Chapter 60
Lily
Jake's dorm room was small but cozy, with dim lights strung across the walls and a soft throw blanket draped over the edge of his bed. The smell of buttered popcorn lingered in the air, mingling with Jake's cologne.
Jake was propped against the wall, his legs stretched out on the bed. Lily nestled against him, her head resting on his chest and her feet tucked beneath the blanket they shared. The glow from his laptop screen flickered across their faces as the movie played.
"Did you see that?" Lily laughed, tilting her head back to look at Jake. "There was someone in the house. I think it's the brother."
Jake grinned, his arm tightening around her shoulders. "It can't be. He died. They buried him!," he said, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.
"But no body was found" she said, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "I'm sure it was the brother."
Jake laughed, shifting slightly so they were face to face. "If I had an evil twin, would you be able to tell us apart?"
Lily chuckled, her laughter muffled as Jake leaned in to kiss her, soft and lingering. "I knew how to tell my twin brothers apart by the time I was three," she admitted when they broke apart, her cheeks flushed.
They returned their attention to the movie, though every few minutes, one of them would crack a joke about the characters, dissolving into laughter again. Jake's hand moved absentmindedly through Lily's hair, and she traced patterns on his arm, savoring the closeness.
At one particularly ridiculous scene, Lily snorted with laughter, which only made Jake laugh harder.
"You're cute when you do that," he teased, planting a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.
The room grew quieter as the movie's dramatic music swelled, but Jake and Lily's attention shifted from the screen to each other. Jake's hand brushed Lily's cheek, his touch gentle, and she turned to meet his gaze. His brown eyes held a warmth that made her breath catch.
Slowly, he leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that was soft and unhurried. Lily melted into it at first, her heart racing in a way that was both thrilling and overwhelming. Jake's hand slid down to her waist, pulling her closer, and the warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her.
But as the kiss deepened, a nervous flutter stirred in her chest. The unfamiliarity of it all, the growing intimacy, made her pulse quicken for a different reason. She wasn't ready, and the realization crept in like a tide, making her feel suddenly small and exposed.
Lily gently pulled back, her cheeks flushed and her breathing unsteady. Jake's brows furrowed slightly as he searched her face.
"You okay?" he asked softly, his voice laced with concern.
"Yeah," she said quickly, offering a shaky smile. "I just... I forgot I have a study group early tomorrow. I should probably get back to my dorm."
Jake blinked, clearly surprised. "We're not even half way through the movie," he said, sitting back and giving her space. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah," Lily slowly sat up. "I'm sorry....I can't let my grades slip. Theo will murder me."
"I love how it's Theo and not your parents?" Jake laughed, pushing himself up onto his elbow. "I'll walk you back to your building."
"No, no, it's fine," Lily replied, already slipping off the bed and grabbing her things. "I'll be fine. Thanks for tonight. This was fun."
Jake nodded, though his eyes lingered on her, a flicker of uncertainty in his expression. "Anytime. But are you sure you're okay walking back on your own?"
Lily nodded. She stood up and moved to the door, hesitating, her heart aching at the thought of leaving him confused, but she couldn't bring herself to explain voice what had spooked her.
Lily stepped into the quiet hallway, her footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor. The cool air prickled her skin, and she pulled her jacket tighter around herself as she walked. Her thoughts were a tangled mess, flipping between Jake's warm smile, the way his touch had made her heart race, and the guilt she felt for leaving so abruptly.
He's sweet, she thought, biting her lip. But is it too soon?
The hallways gave way to the outdoor pathway leading to her dorm. The crisp night air carried the faint scent of damp leaves, and the faint hum of distant traffic filled the stillness. She shivered, not entirely from the cold. The faint scenes of the movie they had just watched played in the back of her mind, the eerie tension of the storyline lingering in her chest. She stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself and that's when she felt it.
A strange sensation prickling at the back of Lily's neck, as if someone was watching her. She froze, her gaze darting to the dimly lit trees lining the path.
"Hello?" she called softly, her voice barely above a whisper. The silence that followed was deafening.
Her heart began to pound, and she forced herself to look around more carefully. The parking lot was filled with students's cars. The only movement came from a few scattered leaves skittering across the ground in the light breeze.
That stupid movie got to you, Lily told herself, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted her bag on her shoulder.
But the feeling didn't go away. It clung to her like a shadow, urging her to move faster. She broke into a brisk walk, her breath coming quicker as the familiar shape of her dorm building came into view. Her pulse hammered in her ears as she reached the door, her hand fumbling with her keycard. The faint beep and click of the lock felt like a lifeline.
She stepped inside, the warmth of the building wrapping around her like a shield. Safe. The feeling of being watched evaporated the moment the door closed behind her, leaving her shaking and unsure if it had been real or just her nerves.
"God, I hate scary movies," she whispered to herself, heading toward her room. But even as she tried to push the thought aside, a small knot of unease settled in her chest, making it harder to shake the feeling that somethingâor someoneâhad been there.
Letting out a deep sigh, Lily pushed open the door to her dorm room, stepping inside and letting the familiar scent of lavender and vanilla calm her nerves. She was greeted by the sight of Wendy sprawled across her bed, flipping through a fashion magazine, and Alexa perched on Lily's desk chair, her legs tucked underneath her as she scrolled through her phone. Both of them looked up as she entered.
"Finally!" Alexa said, spinning the chair to face her. "We were about to send out a search party. Did Jake keep you hostage or something?"
Wendy glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "You okay?"
Lily shut the door behind her, leaning against it for a moment as she tried to steady her breathing. Her hands were still trembling slightly, and her pulse hadn't quite returned to normal.
"I'm fine" she started, but her voice wavered, and Wendy began to sit up.
"You look frazzled. What happened?" She asked.
"I'm fine," Lily cleared her throat and pushed her hair out of her face. "It's cold outside."
"Says the girl from New York," Alexa laughed. "It's it like negative five degrees there right now?"
"Somethng like that," Lily muttered.
"What's wrong with you?" Wendy asked, watching Lily as she moved across the room, dropping her bag and taking off her jewellery.
Lily hesitated, fiddling with the clasp of her necklace before setting it on her desk. The weight of her friends' attention pressed down on her, but she knew she couldn't avoid the conversation. With a sigh, she turned to face them, her cheeks flushed.
"I'm not okay," she admitted, sitting on the edge of her bed. "Jake and I were watching a movie."
"Uh-oh," Alexa grinned.
Lily frowned, chewing on her lip. "I think he might want to, you know, take things to the next level."
Alexa's eyebrows shot up, and she spun her chair to face Lily fully. "You mean sleep with you?" she asked, her voice laced with intrigue.
Lily nodded, her fingers twisting together in her lap. "Yeah. And IâI'm not sure if I'm ready for that yet."
Wendy exchanged a glance with Alexa before scooting closer, her tone shifting to one of concern.
"And that's completely fine," she said gently. "It's completely normal. You don't have to do anything you're not ready for."
"Exactly," Alexa chimed in, leaning forward. "It's your decision. Jake's great and all, but if your gut's telling you to slow down, you should listen to it."
Lily looked between them, her chest tightening with both relief and uncertainty. "But what if I'm overthinking it? What if he thinks I don't like him as much as he likes me?"
"Stop," Wendy said firmly, placing a hand on Lily's knee. "If Jake really cares about youâand I think he doesâhe'll understand. And if he doesn't, then he's not the guy you think he is."
Alexa nodded vigorously. "Yeah, totally."
Lily let out a slow breath, some of the tension in her shoulders easing.
"You're right," she said softly, more to herself than to them. "I justâI didn't expect this to happen so soon."
Wendy smiled warmly. "It's new territory. It's normal to feel nervous."
"And remember," Alexa added with a grin, "you've got us. If Jake ever makes you feel pressured, we'll take him out. Figuratively, of course."
Lily laughed, the sound shaky but genuine. "Thanks, guys. I needed that."
"That's what we're here for," Wendy said, leaning back against her pillows. "And for the record, you don't have to figure it all out tonight. Just take it one step at a time."
Lily nodded, feeling a little lighter. "I will. Thanks."
Alexa leaned forward, her grin widening as a mischievous spark lit her eyes. "Okay, but since we're talking about Jake, I need details. Like, how did this even start?"
Lily blinked at her, caught off guard by the sudden barrage of curiosity. "Uh, it's not that exciting. We just... started hanging out more after the party, andâ"
Alexa cut her off with a dramatic wave of her hand. "No, no, no. I need the juicy stuff. How did he ask you out? Did he stammer? Was it cute? What was your first date like?"
Wendy snorted from her spot on the bed, shaking her head.
"I'm just curious!" Alexa protested, turning back to Lily. "C'mon, spill. Is he super romantic? Like, does he surprise you with flowers or write you cute little notes?"
Lily couldn't help but smile, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "He's not, like, over-the-top romantic, but... he's really sweet. Thoughtful, you know? He remembers little things I mention, like my favorite snacks or songs I like. And he did buy me flowers."
Alexa sighed dreamily. "Ugh, he sounds perfect. Does he cook? Tell me he cooks."
Lily laughed, shaking her head. "Not really, but he did try once. He made spaghetti, and it was a little overcooked, but he was so proud of it I didn't have the heart to say anything."
Wendy chuckled. "He tried to make an Italian girl pasta?"
"Right?" Alexa said, her enthusiasm undeterred. "Okay, follow-up question. Is he the jealous type? Like, if some random guy flirted with you, would he get all protective?"
Lily raised an eyebrow. "I don't know. He's pretty chill about that kind of thing."
Alexa pouted playfully. "Boo. I love a good 'stay away from my girl' moment."
Wendy rolled her eyes. "Not everything has to be a soap opera, Alexa."
"But it's fun!" Alexa shot back before turning to Lily again. "So, what's his dorm like? Is it messy? Does he have, like, weird posters on the walls?"
Lily grinned, shaking her head. "It's surprisingly neat. He's kind of minimalist, actually. Just a few photos and a stack of books."
Alexa's eyes sparkled. "Oh, a reader! What kind of books?"
"Mostly nonfiction. History and philosophy stuff," Lily said, warming to the topic despite herself. "But he's got a soft spot for sci-fi too."
Alexa sighed dramatically. "Smart, sweet, and into sci-fi? Jake's starting to sound like my dream guy."
"He's taken," Wendy pointed out, smirking. "And I think Lily's got dibs."
"Fine," Alexa said with a laugh, throwing up her hands in mock surrender. "But seriously, he sounds amazing. Don't let him go."
Lily's smile softened, her heart warming at the thought of Jake. "Yeah," she said quietly. "He really is."
____________________
Theo and Daphne
Luca's study was a mix of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. Dark mahogany walls were lined with bookshelves, the faint scent of leather and aged paper filling the room. A pool table stood at the center, its felt a deep shade of green, surrounded by plush chairs and a decanter of whiskey on a nearby side table.
Luca leaned casually against the edge of the table, chalking his cue, his tailored shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Theo, on the other hand, had his jacket slung over the back of a chair, his movements precise as he lined up his shot.
The clink of the cue ball striking its target echoed softly, followed by the satisfying thud of a solid sinking into a pocket.
Luca nodded slowly, sipping from a glass of amber liquid. "You're holding back."
"Am I?" Theo replied with a smirk, sinking another ball with ease. They'd been discussing businessâmergers, alliances, and the nuances of certain clientsâbut Theo's mind was elsewhere.
As Luca set up for his turn, Theo rested his cue on the floor, leaning against it. He hesitated for a moment, watching Luca study the table, then spoke, his voice lower than usual.
"How did you and mom," he struggled to piece together his question. "How did you guys figure everything out? You know with timing and marriage and everything else."
Luca's cue paused mid-air, his eyes flicking up to Theo. He slowly straightened, leaning on his cue. "This about Daphne?"
Theo didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the table. The silence stretched, and Luca chuckled.
"Thought so." He gestured toward the whiskey. "Pour yourself a drink."
Theo complied, the clink of glass against glass filling the room as Luca spoke.
"With Daisy, it wasn't about control or strategy," he said. "It was messy and it didn't happen overnight. It took years."
"Years?" Theo's eyebrows shot up, disbelief etched into his expression.
Luca smirked, his expression tinged with nostalgia. "Years," he repeated. "You think things like this just fall into place? They don't. It was about showing up, every single day, even when things were hardâespecially when things were hard. I had to learn to listen, to stop trying to fix everything, and just... be there."
"What if I don't want to take things slow?" Theo asked.
Luca paused, watching his son with curiosity. "What do you mean?"
Theo let out a deep sigh as if the words were suffocating him, "I want to marry her."
Luca raised his brow.
Theo's jaw clenched as he stared at the swirling amber liquid in his glass. "I've thought about this, Dad. It's not just some impulsive idea. I know what I want, and it's her. She's it for me."
"And that's good," Luca said, his tone steady. "But marriage isn't just about what you want. It's about what she needs too. If Daphne wants to take things slow, then you need to respect that. Are you two even living together right now?"
Theo let out a frustrated sigh. "No. But what if it's unnecessary? What if we're just dragging things out for no reason? Why go through all these formalities when I already know my endgame? We can move in together after we marry."
Luca chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Theo, marriage isn't an endgameâit's the start of a whole new chapter. And rushing into it without laying the groundwork is like building a house without checking the foundation. Moving in together isn't a formality; it's a step that lets you learn more about each other, how you live, and how you handle the day-to-day realities of life together."
Theo frowned as he stared down at the table. "I don't want to risk losing her by waiting too long."
"You won't lose her if she feels secure in the relationship," Luca said firmly. "That security comes from knowing you're willing to meet her where she is, not where you think she should be. Trust me, Theo, if you push too hard, too fast, you'll make her feel like she's losing control of her own pace."
Theo looked up at his father, the weight of Luca's words sinking in. "But I want her to know I'm serious. That I'm all in."
"Then show her you're serious by listening to her," Luca replied. "By being patient. By proving you're willing to take the time to build a life with her, not just rush into a moment. If she's the one, she'll walk with you at her own pace. You just have to trust her to get there."
Theo nodded slowly, his fingers tightening around his glass. The frustration in his chest didn't dissipate, but his resolve shifted, tempered by his father's wisdom. "So, I take it slow."
"And you make every moment count," Luca said with a faint smile. "She'll see how serious you are when your actions match your words."
__________________
Mason and Wendy
The warm glow of the restaurant's lights spilled out onto the sidewalk as Wendy, Lily, and Jake approached the entrance. The air was crisp, carrying the faint aroma of roasted garlic and freshly baked bread. Wendy tugged at the long sleeves of her shirt, glancing at Lily, who was effortlessly elegant in her mini floral dress, and Jake, who kept it casual but polished in his button-up shirt and dark jeans.
Inside, the restaurant hummed with quiet chatter and the clinking of glasses. Mason was already seated at a corner table, leaning back in his chair with an air of ease, his phone in hand. His back t-shirt hugged his broad shoulders, and his expression was unreadable until his eyes landed on the trio entering.
He stood as they approached, a charming smile lighting up his face.
"Hey," he greeted, his gaze lingering on Wendy. Wendy raised an eyebrow.
"You're speaking to me now?" she said, her tone dripping with mock surprise.
Mason's smile faltered for a moment before a playful glint sparked in his eyes. "What's that supposed to mean, baby doll?"
Wendy shrugged and pulled her chair back before Mason could. She flicked his hand away as she took a seat.
"I don't know, Mason," she sighed. "Maybe it's about how you've been ignoring me at work all week." She glanced up at him, throwing him a look of mock indignation. "Do I need to book an appointment to get two minutes of your time?"
"Darling, you can have my whole life," Mason grinned. "What's two minutes?"
Lily snorted, and rolled her eyes, while Jake raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained.
"Whatever," Wendy sighed. "I didn't have high expectations from you."
Mason chuckled, his grin widening. "I see someone's in a mood tonight. But for the record, I wasn't ignoring you. I was...busy."
"Busy?" Wendy retorted. "I'm sure it had nothing to do with being surrounded by all the glamorous Verve girls."
"I'll address that comment in a bit. Give me a moment," Mason held up his finger and then turned toward Jake. "Hey, man. I'm Mason. Nice to finally meet you. Lily won't stop talking about you. I feel like I'm dating you too."
Jake chuckled, reaching out to shake Mason's hand. "Good to meet you too. And don't worry, I'll try to keep things platonic between us."
Lily laughed, despite her heart humming with nerves. She really wanted Mason to like Jake.
"Please, come. Have a seat," Mason motioned toward the table. He gave his sister a quick hug before sliding into the chair beside Wendy and clearing his throat. "Well, you two seem like quite the pair. Lily's good at picking her favorites, so I'll take your presence as a glowing endorsement."
Wendy, who had been pretending to study the menu, couldn't resist chiming in. "You're really working the charm tonight. Do you save this for special occasions or is it just how you are all the time?"
Mason tilted his head, his green eyes glinting mischievously. "Depends. Are you feeling charmed?"
Wendy snorted softly. "Hardly."
"Noted," Mason replied with mock seriousness, turning his attention back to Jake and Lily. "Anyway, what's good here?"
"I let Wendy pick the spot, so if the food's terrible, we all know who to blame," Lily teased.
Wendy raised her glass of water, giving her a sarcastic smile. "The faith you have in me is inspiring."
"It's not about faith," Mason shot back, his voice light with humor. "It's about keeping expectations realistic."
"Tired of searching fo wifey?" Wendy teased. "Or did you find her at Verve already?"
"Darling, I'm beginning to think you're jealous," Mason leaned in closer. "Don't worry. You're still my girl."
Across the table, Lily watched her brother and her best friend with an amused expression on her face. She leaned back in her chair, her fingers absently tracing the condensation on her glass of iced water as Mason's smirk deepened. He leaned a little closer to Wendy, his elbow brushing hers on the small table.
"Dream on, loverboy," Wendy said. "You'd be lucky if I even remembered your name tomorrow."
Her words were sharp, but the slight upturn of her lips betrayed her enjoyment of their back-and-forth.
Mason clutched his chest in faux injury. "You wound me, Wendy. Truly."
Across the table, Lily couldn't help the grin that tugged at her lips. She rested her chin on her palm, her gaze bouncing between Mason and Wendy with growing amusement.
"Ugh," Lily teased, her grin spreading wider. "Just get married already."
Wendy turned sharply toward her friend, her scowl exaggerated. "Lily, please. This is never happening. Let this dream die."
"She's a hopeless romantic," Jake chimed in with a warm smile, his hand lightly rubbing Lily's back as he admired her.
"Speaking of marriage," Mason cleared his throat theatrically, drawing attention back to himself. He turned toward Lily, a sly smile playing on his lips. "I was talking to Mom the other day, and she shared something very interesting with me."
Lily laughed, leaning back in her chair. "Of course, she did. How does it feel to be her favorite child?"
"It feels exactly the same as being Dad's favorite," Mason shot back, chuckling. "You'd know all about that."
Lily rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest in mock indignation.
Mason shifted his attention to Jake, his grin turning mischievous. "Do you know what you're getting yourself into? She's a total brat. And she has our dad and our older brother wrapped around her finger. The only people who can see through her schemes are meâand occasionally Levi."
"Only when he feels like acknowledging our existence," Lily added, smirking.
"Exactly." Mason nodded, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Levi acts like he's an orphan half the time. Don't take it personally if he pretends you don't exist."
"Levi is the better twin, by the way," Wendy interjected with a smirk.
"Baby girl, please," Mason laughed, shaking his head. "Are you trying to make me jealous now?"
"Okay, okay, enough flirting," Lily interrupted, poking Mason in the arm. "What did Mom say?"
Mason's gaze lingered on Wendy's smiling face for a moment longer before he turned back to the group. "Theo wants to propose to Daphne," he announced casually.
Lily gasped, her posture snapping upright as she gripped the edge of the table and leaned forward. "NO!"
Jake's brow furrowed in confusion. "You don't like her?"
"No, I do. Of course I do," Lily said quickly, her excitement spilling into her voice. "I meant no as in I can't believe it's finally happening."
"About time," Mason said with a grin.
"It's a bit too soon, no?" Wendy asked, her tone skeptical. "How long have they been together?"
"A few months now," Lily replied.
"And he's sure she's the one?" Wendy pressed, raising a brow.
"Sometimes all it takes is five minutes," Mason quipped with a shrug.
Wendy shot him a look of disbelief. "It's frightening how delusional you are."
"I have to call Theo," Lily said, almost to herself. "The proposal needs to be perfect. I know what Daphne likes. I need to be in New York."
"Don't you dare," Mason said. "We're not supposed to know, remember?"
"Did mom say when he's going to propose?" Lily asked.
"No," Mason laughed. "Dad advised him to take things slow. He's going to ask her to move in first."
"That's smart," Jake nodded. "It's always best to live with someone before you make a commitment like marriage."
"I agree," Mason smiled. "Smart guy you got here, Lil."
"Thank you," Lily smiled, looping her arm through Jake's and leaning her head against his shoulder. "Isn't he great? I'm keeping him."
"Where are you from, man?" Mason asked.
"Florida," Jake answered, taking a sip of his water.
"One warm coast for another," Mason said. "Lily said you're a English Lit major?"
"Yep," Jake nodded. "With a minor in history."
"Nice, nice," Mason nodded with approval.
"Can we order while you interrogate him?" Wendu asked.
"Of course," Mason laughed, leaning back in his seat and draping an arm over Wendy's chair.
"Don't touch me," Wendy said, her eyes still on the menu. "I'll bite you."
"My type of kink."
Wendy looked at Mason and rolled her eyes.
_____________________
Theo and Daphne
Daphne stood in the kitchen, wearing nothing but one of Theo's white button-down shirts, the hem brushing mid-thigh. The shirt hung loosely on her tall frame, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her messy hair tumbled around her face, giving her an effortlessly beautiful, just-woke-up look. A soft morning light filtered through the window, highlighting the flush in her cheeks as she stood barefoot, savoring the pancakes Theo had made for her.
"Good?" Theo, in his pajama bottoms, leaned against the counter and asked, his eyes watching her with a faint smirk.
"The best," Daphne smiled, licking the chocolate from the corner of her mouth.
Theo held out a strawberry, and Daphne leaned forward, biting into it, her lips brushing his fingers as she did. She grinned at him, her eyes sparkling with delight at the sweet treat. Without warning, Theo slid an arm around her waist, lifting her effortlessly. Daphne let out a soft laugh, her hands instinctively gripping his shoulders. He set her down on the cool countertop, his hands lingering at her sides.
"Comfy?" he teased, his voice low and warm, as if the entire world revolved around just Daphne.
Daphne, still holding her fork, nodded with a playful smile, her heart fluttering in her chest as their gaze lingered.
"I could make you breakfast every morning," Theo said, stepping closer to stand between her thighs, his presence enveloping her like a warm embrace.
"It's not the same," Daphne sighed, her voice soft, teasing. "They get all soggy by the time you're at work."
"They'll be perfect if you eat them here," Theo countered, his hands sliding gently along her waist. "Every morning."
"Every morning?" she asked, arching a brow, her lips quirking in amusement.
"Yeah," Theo replied, his voice steady but warm, a smile curving his lips. "Every morning you wake up here, and we have breakfast. Then we head to work, together."
Daphne tilted her head, her smile growing as she searched his face, her hand finding its way to his hair, her fingers weaving through the soft strands.
"And then?" she prompted.
"We come back home," Theo continued, his tone softening, "and I make you dinner."
"If you're doing all the work, then what's left for me to do?" Daphne teased, her laughter light and infectious.
"You just sit there, look pretty, and eat whatever I make," Theo grinned, leaning closer. "Think you can handle that?"
"That's a lot of responsibility," Daphne said, her laughter dancing in her eyes as his nose brushed hers in a playful kiss.
Theo smiled against her skin, pulling back just enough to meet her gaze. "So," he began, his voice hushed but full of meaning, "what do you think?"
"About?" Daphne asked, her fingers trailing through his hair as her heart pounded in her chest.
"Moving in with me," Theo said, his words slow and deliberate, his eyes searching hers, vulnerable yet full of hope.
Daphne's smile softened as her hand settled against his cheek. "I think," she whispered, her voice tinged with emotion, "you're making it really hard to say no."
Sorry about being MIA :/ work is demanding all my attention. I hope you liked this.
I will so edit out Levi and Evie because they will have a new storyline in book two.