Chapter 57
Theo
Theo and Luca sat side by side in the quiet reverence of the church, the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the stained-glass windows, casting fragmented colors onto their faces. Luca's hands were clasped in his lap, his posture relaxed yet attentive, as though he found peace in the familiar rhythm of the service. Theo's gaze flicked to him briefly, taking in the subtle lines etched into Luca's face, each one a testament to years of wisdom, resilience, and love.
Theo shifted slightly in his seat, his own hands resting on his knees, mirroring the calm exterior he had grown up observing in Luca. Yet, inside, his thoughts swirled with a quiet intensity. They had always sat like this, side by side in the pews, the comfort of Luca's presence a constant in Theo's life. He couldn't imagine it any other way.
The idea of not having a father like Lucaâsomeone who had guided him with patience, strength, and unwavering supportâwas unfathomable. It wasn't just the big moments Luca had been there for, but the countless small ones: the reassuring squeeze of a shoulder, the unspoken understanding in a shared glance, the way he always seemed to know what Theo needed before he said a word.
As the pastor's voice filled the sanctuary, Theo let his gaze linger on Luca a moment longer, a swell of gratitude and admiration filling his chest. Luca's faith wasn't just in the words spoken here but in the way he livedâsteadfast, humble, and endlessly giving. Theo silently vowed to honor that legacy, knowing he was shaped by the man sitting beside him.
After the service, Theo and Luca strolled down a winding path in Central Park, the crisp Sunday morning air biting gently at their cheeks. The sun hung low in the clear sky, its light glinting off the frost-dusted grass. Both men were dressed in tailored suits from the church service, their polished shoes clicking softly against the paved path.
"It's mornings like this that make the city feel almost peaceful," Luca said, his deep voice carrying a hint of reflection. His gaze swept over the park, his lips curving in a faint smile.
Theo nodded, his eyes focused ahead. "Yeah. Hard to believe this is the same place that's chaos the rest of the week."
Luca chuckled softly, the sound warm and grounding. He paused by a bench for a moment, taking in the scene before them. Theo stopped too, watching Luca with an almost imperceptible smile. In moments like this, Theo was struck by how natural it felt to be with Luca, to share the silence or simple musings without the need for elaborate words.
"I used to bring you here on Sundays when you were a kid," Luca said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "You loved throwing breadcrumbs to the ducks. Insisted they all had names."
Theo's smile deepened, his breath misting the air. "They probably did. I was just the only one who knew them."
Luca laughed, clapping a hand on Theo's shoulder. They resumed their walk, the sound of the city a distant hum, drowned out by the crunch of leaves and the faint rustle of the trees.
"A little birdie told me you were looking to hire private security details," Luca spoke after a moment.
"I've been meaning to speak to you about that," Theo said, his eyes watching the bikers. "But I guess you already know."
"There's not much that goes on that I don't know about, Theo," Luca said.
Theo nodded.
"Any particular reason why the sudden interest in private securities?" Luca wondered.
"Isn't it obvious," Theo said. "I want to keep everyone safe."
Luca stopped walking, turning to face Theo fully, his expression calm but edged with curiosity. His weathered features softened as he studied Theo, who stood tall and resolute, the faint lines of worry etched into his otherwise composed face. The distant hum of the city mingled with the rustle of leaves, but neither man seemed to notice the world around them for a moment.
"Safe from what?" Luca asked, his tone gentle but probing. "The world's always been unpredictable, but you've never been one to flinch at shadows."
Theo hesitated, his gaze fixed on the bikers disappearing down the path. He shifted his weight, his hands finding his pockets as if grounding himself. "From the past. From your past. I know what can happen when people come looking for old debts to settle. I don't want it reaching usâreaching you, Mom, Lily, the boys, or anyone else."
Luca's brows furrowed briefly, and then his face eased into an understanding smile. He placed a firm, steadying hand on Theo's shoulder, his grip as reassuring as the man himself.
"I admire that about you," Luca said. "Your first thought is always for the family. It's a rare quality, and it means the world to me."
Theo looked at him, his jaw tightening slightly. "Then let me do this. Let me make sure we're prepared if something ever happens."
But Luca shook his head. "Security teams, guardsâthose things attract attention we don't need. They raise questions we're not trying to answer." He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering to a near whisper. "And the past? It has a way of staying buried when you don't go digging it up."
"I don;t care what people think-"
"Theo," Luca stopped him, his voice gentle. "I am still alive. And for as long as I have air in my lungs, no one will touch you or our family."
"But Dad-"
"You leave everything to me," Luca said. "I swore I would never let my past touch my family. And it's going to stay that way."
Theo's lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded, respecting the authority in Luca's words even if he didn't fully agree.
They resumed walking, the tension between them lightened by Luca's chuckle. "You've got a good head on your shoulders."
As they walked, Theo felt his phone buzz in his pocket, the vibration sharp against his thigh. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen, Ava's name glowing brightly. His jaw clenched, a flicker of irritation passing over his face. Without hesitation, he declined the call, slipping the phone back into his pocket with a sigh.
Luca noticed the subtle movement,
"Daphne?" He asked casually, his tone light. "Wondering when you will be home?"
"No," Theo replied, shaking his head. He kept his gaze ahead, unwilling to let the annoyance from Ava's persistence show any further.
Luca raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching with a hint of a smirk. "Someone's calling you often enough for it to bother you."
"It's nothing," Theo said.
Luca studied him for a moment, a small smile on his lips. "Daphne has settled in well at the company."
"She has," Theo nodded.
"She's not just good at her job, though, is she?" Luca asked.
Theo's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't turn his head. "She's smart, reliable. The team likes her. She's good for the company."
"That's not what I meant," Luca said, his tone warm with amusement. "You're different around her. Softer, even. Your mom says I'm getting old, but I notice these things."
Theo's lips pressed into a faint line as he considered the observation. After a moment, he sighed.
"Things are different with her," he admitted, his voice quieter now, as though speaking the words too loudly might change their truth. "She doesn't play games. She doesn't see me the way others do."
"And how do others see you?" Luca asked, stopping by the railing overlooking a small pond. He leaned against it, his hands resting lightly on the cold metal.
Theo shrugged, slipping his hands into his pockets. "They see the suits, the money, the family name. They don't look past any of it."
"But Daphne does," Luca said, his tone thoughtful.
Theo nodded, his gaze focused on the ripples in the pond's surface. "She does. She has seen me like no one else. It'sâ" He paused, searching for the right word. "It's grounding."
Luca smiled, his expression softening. "That's a rare thing. Don't lose it."
Theo turned to his father, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features. "I won't."
Luca nodded, satisfied for now, and patted Theo's shoulder. "Good. Now let's get moving before the cold starts to feel personal."
They resumed their walk, the conversation settling comfortably between them.
_______________________
Mason and Wendy
Wendy's sneakers squeaked softly against the polished marble floor of Verve's modern, sprawling lobby. The space was sleek and minimalist, with high ceilings, glass walls, and an oversized chandelier resembling cascading crystals. Large digital screens displayed past covers of Verve, their bold headlines and glamorous shots oozing sophistication.
The lobby was packed with peopleâeditors, designers, photographers, interns, and everyone in between. The air was buzzing with energy, conversations weaving together in a symphony of ambition and creativity. Wendy looked around, taking in the polished appearance of the other new hires. The girls, in particular, seemed as if they'd stepped straight off Verve's glossy covers, with their impeccably styled hair, designer shoes, and chic, tailored outfits.
Wendy adjusted the strap of her bag nervously, tugging and smoothing the fabric of her simple top. She wasn't one to dress up, preferring practicality over pomp, but she'd made an effort to look presentable for her first day.
"Welcome to Verve," Cindy, the editor-in-chief, began, her voice smooth and inviting yet laced with an edge that hinted at her perfectionist nature. Cindy stood at the center of the room on a small podium, her presence commanding attention. With her tailored pantsuit and confident smile, she exuded the authority of someone who had shaped the magazine's success.
"This magazine has been a beacon of creativity and culture for years. But now, we're on the brink of something new. Our vision is to rebrand, to reshape Verve into a magazine that tells stories people can't help but talk about. Stories that are bold, cinematic, and unforgettable."
Wendy felt a flicker of intrigue despite her skepticism.
Cindy continued, "This isn't just a workplaceâit's a creative family. And I hope you're all ready to give it your all because here at Verve, good isn't good enough."
The speech was impassioned, and the room buzzed with quiet murmurs of excitement. Wendy's focus, however, faltered when she caught a pair of green eyes from across the lobby.
Mason, leaning casually against a pillar, smiled at herâa lopsided grin that was equal parts mischievous and charming. Wendy's cheeks burned, and she quickly looked away.
In front of them, Cindy continued. "Here's to the new era of Verve! Now go out there and make it happen."
Applause erupted, but Wendy was hyperaware of Mason's gaze lingering on her.
As Cindy stepped down from the podium, the crowd began to scatter, their enthusiasm carrying them into small groups. People exchanged introductions, shook hands, and discussed their roles with eager smiles. The sound of heels clicking against marble mixed with snippets of lively conversation as the new hires mingled with the seasoned staff.
Wendy was about to slip away unnoticed when Cindy caught sight of her. Her sharp eyes softened momentarily, and she made her way over.
"Wendy," Cindy greeted warmly, her voice dropping into a more familiar tone. "It's so good to see you. Your mother mentioned you'd be joining us."
Wendy forced a polite smile, straightening her posture. "Hi, Cindy. Thank you for having me here. It's exciting to be part of..... The rebranding."
Cindy's lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, the same one Wendy remembered from childhood dinners when Cindy would stop by.
"I'm sure you'll do great. Let me know if you need anything." Without waiting for a response, Cindy turned to greet another staff member, her attention already elsewhere.
Wendy exhaled quietly, relieved that the exchange had been brief. As she adjusted the strap of her bag, she felt the need to look over her shoulder. She hesitated, her eyes flicking toward where she'd last seen Mason.
He was still there, leaning casually against the pillar, but now he was surrounded by a small group of women. They giggled and leaned in as Mason spoke, his easy charm and that signature lopsided grin on full display. One of the girls lightly touched his arm, her laugh ringing out like a bell.
Wendy's chest tightened, an unexplainable irritation bubbling beneath the surface. She bit her lip and tore her gaze away, reminding herself that it didn't matter. Mason could flash his grin at whoever he wanted. It wasn't her business.
Grinding her teeth, Wendy turned on her heel and headed toward the elevators, her steps brisk as she shoved the fleeting thought of Mason to the back of her mind.
__________________
Theo and Daphne
The conference room buzzed with muted conversation as the presenter clicked to the next slide, detailing the sleek new design integrating solar panels into their upcoming project. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, a fitting backdrop to the sustainability pitch. Daphne sat beside Theo, her notebook open, pen poised over a blank page. Despite her focus on the speaker, the faint furrow in her brow suggested her mind was elsewhere.
Theo, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair with the practiced nonchalance of someone used to these countless meetingsl. His phone vibrated quietly on the table, the screen lighting up with the name "Ava."
The persistent calls were beginning to wear on his patience. He turned the phone facedown with a measured calm, ignoring the third call in the last twenty minutes.
Daphne's gaze flicked to the phone, catching the name before it disappeared. It wasn't her first time seeing it either. Theo knew Daphne had seen the calls the night before. She glanced at Theo, her expression carefully neutral, though her lips pressed into a thin line. Theo, sensing her attention, tilted his head slightly in her direction.
"Something on your mind?" he asked quietly, his voice low enough not to disturb the meeting.
Daphne looked away, her pen tapping lightly against the notebook.
"Nothing," she said, though her tone carried a hint of tension. She returned her attention to the presenter, scribbling notes with renewed determination.
Theo smirked faintly, the corner of his mouth lifting. He recognized the lookâDaphne's poker face wasn't as convincing as she thought. As the phone vibrated again, he turned it off entirely, sliding it into his pocket with deliberate ease.
"Relax," he murmured, discreetly ruddbing her back.
Daphne didn't look at him, her pen moving faster across the page.
"I'm relaxed," she replied curtly, though her grip on the pen tightened.
The presenter's voice droned on about energy efficiency, but the tension between Theo's gaze lingered on Daphne for a moment before he turned back to the slides. Whatever Ava wanted, it could wait.
After another hour or so, the meeting concluded. Theo and Daphne left the conference room, with their colleagues's conversations fading behind them. The corridor stretched ahead, lined with sleek glass walls that reflected the afternoon sunlight. Daphne walked a step ahead, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor, her silence speaking volumes.
Theo pulled his phone from his pocket and turned it back on, the screen blinking to life. Almost immediately, it buzzed in his handânotifications from two missed calls, both from Ava. His jaw tightened slightly as he stared at the name.
"You've been quiet," he said, glancing at Daphne as they neared their offices.
"Just thinking," she replied, her tone clipped. She didn't elaborate.
"Let's put a pause on all this and go out for lunch? I'm starving," Theo said.
"I have a few things to look over-"
"I'll wait," Theo said.
"It might take a while," Daphne frowned.
"Come find me when you're done," Theo reached out and gave her hand a squeeze.
"Fine," Daphne muttered, stepping into her office and letting the glass door shut behind her.
Theo let out a deep sigh and entered his own office. He watched Daphne through the glass panels between their two offices as he pulled out his phone and pressed the call button under Ava's name. The phone rang as he brought it to his ear.
Theo's voice dropped, low and measured and the call connected. "Ava," he greeted, his tone devoid of warmth but not entirely dismissive.
The moment Ava's voice came through the line, Theo could hear the tremble in it.
"Theo," she said, her tone thick with emotion. "I didn't know who else to call. Iâ" Her voice broke, and Theo frowned, leaning against his desk.
"Ava, calm down," he said firmly but not unkindly. "What's going on?"
"I need to see you," she blurted, her words rushing out in a torrent. "Please, can we meet? I don't know what to do."
Theo pinched the bridge of his nose, his confusion evident. "Ava, slow down. What's this about? Why do you need to see me?"
There was a pause, followed by a shaky exhale.
"It's James," Ava said, her voice cracking. "He cheated on me, Theo. I...I saw him with that other girl, and I just... I can't believe it. After everythingâ"
Theo straightened, his jaw tightening as he processed her words. "James cheated?" he repeated, his tone irritated. "I am not surprised. But why are you calling me about this?"
"Because....because you're the only person who cares about me," Ava said, her voice breaking again. "You're the only person I can turn to right now."
Theo rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a complicated mix of frustration and impatience. As Ava continued to explain, he let out a low sigh, his gaze wanderingâand landing on Daphne.
Through the glass panels between their offices, he saw her sitting at her desk. She wasn't working, though; her eyes were fixed on him with a deep scowl, her displeasure unmistakable. Her pen tapped absently against her notebook, and the intensity of her stare sent a strange pang through him.
"Ava," Theo said, dragging his attention back to the call. "Look, I get that you're upset, but this isn't something I can fix for you." He kept his tone even, his words carefully chosen. "You need to figure out what you want to do next, not call me."
Ava let out a shaky breath. "I just needed to hear your voice," she murmured. "I want to see you."
Theo's jaw tightened, his grip on the phone firm.
"No," he said. "That's not possible."
There was a long, strained silence on the other end of the line before Ava spoke again, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Theo, please... I justâI need you right now. You've always been there for me."
Theo exhaled sharply, his gaze flicking over to Daphne, who was now watching him with a mixture of concern and something elseâanger, maybe. He couldn't quite place it, but it settled in his stomach like a weight.
"Ava, we've both moved on," he said, his tone steady but firm. "You've been with James for months, and Iâ" His words faltered for just a moment. "I've got my life now. Things have changed."
There was a sharp, hurt intake of breath on the other end.
"What?" Ava's voice was a mix of disbelief and pain. "Are you telling me that you've already forgotten about everything we shared? About us?"
Theo paused, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I've moved on," he said. "You can't keep clinging to something that's over. You're with James now, and Iâ" He glanced back at Daphne, who was still watching him closely.
"Daphne isn't like me," Ava suddenly shot out, her words laced with bitterness. "She's not the one you cared about. Don't tell me you're happier with her."
Theo's jaw tightened, his hand gripping the phone more firmly. The statement cut deeper than he expected, a sting he couldn't ignore. He turned his back to Daphne for a moment, running his hand over his face as he struggled to find the right words.
"Ava, I'm not going to keep talking about this," he said with finality. "We've moved on, and you need to, too. I'm sorry, but I can't be there for you like this anymore. We both deserve better. I love Daphne and right now you calling me so many times like this does not look good."
There was a quiet sob on the other end of the phone before the line went silent. Theo stood still, his heart beating faster, feeling the weight of the conversation. He let the phone drop into his hand and he slowly turned back around, his eyes reluctantly meeting Daphne's again.
Her expression was unreadable, but there was something sharp in her gaze. She was still watching him, and the silence between them felt thick, almost suffocating. Theo's stomach twisted as he realized how much this conversation, this whole situation, had affected her.
He felt a flicker of annoyanceâat Ava, and at the situation as a whole. He pushed away from his desk, running a hand through his hair before walking out of his office and heading straight for hers.
"Are you ready for lunch, my love?" Theo asked, his voice softer than usual, though his eyes never leaving her face as he opened the door and stood at the doorway. He needed a break from the heavy atmosphere, needed to be near her, even if she seemed distant.
Daphne paused, glancing up from her desk as she adjusted the papers in front of her. A small frown tugged at her lips, and she looked momentarily distracted, her eyes flicking to the clock before meeting his.
"I actually forgot," she said, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of hesitation. "Your moM invited me to lunch today."
Theo's brow furrowed slightly, though the idea of spending time with his mother and not alone with Daphne didn't exactly thrill him. Still, he nodded, suppressing a sigh.
"Then I'll join you both," he said, his voice firm with an edge of determination.
Theo wasn't going to let her slip away, not today. There was something about Daphne's tone, something in the way she seemed to be stepping back that made him uneasy. He didn't want her out of his sight, especially when it felt like she was trying to distance herself.
"You want to join us?" Daphne asked, her gaze narrowing slightly.
"Yeah," Theo replied, his tone even. "I don't mind."
Daphne's lips parted, and for a brief moment, it seemed like she might argue. But instead, she let out a soft sigh and nodded.
"Fine," she muttered, standing up and gathering her things.
Theo smiled, but his mind was elsewhere. He noticed the subtle shift in Daphne's postureâhow her shoulders had tensed again, how her gaze lingered on the door as if she were eager to be anywhere but here. He didn't like it.
As they walked out of the office together, Theo kept his steps deliberately close to hers, wanting to stay near her, to not let the distance between them grow any further. Even if she seemed distracted, even if the weight of his earlier conversation with Ava still sat heavy in his chest, he wasn't going to let go.
As they stepped into the elevator, Theo could feel the tension hanging between them like a thick cloud. Daphne's gaze was fixed on the floor, her arms crossed loosely in front of her. Theo's chest tightened as the door slid shut, and he knew he couldn't let this go any longer.
Without giving her a chance to retreat, Theo reached for her elbow and gently tugged her closer. She stiffened slightly, but he didn't let go. Pulling her into the shelter of his chest, he held her there for a moment, not quite sure if he was reassuring her or himself. He looked down at her, watching her closely as he spoke.
"I called Ava," he said softly, his voice low, measured, as he held her gaze, searching for any shift in her expression. "She wanted to speak to me about something, but I told her to stop calling me."
Theo could feel the weight of his words, the heaviness of the situation pressing down on him as he held Daphne close in the elevator. He searched her face.
"I don't want you to think for one second thatâ"
Before Theo could finish, the elevator doors suddenly slid open with a soft chime, and a group of people stepped inside, interrupting his thoughts. The moment that had felt so intimate shattered in an instant. Daphne stepped away from him. Her gaze dropped to the floor again, her posture stiffening as she wrapped her arms around herself.
Theo's heart sank as he watched her retreat. He just stood there, feeling the silence between them stretch out, thick and uncomfortable. The people in the elevator filled the space with their chatter, but to Theo, everything felt muted, as if the world outside had faded into a blur.
Daphne didn't look up at him. She kept her eyes straight ahead, her fingers nervously tapping against her sleeve. Theo could feel her distancing herself, and it twisted something inside him. He wanted to reach out, pull her back into his arms, but he didn't want to push her further away. Not here, not like this.
The elevator hummed quietly as they descended. Theo could feel her trying to shrink into herself, and it made his chest tighten. Every second that passed without her acknowledging him felt like an eternity.
___________________
Mason and Wendy
Wendy stood quietly by the large conference table, her eyes scanning the room as she and the other interns settled into their spots. The sleek glass walls of the meeting room offered a panoramic view of the city skyline, but her attention was focused on Shelly, the senior editor, who was standing at the whiteboard, marker in hand, ready to start the brainstorming session. Her sharp eyes sweeping over the group as she began speaking.
"Alright, team," Shelly said, her voice calm but authoritative. "We need fresh ideas for our next big piece, one that highlights love, and human connection in ways that haven't been done before. Something that'll resonate with people, spark emotions, inspire, and get people to see the world from the lens we put on them."
The girl next to Wendy jotted down a quick note in her notepad. The other interns around her exchanged looks, a mix of excitement and apprehension. Wendy, however, felt the familiar knot in her stomachâalways one to keep to herself in meetings like this, afraid of being too uninspired.
Shelly glanced over at the group. "We're looking for stories that aren't just about love in the traditional sense. Think bigger. Think unconventional. How does love exist in the world today? What does it mean to truly connect with someone in this day and age?"
A few of the interns chimed in with tentative suggestions, their ideas almost immediately shot down by Shelly's piercing gaze. Wendy stayed silent.
Meanwhile, across the room, Mason was sitting with the senior staffâwriters, reporters, and the higher-ups who always seemed so in control, so effortlessly cool. He leaned back in his chair, a relaxed smile on his face as he discussed something with Lena, one of the senior writers, who seemed to be the most animated in the group.
Wendy couldn't help but glance over at him, noting how easily he fit in with the others. His casual demeanor, paired with that mischievous glint in his eyes, made him stand out even among the more experienced staff.
Shelly's voice cut through Wendy's distracted thoughts. "We need more than just ideas. We need depth. We need authenticity." She gave the group a pointed look, as if daring them to think outside the box.
The interns shifted in their spots the weight of Shelly's words hanging in the air. The room was silent before Mason cleared his throat.
"I was thinking...," Mason began, his voice low but clear, "maybe we could explore love stories that seem like they're straight out of a novel."
The room was still, every eye on Mason, waiting for him to elaborate on his thought. Wendy caught herself looking over at him again, watching as he leaned forward slightly, his easy grin still present but with an intensity behind his eyes that seemed to suggest he had something bigger in mind.
"Something that has the kind of magic people are missing in today's world, you know? We're all drowning in the digital ageâswiping left and right, texting more than we're talking. But what if we bring back that magic? Real stories of extraordinary couples, love that defies the ordinary. Something that leaves people in awe and reminds them of what it really feels like to connect with someone."
Wendy felt her a wave of unease washing over her. There was something almost too idealistic about Mason's words, a fairytale quality that made her skeptical. She didn't see how something like that could ever truly capture the messiness of real life.
Shelly paused, nodding slightly. "Are you saying we should fabricate these stories? Or just find the perfect couples to fit some kind of idealized narrative?"
Mason shook his head, the grin still present but with a touch of seriousness now. "No, not at all. I'm saying we find the stories that already exist. The ones that are messy, unconventional, but full of heart. People who fought for love. Who lived for it. Who didn't let the world tell them what their relationship should look like."
There was a moment of quiet as the room processed his words. Shelly's gaze flickered between Mason and the rest of the group. Wendy glanced at the other internsâsome were nodding, their expressions thoughtful, while others seemed more hesitant. Wendy wasn't sure what to think.
"I like it," Shelly said finally, breaking the silence. Her voice was measured, but there was a hint of approval in it. "It's ambitious. And that's what we need right now. But we're going to need real stories. No fluff."
Mason nodded eagerly, clearly pleased. "Of course. No fluff. Just pure, authentic love."
Wendy couldn't help but look over at Mason once again. The way he spoke with such certainty, the ease in his manner, made her both intrigued and unsettled. He seemed to believe in the idea wholeheartedly. But she was already questioning how he could possibly reconcile this idealized vision of love with the messy reality of relationships.
"I like where you're going with this," Shelly said. "But we need more than just the initial concept."
"Of course," Mason nodded.
"I want to hear more. I need you to flesh this outâdetails, logistics, how you plan to bring these stories to life. But not here. Let's meet after the meeting."
Mason nodded again. "Definatly."
Shelly's gaze softened for just a moment before she turned her attention back to the group. "Alright, we've got a lot to think about. Let's break for now, but Masonâmake sure to meet with me. I want to see where you take this."
____________________
Theo and Daphne
Daphne's mind felt like it was spinning, caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. As the afternoon dragged on, she stood by Brad and Tina's desk, staring at the file in front of her, but not really seeing it.
Her thoughts kept spiraling back to the awkward lunch with Theo and his mother. Though Theo had tried to keep things light, a tension had hung in the air that Daphne couldn't shake off. It had felt like they were dancing around something, and the discomfort had settled deep in her chest, knotting her stomach.
But that wasn't the part that bothered her the most.
What really gnawed at her was the growing irritation bubbling up inside her whenever she thought of Ava.
Why did it matter so much that Ava kept calling Theo? It wasn't like she didn't trust Theoâshe knew, deep down, that he loved her, that he was committed to her. He had said it. He had shown it in the little moments they shared. But every time she thought about him picking up the phone, calling Ava back, her stomach twisted.
It wasn't rational. Daphne knew that. It was silly, really. I shouldn't care, she told herself. She had everything she needed to be secureâTheo had made his feelings clear, and she loved him just as deeply.
So why does it bother me so much?
She felt foolish for feeling this way, frustrated with herself for letting jealousy seep in.
I'm the one he wants, she reminded herself. Ava is the past.
But there was still something about that callâabout his willingness to pick up the phone, about Ava's persistenceâthat made her blood run cold. She hated the vulnerability it stirred inside her. She hated how small and insecure it made her feel, even though she had no reason to feel that way.
Her fingers tightened around the file in front of her, and she forced herself to look away, focusing on the words on the paper in front of her, willing her mind to stay present. She had to stop thinking about it, stop letting it eat away at her.
But as she glanced at the stack of mail on Brad's desk, her eyes caught the unmistakable envelope with Theo's name on it.
To Theo Silvano.
Of course, Daphne thought bitterly. Ava.
Daphne would know that handwriting anywhere. They way the S and the O were swirled, the slant of the letters, the feathery touch of the ink.
Daphne's heart skipped, and the irritation flared again. She shoved the feeling aside. I know I love him, and I know he loves me, she reminded herself. But why does this hurt so much?
She was so tired of feeling like this. So tired of her emotions pulling her in every direction, leaving her second-guessing herself. She couldn't help herself when she turned toward the desk.
"Brad," she said, her voice tight with barely contained frustration. "When did this arrive?"
Brad glanced up from his desk, surprised by the sudden shift in her tone. "Oh, it came while you two were at lunch," he said casually, not noticing the growing tension in Daphne's posture. "I just left it here for Mr. Silvano."
Her eyes narrowed, but she didn't respond to him. She reached for the envelope, her fingers brushing it almost reverently, as if touching it somehow would stain her skin. Her mind raced. She could feel the anger twisting inside her, threatening to spill over.
Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked briskly to her office. The door clicked shut behind her, muffling the hum of the office outside. She set the envelope down on her desk with a little too much force, her chest heaving with frustration. The air felt thick around her as she stared at it, the letters on the paper seeming to taunt her.
She could feel the heat in her face, a mix of anger and possessiveness. What does she want?
Daphne took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, but the longer she stared at the envelope, the harder it became to push away the swirling emotions. She wanted answers, wanted clarity, but everything felt tangled and out of reach.
Don't do it, Daphne told herself as she began to reach for the envelope. You're opening his mail. This is crazy. Don't do it, put it down.
But Daphne's mind was beyond reasoning. Her hands trembled as she carefully tore open the envelope, her fingers brushing against the smooth paper. Immediately, her breath caught when the first photo slipped out, her gaze snapping to it.
It was a picture of Theo and Ava, their bodies pressed together in btween the sheets. His hand rested on her waist, his face buried in the curve of her neck, his eyes half-closed in a look of complete familiarity. The image was raw, unguarded, taken in the heat of a passionate moment that made Daphne's stomach turn and her blood run cold.
Daphne's pulse quickened, but she forced herself to look at the other photos scattered within the envelope. Each one was worse than the last: Theo's lips on Ava's neck, their naked bodies touching and meeting. The sight of them made Daphne's stomach twist.
But the photos were the only thing. At the bottom of the stack, was a note. Daphne's eyes flicked to it, reading the words that made her want to scream.
Tell me you still think about these nights.
Daphne's breath hitched. The words burned in her mind, sharper than any knife, and the anger surged up inside her so quickly it nearly took her breath away.
How could Ava send this? What was she trying to prove? Was this some twisted way of keeping Theo in her grip?
Fury ignited within Daphne, and she could feel the heat rising in her face, her hands gripping the photos with a force that made her knuckles turn white.
What does she want? The question echoed through her mind, louder and louder, drowning out everything else. Was this Ava's way of pushing her out, of attempting to tell Theo that Daphne was nothing compared to the past they'd shared?
Daphne's heart raced with a cocktail of emotionsâanger, hurt, jealousyâand her hands shook as she shoved the photos and the note back into the envelope, crumpling it tightly. The anger churned in her chest, a storm she couldn't control, and her breath came in sharp, uneven gasps as she fought to keep her composure.
How dare she?
If you haven't done so already on my IG account, please rank your favorite couple from 1 through 4. This will help me see whose story needs more time. So far Daphne and Theo are winning <3