Chapter 76
Lily
Lily sat curled up beside Jake on the couch, his arm wrapped protectively around her as she leaned into his warmth. Her heart was still racing, her fingers clutching the fabric of his sleeve like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. Across from them, Mason and Wendy sat tensely, their expressions mirroring the storm of emotions twisting inside her. The phone was on speaker, the call connected to both her father and Theo, their voices sharp and commanding even through the small device.
"You were what?" Theo's voice came first, low and dangerous, the way it always got when he was trying to rein in his anger.
Lily swallowed hard, her throat tight, her pulse hammering so loudly she could barely hear herself think.
"I was followed," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, the words tasting foreign on her tongue. Saying them out loud made it feel more real, more terrifying.
The silence on the other end was thick, suffocating. Then her Luca spoke, his tone sharper than she had expected. "Are you hurt?"
"No, Iâ" Her voice wavered, and she clenched her fists against her lap. "No, I'm okay. I justâI don't know. It was dark, and I was on the highway and they followed me." Her breath hitched, and she hated how small she sounded. How weak.
Jake's grip on her tightened, his lips pressing into her hair as if to reassure her, as if to silently tell her she wasn't alone. She closed her eyes for a second, overwhelmed by the weight of it all.
"Did you get a look at the license plate?" Theo asked, his voice eerily calm. Too calm.
Lily shook her head, then realized they couldn't see her. "No. there wasn't one."
Luca cursed under his breath, a rare sign of emotion slipping through. "You should have called me immediately."
"I panicked," she admitted, her voice laced with guilt. "I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to try and call while also trying to drive away."
Mason, silent until now, finally spoke up, his voice steady but grim. "She was scared out of her mind. By the time she came home, she was shaking."
"We're handling this," Theo cut in, his voice leaving no room for argument. "You're not going anywhere alone again, Lily. Not until we figure out who the hell this was."
Her father's voice followed, a weight of authority behind it. "Do you understand?"
Lily swallowed back the lump in her throat. She wanted to argue, to tell them she didn't need to be coddled, but she couldn't find the strength. The fear was still too fresh, too raw.
"I understand," she whispered.
Jake's hand rubbed soothing circles against Lily's back. Wendy reached for her other hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"You're safe now," Jake murmured, his voice only for her. "We've got you."
But Lily didn't feel safe. She felt small, exposed, and terrifyingly vulnerable.
Lily exhaled shakily, exhaustion creeping into every part of her body. The weight of the night pressed heavily on her chest, suffocating in a way that no amount of comforting words could fix. She squeezed Wendy's hand in silent thanks before slowly pulling away from Jake's embrace.
"I just... I think I need to lay down for a bit," she murmured, not meeting anyone's eyes.
Jake's brow furrowed, concern flashing across his face, but he didn't hesitate. "I'll come with you."
She didn't argue. She didn't have the energy to. She just turned and walked to her room, feeling Jake's steady presence behind her. The second she stepped inside, she went straight for the bed, sitting at the edge with her hands clenched in her lap. The silence stretched between them as Jake shut the door, then let out a long, weary sigh.
"I guess I have to thank Gabriel again, don't I?" He said.
Lily froze.
Her stomach twisted violently, her breath catching in her throat. Guilt slammed into her so hard it nearly stole the air from her lungs. She felt like she had been punched, like the room had suddenly shrunk around her.
Gabriel.
His name alone sent a fresh wave of shame washing over her. The memory of his face, the way he had looked at her, the way she had leaned inâhow close she had come to betraying Jakeâburned in her mind like a brand she couldn't erase.
Her fingers curled into the sheets as a sickening nausea rolled through her. How could she have been so careless? So selfish? She had a boyfriendâone who was here, who cared for her. And yet, she had almostâalmostâ
Lily squeezed her eyes shut, trying to will the memories away, trying to swallow down the awful, gut-wrenching guilt.
Jake had no idea. He had no idea how close she had come to ruining everything.
"Lily?" His voice was softer now, confused by her lack of response.
She forced herself to look up at him, but she knewâshe just knewâher face betrayed her. She felt exposed, vulnerable, like the worst kind of person.
She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep this secret buried before it consumed her completely.
"You're okay, babe," Jake said, touching the edge of her face. "You home. You're safe."
Lily silently nodded. The back of her eyes burned with tears she tried hard to fight off. She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced herself to push past the weight of guilt pressing down on her. She needed to fix this. She needed to remind herself where she belonged.
Lily forced a small, shaky smile and leaned slightly into his touch. "Come to New York with me this weekend," she said suddenly, her voice quieter than she intended.
Jake blinked, surprised. "New York?"
She nodded quickly. "Theo and Daphne are celebrating their engagement. My family will be there. I want you to come."
More than anything, she needed him to come.
This was her chanceâher chance to set things right, to put distance between herself and the mess of emotions swirling inside her. If Jake was with her, there would be no room for Gabriel, no risk of another mistake, no chance for her heart to waver. Being with Jake was safe. It was right. And maybe if she spent the weekend with him, surrounded by her family, she could finally silence the voice in the back of her head that kept replaying the moment on the Ferris wheel.
Jake studied her, his expression softening. "Are you sure?"
Lily nodded, more firmly this time. "Yeah. I just... I think it would be good for us."
Us.
Because that's what mattered. That's what she needed to focus on. Not Gabriel. Not the near-kiss. Not the feelings that threatened to pull her under.
Jake gave her a small smile, brushing his thumb over her cheek. "Okay. I'll go."
Lily let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Maybe this was exactly what they needed. Maybe, if she tried hard enough, she could make everything go back to the way it was supposed to be.
Jake's phone buzzed on the nightstand, and he glanced at the screen before letting out a quiet sigh.
"I have to go," he said, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. "I've got that job interview, remember?"
Lily forced a small nod, still feeling the lingering weight of their conversation. "Right. Good luck," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
He leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I'll call you later, okay?"
She nodded again, watching as he grabbed his things and headed toward the door. The second it shut behind him, her shoulders slumped, the energy draining from her body.
She barely had a moment to gather her thoughts before Wendy appeared in the doorway, her sharp gaze immediately scanning Lily's face. Without a word, she stepped inside and sat down beside her on the bed.
"You look miserable," Wendy said bluntly, pulling her legs up and crossing them. "Talk to me, Lil."
Lily hesitated, biting her lip, but the concern in Wendy's eyes was unwavering. She had known her too long, seen her through too much, to be fooled by any half-hearted attempt at pretending she was fine.
Lily exhaled shakily, staring down at her hands as she whispered, "I almost kissed Gabriel."
The words felt like a confessionâone that made her stomach twist with guilt and shame the second they left her lips.
Wendy didn't react right away. She simply blinked, as if giving Lily space to let it sink in. Then, after a long pause, she said, "Okay.... What the fuck? What happened, Lily?"
Lily's throat tightened. "I don't know. We were on the Ferris wheel, and it just... happened. Or almost happened." She clenched her fists in the fabric of her blanket. "I pulled away before it did, but I shouldn't have even let it get that far. And now, I justâ" Her voice cracked, and she shook her head. "I feel like the worst person in the world."
Wendy studied her carefully. "Does Jake know?"
Lily shook her head quickly. "No. And he can't."
Wendy sighed, leaning back on her palms. "Lily..."
"I know," Lily cut in, her voice filled with frustrationâat herself, at the situation, at everything. "I know I messed up. I just... I don't know what to do."
For once, Wendy didn't have some sarcastic remark or a dry joke. Instead, she reached over and squeezed Lily's hand.
"Start with being honest with yourself," she said softly. "Do you still like Gabriel?"
Lily opened her mouth, her eyes tearing up, "I shouldn't.....he's....he's horrible. He almost kissed me."
"You almost kissed him," Wendy pointed out.
"I know!" Lily cried. "And I feel like absolute shit....but....I don't think he cares......it's not a big deal to him and that's not the kind of person I want to like."
Wendy scoffed, shaking her head. "Of course, he doesn't care. Gabriel doesn't take anything seriously. Especially not relationships."
Lily swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her blanket. "I know," she whispered.
"No, I don't think you do." Wendy's voice was sharp, but not unkind. "He's reckless, Lily. He's a bad influence on you. He doesn't care about boundaries, and he definitely doesn't care about the mess he leaves behind when he plays these stupid games."
Lily closed her eyes, a fresh wave of guilt washing over her. "I'm ashamed of myself."
Wendy sighed, rubbing a hand over her face. "You're not a bad person, Lils. You made a mistake. But the real problem is that you keep letting him pull you into this cycle." She nudged Lily's knee. "This isn't the first time, is it?"
Lily hesitated before shaking her head. "No," she admitted. "And that's what scares me." She looked up at Wendy, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why do I keep letting this happen?"
Wendy's expression softened, and she squeezed Lily's hand again. "Because he gets in your head. He makes you feel something you don't understand, and it messes with you."
Lily let out a shuddering breath. "I don't want to feel anything for him. I don't want to be this person. I have Jake, and he's good. He's kind. I should be thinking about him, notâ" She broke off, pressing her hands against her face.
Wendy pulled her into a hug, rubbing slow circles on her back. "Then you need to stay away from Gabriel. Cut him off. For real this time."
Lily nodded against Wendy's shoulder, knowing every word Wendy spoke was nothing but the truth.
____________________
Wendy and Mason
Wendy stretched as she stepped out of Lily's room, rolling her shoulders after spending the entire day keeping her friend company. It had been emotionally exhausting, but she knew Lily needed her, so she stayed. Now, though, she needed a breakâa moment to breathe.
As she walked into the living room, the scent of garlic and butter filled the air, making her stomach growl in response. She followed the smell into the kitchen, where she found Mason standing by the stove, stirring something in a pan.
He glanced up when he heard her footsteps, his expression unreadable. "Hey," he said, his voice even, but distant.
Wendy hesitated for a split second before stepping closer, leaning against the counter. "Didn't know you could cook," she said, attempting to sound casual.
Mason shrugged, not looking away from the pan. "There's a lot you don't know."
The words weren't mean, exactly, but there was an edge to them. Wendy shifted uncomfortably. She hadn't spoken much to Mason since the day in the officeâthe day she told him she wasn't interested in anything serious. And now, standing here, she could feel the awkwardness settling between them like a thick cloud.
Still, she tried again. "Smells good. What're you making?"
"Pasta." His tone was clipped, his responses short.
Wendy chewed on the inside of her cheek. "Nice. You, uh... making extra?"
Mason finally glanced at her, but the look in his eyes was unreadable. "No."
Oh. Okay then.
She let out a dry chuckle, pushing off the counter. "Alright, I get it. You don't want to talk to me."
Mason didn't deny it. Instead, he turned back to the stove, his jaw tightening slightly.
Wendy sighed. She wasn't used to thisâMason being closed off, distant. He was always so easygoing, always had a teasing remark ready. But now? Now it felt like he was a million miles away.
And for the first time in a long time, she didn't know what to say.
Wendy was just about to step away, convinced Mason wanted nothing to do with her, when his voice stopped her.
"Here," he said, sliding a cutting board and a knife toward her. "Chop these."
She blinked down at the vegetables he'd pushed in her direction. "You want me to help?"
Mason exhaled sharply. "Unless you'd rather just stand there and stare at me all night."
Wendy narrowed her eyes but didn't argue. At least he was talking to her. She grabbed the knife and started chopping, but her technique was... less than ideal. The pieces came out uneven, some too thick, others barely even slices, and halfway through, Mason let out an irritated sigh.
"Wendy," he muttered, rubbing his forehead.
"What?" she shot back. "You asked for help. I'm helping."
"You're murdering the vegetables," Mason said flatly, looking down at the disaster on the cutting board. Usually, he would've laughed about it, made some teasing remark, but tonight, there was no amusement in his voice. Just exhaustion.
"I don't know why you're even trying to cook," Wendy frowned. "I know a great Italian restaurant dowâ"
"I like home cooked food," Mason stopped her, taking the cutting board and grabbing a knife for himself.
Wendy sat her knife down. "Okay, what's going on with you?"
"Nothing," Mason said too quickly, focusing himself to fix her mess.
She folded her arms. "Bullshit. You're all tense and moody, and I know it's not just my terrible chopping skills pissing you off. It's this whole situation with Lily, isn't it?"
Mason didn't answer at first. He focused on slicing the vegetables with the kind of precision that only made Wendy feel worse about her attempt.
"Mason, she's okay," Wendy tried. "She's safe nowâ"
"My dad and brother are pissed at me."
She frowned. "Why?"
His jaw clenched. "Because I didn't look after Lily properly."
Wendy blinked. "What? That's ridiculous. You're not her babysitter."
Mason let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, tell them that." His grip on the knife tightened before he set it down with a little too much force. "Apparently, I should've done more. Should've seen it coming."
Wendy felt a pang of sympathy. She knew Mason cared about Lily, but she also knew how suffocating family expectations could be.
"That's unfair," she said after a moment. "You're not responsible for every little thing that happens to her."
Mason shrugged, but she could tell her words didn't do much to ease his frustration. "Doesn't matter. To them, I screwed up."
Wendy hesitated before reaching out, placing a hand on his arm. "You didn't," she said firmly. "Lily's okay, and that's what matters."
Mason didn't move for a second. Then, with a quiet sigh, he nodded. "Yeah."
But Wendy could tell he didn't really believe it.
Wendy squeezed Mason's arm gently, her voice softer now. "You're a good brother, you know that, right?"
Mason let out a breath, his fingers drumming against the counter. "Doesn't feel like it."
"Well, feelings lie," she said matter-of-factly. "You care about Lily. You've always looked out for her, even when she probably didn't want you to. That's more than a lot of siblings can say."
Mason didn't respond right away, just stared down at the cutting board with a tight jaw. Wendy could see the weight of everything pressing down on him, the frustration, the guilt, the exhaustion. She wanted to say more, but before she could, his phone buzzed on the counter.
He glanced at the screen, and his entire posture shifted.
"Kennedy," he answered, picking up the phone. "Hey.....what's up?"
Wendy blinked, caught off guard by the name. Kennedyâone of the other writers from Verve. She hadn't thought much about her before, but now, watching Mason answer the call without hesitation, something about it sat uncomfortably in her chest.
"Yeah?" Mason said, already stepping away from the counter. His voice was low, but there was something about the way he spoke that felt... different.
Wendy stood there awkwardly as he walked toward the living room, his voice fading as he disappeared from sight.
She looked down at the cutting board, at the half-chopped vegetables she had so miserably failed at slicing, and suddenly, she wasn't sure why she felt so alone.
__________________________
Theo and Daphne
Daphne fastened the delicate gold earring to her lobe, tilting her head slightly as she admired the way it caught the light. The bathroom mirror reflected her serene expression, but she could sense Theo's presence before she even saw him. His warmth, his quiet intensity, the steady rise and fall of his breath as he stepped behind her.
His hands slid around her waist, but there was a tension in his gripâsubtle, but unmistakable. Daphne met his gaze in the mirror, taking in the rigid line of his shoulders, the way his jaw clenched ever so slightly.
Theo was worried.
She sighed softly, resting a hand over his. "Don't be so hard on Mason or Lily tonight," she murmured, her voice gentle, coaxing.
Theo didn't answer right away. Instead, he dipped his head, his lips brushing over the curve of her shoulder. A slow, deliberate kiss.
Daphne shivered.
"Theo," she tried again, her tone teasing, but still soft. "Promise me you'll be nice?"
He exhaled heavily, lifting his head. "Daphne..." He met her gaze in the mirror, his expression unreadable. "You know what my family is tied to."
Daphne's fingers tightened over his.
He hesitated before continuing. "Mason and Lily don't. None of my siblings do." His voice was low, almost reluctant. "And I want to keep it that way."
Daphne turned in his arms, her hands sliding up to cup his face. "I know," she whispered, stroking her thumb along his cheek. "But you don't have to be on guard all the time."
Theo's lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, she thought he might argue. But then he sighed, closing his eyes as he leaned into her touch.
"I'll try," he finally muttered.
Daphne smiled, stretching up to kiss him softly. "That's all I ask."
Theo nodded slowly before adjusting the lapels of his suit. He watched Daphne put the finishing touches on her look, his gaze lingering on the way her dress hugged her curves, the way the soft lighting of the hotel suite made her glow. She was breathtaking. And she was his.
Daphne caught him staring and smirked, smoothing a hand down the front of his suit before looping her arms around his neck.
"Are you ready?" she asked, her voice light but laced with excitement.
Theo hummed, his hands finding her waist and pulling her flush against him. "Almost," he murmured, dipping his head and capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss.
Daphne melted into him, her fingers sliding into his hair as she sighed against his mouth. Theo deepened the kiss, savoring the warmth of her, the way she fit so perfectly in his arms.
She pulled back slightly, breathless, her lips swollen from his. "If we keep this up, we're never going to make it downstairs."
Theo smirked. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Daphne rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide her smile. "Come on, let's go."
With his hand firmly clasped in hers, Theo led her to the ballroom. The moment they stepped inside, a wave of applause and cheers filled the air. Their guestsâfriends, family, loved ones, business partners, politicians, celebrities âwere all gathered, dressed in their finest, celebrating them.
Daphne's eyes widened in awe as she took in the grand space. The chandeliers cast a golden glow over the elegant floral arrangements, the soft candlelight flickering against crystal glasses. The entire room was a dream.
She turned to Theo, astonished. "How long did this take to plan?"
Theo smirked, squeezing her hand. "Months," he teased. "Obviously, I've been plotting this since the day I met you."
Daphne laughed, leaning into him as he kissed the top of her head. "Of course you have."
Cheers and laughter filled the room and Daphne and Theo stepped forward to greet their guests. They were never apart from one another for more then a single moment. Theo was drawn to his fiancee like a moth to a flame. It was as if he couldn't breath if he wasn't touching her at all time.
After a few more minutes of welcoming everyone, the music softened, drawing everyone's attention toward the center of the ballroom. Daisy and Luca stood together, their presence commanding attention. Daisy, always the picture of grace, wore a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with pride and affection as she gazed at Theo and Daphne. Luca, standing tall and confident beside her, couldn't help but grin at the sight of the couple.
Theo and Daphne exchanged a quiet glance before turning toward them, anticipation swirling in the air.
Daisy raised her glass, her voice clear and warm as she spoke. "To Theo and Daphne," she began, her gaze shifting between them with all the love a mother could hold. "You two are a perfect match. Your love for one another is something special, and I am so proud of the both of you. Remember to love each other fiercely, as life will throw challenges your way, but with each other, you will always have strength."
Luca stepped forward, his smile widening. "To love," he added, raising his glass. "And to family. Daphne, you've already stolen our hearts, and now you've stolen his. But, we're glad to give him up to you, knowing you'll love him as much as he deserves." He chuckled softly, a lighthearted warmth in his tone. "Here's to a lifetime of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories."
With a final, heartfelt smile, Daisy clinked her glass gently against Luca's, and they both turned toward the guests. "Everyone, please raise your glasses to the new couple," she said, her voice a gentle command. "To Theo and Daphne. May your love only grow stronger with every passing day."
The room echoed with a chorus of glasses clinking together as the crowd cheered and toasted the happy couple. Daphne and Theo exchanged a tender look, their hearts full of love and gratitude as they took in the moment, surrounded by people who truly cared about them.
________________________
Lily
Lily sat quietly at her table, her eyes scanning the room but not really seeing any of it. Her posture was stiff, and her expression was unreadable, the kind of quiet that suggested she was trying to blend into the background while her thoughts swirled within her.
Daphne spotted her from across the ballroom. She excused herself and made her way across the room. As she approached, she had a warm, reassuring smile on her face. She leaned in slightly as she took a seat beside Lily and patted her shoulder.
"Hey, sweet girl," Daphne said softly, her voice carrying a comforting tone. "You okay?"
Lily smiled weakly, "Yeah....I'm fine."
Daphne rolled her eyes, "Did you know that the Silvanos' have a tick. Every time they lie, their nose twitches."
"It does not," Lily reached up to touch her nose, making Daphne laugh.
Daphne laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It absolutely does! Trust me, I've been around Theo enough to notice." She nudged Lily gently with her shoulder. "You can't hide it from me, you know."
Lily's lips curled into a reluctant smile as she dropped her hand from her nose. "You're ridiculous," she said, but the tension in her posture softened a little.
Daphne grinned and leaned back in her chair, studying Lily more closely. "But seriously buttercup, you're not fooling me. You know you can talk to me, right?"
Lily hesitated, "Tonight is not the time. We're celebration you and Theo. Please, don't worry yourself about me. I would feel horrible if you did."
Daphne's expression softened, and she leaned in just a little closer, her eyes kind and understanding. "Lily, you're about to become my little sister. I care about you, no matter what's going on with me or Theo. You don't have to pretend with me, especially not tonight." Her voice was gentle but firm, a warmth that Lily couldn't deny.
Lily sighed, glancing around the ballroom for a moment as if the answer could be hidden in the crowd. "I just... I don't know what to feel anymore," she admitted, her voice low. "It's all been so complicated. I don't know where I stand with anyone right now."
Daphne nodded, her gaze steady and reassuring. "I hear you. I'm not going to push, but just know I'm here. Whenever you're ready to talk." She offered a small, comforting smile before adding, "But seriously, you need to stop pretending you're fine. You don't need to do that for me."
Lily met her gaze, her shoulders sagging slightly as the weight of her hidden emotions became a little easier to carry. "I'll think about it," she murmured. "Thanks, Daphne."
Daphne patted her shoulder affectionately, giving her a quick, understanding smile. "Anytime. Now, why aren't you dancing? You've got to at least pretend to enjoy the night. Come on, we're here to celebrate." She straightened up, nudging Lily with a playful grin. "And I know you're too strong to let tonight pass without at least a little fun."
Lily chuckled softly, the corners of her mouth lifting into a smile. "Alright, alright. You win. But only because you're impossible to say no to."
Daphne winked. "You know it."
As they both shifted toward the crowd, a sense of ease seemed to settle over Lily. She felt the weight on her chest lighten as she caught sight of Jake. He stood by the edge of the dance floor, casually leaning against the wall, and the moment their eyes met, something about him made her feel a little less alone. Without a second thought, she waved him over, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Daphne noticed and cheered them on, her voice carrying across the room. "Go Lily!" she called out with a teasing grin, and Lily felt a flutter of warmth at the supportive gesture.
Jake grinned as he made his way toward her, his hand extending toward Lily with an easy confidence.
"Care to join me for a dance?" he asked, his voice light and playful.
Lily took his hand without hesitation, the tension in her body easing slightly as they made their way to the dance floor. The music swirled around them, soft and romantic, and as they moved together, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them.
Jake's presence was grounding, his steady rhythm making her feel like everything might just be okay. As they danced, the weight on her shoulders seemed to slip away, and with every step, she felt more at ease in his arms.
She could feel his hand at her back, guiding her gently, and as their bodies moved in sync, she realized how much she had missed thisâbeing close to someone.
Lily's lips parted as she looked up at him, her heart beating a little faster, but in a good way. "Thanks for being here," she said quietly, her voice barely above the music.
Jake smiled down at her, his eyes soft and reassuring. "Anytime," he said.
As the song played on, Lily felt a smile pull at the corners of her mouth, genuine and free. Being near Jake was the kind of comfort she didn't know she needed, but now that it was there, it felt like the world might just be a little kinder.
___________________
Rose
Rose stood at the edge of the party, her back against the bar as she surveyed the room. Her dirty blonde hair shimmered under the dim lights, falling in soft waves around her shoulders, and her tall, lithe frame stood out in the crowd. The soft hum of music and chatter surrounded her, but it was the weight of someone's gaze that caught her attention. She could feel eyes on her, and when she glanced over, she found the source.
A young guy, probably three or four years older than her, stood near the far side of the room. His dark hair was tousled in that effortlessly messy way that made him look like he had just stepped out of a magazine. He was dressed in a dark suit, with an ease that suggested confidence. His sharp jawline and faint stubble gave him a rugged edge, but it was his eyes that held her attention.
They were dark, intense, and locked onto her with an unmistakable sense of curiosity. The slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips told her he was amused, but it was the admiration in his gaze that made her pulse quicken.
Rose knew how to turn heads. At seventeen, she was fully aware of the way people looked at her â the way her green eyes sparkled with mischief, and how her height and graceful figure commanded attention. It wasn't vanity; it was simply the truth. And right now, this boy was no exception.
His eyes never left her as she held his gaze, a thrill running through her. She wasn't one to shy away from what she wanted. She took a breath, pushed herself off the bar, and made her way toward him. Each step was calculated, her hips swaying with a quiet confidence as the crowd parted around her. When she reached him, she stopped just close enough for him to feel her presence, her green eyes locking onto his with playful intensity.
"Well, I've caught you staring," she said, her voice smooth and teasing. Her lips curled into a flirtatious smile as she leaned in slightly, her gaze flicking down to his lips for just a moment before returning to his eyes. "Don't you think it's only fair that I return the favor?" she added, her tone light, but charged with the undercurrent of something more.
The guy smiled, a little more relaxed now that Rose had made the first move. His eyes never left hers, and there was something undeniably magnetic about the way he looked at her. He took a step closer, the distance between them shrinking as he leaned in slightly, his voice low but clear.
"Hey," he began, his smile turning a bit more genuine, "I'm Noah." His gaze flickered over her features, lingering on her green eyes, her smooth skin, and the way her dirty blonde hair framed her face perfectly. He wasn't shy about admiring her.
"I have to say... you are absolutely stunning," he continued, his voice sincere, though there was a hint of playfulness in it. "I don't think I've seen anyone in here who could compare."
The way he looked at her now wasn't just a casual glance; it was like he was truly taking her in, appreciating every detail. He paused for a beat, letting his words sink in before adding, "I mean, you've got this whole thing â that effortless beauty, like you don't even have to try, but it's just there. It's kinda... unfair." His grin was charming, his confidence unmistakable.
Rose couldn't help but roll her eyes, her lips pulling into a slight, amused smirk. She had heard it all beforeâthe endless compliments about her beauty, the predictable lines that seemed to come with every guy who thought he could win her over with flattery. She'd heard every variation of "you're stunning" and "I've never seen anyone like you" until they all blurred together into one long, repetitive drone.
Noah's words were no exception, though there was something about the way he said them that made it clear he thought he was delivering something original. She let him finish, her gaze never wavering, then crossed her arms with a nonchalant gesture, leaning slightly against the bar as if she were barely impressed.
"Really?" she asked, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "The whole 'effortless beauty' thing? That's a new one." She raised an eyebrow, looking him up and down with a teasing smirk. "If you're gonna compliment me, Noah, at least try to make it interesting."
The playful challenge in her tone made it clear she wasn't swept off her feet by his charm. She was used to the gameâpeople like him always tried the same tricks, and she had mastered the art of feigning interest without actually being drawn in.
Noah, undeterred by her unimpressed response, leaned in a little closer, clearly trying to salvage the conversation. His confidence never wavered, and he flashed a grin that was meant to be disarming.
"Come on, I'm just giving credit where it's due," he said, his tone still light but laced with a hint of playfulness. "It's not every day I see someone as, well, captivating as you." He tilted his head, trying to make his words sound less rehearsed, but there was an edge to his attempt, like he was still trying to figure out what would get a reaction from her. "I mean, you don't even have to try, and yet you've got everyone here hooked."
Rose couldn't help but snort softly, rolling her eyes again. She was about to come up with a sharp retort when suddenly, a firm voice cut through the conversation, making her turn around.
"Is there a problem here?"
Rose's eyes widened slightly as her uncle, Luca, stepped into view.
Her heart skipped a beat as he stepped forward, his presence was immediate and commanding, like a storm rolling in without warning. Her eyes widened, and a chill ran down her spine as she turned to face him. Luca was standing there, tall and imposing, his sharp jawline and intense gaze locking onto Noah with an almost predatory focus.
Rose had always been afraid of Luca. It wasn't that he had ever been openly cruel, but there was something about him â the way he carried himself with such cold authority, the way his gaze could pierce through anyone and anything. He was the kind of man who commanded respect, but for Rose, that respect always felt more like fear. She had never felt fully comfortable around him, always wondering if he secretly disapproved of her, if he found her too much or not enough in some way.
As Luca's gaze settled on Noah, Rose felt a familiar weight in her chest. She could see how quickly the playful tension between her and Noah had been extinguished by Luca's mere presence, and she hated the way it made her feel so small in comparison. Luca never really smiled, not like other people did, and when he looked at her, it was always with a certain distance â a cool, almost calculating look that made her feel like she was always being measured, judged.
His words, low and deliberate, felt like a weight pressing down on her.
"What's going on here?" His voice was calm but carried an edge, as if he had already made up his mind about the situation before he even spoke.
As Noah stammered and began backing away, Rose could feel her stomach twist in knots. She looked at Luca, trying to meet his eyes, but the look he gave her only deepened her anxiety. It was a mixture of something unreadable â like he was disappointed in her, but not for the first time. He always had a way of making her feel like she was disappointing him, like she didn't quite measure up to whatever standards he held.
Rose couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Luca didn't truly like her. He didn't seem to care about her the way he cared about everyone else in the family. There was always an invisible wall between them, and every time he stepped in to protect her, it felt more like a duty to him than genuine concern. The way he handled Noah â with such cold decisiveness â only made Rose feel more alienated.
When Noah quickly backed away and left, Rose couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt creeping up on her. What if Luca had only done that because he didn't trust her judgment, or worse, because he thought she was making a fool of herself? She shifted uneasily, her thoughts swirling as Luca turned his attention back to her.
"You shouldn't be talking to boy that are not your age?" he asked, his voice softer but still guarded. "You dad will be very unhappy if he finds out, Rose."
Rose's chest tightened at the mention of her father. She hated when Luca brought him up, as if he was some kind of higher power who needed to be kept in the loop about everything. Her hands curled into fists at her sides, her annoyance bubbling over as she tilted her chin up in defiance.
"And of course, you're going to go tell him right now, aren't you?" Rose snapped, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I guess I better start preparing for another week of being grounded."
Her words hit the air like a challenge, but her heart was racing. She hated the way Luca always acted like he had some unspoken right to meddle in her life. What hurt more was the way he seemed to speak to her like she was incapable of making her own decisions.
Luca stood tall, his jaw tightening as he looked at her, but for a moment, Rose thought she saw something flicker in his eyes â frustration, maybe even regret. But it was gone before she could really process it, replaced by his usual cold, impenetrable stare. He crossed his arms, his voice low but firm.
"This isn't a joke, Rose. You're too young for this kind of thing. You don't understand the consequences."
Rose's frustration flared, and she couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. "Consequences?" she scoffed. "What, like being treated like I don't have a brain of my own? Like I'm too stupid to make my own choices?"
Luca's expression softened, just a fraction, but it didn't help the rising anger inside her.
"It's not about that," he said, his tone shifting to something almost patient, though it still held that underlying authority. "It's about protecting you. I'm trying to look out for you, even if you don't see it."
Rose felt a pang of guilt, but it was quickly drowned out by her stubbornness. She crossed her arms, leaning back against the bar.
"I don't need protecting,. I'm not Lily," she muttered, her voice quieter but still edged with frustration. "I can handle myself."
The silence between them stretched for a moment, thick and uncomfortable, before Luca sighed. "I'm just trying to do what's best for you," he said, almost as if to himself.
Rose shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she shot him a glance that was equal parts exasperation and disbelief. "Well, maybe I don't need you to decide what's best for me," she snapped. "Maybe I can figure that out on my own."
Luca's eyes darkened, and for the first time in a long while, Rose saw something vulnerable flicker in his gaze â a trace of guilt, perhaps, or maybe regret. But it vanished just as quickly as it appeared.
"Don't make me the enemy here," he said, his voice quieter, more controlled. "I'm only trying to keep you safe."
Rose stared at him for a moment, her chest tightening as her anger slowly morphed into a mix of frustration and confusion. She didn't understand him â not really. And right now, it felt like no matter how hard she tried to explain herself, Luca would never see her as anything more than the girl who needed constant protection.
She looked away, feeling the weight of his stare still pressing on her, but she wasn't going to back down. Not now.
Rose's gaze stayed fixed on the floor for a moment as she processed the weight of Luca's words. Her chest tightened, her frustration growing with every passing second. She could feel the familiar knot of confusion twisting inside her, the gnawing question she'd held onto for so long.
Taking a deep breath, she finally looked up at him, her voice unexpectedly steady despite the swirl of emotions inside her.
"Why do you hate me so much?" she asked, her words cutting through the air with an edge she hadn't meant to reveal. The question hung between them, raw and vulnerable, a direct challenge to everything that had been left unsaid for years.
Luca froze, his expression shifting from controlled to a moment of visible shock. His eyes widened slightly, and for a second, Rose thought he hadn't heard her. But then, his gaze flickered to hers, disbelief clouding his usually unreadable features.
"Hate you?" Luca repeated, his voice softer now, almost a whisper, as if he didn't fully comprehend what she was asking. His usual composure faltered, and for the first time in a long while, Rose saw a crack in the armor he had so carefully built around himself.
Rose pressed on, her voice tinged with a mixture of hurt and raw honesty. "Every time we talk, it's like I'm never good enough for you or for this family. Like you're always waiting for me to screw up so you can point it out. What did I ever do to you?"
The words spilled out faster than she meant them to, but she couldn't stop. She needed him to understand â needed to know why he always made her feel so small, so incapable of measuring up to whatever standard he had in his mind.
Luca's brow furrowed as he took a step toward her, his expression shifting from shock to something else â a strange mix of confusion, guilt, and regret. His mouth opened as though he were about to respond, but then closed again, the words seemingly stuck in his throat. He looked down, running a hand through his dark hair, trying to regain his usual control, but Rose saw the hesitation in his eyes.
"I don't hate you," he said finally, his voice low, almost defensive. His gaze met hers again, softer now, but there was still something guarded about it. "I never meant to make you feel that way." His tone was slower now, more measured, but it wasn't enough to erase the damage that had already been done.
Rose's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of anger and pain twisting inside her. She didn't know what to make of his words.
"Then why do you always act like I'm a problem?" she asked, voice trembling just slightly.
Luca sighed, running a hand over his face in frustration, as though the question had caught him off guard in a way he hadn't expected. He was silent for a long moment before answering.
"It's not about you being a problem, Rose. It's about keeping you safe. I... I don't always know how to do that without pushing you away, but it's not because I don't care."
Rose shook her head, her arms crossing in a defensive gesture. "It feels like you don't care. It feels like everything I do is wrong in your eyes, like you're just waiting for me to screw up. You're not like that with mom or with Lily. Why me?"
Luca's jaw tightened, but there was an underlying frustration in his voice when he spoke next. "I'm not waiting for you to mess up. I'm just trying to prevent you from making mistakes that'll hurt you."
She stared at him, still not fully understanding. "Then why does it always feel like I'm not good enough for you?" she asked softly, the words barely a whisper as she tried to make sense of it all.
Luca's gaze softened just a little, but it was clear that her question had hit harder than she expected. He opened his mouth to speak, but this time, no words came out. Instead, he let out a deep sigh, almost too heavy, as if he, too, was realizing something he hadn't before.
For a brief moment, Rose saw a flicker of vulnerability in him â an emotion that felt foreign on his usually composed face. She didn't know what to make of it, but it made her feel a little less angry, a little more... confused.
"I never meant to make you feel like that," Luca finally said, his voice quieter than before, and for the first time in a long while, there was no hardness in it. He looked at her, really looked at her, and in his gaze, Rose saw a glimmer of the same admiration he reserved for Lily or for her mother, Gia.
Hope you liked the little peek at Rose's life :*