room and you will get to meet Rose. It will be so much fun."
Theo and Daphne watched the hesitation in Wendy's eyes as she shifted her weight.
"Wendy, if you don't come, Lily's going to spend the whole trip complaining," Theo said.
Wendy bite down on her bottom lip, glancing at them and then at Lily's determined face. "I don't know, I'd beâ"
"Nope!" Lily interjected, grabbing Wendy's hand. "You're going, and that's final. No 'I'd be intruding,' no 'what ifs.' You need a break, and we're not taking 'no' for an answer."
Theo shrugged with an easy grin. "There you have it. Resistance is futile."
Wendy looked at the three of them, unable to help the small smile spreading across her face. "Fine, fine. I surrender!"
Lily squealed, pulling Wendy into a hug. "This is going to be so much fun!"
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Evie
Levi: Race you down Longhorn Peak?
Evie: Are you sure you won't cry this time too?
Levi: I've waited a very long time to beat you.
Evie: I still hold the record for fastest skier.
Levi: We'll see for how long this weekend.
Evie's lips curving into a soft smile as she read Levi's message. Her heart fluttered with a familiar warmth, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. She felt a rush of excitement as she thought about the upcoming weekend with her friends. Memories flooded her mindâshe could almost feel the crisp mountain air, hear the crunch of snow beneath her skis, and see the breathtaking peaks stretching out against a clear blue sky. She'd been skiing for as long as she could remember, and some of her fondest memories were from those trips with Levi and his family, racing down the slopes together, both of them laughing and competing as if they were the only two people on the mountain.
"Evie," Harry cleared his throat, his eyes flicking pointedly at her phone.
"Ohâsorry!" Evie muttered, slipping her phone into her bag with a faintly apologetic look. She settled back into her seat, but the faint glow of that message lingered, casting a small spark in her eyes. "Levi challenged me to race him dow-"
Harry barely waited for her to finish before rolling his eyes. "This ski trip you roped me into is going to be a nightmare. Why do we even have to go with such a huge crowd?" he complained, picking at his food with a disinterested sigh. "You know I'm not a fan of spending days doing nothing but slipping around on ice with a bunch of strangers."
Evie's smile faded as she looked up at him. "It was Ava's idea. She planned everything for us. She thought it'd be fun."
"She thought it'd be fun," Harry repeated, tone dripping with sarcasm. "But did I get a say in any of it? Not even a little bit." He waved his hand dismissively. "If Ava thinks it's so great, she can go herself. You all just drag me along without thinking."
Evie's shoulders tensed, "Harry, it's just one weekend. I thought you'd be willing to try. That's what you promised me, no?"
"It's exhausting," Harry muttered.
"Yes, because I am having the time of my life planning this wedding, acting as your perfect bride, doing everything our parents want, and getting dragged through the mud in the British tabloids as the 'American Bride'."
Evie's words hung in the air, her voice laced with frustration. The tension in the room seemed to crackle, and Harry shifted uncomfortably, glancing down at his plate as he processed her outburst.
After a beat, he let out a sigh, his hardened expression softening as he glanced up at her. "Evie," he began, his tone quieter, almost hesitant. "I'm sorry."
He reached out, his hand brushing hers lightly in an attempt to bridge the distance between them.
Evie pulled her hand away, keeping her gaze lowered and her lips pressed into a thin line. Harry cleared his throat, as if gathering the right words, his voice gentler now. "This all has been a bit unfair to you, hasn't it?"
Evie raised her brow, "A bit?"
"It's not really a walk in the park for me either, you know," Harry frowned. "I mean I'm here in New York when I much rather be in London."
"That wasn't my doing," Evie shook her head. "Your parents wanted us to get married in New York."
"But you didn't really protest the idea."
"Why would I?"
Harry's frown deepened, and he let out a small, bitter laugh as he ran a hand through his hair, avoiding her gaze. "Yes, why would you when the decision worked in your favor," he said, his voice dropping, almost muttering under his breath.
Evie's brow furrowed, and she looked up, caught off guard by his words. "What are you talking about?"
Harry raised his eyes to meet hers. "Come on, sweetheart. I might not be the most romantic guy in the world, but I'm not completely blind." He gave a dry smile, his eyes flicking pointedly toward her phone. "You light up every time he messages you. And when you're with him, it's like I'm not even there."
Evie looked away, refusing to acknowledge Harry's words. She stared out the restaurant window at the passing cars as the stone in her heart slowly lodged into her throat.
"I'm the one person you don't have to hide from in all this," Harry said after a pause. "You can be honest with me."
Evie's fingers clenched slightly in her lap, her gaze fixed out the window as if she could avoid the weight of Harry's words if she just kept looking away. But his voice, low and steady, pulled her back to the present, grounding her with its uncharacteristic softness.
"Evie," he continued, his tone almost gentle, as if he were speaking to a child. "I know how hard this has been on both of us, trying to make this work, dealing with everything our families want. And I know you're close to Levi. But if there's... more to it than just friendship, you don't have to pretend with me."
Evie's heart tightened as she felt his gaze on her. She bit her lip, finally turning to face him, her expression guarded. "Levi and I are friends. He's... someone I can talk to, someone I've known forever."
Harry shook his head, a faint, knowing smile on his lips, though his eyes held a flicker of sadness. "You don't have to say it," he interrupted gently. "I can see it. Maybe it's something you can't see yourself, or don't want to. But it's there."
Evie's jaw tightened, and she took a deep breath, bracing herself before finally looking Harry in the eye. "It doesn't matter, Harry," she said quietly but firmly, her voice unwavering. "Whatever I feel for Leviâit's not important. Because we're getting married, and I'm not going to let anything stop that from happening."
Harry's eyes searched hers, doubt flickering across his face, but she held her ground, her gaze steady, even defiant.
"I made a choice," Evie took in a deep breath. "And I'm determined to see it through."
For a moment, silence settled between them, thick and unmoving. Harry leaned back, his expression unreadable, a hint of frustration mixed with reluctant understanding. He gave a small, resigned nod, his fingers drumming absently against the table.
"Alright," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "If that's what you want, then I'll be here. Just... don't pretend it's easy for either of us."
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Theo
"You can't be serious," Lily said in disbelief as she stood in front of Daphne's building, watchingher brother help his girlfriend out of the car. "What do you mean you're not coming this weekend?"
Daphne offered a gentle smile as she turned toward the girl, "I'm sorry."
"You just shattered all her dreams for this weekend," Wendy said, leaning to look out the car window at the three of them standing outside.
"Pretty much," Lily mumbled under her breath. "I really thought we were all going to be together."
"That's sweet, Lily, but I have to go see my parents," Daphne shook her head. "It's Thanksgiving."
"Yes, of course," Lily shifted. "But what about Aspen?"
"I'm going to sit this one out," Daphne said.
Lily looked toward her brother as if silently asking him how he was okay with Daphne disappearing for the weekend. She waited for him to say something but Theo remained silent. He quietly grabbed Daphne's bags out of the car and waited for her to head inside.
"Are you sure?" Lily tried again. "You don't have to come right away. What if Theo and you come join us after you saw your parents?"
"That's going to be so much extra work for your brother," Daphne declined.
"He doesn't mind," Lily said without hesitation.
"I'm sorry, Lily," Daphne reached out and squeezed the girl's hand. "I owe you a weekend."
"But this was supposed to be the weekend," Lily's frown deepend. "We were all supposed to be together."
"I...." Daphne shrugged. "I don't know what to say."
"Lil'" Wendy spoke up from inside the car. "You're making her feel guilty."
"Is it working?" Lily stared at Daphne. "Should I cry? I'm really good at crying."
Daphne laughed as Theo rolled his eyes and reached for her hand.
"Get back in the car," he said to his sister as he turned Daphne toward the entrance. "I'll be right back."
"Daphne, please," Lily tried one last time. "Please. Please."
"I'm sorry," Daphne pouted. "Send me lots of pictures!"
And with that Daphne turned away, leaving Lily sulking by the road. She felt a ping of guilt linger in her heart as she followed Theo to the elevator. The warm air of the lobby greeted them with open arms as Daphne tucked her hair back and stepped into the elevator. Her eyes began to survey Theo as the doors closed and they were sealed in the tiny space.
Daphne felt her heart contract as she noticed the hint of a frown on Theo's face. He wasn't looking at her, as if he had his mind made up not to let her see his eyes. Daphne stepped forward and gently pushed him back against the elevator wall.
"Don't be like that," she said, leaning against his. She placed her hand over his heart and looked up into his eyes.
"Like what?" Theo asked, his hands still in his pocket.
"Like you're mad at me," Daphne sighed, reaching for his hands. She removed them from his pockets and placed them on herself. "I'm going to have a terrible time this weekend if I go knowing you're mad."
"I have a solution for that," the corner of Theo's mouth curved up into a small smile.
"No," Daphne shook her head. "I can't stay."
"Why not?" Theo's squeezed her waist.
"You're being so unfair," Daphne frowned. "I want to go see my family."
"I get that," Theo said. "But what about Aspen? Go see your parents and then come to Aspen. I'll send the jet."
Daphne sighed, leaning her forehead against Theo's chest, her resolve wavering under the steady pressure of his hands on her waist. He had this way of making everything sound so simple, so tempting, that she almost wanted to give in. But she shook her head, her voice soft but firm.
"Theo, it's not just about logistics," she said. "I miss my parents. I want to spend time with them."
Theo let out a small sigh, his chin brushing the top of her head as he spoke. "I understand, but I miss you already, and you haven't even left yet."
Daphne pulled back slightly, looking up at him. His frown was still there, but the vulnerability in his eyes softened the edges of his frustration. It tugged at something deep in her chest, making her want to reach up and smooth away the crease between his brows.
"You'll survive without me for one weekend," she teased lightly, though her own heart clenched at the thought of leaving him.
"I'm not so sure about that," Theo muttered, his hands sliding up to cradle her hips, his thumbs brushing slow circles against her sides. "You've kind of ruined me, you know. Being apart feels... strange."
Daphne's breath caught, the intensity in his words catching her off guard. She wanted to dismiss it, to make a joke and lighten the mood, but the sincerity in his expression made her pause. She reached up, cupping his face in her hands, her thumbs grazing the sharp lines of his jaw.
"Theo," she said softly, her tone gentle but resolute. "Don't make me chose between you and my parents."
A small smile appeared on Theo's face, his hands tightening slightly on her waist before he nodded. "I could't," he said quietly. "But you're still unfair for making me miss you this much."
Daphne smiled, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his cheek. "I'll miss you too," she whispered, her lips brushing his skin.
Theo's arms wrapped fully around her then, pulling her flush against him. He lowered his lips to her's and kissed her tenderly. The electric current that passed through them made both shiver as the lingering kiss warmed their insides and stole their breaths away. Theo's hands took their sweet time making their way up to Dpahne's cheeks as he held her tightly to himself and savored her taste.
As the elevator chimed, signaling their floor, Theo sighed and pulled back. He leaned his forehead against her's to allow himself a second to catch his breath. Before straightening up, he brushed his liips over her forehead.
"What time is your flight?" He asked.
"In the morning," Daphne said.
"I'll drop you off to the airport."
"Are you sure?"
Theo smiled, "That's part of being a boyfriend, no?"
I'm so in love with Theo....help