Chapter 65
Lily
Lily sat in the backseat of the car, her phone resting in her lap, the screen dark and lifeless. She stared at it, willing it to light up with Jake's name, but it remained stubbornly silent. The faint melody of her favorite song that Luca played in the car barely registered in her ears as her thoughts circled around him.
She pressed the call button again, her heart sinking deeper with each unanswered ring. When it went to voicemail, she let out a shaky sigh, quickly ending the call before the tone could play. She leaned her head against the cool glass of the window, the world outside a blur of motion.
"Baby, you okay back there?" Daisy's voice broke through her thoughts, filled with concern as she glanced at Lily in the rearview mirror.
Lily straightened up and forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, her tone light but unconvincing.
Luca glanced back briefly from the driver's seat. "You sure? You've been quiet this whole ride."
"I'm just tired," Lily murmured, brushing her hair behind her ear and looking down at her phone again, as if Jake might suddenly change his mind and call her back. The knot in her chest tightened when the screen remained blank.
Daisy exchanged a look with Luca, but neither of them pressed further. Instead, Daisy reached back and gave Lily's knee a gentle squeeze. "We'll be at the doctor's soon. Just try to relax, okay?"
Lily nodded silently, her gaze drifting to the passing scenery outside the window. She tried to focus on the upcoming appointment, but all she could feel was the ache of Jake's absence. Pulling out her phone once more, she quickly sent him a text.
Lily: Hey....I've been trying to call you. Please, pick up. My parents are here and they want to go to dinner with us. What should I tell them?
Lily hit sent and tossed her phone into her purse.
The car rolled to a stop in front of the private clinic, a modern building with large glass doors and neatly trimmed hedges lining the entrance. Luca turned off the engine and glanced at Lily through the rearview mirror, concern etched into his features.
"Ready, my love?" he asked gently.
Lily nodded, but her hands fidgeted with the strap of her purse. She grabbed her phone instinctively but left it untouched in her bag.
Daisy stepped out first, waiting for Lily to follow. "Come on."
Inside the office, the sterile scent of antiseptic mingled with the muffled conversations and the rustle of papers. The receptionist greeted them warmly, checking Lily in before directing them to the waiting area.
Lily sat between her parents, her knee bouncing with restless energy. Daisy reached over, placing a steadying hand on her leg, while Luca flipped through an outdated magazine, his jaw tight.
"Lily Silvano?" a nurse called, and the three of them rose in unison.
They were ushered into a private room, where Lily sat on the examination table, her parents pulling chairs close. Moments later, Dr. Manning walked in, a kind-faced man in his forties with a calm demeanor that immediately put them at ease. He glanced at Lily, then at Daisy and Luca, giving them a reassuring smile.
"Good afternoon, Lily. How are you feeling today?"
"Better," Lily replied softly. "A little tired, but okay."
Dr. Manning nodded and flipped open her chart. "That's normal after a seizure, especially since it was your first in a while. I understand you were in the hospital recently?"
"Yes," Daisy said quickly, her voice tinged with worry. "She collapsed at school. It was terrifying."
Luca leaned forward. "This hasn't happened in years. What do you think caused it?"
Dr. Manning looked up from Lily's files, "Let's take this step by step. Lily's tests came back clear for any major neurological conditions, which is excellent news. Based on the details from the hospital and your descriptions, this seizure could have been triggered by a combination of stress, lack of sleep, or dehydration.....or missed medication."
Daisy and Luca's eyes flickered toward their daughter.
"She's been under a lot of pressure at school," Daisy said before Luca got a chance to go off about the missed medications. Lily's cheeks flushed slightly, but she stayed silent, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her sweater.
"It's not uncommon," Dr. Manning continued. "When the body is overwhelmed, it can respond in unexpected ways. The good news is that it doesn't look like anything too serious as of right now. She's been seizure free for the last twenty four hours and let's keep it that way."
"So, what now?" Luca asked, his voice steady but firm.
"We'll keep monitoring," Dr. Manning said. "I'll prescribe a rescue medication for emergencies, up the dosage of her regular medications, and I strongly recommend lifestyle adjustments. Lily, you need to prioritize rest, proper nutrition, and staying hydrated. Stress management is keyâfinding ways to decompress and avoid overexertion."
Daisy's concerns lingered. "Is there anything else we should watch for? Could this happen again?"
"It's possible given she has a history," Dr. Manning said. "If it does, we'll reassess and consider further testing. For now, keep a close eye on her, and don't hesitate to reach out if anything feels off."
Lily nodded, feeling a mix of relief and guilt as her mother squeezed her hand.
"You'll be okay," Daisy said softly.
Lily forced a small smile.
As her parents thanked the doctor and made plans to pick up her prescription, Lily's phone buzzed faintly in her purse. Her heart leaped as she grabbed it, only to see a text notification from Gabriel.
Gabriel: Meds. Don't forget.
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Theo and Daphne
Theo stood barefoot on the warm sand, the sound of laughter tugging at his heart. The sky blazed with hues of orange, pink, and lavender, the waves gently kissing the shore in a rhythmic serenade.
Turning his head, he found Daphne, radiant in a flowing white sundress, her hair shimmering in the sunlight as the breeze teased its strands.
She was kneeling beside a small, chubby toddler, who was giggling uncontrollably as he clumsily scooped sand into a bright red bucket. The little boy had Daphne's eyes, bright and curious, and Theo felt a strange pang of recognition in his chestâa mix of wonder and an unshakable sense of belonging.
"Daddy, look!" the toddler called out, his tiny hands raising the bucket triumphantly. Sand poured out of the sides, but his grin was as wide as the horizon.
Theo felt his lips curve into a smile, warmth spreading through him as he walked over. He crouched beside them, his hand brushing lightly against Daphne's as he steadied the bucket for the boy. Her laughter, soft and melodic, filled the air as she leaned closer to Theo.
"He's happy here," she whispered.
Theo reached out, tousling the boy's dark curls, and said, "He's got your determination. We might be in trouble when he figures out how to use it."
Daphne laughed again, her hand resting lightly on Theo's arm. The toddler, oblivious to their exchange, began babbling about building the "biggest sandcastle ever."
Theo felt an inexplicable tug deep in his chest. It wasn't just the beauty of the sceneâthe dreamâit was the overwhelming sense of rightness. Of home.
As the waves lapped closer, the three of them started crafting a sandcastle together, their laughter mingling with the sound of the sea. But just as the castle began to take shape, the dream started to fade, the edges blurring like a watercolor painting left out in the rain.
Theo woke with a start, his heart pounding. The image of Daphne and the child lingered in his mind, vivid and achingly real. He ran a hand over his face, trying to shake off the weight of the dream, but the feelings it stirred refused to leave.
Theo was sprawled across the bed, the morning light filtering in through the curtains. The faint sound of the bathroom door creaking open caught his attention. He blinked groggily, his eyes adjusting as Daphne stepped out, a soft smile gracing her face.
She was wrapped in a white towel that just brushed the tops of her thighs, her damp hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders. The scent of her shampoo, fresh and floral, wafted through the air, mingling with the faint crispness of morning.
"Good morning," she said, her voice light and warm as if the day itself had greeted him.
Theo sat up slowly, running a hand through his disheveled hair. His eyes lingered on her for a moment, her presence somehow both calming and energizing all at once.
"Morning," he replied, his voice still thick with sleep. "What time is it?"
"Almost ten," Daphne said, crossing the room and perching on the edge of the bed. "Your parents are with Lily at the doctor's," she added.
Theo frowned slightly. "Why didn't anyone wake me?"
Daphne reached out, her fingers brushing back his hair in a soothing gesture. "I didn't want to wake you. You've been so stressed lately, and... you were sleeping so deeply. I thought you could use it."
Her words carried a quiet kindness that made his chest tighten. He studied her face, the sincerity in her expression, the subtle worry she was trying to mask behind her gentle tone.
"Thank you," he murmured, his voice softer now. He took her hand and pressed a sweet kiss upon it. "I appreciate it."
She smiled again, a small, almost shy curve of her lips. "You were smiling in your sleep this morning."
Theo chuckled softly, the sound low and intimate. "Was I?"
Daphne nodded, leaning down and placing herself upon his chest, "What were you dreaming about?"
Theo smiled, tucking her hair back behind her ear, "You. Always about you."
"What about me?" Daphne wondered.
"It's always the same dream," Theo said, his gaze scanning her eyes. "I think.....I think I know what I want for Christmas."
"You do?" Daphne's eyes lit up. "What is it? Make a wish, your Highness and I shall grant it."
"I want us to have a baby."
Daphne froze.
Her wide eyes searched Theo's face as if trying to make sense of what she'd just heard. The lightness in the room shifted, the playful warmth replaced by a flicker of tension. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out, her surprise written in every line of her expression.
Theo's heart sank, his chest tightening as doubt crept in. He cursed himself inwardly, the familiar fear of pushing too hard, too fast, rising like a tide. He was always rushing, wasn't he? Always stepping too far ahead without stopping to see if she was ready to follow.
"Iâ" He faltered, sitting up slowly, his hand releasing hers as though he'd overstepped. His gaze softened, worry etched into his features. "I'm sorry, Daphne. I... I wasn't trying to put you on the spot or anything." He let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair. "That was too much, wasn't it?"
Her startled expression shifted, her brow knitting at the regret in his voice. She blinked, her lips pressing together as if she was struggling to find the right words.
"It's not that," she said softly, her voice barely audible. "I just... I wasn't expecting you to say that."
Theo nodded quickly, "I get it. It was out of nowhere. I shouldn't have dropped something like that on youâespecially like this." His tone was earnest, tinged with self-reproach. "I just...I've just been having these dreams... " He trailed off, his eyes searching hers.
Daphne's expression softened, the initial shock giving way to something more tender.
"Theo," she began, her hand reaching out hesitantly to touch his arm. "You don't have to apologize. I know you mean it in the best way. It's just... a big thing to say."
Her touch steadied him, though the knot of worry in his chest didn't completely loosen. "I don't want you to feel pressured," he said firmly, his voice dropping to a quiet, vulnerable tone. "You mean too much to me for that."
Daphne's lips curved into a faint, uncertain smile, her thumb brushing against his skin. "I know."
The silence that followed felt fragile but not unkind. Theo watched her carefully, hoping he hadn't pushed her too far away this time.
Daphne's hand lingered on Theo's arm, her thumb absently tracing light circles as she gathered her thoughts. Her gaze dropped to where their hands rested, the soft lines of her expression marked with a quiet determination.
"Theo," she began, her voice steady but tinged with hesitation. She lifted her eyes to meet his, a flicker of uncertainty behind them. "It's not that I don't want... what you're talking about. It's just... I need some time to think."
He blinked, his heart jolting with hope that he shoved down, desperate to hear what Daphne had to say.
"It's not a no," Daphne said quietly, her hand squeezing his gently. "It's just... this is a big decision. A baby changes everything."
"I know that," Theo said, his tone quiet but earnest. "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it."
"I...I need some time to think about it," Daphne said quietly.
Theo swallowed, the knot in his chest loosening just enough to let him breathe. He nodded, his lips curving into a small, understanding smile.
"I shouldn't have sprung it on you like that," he admitted softly. "Take all the time you need."
Daphne's eyes softened, and she leaned into him slightly, her forehead brushing his. "Thank you," she murmured. "This isn't me saying I don't see it happening... just that I need to be sure it's what I'm ready for."
Theo's hand found hers again, his fingers intertwining with hers. "As long as we figure it out together," he said, his voice gentle. "That's all I care about."
Daphne's lips curved into a small smile, her gaze steady on his. "Together," she repeated, the word carrying both reassurance and promise.
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Lily
Lily stepped into the hotel lobby, the soft sounds of conversation and clinking silverware drifting from the restaurant area. The air was cool, and the familiar scent of fresh linens and coffee filled the space, but her stomach fluttered uneasily. Daisy and Luca walked beside her. Luca had his arm around her shoulder and gave it a tight squeeze, trying to ease her visible discomfort.
As They neared their table, Lily gaze naturally flicked to the group already seated. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Gabriel sitting at the table with Wendy, Alexa, and Mason. They were laughing together, completely at ease. Lily felt a small pang in her chest, the knot she thought she had undone from earlier that day starting to tighten again.
Daisy noticed Lily's sudden stillness and gave her a gentle nudge. "Your dad wanted to meet Gabriel and thank him. We thought it'd be nice to have lunch together."
Lily's throat tightened, "Oh...," she said quietly, her mind swirling as she tried to process the unexpected meeting. Her steps slowed as they neared the table and Gabriel looked up, catching her gaze.
Lily gave a half-hearted smile, but the lump in her throat made it hard to speak. As they reached the table, Gabriel stood up and Daisy took the lead, greeting the group with a warm smile.
"Gabriel, it's so nice to finally meet you," Daisy said, her voice genuine but warm, with a touch of gratitude that seemed to fill the air around them. "We just wanted to thank you for being there when Lily needed someone. We really appreciate it."
Luca nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at Gabriel and held out his hand, "You took good care of her, and that means a lot to us," he added, his voice steady and sincere.
Gabriel shook Luca's hand and gave them both a respectful nod, his smile slightly more subdued than usual.
"Of course," he said, his tone calm and reassuring. "Lily's a strong person, but she didn't have to go through that alone. I'm just glad I was there."
Lily felt a strange flutter in her chest at his words, something both warm and uncomfortable, but she quickly turned her attention to her parents, hoping the unease would subside. Daisy reached out and lightly touched her arm, sensing her daughter's subtle withdrawal.
"You're right," Daisy said, her voice filled with gratitude. "It's hard not to worry, but knowing someone was looking out for Lily gives us peace of mind."
Luca added with a sincere smile, "We're just glad she's okay."
Gabriel nodded, his gaze softening when it met Lily's briefly, before he turned back to her parents.
"It was no trouble at all," he replied, but his words didn't carry the usual teasing tone. There was a quiet sincerity in them that caught Lily off guard, making her feel a little lighterâbut also more tangled in her own thoughts.
The conversation shifted then, as they all settled into their seats, but the tension Lily had felt earlier lingered. Her gaze found Gabriel again, his attention now divided between the group at the table. She tried to push away the lingering feeling of discomfort, focusing on the quiet hum of conversation around them. But she couldn't help check her phone every few seconds.
"Everything okay," Alexa leaned closer and whispered.
"Yeah," Lily tried to smile. "Just tired."
"Doctor said that was normal," Daisy assured everyone. "She needs to take it easy, rest, not stress out, or push herself too much. Maybe you girls can join us for a spa day soon. That would be fun."
"That sounds great," Alexa said with excitement.
"I'm down," Wendy nodded.
Lily offered a small, absent smile but stayed quiet, her attention split between the conversation and the uneasy feeling that gnawed at her. Her gaze shifted, and she found herself staring across the table at Gabriel. Their eyes met briefly, and she quickly dropped her gaze back to her water.
"Here comes Theo and Daphne," Luca said, smiling as he looked over Daisy's shoulder toward the approaching couple. "Right on time."
The door to the hotel restaurant swung open, and in walked Theo and Daphne. The moment they reached the table, their presence seemed to shift the atmosphere slightly.
Theo's eyes immediately met Gabriel's, and for a brief moment, the tension in the air was palpable. The two exchanged a stiff nod before Theo extended his hand to Gabriel, his grip firm but not warm.
"Gabriel," Theo greeted him.
Gabriel rose from his seat once again, "Theodore."
Lily shut her eyes and cursed under her breath. Not the full name.
"Thanks for looking out for Lily," Theo said, his voice neutral, but there was an undercurrent of something moreâa subtle recognition of their past interaction.
Gabriel shook Theo's hand with the same stoic expression, the flicker of tension still there, lingering just beneath the surface.
"No problem," he replied, his tone smooth.
Lily and Daphne exchanged a brief, knowing glance. Only they knew how much Theo and Gabriel disliked each other, and while neither made it obvious to the rest of the group, their interactions carried a quiet intensity, like a simmering pot that could boil over at any moment.
"Can we order now?" Mason spoke up. "I'm starving."
"Yes, yes," Daisy smiled. "Please."
As everyone settled into their seats, the small conversations filled the air. Plates of food began to appear on the table, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes mixing with the faint scent of coffee and the warm ambiance of the restaurant.
Lily, still feeling a mix of tension and exhaustion, tried to focus on the meal in front of her, but her mind kept wandering back to Jake.
"So, Gabriel," Luca, ever the conversationalist, took the lead in breaking the silence. He leaned back in his chair, glancing over at Gabriel with a thoughtful expression, his voice warm and inquisitive, "I've heard you're quite the student. What are you studying?"
Gabriel, who had been picking at his food just like Lily, looked up at the question and smiled in a way that was both confident and modest.
"Mechanical Engineering," he replied.
Luca nodded, "Engineering. That's wonderful. Lily is thinking about engineering too."
"I've heard," Gabriel smiled, his eyes flickering toward her. "There's always something new to learn. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of itâthe challenge of designing something and then making it function. It's what drew me to engineering in the first place. I can see Lily liking it too."
Before Luca could respond, Mason, who had been sitting quietly until now, added with a grin, "Gabriel just got offered a scholarship with McLaren's Formula one engineering team."
Lily's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and she looked at Gabriel in disbelief. "Formula one?" she echoed. "With McLaren?"
Gabriel chuckled softly, a modest grin on his face. "Yeah, it's pretty recent. It's a huge opportunity. Formula one's one of the best when it comes to engineering innovation, and I've always been a fan of motorsports."
Luca smiled. "That's incredible. I can see why you're so passionate about engineering now."
Gabriel shrugged. "It's an amazing chance, for sure. I just want to keep pushing myself to learn and do better. It's a dream job, really."
Luca's approving smile widened, clearly impressed. "Well, with that kind of drive and talent, I'm sure you'll go far."
"Thank you, sir" Gabriel said with a grin, grateful for the recognition but trying to downplay the excitement bubbling up inside him.
As the conversation lulled for a moment, Daisy, who had been listening intently, smiled and spoke up.
"How are you parents going?" she asked warmly, glancing over at Gabriel and Alexa. "They must be so proud of all of your accomplishments."
Gabriel took a deep breath, the question catching him a little off guard, but his smile remained soft.
"My mom's a nurse," he began, his tone fond. "She was the one who saw Lily at the hospital when she came in. She's been working the night shifts lately, so she wasn't able to make it to lunch, but she's greatâalways helping people, even when she's exhausted. And dad...."
Alexa, noticing the slight pause Gabriel had, added in a more subdued tone, "Our dad... he was a police officer. He passed away." Her voice softened at the mention of their father.
There was a brief silence as everyone took in the weight of Alexa's words. Daisy looked at the siblings with a deep understanding in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry for your loss," she said softly, her voice warm and sincere. "How...how did he pass away?"
"It was during a shootout with a local gang," Gabriel answered, his voice calm yet tinged with the weight of memory, the room seemed to hold its breath. "He was a police officer, and it was part of the job, but it... it was a rough one. He didn't make it out."
The words hung in the air. Luca and Theo shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Luca cleared his throat, his expression momentarily tight as he glanced away, staring at his napkin in his lap. He couldn't quite meet Gabriel's eyes, the mention of "organized crime" bringing an unspoken tension to the table.
Theo, who had been leaning back slightly in his chair, suddenly sat up straighter, his posture stiffening. His jaw clenched. The subtle shift in his demeanor wasn't lost on Daphne.
Luca took a slow, deliberate sip from his glass. His gaze flicked to Theo briefly before returning to Gabriel, the air between them growing a little heavier. Both men were seasoned enough to recognize the implications of what Gabriel had just shared, even if the details were sparse. Organized crime was never a light subject, and the mention of it seemed to stir something within themâperhaps memories, perhaps guilt.
Gabriel, sensing the tension without fully understanding it, faltered for a moment. His gaze flickered from Luca to Theo, noticing their reactions. He gave a small, uneasy smile. "It's... not something we talk about much," he added, trying to ease the discomfort he could feel settling around the table.
Theo cleared his throat and leaned forward slightly, though his eyes remained guarded. "I'm... sorry to hear that," he said gruffly, his voice low.
Luca nodded, still avoiding direct eye contact. "Yes," he muttered, his voice just above a whisper. "That's tough."
Daisy, sensing the sudden change in atmosphere, smiled softly and tried to shift the conversation.
"But you're here, and you've made it through all of that. That speaks volumes about you both," she said, her tone light and reassuring.
The moment passed, but the lingering discomfort remained, woven into the very air of the room. Gabriel couldn't shake the feeling that something unsaid had passed between Theo and Luca. He watched them closely, but his attention was soon diverted when he noticed Lily.
She hadn't touched her plate, her food sitting there untouched as she picked at her napkin, her gaze unfocused. She was quiet, not engaging in the conversation like she usually did. Her expression was distant, her lips pressed together in a thin line. Gabriel's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her. There was a subtle tension in the way she held herself, a quiet sadness he couldn't quite place.
He shifted in his seat, glancing around the table to make sure no one was paying too much attention. Daisy was chatting with Alexa, and Luca and Theo were in conversation with each other, seemingly preoccupied. Gabriel's gaze returned to Lily, watching as she slowly sipped from her water glass, her movements robotic, almost mechanical.
It wasn't like her. Gabriel's stomach churned with a growing concern, but he didn't act on it immediately. He waited, watching her, hoping she would snap out of it. But instead, she stood up slowly, mumbling something about needing to use the bathroom. Her words were barely audible, and when she walked away from the table, Gabriel felt a flicker of unease gnawing at him.
Without hesitation, he excused himself from the table and quietly followed. The cool air hit him as he stepped into the lobby, but his focus remained on Lily. He moved quickly, his footsteps light and steady as he found her standing outside the bathroom door, her shoulders hunched, eyes fixed on the floor.
"Lily," Gabriel called gently, his voice soft but firm enough to get her attention. She turned toward him, her face slightly flushed, and he could see the effort it took for her to maintain her composure.
"Hey," Gabriel said, taking a cautious step toward her. "You okay?"
Lily's eyes flickered toward him, and for a moment, Gabriel thought she might brush him off, but instead, she sighed softly.
"I'm fine," she replied, her voice almost a whisper.
Gabriel frowned, noticing the strain in her words. "You've barely touched your food. You've been off all afternoon. What's going on?" His voice was gentle, his concern growing with every passing second.
Lily hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground again, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of her sleeve. "It's nothing, Gabriel," she murmured, trying to force a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Gabriel took another step closer, lowering his voice. "I'm not buying that." He paused, searching her face for any sign of what might be wrong. "Talk to me."
Lily hesitated for a long moment, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. She blinked rapidly, as if trying to hold them back, but it was no use. They spilled over, trailing down her cheeks, and she quickly wiped them away with the back of her hand, her face flushed with embarrassment.
"It's just..." she started, her voice trembling. "Jake and I had an argument." She sniffed, taking a shaky breath. "I don't know... it's just... everything feels so messed up right now." Her hands clutched at her sleeves tighter, as if trying to hold herself together. "My parents want to meet him for dinner but he's not picking up my calls."
Gabriel took a step closer, unsure of what to say. "What happened?" he asked quietly
Lily glanced up at him, her eyes red-rimmed from the tears. "He's upset," she said softly, her voice catching. "He's upset and angry about me going on a walk with you. I tried calling him, but he won't pick up." She looked down again, her shoulders sagging. "I don't know what to do. My mom keeps asking about dinner and I don't know what to tell her.
Gabriel swallowed. He wanted to say something comforting, but the words felt stuck in his throat. He reached out tentatively.
"Lily..." His voice was soft, but there was an urgency behind it. "The doctor said you shouldn't be stressing ight now."
Lily's response was sharp, her frustration spilling over. "Oh, okay," she said sarcastically, wiping her cheeks roughly with the back of her hand. "Let me just turn off the switch." Her eyes were filled with a mix of anger and helplessness. "I can't just pretend everything's fine when it's not."
Gabriel took a step closer, his voice gentle but insistent. "Tell your parents he's busy or something. They'll understand."
Lily shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "That would leave such an awful impression on them. They're already concerned. I don't want them to think I have an awful boyfriend too. Jake's not like that."
Gabriel paused, trying to think of another way to ease her burden. "Tell them he's sick?"
Lily's eyes widened with frustration, "My mom will want to go see him with chicken soup!" She huffed, wiping at her face again, her expression a mixture of disbelief and exhaustion.
"I got nothing else." Gabriel's tone was light, but there was genuine regret behind it, as if he wished he could offer more.
Lily closed her eyes, her head hanging low as she muttered to herself, almost in disbelief. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have gone on that walk with you." Her voice was small, filled with self-recrimination. "Jake was right. I would've flipped out if he had gone on a walk with another girl."
Gabriel frowned, his brows furrowing as he stepped closer. "That's absurd," he said firmly. "Friends can go on walks together. It's just a walk, Lily." His voice softened. "It doesn't mean anything more than that."
Lily's gaze snapped up to meet his, the pain in her eyes sharp. "We can't be friends, Gabriel!" She nearly shouted. "It's not just Jake. It's Alexa, too. I don't want to lose either of them because I decide to be friends with you." Her voice broke again, and she quickly turned away, ashamed of the outburst.
Gabriel stood in the quiet moment that followed Lily's outburst, unsure of how to respond. His mind raced, searching for the right words, but they felt distant and unreachable. He took a breath, trying to steady himself, but everything he thought to say seemed inadequate, even trivial.
Lily's back was to him now, her shoulders shaking ever so slightly. Gabriel opened his mouth to speak but stopped himself, his words dying in his throat. He turned away slowly and without saying another word, he walked back toward the table.
Lily, meanwhile, took a few more moments to compose herself. Her hands trembled slightly as she pressed them against the sink in the bathroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She dabbed at her eyes, willing herself to look like everything was okay, even if she didn't feel like it. There was a heaviness in her chest, an overwhelming sense of not knowing what to do next, but she knew she couldn't stay in the bathroom forever. She had to go back to the table, even if she felt like things were falling apart.
When Lily returned to the table, she noticed the absence of Gabriel almost immediately. Her heart skipped a beat as she scanned the room, but there was no sign of him anywhere. She approached the table, her eyes searching for him, but Mason caught her attention before she could ask.
"He had to leave," Mason said. "He said he got a call, so he left in a hurry."
Lily's heart sank and she sat back down. Mason didn't seem to notice her growing unease. He continued talking about something else, but Lily couldn't quite focus on his words.
________________________
Daphne and Theo
The sun beat down on the beach, casting a warm glow over the soft sand as Daphne and Daisy lounged side by side under the umbrellas, the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore creating a peaceful backdrop. The air smelled of saltwater, mingling with the faint scent of sunscreen, and the two women were nestled comfortably in beach chairs, soaking up the sun with drinks by their sides.
"So," Daisy began, adjusting her sunglasses, "How was your trip to Edenfield? Did you and Theo have a good time?"
Daphne smiled, reaching into her bag and pulling out her phone. As she unlocked it, she felt the warmth of the sun on her skin, but it was the memories from Edenfield that filled her thoughts. She had grown so accustomed to visiting Edenfield, it almost felt like a second home.
"It was nice," Daphne replied, swiping through her phone as she handed Daisy the device. "Theo and I spent a lot of time just walking around the woods. It was... calm, peaceful." She paused, her fingers lingering over the screen as she found the pictures she wanted to show. "And of course, we spent a majority of our time with Reed and Sara."
Daisy leaned over and raised her shades, her smile growing as she looked through the images. "Theo loves that little boy," she remarked, flicking through the pictures. "We all do."
Daphne's heart skipped a beat when she noticed the photos she'd taken of Theo with Reed and Sara. There he was, laughing with Reed as he ran along the trail, his small hands reaching out to Theo as he pulled him into a game of tag. In another photo, Reed was perched on Theo's shoulders, his face lit up with joy as Theo steadied him with one hand, smiling up at him with the kind of protective affection Daphne had never seen in him before.
I want us to have a baby.
A strange, unexpected warmth spread through her chest, and she found herself frozen in place, watching the screen with a soft smile. It wasn't the pictures of Theo laughing or joking with her that caught her attention. It was the way he interacted with the kidsâthe ease with which he held them, the gentle guidance he offered, the unconditional patience that seemed to pour from him effortlessly.
"Look at him," Daphne said softly, her voice almost distant as she pointed at one of the photos, where Theo was lifting Sara into the air, both of them laughing together. "He's really great with them."
Daisy, still holding the phone, glanced up with a knowing smile. "He is, isn't he?" she said, her voice light but tinged with curiosity. "Theo's always had a way with kids. I can see you two making a great team."
Daphne blinked, her heart tightening as she processed Daisy's words. She suddenly felt as though something had shifted inside her, the thought of childrenâtheir childrenâfalling into place like a puzzle piece. She hadn't really thought about it before. Sure, she loved spending time with Theo's family, but seeing him with Reed and Sara made her wonder what it might be like to have little ones of their own.
She swallowed, trying to mask the sudden wave of emotion that surged within her.
Daisy smiled quietly, her eyes soft with understanding. She returned her gaze to the phone, continuing to scroll through the pictures with a gentle, encouraging smile.
Daphne leaned back in her chair, her thoughts swirling around the idea of Theo and herâtogether, with kids of their own. It was a thought she hadn't dared to entertain up until that morning, but now, the image of Theo playing with their child, his hands gently guiding them, filled her with a sense of warmth and possibility. She wasn't ready to admit it just yet, but for the first time, she could see a futureâone with him, and with children.
________________
Gabriel
Gabriel strode into the frat house, his gaze unwavering. A few of the guys gave him nods or came up to talk to him, but he wasn't here for pleasantries. His dark eyes, sharp as a blade, scanned the space briefly before landing on Jake, who was lounging lazily on a couch, his phone in his hand.
"Jake," Gabriel called his name.
Jake's face tightened when he saw Gabriel, an exasperated sigh escaping his lips.
"Are you serious?" Jake muttered, irritated. He clearly didn't want to deal with Gabriel, but the latter was already crossing the room.
Gabriel stopped a few feet away, standing tall and steady as Jake rose to his feet.
"What the hell are you doing here?" He asked.
"Listen," Gabriel said, his voice low and unyielding. "I don't know what you said to Lily. But there's nothing going on between me and her, so stop playing games with her head and call her back. She's been stressed enough lately, don't make things worse for her."
His tone wasn't just firmâit was commanding, and there was an unmistakable pressure in his words that left no room for argument.
"You need to call her back, and you need to stop stressing her out," Gabriel continued. "It's not good for her health, and if you care about her at all, which I assume you do, you'll respect that."
Gabriel wasn't just speakingâhe was demanding.
Jake didn't flinch. He leaned back against the couch, nonchalantly, clearly unimpressed by Gabriel's intensity.
He looked up at Gabriel with a half-smirk. "You really think you can come in here and tell me what to do with Lily? Fuck off, man."
Gabriel's eyes narrowed, his posture stiffening slightly, but Jake wasn't intimidated. His gaze met Gabriel's without hesitation. There was a simmering confidence in Jake that didn't waver under Gabriel's domineering presence.
"I don't care what you think is going on with her," Jake continued, his voice steady, "but you stay the hell away from Lily. You're not gonna take her on little walks, and you sure as hell aren't gonna come in here with that tough guy act trying to play hero."
Gabriel's jaw tightened. He took a step forward, but Jake didn't budge. His stare was unflinching, and the tension between them crackled in the air. It was clear neither of them was willing to give an inch.
"Watch yourself," Gabriel warned, his voice low and dangerous. But Jake just shrugged, the casual arrogance never leaving his face. "The only reason my fist is not swinging across you face right now is because Lily seems to like deformed rats."
"Try me," Jake said, leaning back into the couch again, clearly not backing down. "Stay away from Lily. For your own good."
"You really that insecure?" Gabriel mocked. "Even when she's blowing up your phone and crying her eyes out?"
"Were you there to offer her a shoulder?" Jake snickered.
"I told you," Gabriel snapped, the words coming out through his teeth. "There's nothing going on. I couldn't care less what you thought I was doing with her but she cares and right now you are not good for her health with your drama. So get it together, or I will be giving her more than my shoulder."
Jake's jaw tightened along with his fist. Gabriel could see his eyes narrowing and his control slipping.
"Good talk, man," he said, patting Jake's shoulder. "See you around."
Oop....okay...