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Chapter 31

Lily

Lily fidgeted with the sleeve of her sweater, her eyes darting to the dimly lit theater entrance where a big poster advertised the horror movie she and Jake were about to see.

Her heart was already pounding at the thought of the jump scares and eerie scenes she'd probably regret watching later. She wasn't exactly one for scary movies, but tonight, she was determined to give it a shot. Lily took a deep breath, steadying her nerves as Jake looked over with a warm smile.

"Ready?" he asked, his tone teasing as he held out the bucket of popcorn.

"Absolutely," she replied with forced confidence, swallowing her anxiety.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Jake said.

Lily laughed, trying to hide her nervousness, "I'll be fine."

As they walked down the narrow theater aisle, Jake's smile turned into a playful smirk. "You know, I'll understand if you end up hiding behind my shoulder," he said, nudging her gently with his elbow.

Lily shot him a defiant look, determined to keep her composure. "I can handle it," she insisted, though her fingers were already digging into the sleeves of her sweater.

They settled into their seats, and Jake casually leaned towards her. His voice soft and teasing as he said, "Just remember, I'm right here if you need... support."

Lily felt her cheeks flushed. "Maybe you'll be the one hiding," she countered, a nervous laugh escaping.

Jake chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "I guess we'll see, won't we?" He handed her the popcorn, letting his fingers brush hers just a second longer than necessary, his grin widening as he noticed the faint pink on her cheeks.

"What?" Lily asked innocently as he stared at her.

"You look very beautiful," Jake complimented. "I like your sweater."

"Thanks," Lily felt herself blush harder. She cleared her throat and turned back to look at the big screen.

As the theater dimmed and the opening scene flickered onto the screen, Lily felt a surge of confidence. The beginning wasn't too bad—just a slow buildup with suspenseful music. She even managed to laugh quietly, thinking maybe this horror movie wouldn't be so terrifying after all. She stole a glance at Jake, who was focused on the screen.

But then, the music shifted, low and ominous. Shadows twisted across the screen, and the first jump scare hit with a sudden crash of noise and movement. Lily flinched, her heart pounding faster than she'd anticipated. She glanced nervously at Jake, hoping he hadn't noticed.

As the movie went on, the scenes became darker, filled with eerie silences that stretched until she could practically feel the suspense crawling up her spine. Each sudden scream or chilling reveal made her grip the edge of her seat a little tighter. Her hand found its way to the edge of the armrest, her fingers clenching tightly without her even realizing. She squeezed her eyes shut and bit down on her lips as the booming sounds of the movie vibrated throat her.

"You okay, angel?"

Lily's eyes snapped open as she heard Gabriel's voice in her ear.

Her heart skipped a beat as she turned and found herself staring into his dark, familiar gaze in the dim light of the theater. He was right there, beside her, leaning in close with that all-too-knowing smirk on his face, his eyes fixed on her with unsettling intensity. She blinked, certain she must have imagined him. But no—he was really there, close enough that she could feel his warmth amidst the theater's chill.

Without even a glance in their direction, Jake kept his eyes glued to the screen, blissfully unaware of Gabriel's sudden, unwelcome presence.

Lily swallowed, her mouth going dry as Gabriel's hand slid over hers, his fingers gentle but possessive as he intertwined them with her own.

"Scared?" he whispered, his voice low, sending a shiver through her despite herself.

For a brief, bewildering second, Lily couldn't move. She felt a confusing rush of surprise. But as the haze cleared, irritation and anger surged in. She pulled her hand free, her fingers slipping out of his grasp as she shot him a glare.

"What are you doing here?" she hissed, keeping her voice low but sharp. The last thing she wanted was for Jake to notice.

Gabriel just leaned in closer, his face barely visible but unmistakable in the dim light.

"Just checking on you," he murmured, his gaze lingering on her with that maddening confidence he always seemed to have.

Lily's heart pounded, a blend of frustration and bewilderment gnawing at her as she tried to focus on the screen. But with Gabriel seated right beside her, his presence was impossible to ignore, as if the room had tightened around them. She stole a glance at Jake, who was entirely absorbed in the movie, oblivious to the heated tension pulsing on her other side. Meanwhile, Gabriel lounged back, casually comfortable, a smug smirk playing on his lips as though he belonged right there.

Lily clenched her fists in her lap, her knuckles brushing against the soft fabric of her sweater. She leaned toward him, her voice sharp and laced with annoyance. "Are you seriously stalking me now?"

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Stalking? I'm just here for the show. You're the one who makes it interesting," he whispered, his voice taunting as he leaned even closer, the faint scent of his cologne reaching out to kiss lily's nose.

Lily scoffed, shifting her body to put more distance between them. "You couldn't find any other seat?" Her tone was clipped, her patience thinning by the second. She glanced around the packed theater, hoping he'd realize just how unwelcome he was.

Gabriel's grin only widened. "I worked hard for this seat, sweetheart. I wanted a front-row view of your little date." His gaze flickered toward Jake, an amused glint in his eye.

Lily rolled her eyes, her irritation growing by the second. "Have you always been this... crazy?" she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and frustration as she scooted farther away.

He just leaned in again, this time placing a hand on her thigh, subtly pulling her back closer to him. "Seems to be only about you," he murmured, his touch possessive, and though she immediately pushed his hand off, he chuckled, clearly unbothered by her resistance.

"How original," she muttered. "Cut it out."

Gabriel peered around her, his gaze zeroing in on Jake with barely disguised disdain. "Look at him. Completely clueless," he said with a low chuckle. "You really want to date that?"

Lily shot him a warning look, her voice tight as she leaned in, trying to keep Jake from hearing. "Not that it's any of your business, but yes," she said, her words clipped. "I actually like Jake. So if you're here to sabotage that, you're wasting your time."

Gabriel chuckled softly, leaning closer so that his shoulder brushed against hers. "I think I've got all the time in the world," he replied, his voice smooth, low, every word punctuated with that irritating confidence. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, the challenge in his gaze unmistakable.

Lily turned back toward the screen, desperately trying to ignore the heat radiating from him. But Gabriel remained where he was, his gaze heavy on her, waiting. She bit her lip, trying to focus on the film, but his presence only amplified her tension, making every scene harder to follow, every jump scare more jarring.

The theater seemed to close in around her as the movie grew darker, each twist and turn drenched in eerie silences and sinister shadows. A particularly chilling scene flickered onto the screen, and Lily's heart skipped, her pulse thudding in her ears. She shrank slightly in her seat, gripping the armrest as another jump scare made her flinch. She bit her lip, the urge to look away nearly overwhelming.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw both Jake and Gabriel waiting for her. They each had their hands on the armrest, barely a breath away from hers, ready for her to take if she wanted. Gabriel's fingers were loose, almost casual, though the way his thumb brushed the edge of the armrest felt like an invitation he was daring her to accept. Jake's hand, on the other hand, was steady and warm, his palm open and waiting.

Lily hesitated, her gaze flickering between them. She knew exactly what taking either hand would mean—Gabriel's would only entangle her in more of his teasing, intense stares, while Jake's felt safe, calm, a reminder of why she was here in the first place. She took a slow breath, her mind settling.

With a steady resolve, she reached for Jake's hand, her fingers finding his and squeezing gently. He responded instantly, his grip reassuring as he intertwined his fingers with hers, his touch comforting and grounding. She leaned in toward him, letting herself relax a little as she nestled into his shoulder, feeling a quiet thrill as he gently squeezed her hand back, a small smile playing on his lips.

Beside her, Gabriel chuckled softly. She didn't need to look to know that he was watching her with that mocking, almost challenging expression. He leaned in slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. "So that's how it is?" he murmured, a soft, almost amused edge to his tone.

Lily didn't respond, keeping her gaze firmly on the screen, but she could feel Gabriel's stare like a weight. Her heart thumped, her frustration and confusion mixing with a hint of victory for choosing Jake.

But as the movie continued, the tension in the tether did not deem to dispel. Sitting between Jake and Gabriel felt like being wedged between two charged magnets pulling her in opposite directions, and every breath felt shallow, her mind buzzing with the pressure of it all. The movie's suspense and the two competing presences beside her made her head spin, and she could feel her pulse quickening with each scene, not from fear of the film, but from the unrelenting tension radiating from both boys. She gripped Jake's hand a little tighter but found herself glancing toward the glowing exit sign.

"I... I'll be right back," she whispered to Jake, squeezing his hand before carefully disentangling her fingers from his. "I need to use the bathroom."

Jake nodded, giving her a quick smile before returning his attention to the movie. But as she slipped into the aisle and made her way out, she could feel Gabriel's eyes on her, an unmistakable heat prickling at the back of her neck. She kept her gaze forward, quickening her pace slightly as she stepped out into the empty lobby, the cool, quiet air a stark contrast to the stifling warmth of the theater.

But her relief was short-lived. As she reached the end of the hallway, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and, sure enough, found Gabriel leaning casually against the wall, his arms crossed as he watched her with that infuriatingly amused look on his face.

"Really?" she huffed, her voice laced with irritation as she folded her arms defensively. "I came out here to get away from you."

Gabriel pushed off the wall, a small smile spreading across his face as he closed the distance between them. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay," he said, his voice smooth and unbothered, his gaze unwavering.

Lily rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Is there some reason you're trying to ruin my night?"

Gabriel's smirk faded, replaced with a gentler expression as he took a step toward her, his gaze unwavering. "I know, I know. But I couldn't let you leave all alone like that," he said softly, his tone almost tender. "You looked... uncomfortable in there. Thought you might need some air."

Lily let out an exasperated sigh, crossing her arms tighter. "Or maybe you thought I'd finally give in and let you play knight in shining armor," she muttered, her eyes flashing with frustration. "Honestly, is this your idea of fun?"

His expression softened further as he shook his head. "It's not like that," he replied, his voice calm. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay." He held her gaze.

Lily rolled her eyes and looked away, irritation simmering as she reminded herself that Gabriel thrived on the chase—on pushing her boundaries simply because he could. "I don't need you checking in on me," she snapped, her voice sharp. "I came here with someone else. Not you."

"I know," Gabriel murmured, the sincerity in his tone catching her off guard. "But it doesn't mean I can just switch off how I feel."

Lily narrowed her eyes, "If you actually cared, you'd let me enjoy my night without interfering," she said, her voice hard. "But instead, here you are, following me like you just can't stand the idea that I'm not falling for you." Lily's chest tightened with anger, and her hands clenched at her sides. "You don't care about me. You care about the challenge. The idea of me not falling for you—of not being interested—that is what you can't stand, isn't it?"

Gabriel's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. "You really think I'm here because I can't stand being rejected?"

"I'm not some toy for you to mess with," Lily warned.

Gabriel took a deep breath, exhaling through his nose as if trying to regain his composure. "I don't see you as a toy," he said quietly, his voice hardening again. "You act like I'm the bad guy for wanting to know you."

Lily scoffed, the anger surging through her like wildfire. "You're just trying to get under my skin. And you've succeeded."

Gabriel's eyes darkened as his arrogance took over, a smirk creeping back onto his face, though it wasn't playful—this time, it was laced with a quiet, dangerous confidence. He straightened up, crossing his arms casually over his chest as if he were the one in control of the situation. "So, this is how it's going to be, huh?" he said.

Lily's chest tightened, her irritation flaring again. "Excuse me?" she snapped, her arms still crossed defensively. She refused to be intimidated by his posturing, but something about the way he stood there—so arrogantly, like he was entitled to everything—fueled the fire inside her.

Gabriel took a step closer, his gaze unwavering as he studied her like a puzzle he was determined to solve. "You're the first one who's actually made this very interesting." He took another step toward her, leaning in just enough to make her feel the weight of his presence. "You're right. I don't care about you—not the way you want me to, at least. I care about the fact that you're different, and that makes you a challenge. And trust me, I've always been good at getting what I want."

Lily felt the sharp edge of his words hit her, and the contempt in his voice made her stomach twist with frustration. "You are sick and twisted."

Gabriel's lips quirked into a grin. "I can see right through it, florocita. You won't admit it, but you're into this just as much as I am. The chase, the tension... you're addicted to it. Just like I am."

Lily's jaw tightened as Gabriel's words sank in. The audacity of him, standing there like he had her figured out, like he knew exactly what she was thinking. She forced herself to take a deep breath, trying to keep her cool despite the fire coursing through her veins. "I'm not addicted to anything with you, Gabriel," she said, her voice sharp and unwavering. "You can't just pretend to know what's going on inside my head."

Gabriel tilted his head slightly, his smirk deepening as he studied her with a kind of amused patience. "You can deny it all you want, but deep down, you get a thrill out of this. The push, the pull, the way I make you feel like you're almost in control, but not quite. You love the chase. Don't lie to yourself."

Lily felt the sting of his words, her fists clenching at her sides. Her chest tightened with frustration as she tried to push back against the heat building inside her. "You have no idea what you're talking about," she snapped, refusing to admit to the truth he was forcing upon her. "I don't care about your little mind games."

Gabriel took another step forward, invading her space, his presence overpowering. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of confidence and something darker.

"But you do, Lily," he said softly, his voice low and smooth. "You may not admit it, but I can see it in the way you look at me, the way you react when I push your buttons. You like it. You like the tension, the way I make you feel like you have to fight me for every inch of ground. You won't say it, but I know. And you know, too."

Lily's heart raced, her mind screaming at her to deny everything he was saying.

"Don't flatter yourself," she shot back, her voice trembling slightly despite her best efforts to remain cold. "You seriously think I can fall for someone like you? You're playing a losing game."

Gabriel's eyes flickered with something dangerous, the corner of his mouth twitching upward into a knowing grin. "This is more than a game, Lily. It's a war, and I'm going to win it. I don't care how many walls you build around yourself, how many times you push me away. In the end, you'll give in. You'll fall for me, just like everyone else. Because you can't resist it."

His words hung in the air, heavy with certainty, and Lily felt her stomach drop. She hated him and his arrogance.

"I'll never give in to you," she spat. "I don't need someone like you. You're arrogant, you think you can have whatever you want, and you're wrong."

Gabriel didn't flinch. Instead, he leaned in closer, his voice a low whisper that felt almost like a threat. "You'll need me, but you'll want me even more. And that's the part you're not ready to admit yet. But trust me, I'll win. It's only a matter of time."

"You're so delusional," Lily shook her head.

Gabriel's lips curled into a smile, the kind of grin that made it clear he knew something she didn't. He tilted his head slightly, his eyes glinting with mischief and that dangerous confidence she hated so much.

"Let's make a little bet, angel," he said, his voice smooth and teasing.

"A bet?" she repeated, her voice dripping with skepticism.

Gabriel took a step closer, his gaze intense. He reached out, lightly brushing his fingers against her cheek to pushed back the strand of hair that had come undown.

"I bet," he murmured, leaning in, his breath warm against her ear. "That before this semester is over, you'll be running into my arms. You'll finally give in, Lily. You won't be able to fight it anymore."

Lily felt the rush of heat in her chest, irritation flaring as she pulled back, eyes flashing with defiance. "You're insane if you think that's ever going to happen," she snapped.

Gabriel's smirk deepened, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know you're not going to admit it now. But you'll want me more then you know. And you won't know what to do about it."

Lily's anger surged, pushing her to confront him with all the strength she had. She laughed as she placed her hand on his chest and held him back, "If I want someone, it'll be Jake—or someone else—before I ever consider you."

Gabriel's grin didn't falter. Instead, he stepped back slightly, "You can say whatever you want," he said, his voice quiet but thick with arrogance. "You'll see. In the end, you'll run straight into my arms. And when you do, I'll be right here, waiting."

Lily wanted to shout, to tell him that he was wrong, that she would never let herself fall for someone like him.

"Not happening," she muttered through gritted teeth, glaring at him as if she could set him on fire.

Gabriel only chuckled, the sound low and knowing, as if he knew something she didn't. "We'll see, baby. We'll see."

_______________________

Theo

Daphne and Theo arrived at the sleek, modern building in California, the glass and steel structure gleaming in the midday sun. The building was a masterpiece of contemporary design, with open, airy spaces and a minimalist aesthetic that conveyed a sense of calm and precision. As they stepped out of the car, Daphne adjusted her hair and took in the beauty of the surroundings. Her gaze flickered to Theo, whose posture exuded the calm confidence that seemed to naturally surround him. His sharp suit and carefully tousled hair gave him a perfect blend of business and ease.

They were led inside by the assistant and Susan, the lead designer for the project stepped forward.

"Mr. Silvano," she held out her hand and introduced herself before moving onto Daphne, "Ms. Dashwood. It's a pleasure.

"Very nice to meet you, Susan," Daphne smiled. "I've heard a lot about your work from Theo. I'm looking forward to working with you."

"Thank you," Susan's face brightened. "I must say, when I read your plans and proposal for this project, I just knew I had to be a part of it. We're very excited to show you what we have been working on."

"Lead the way," Theo motioned.

"Right this way," Susan turned toward the grand staircase.

Daphne looked around at the open space and decors. She was impressed by the simplicity of the building. Her eyes took in all the details as Theo engaging in light conversation, his deep voice resonating through the spacious lobby. Daphne followed quietly.

Once they arrived to the second floor, Susan directed them toward the glass conference room. Just as they were about to enter the room to view the blueprints, a voice cut through the air with a cheerful lilt.

"Theo?"

Daphne turned to see a woman approaching them, her presence undeniable. She was striking—tall with an effortless grace, dressed in a flowing white blouse and maroon skirt, her dark hair cascading in soft waves over her shoulders. Her smile was wide, eyes sparkling with excitement as she stared at Theo.

"Nara," Theo paused, slightly taken back by the woman's sudden appearance.

"Oh my god," the woman, Nara, came to a stop before Theo, her eyes bright and full of disbelief. "I can't believe it's you."

"It's me," Theo said. "And it's .... You."

"Yeah," Nara bit down on her bottom lip, unaware of all the eyes on her and Theo. "How are you? What are you doing here?"

Daphne's gaze shifted between them, her mind whirling. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she noticed something was off. It wasn't that Theo wasn't his usual composed self—he still wore his signature confident smile—but there was a subtle shift in his demeanor, a slight hesitation in his movements that she wasn't used to seeing. It was almost as if he was caught off guard, unsure of what to do or say. She couldn't place it at first, but it struck her that he seemed... almost shy?

"I've been good," Theo nodded. "Just busy with work."

"Are you here in California now?" Nara asked.

"No," Theo shook his head. "We're still in New York. We're actually here for a project. Susan is designing our new development."

"Wow, that's amazing," Nara said as her eyes shifted to Daphne for the first time. "Hello."

"Hi," Daphne smiled politely.

"This is Daphne," Theo cleared his throat. "She's my co-project manager on this project."

Co-project manager? Daphne arched her brow ever so slightly but Theo didn't seem to notice.

"Welcome to Lumina Designs," Nara's smile widened and her eyes returned to Theo. "You're in good hands here."

"I'm sure of that," Theo laughed. "I had no idea you were here. The last I heard you were in Paris."

"Yeah," Nara sighed. "I moved back a year ago. I was missing home."

"I see," Theo nodded. "How are you're parents?"

"They're great," Nara laughed. "They're still in New York. How are your parents? How are the twins and your sister?"

Daphne shifted her weight. Clearly, Nara knew the whole family. But she still could not figure out why Theo was acting so different. As they talked, she began to count the number of times he raised his hand to scratch the spot above his brow. When did he ever do that before?

"I don't want to keep you waiting," Nara said after a few more minutes. "Susan is one of our best designers. You'll love what she has planned."

"Come join us," Theo offered. "You've always had an eyes for detail."

"And for picking up on things you missed," Nara teased.

Daphne felt her eyes narrow ever so slightly as Theo lead Nara into the conference room. She cleared her throat and exhaled slowly, trying to shake off the irritation building in her chest.

As they all took their seats in the sleek, glass-walled conference room, Susan began her presentation. But Daphne's mind was elsewhere, the sound of Susan's voice blending into the background as she watched Theo and Nara with narrowed eyes. There was something between them—something Daphne couldn't quite place. And it left her feeling like she was watching a scene unfold where she no longer belonged.

As the meeting settled into its rhythm, Daphne found it increasingly difficult to focus on Susan's presentation. Susan was clearly passionate about her design for the new mall, her voice steady and confident as she outlined the project's key elements. She clicked through slides showcasing a sleek, modern structure—large glass windows, sustainable materials, and open spaces that invited both light and people to flow through the design. The visuals were stunning, and Susan's enthusiasm was infectious. Yet, Daphne couldn't bring herself to fully engage.

It wasn't because the design wasn't impressive. It was because of the low murmurs and occasional bursts of laughter coming from Theo and Nara.

Daphne shifted uncomfortably in her seat, trying desperately to refocus on Susan. But the murmur of Theo and Nara's conversation continued to tug at her attention.Her fingers twitched against the cool surface of the table. Finally, unable to ignore the irritation gnawing at her, she picked up her phone from her bag. Her eyes quickly scanned the screen, her heart pounding as she typed a short, sharp message:

Daphne: You're being very unprofessional. This is a business meeting, not social hour.

She hit send before she could second-guess herself, her chest tightening as she waited for a response. A few seconds later when she looked down, her stomach dropped. It was the dreaded "read" receipt. He'd seen her message, but there was no reply.

Daphne bit her lip, the silent treatment sending a surge of frustration through her. Her fingers hovered over the screen for a moment, but she decided against sending anything else. The meeting was still in full swing, and she could feel the tension building in her chest.

Daphne couldn't help but feel her patience wearing thin. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. She and Theo were supposed to be a team—co-managers of this project. But right now, it felt like she was just the third wheel in a conversation that had nothing to do with her.

She fought to suppress the unease tightening in her stomach as she forced her attention back to the slides on the screen. But her eyes kept flicking back to Theo and Nara, watching the quiet exchanges between them with growing discomfort. She couldn't place it, but something about the way they interacted left her feeling like an outsider in the room—like the whole dynamic had shifted without her even realizing.

She was so caught up in the moment that she almost didn't hear Susan's voice cut through the tension.

"We've designed the layout to create a natural flow for shoppers, with open spaces that encourage movement while also giving them the freedom to explore at their own pace..."

Daphne tried to refocus, but the words sounded distant, muffled by the hum of her own thoughts.

_________________________

Lily

Lily: Hey Daphne? Did you guys land yet? I'm looking forward to dinner tonight. I'll head over to the hotel once I'm done with my last class for the day.

Lily hit send as she slipped into the empty seat in the large lecture hall. She pushed her phone into her pocket and began to pull out her notebook and laptop. The room hummed with the quiet chatter of classmates settling in. As Lily scribbled down a few notes, a soft tap on her desk broke her concentration. Looking up, she was met with the sight of a girl holding a red rose.

"Lily?"

"Yeah..." Lily paused.

"This is for you," the girl handed her the long stem rose.

"Um....." Lily stared at the rose. "Why?"

The girl did not answer as she placed the rose in front of Lily and walked away. Confused, Lily glancing around the room for any signs of explanation. She picked up the rose and stared at it's dark red petals, wondering who that girl was. When she tired to scan the large hall to see if maybe anyone else had gotten a rose, she noticed she was the only one.

Pulling out her phone once more, she decided to text Wendy and Alexa.

Lily: Some girl just gave me a rose in class and walked away.

Alexa: Creepy but kinda cute?

Wendy: Wait, what?

Lily: She knew my name too.

Lily took a picture of the rose and attached it to her text.

Alexa: A secret admirer?

Wendy: It's not even February. Throw it out. What if it's poisoned?

Lily gently placed the flower on the empty seat beside her and turned toward the front of the lecture hall. She began to scribble down the dates for her final and other important information the professor was sharing when another students tapped on her shoulder.

"Lily?"

Lily looked up, not recognizing the guy standing before her. "Yes?"

"This is for you," the guy handed her another rose.

"What is it?" Lily's brows furrowed. "Who is this from?"

The guy did not answer as he turned and walked out.

Lily's heart raced as she stared at the flower. Was this a joke? The thought made her skin prickle as the eyes of everyone in the room seemed to settle on her. She wanted to look away, to escape the stares, but she couldn't. Instead, she turned toward the front of the lecture hall, her body stiff, and her mind spinning with questions.

"Lily?"

Oh god, no.

Lily looked up as another rose was placed on her desk.

"What the hell?" She muttered to herself, moving the rose to the empty seat beside her.

As the minutes dragged on, Lily felt like she was drowning in the growing attention. Another student walked up, another rose appeared on her desk, and the flowers quickly piled up, each one adding to the knot tightening in her chest.

Her fingers moved mechanically, scribbling down the professor's notes, but she couldn't focus. She felt eyes on her from every direction, whispers floating through the room, making her skin burn with embarrassment. She didn't know who this was from, but she hated the feeling of being the center of attention in such a public way.

When class finally ended, Lily sighed in relief, her heart still racing. She stood quickly, grabbing the bouquet of roses now overflowing beside her, trying to act casual as she made her way out of the lecture hall. The hallway was filled with the usual post-class rush, but the weight of the flowers in her hands only reminded her of the odd, uncomfortable spectacle she had just been a part of.

By the time she exited the building, her arms were full of over two dozen red roses. She wanted to scream in frustration. She knew exactly who was behind this now. The smile, the quiet, mysterious deliveries, the subtle way he had drawn her into this elaborate game. Gabriel.

She spotted him leaning against a pillar near the entrance. He looked every bit the charming troublemaker, his eyes lighting up when he saw her, clearly expecting her to be flattered, maybe even grateful.

Her blood boiled. He had done this on purpose. The roses were supposed to be romantic, but all they did was make her feel like a fool. She walked toward him, feeling a mix of anger and confusion flood her chest.

"You're a full blown creep now."

His smile only widened. "You didn't like the surprise?"

"No," she said, practically hissing the word. "Not at all. I don't want your roses, and I certainly don't want to be paraded around like some prize."

Without giving him a chance to respond, Lily walked past him, her pace quickening as she headed toward the steps of the building. She reached the bottom of the stairs and, with a huff, dropped the roses onto the ground. Pulling out a piece of paper from her bag, she scribbled a quick sign that read "FREE FLOWERS" and propped it up beside the pile of petals.

She turned to walk away, but just as she did, a laugh echoed behind her. It was Gabriel, unmistakably amused.

____________________________

Theo

Daphne sat in the plush chair by the window of the hotel suite, her legs crossed under her, the carefully printed blueprints for the mall spread out before her on the polished table. The lines on the paper blurred in front of her eyes as she tried to focus, but all she could think about was the meeting earlier. The way Theo had acted with Nara—it gnawed at her, twisting her stomach into knots.

The design was beautiful, Susan had done an incredible job, but Daphne couldn't shake the feeling of being sidelined. She wasn't even sure why it hurt so much. It wasn't as if she and Theo had explicitly agreed on anything, but the way he'd introduced her earlier—co-project manager—it stung. It felt like he was deliberately keeping her at arm's length, like he was setting some kind of boundary she hadn't even been made aware of.

She picked up the corner of one of the blueprints, turning it over in her hands absently, her mind still buzzing with thoughts of Theo and Nara. The tension from the meeting, the subtle glances, the whispered exchanges...

There was a soft knock at the door, and Daphne froze, her heart skipping a beat. She wasn't in the mood to see anyone, least of all Theo. But she didn't want to seem standoffish either, so she sighed and called out, "Come in."

The door creaked open, and Theo stepped inside. His eyes flicked around the room before landing on her, a polite smile tugging at his lips.

"Hey," he started, his voice softer than usual. "What are you doing?"

"Just going over the blueprints," Daphne picked up one of the papers.

Theo slowly nodded, "I'm heading out to dinner with Nara. I just wanted to let you know in case you needed anything."

Daphne raised an eyebrow, her grip tightening on the plans in her hands. She didn't even look at him as she replied, keeping her voice level, though the words came out colder than she intended. "I didn't realize you two were close."

Theo leaned against the door frame, "We went to school together."

"I see," Daphne nodded. "Is Lily going with you two?"

"No," Theo frowned. "Why?"

"Have you checked your phone at all today?" Daphne's voice was laced with irritation. "She's coming over to have dinner with her bother and his girlfriend."

"Shit," Theo muttered pulling out his phone and checking the messages from his sister. "I completely forgot."

Daphne rolled her eyes and returned to the plans.

"Can you do me a favor?" Theo asked.

Daphne looked up, her eyes narrowing, "No."

"Take Lily out to dinner, please," Theo requested. "Tell her I'll pick her up from class tomorrow for lunch or something."

"That's not part of my contract," Daphne folded her arms across her chest.

"How much do you want?" Theo clicked his tongue as if his patience was running thin.

Daphne narrowed her eyes, feeling her own temper dancing over flames. Her mouth twitched as she glared at Theo standing at her door.

"$4,000."

"Don't be ridiculous," Theo rolled his eyes.

"Fine, then you tell your sister you're ditching her for Nara," Daphne shrugged. She rose from her seat and walked to the vanity. Her eyes watched Theo in the mirror as she picked up her hair brush and ran it through her locks.

"Here's my card," Theo said, pulling out his wallet and handed her his black card. "Go anywhere you or Lily want. Don't worry about the bill."

"I'm not your errand girl, Theodore," Daphne said.

"Buy yourself something nice," Theo said, putting the card down in front of her. "Go shopping or something."

Daphnegripped the hair brush and yanked it through her glossy locks as. Theo's footsteps disappear from the room as he shut the door behind her and left her standing alone before the mirror.

Daphne's gaze was fixed on the black card, its sleek surface gleaming under the dim lights of the hotel suite. The anger was bubbling inside her now, the heat of it crawling through her veins like fire. She could feel her fists clenching, her jaw tight.

How could he—how dare he—hand her that card like it was a solution? The nerve. The audacity.

Her mind replayed the moment again: Theo's casual attitude, the way he tossed the card on the dresser without a second thought. Like it was nothing. And the way he didn't even mention her as his girlfriend when Nara was standing right there. Daphne's heart skipped with jealousy, burning hot in her chest. Every time she thought about Theo and Nara, something inside her twisted—a sick, raw feeling of possessiveness that she hated, that she didn't want to admit.

Her steps grew more erratic as she paced across the room, back and forth, as if she could walk off the fury building inside her. Why didn't Theo introduce her to Nara the way he did with everyone else? Why didn't he call her his girlfriend? Why did it feel like she was just another person in his life, a business partner, a placeholder, nothing more? She could feel her insides burning, the jealousy gnawing at her, tightening her throat, making her feel small and insignificant.

The thought of him out there, sitting across from Nara—laughing, talking, having dinner like nothing was wrong—made her stomach churn with a mix of anger and something deeper, something sharper. He'd probably enjoy it, too.

Daphne gritted her teeth, her mind replaying their conversation, the way Theo had acted around Nara. It was like he'd forgotten she was even there.

Just as she was about to turn around and throw one of the decorative pillows across the room, there was a knock on the door. Taking in a deep breath, Daphne walked to the entrance and opened it.

"Hi!" Lily beamed.

"Hey," Daphne managed a tight smile in return, feeling the weight of her frustration lingering beneath the surface.

"How are you?" Lily asked, her eyes full of warmth. Then, without hesitation, she threw her arms around Daphne and gave her a tight squeeze. "I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."

Daphne stood stiff for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden affection, her mind still racing. But she relaxed into the hug, trying to absorb the comfort Lily was offering. Her smile softened, and she buried the anxiety building in her chest, focusing on staying sweet, on staying composed.

"I'm good," she lied, her voice coming out gentler than she felt. "Just been busy."

She couldn't bring herself to admit how scattered her mind truly was. How every little thing felt like it was unraveling.

Lily pulled back slightly, her eyes narrowing with concern. "You sure? You don't seem like yourself."

Daphne forced another smile, willing herself to hold it together. "I'm fine, really. Just... a lot on my plate." She didn't want to worry Lily.

But Lily wasn't convinced. She watched Daphne for a moment longer, the concern in her gaze deepening. "Where's Theo?"

"He's not joining us tonight," Daphne said, feeling her heart pince once again.

"What? Why not?" Lily frowned as she took a seat on the sofa.

"He's out to dinner with somebody from the design firm," Daphne waved her hand. "They seemed like old friends or something."

"Who?" Lily tilted her head.

"Nara?" Daphne spoke. "I don't know her surname."

"Oh...." Lily's voice lowered.

"What?" Daphne arched her brow.

"He's having dinner with Nara......." Lily hesitated. "Just them two?"

"Yes," Daphne nodded, watching the girl carefully. "What is it?"

"Nothing," Lily shook her head.

"Lily?"

"Hm?" Lily smiled, but her gaze flickered around the room. Daphne around around the sofa and took a seat beside her.

"What do you know?" She asked.

"It's nothing," Lily tried to play casual. "They just know each other."

"I get that," Daphne said. "But your brother as acting strange around her. He seemed....shy."

Lily laughed, "Theo's just like that sometimes."

"Not around me," Daphne said. "Or Ava. What are you not telling me?"

"I....." Lily shifted uncomfortably.

"Lily," Daphne's voice hardened.

"Okay, fine," Lily sighed. "Theo had a huge crush on Nara back in high school but it was always the wrong time, you know. Like when she was single, he was seeing someone esle and when he was single, she was seeing someone esle. He thought maybe in college things would be different but Nara started seeing someone and it was serious and Theo like never really got to tell her how he felt."

"Oh my god," Daphne sat back, her heart ready to rip out of her chest. She couldn't quite grasp the implications of what Lily was saying, but the words crush and high school and never really got to tell her how he felt kept echoing in her mind. She felt her heart thud painfully in her chest as the room seemed to shrink around her.

Lily's face flushed slightly, clearly uncomfortable. She shifted in her seat, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "I mean, it was years ago. And you and Theo are so happy together."

Daphne felt her hands tighten on the fabric of the couch, her nails digging into her palms as if that could somehow ground her. She forced herself to breathe, to stay calm, even as everything inside her screamed with frustration. Theo and Nara... it all made sense now, in a twisted way. His strange behavior, the way he'd seemed distant and distracted tonight, like he was hiding something. And why hadn't he introduced her properly as his girlfriend? Why had he kept everything so vague?

Daphne's mind raced as she processed this new information. She stared down at her hands, her throat tight with the effort it took not to let her emotions spill out.

"It wasn't anything serious, Daphne," Lily said quietly. "Theo's not that kind of guy. He would never cheat on you."

Daphne's jaw clenched at the last part of Lily's statement. Theo wouldn't cheat on me? She wanted to scream, to throw something, to do anything to release the pressure building inside her. But what was she supposed to believe? She wasn't even sure what this—whatever it was—between her and Theo actually was. They weren't really a couple, were they? They were pretending.

"I know," Daphne said finally, her voice cold and distant. "I know he wouldn't cheat." She couldn't quite bring herself to say the rest—because we're not actually dating. It didn't seem like it mattered. Not when everything felt so heavy, so complicated. "But that doesn't mean this is okay, Lily."

Lily looked at her, concern deepening in her eyes, but Daphne couldn't bring herself to meet her gaze. She was too angry, too hurt, too consumed by the mess she was in.

"What do you mean?" Lily asked softly, her voice hesitant. "What happened?"

"When I met her today," Daphne didn't know why she was telling Lily anything. Realistically, she had no right to be upset with Theo. But the pain and the burning inside of her chest pushed the words out. "Theo introduced me to Nara as his co-project manager."

"And his girlfriend."

"No," Daphne shook her head. "Just co-project manager."

"Why....why wouldn't he tell Nara you're his girlfriend?" Lily asked, confused by her brother's actions.

Daphne let out a shaky breath, fighting to keep her emotions in check. It was strange, feeling this possessiveness over a title she didn't even truly hold. But it stung all the same. She'd gone along with this charade of being Theo's girlfriend, pretended to be the one he cared about—only to realize that, around Nara, she was demoted to a mere co-worker.

"That's... that's ridiculous," Lily muttered, her brows knitting together. "I can't believe he'd do that to you."

Daphne was at a lose for words. She chewed on her bottom lip as she tried to gather her racing thoughts and emotions.

"I'm so sorry," Lily took her hand and squeezed. "I see how this looks. I wish it didn't look like this. I am so upset with Theo right now."

Daphne nodded but did not say a word. She could feel Lily watching her as they both sat in silence. The sun had set behind the clouds and the room was thrown into warm golden light from the candles and the lamps. Daphne dig her nails into her palm to keep herself from letting any angry tears spill.

Suddenly, as the minutes ticked by, Lily sat up straighter, an unmistakable gleam of mischief in her eyes.

"What if..." she began, her voice a whisper but carrying a note of excitement. "What if we went down there and kept an eye on them?"

Daphne blinked, caught off guard. "You mean... spy on them?"

Lily's lips curled into a small, mischievous smile. "Why not? I mean, Theo clearly thinks he can get away with whatever this is. And if he won't tell you the truth, maybe it's time we find it out ourselves." She leaned forward, eyes gleaming with the thrill of the idea. "Think about it. If he's really acting strange, then we'll know. And if it's innocent... well, we'll see that too."

Daphne felt a reluctant smile tug at her own lips, though her heart still ached. There was a thrill to Lily's suggestion, a chance to regain some control over the situation. "You're serious?"

Lily nodded, her expression dead set. "Dead serious. I have Theo's location so we'll know exactly where thry went. We'll go, sit a few tables away, and just... observe. No confrontation, just two very concerned girlfriends making sure he's acting like he should."

Daphne felt her pulse quicken with a mix of nerves and anticipation.

"Say yes," Lily said, gripping Daphne's hand.

"Your brother will catch us."

"We're just having dinner," Lily shrugged. "And how were we supposed to know they would be there too."

"This seems like a bad idea."

"But we have to do this, Daphne," Lily insisted. "Boys are arrogant idiots. If they're going to play stupid games, they are going to win stupid prizes. If Theo is dumb enough to fumble you then he deserves this tonight."

Daphne pushed her hands into her hair and shook her head, "I don't know."

"We're doing this!" Lily jumped to her feet and grabbed Daphne's arms. "And look extra hot. Show him what he's risking!"

"Lily...."

"This is going to be so much fun!" Lily squealed as she pushed Daphne towards the room.

Daphne sighed, the tension in her chest easing just slightly as Lily's enthusiasm began to rub off on her. She couldn't believe she was doing this—but the idea of making Theo squirm, of letting him see exactly what he was missing, sparked a new kind of fire in her.

Daphne searched through her bags until she found something to work with. She chose a sleek, form-fitting black dress that hugged her curves, just barely brushing her mid-thigh. The neckline dipped low, revealing just enough to make her feel powerful, like she held all the cards tonight. She added a smokey eyes and gloss, her fingers carefully applying the color before stepping back to admire the effect. She looked fierce, confident, and undeniably alluring. It was the kind of look that didn't need a label—girlfriend, fake or real—it was a statement of its own.

Lily grinned approvingly when Daphne stepped out, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Now that's what I'm talking about. Theo's going to be speechless."

With a final check in the mirror, Daphne grabbed her purse, her heels clicking confidently against the marble floor as they made their way down the hall. She could feel the adrenaline building with each step, a mixture of nerves and thrill at what they were about to do. When they finally stepped out into the hotel lobby, Lily handed her card to the valet and leaned in, her voice a whisper of conspiratorial excitement.

"Let's give your guy a real reason to look twice."

______________________

The restaurant was alive with the vibrant energy of a Greek taverna, with music pouring from a small stage near the center where a group of musicians played traditional Greek bouzouki. The lively beat of the music reverberated through the room, the guitarist and violinist adding rich layers to the melody that made every table feel like its own private celebration. Around them, guests clapped and swayed to the music, some even lifting their wine glasses in time with the beat.

The hostess led Daphne and Lily to a table just a few rows away from Theo and Nara, and Daphne's pulse quickened as she spotted Theo's familiar dark hair, his head tilted slightly toward Nara as he laughed.

Sliding into their seats, Daphne picked up her menu and immediately lifted it in front of her face, glancing at Lily through narrowed eyes. Lily mimicked her, raising her own menu like a makeshift shield, peeking over it occasionally with a grin that was equal parts excitement and mischief.

"There he is," Lily murmured, eyes flicking toward Theo and Nara. "Just casually laughing it up as if he hasn't left the most amazing girl behind in the hotel."

Daphne's stomach twisted as she watched Theo lean closer to Nara, his eyes crinkling with amusement at whatever she'd said. They looked so comfortable together, their laughter easy and unrestrained. She felt her cheeks grow hot with jealousy, each smile he gave Nara like a dagger twisting in her chest.

"Jut look at him," Daphne whispered, her voice tight.

Lily's gaze flickered to Daphne, her expression growing serious. "He's a damn fool, Daph. If he's willing to risk losing you for an old flame, he deserves to see what he's missing."

Daphne bit her lip, watching as Theo reached for his glass, his fingers brushing against Nara's. She felt the anger rise within her, along with an unexpected ache, something raw and real that she hadn't prepared herself to feel. She shouldn't care this much—after all, their relationship was only pretend. But as she watched Theo's warm smile directed at someone else, that line between real and fake felt dangerously thin.

Lily nudged her, her eyes glinting with determination. "Remember, we're just two friends enjoying dinner. Let him see you—let him realize what he's risking."

Daphne clenched her jaw, forcing herself to straighten up and lower her menu, sending a casual, disinterested glance toward Theo and Nara's table. She couldn't see him fully, but from the corner of her eye, she noticed his posture, the way he leaned forward, fully engaged in whatever Nara was saying. She reached for her own glass of water, gripping it tightly as she tried to keep her emotions in check.

But each laugh, each shared glance between Theo and Nara, only made it harder. Her insides burned, her thoughts tangling as she fought the urge to march over there and demand an explanation.

As Daphne and Lily ordered without really looking at the menu, the lively group of musicians made their way over to their table, drawn by the unmistakable charm of newcomers. One of the musicians, a man with a wide, inviting smile and a bouzouki strapped across his chest, gave Daphne an appraising look before launching into a soulful Greek melody.

With a nod, he leaned closer to her and began to sing directly, his voice rich and melodic, his eyes twinkling as he serenaded her with exaggerated flair. Daphne, caught off guard, felt her cheeks warm under his gaze and the attention of the whole restaurant.

The musician extended a hand, beckoning her to stand. She glanced at Lily, who gave her an encouraging grin, eyes wide with excitement. A small, mischievous spark flickered in Daphne as she took the musician's hand and let him guide her to her feet.

As she rose, Daphne's gaze drifted across the room, catching Theo's eyes. He had seen her and he was watching her, his expression shifting from surprise to something more unreadable as he took in the scene before him. She could feel his gaze settle heavily on her, sending a strange thrill through her, and she lifted her chin slightly, meeting his look with defiance.

The musician spun her around, and she let herself fall into the rhythm of the song, her movements blending with the lively beat. The room erupted in cheers as Daphne twirled, her laughter mixing with the music. She didn't know if it was the ambiance, the music, or Theo's stare, but there was something liberating, almost exhilarating, about letting herself be the center of attention. She caught Theo's eye again as the one of the young waiters joined in and took her hand, spinning her around as they staff began to twirl the white napkins in the air.

"Yes! Yes, baby!" Lily clapped.

Daphne ran to their table and pulled Lily out of her seat. The two girls giggled and laughed as the waiters danced around them and a few of the other customers got up to dance. Daphne could still feel Theo's eyes on her as she returned to the waiter and danched with him.

"He looks so mad," Lily wrapped her arms around Daphne and whispered into her ear.

Daphne shrugged, "I don't see why?"

"Right," Lily nodded. "You're just his 'co-project manager'."

Daphne laughed despite the ping of hurt that resurfaced. She danced with Lily until the song ended and everyone applauded the talenetd musicians. Just as they returned to their table, Theo rose from his seat and walked over to their table.

"Hi," Lily said casually as she looked up.

"Hey," Theo leaned down and kissed the top of her head. Daphne ignored him. She flagged down the waiter she was dancing with and ordered a drink for herself.

"You're drinking?" Theo raised his brow, his eyes watching Daphne intently. "Who drove?"

"I did," Lily said.

Theo slowly nodded, noticing the way Daphne didn't bother looking at him.

"Nara is at the other table," he announced, looking back at Lily. "You remember her, right?"

"Kinda," Lily nodded. "If I remember correctly, she's the girl who's more imponrat then your sister and your girlfriend tonight, right?"

"Lily," Theo sighed. "I-"

"It's fine," Lily stopped him. "Daphne and I made plans and to be honest, they're better then whatever boring thing you and Nara are talking about over there."

"What plans?" Theo asked, his eyes flickering to Daphne once more.

"Well, first we are celebrating Daphne's promotion," Lily smiled, but her eyes were sharp and fill of anger. "Co-project manager is so much better then just being your girlfriend."

Daphne bit back a grin as Theo's face flickered with an unmistakable look of frustration. Lily's words had clearly struck a nerve, and Daphne could see him struggling to keep his composure. She sipped her drink, savoring the burn as it slid down her throat, determined to look unfazed. She wouldn't give Theo the satisfaction of seeing how much his little "introduction" had stung.

"Are you upset with me?" Theo asked, his eyes glued to Daphne.

Daphne shrugged, meeting his stare with a calm smile. "Why would I be?"

"You're not saying anything," Theo said. "You're not even looking at me."

Daphne sighed, a sweet calm smile on her lips. She reached across he table and took Lily's hands. "Only this Silvano has my whole attention tonight and my whole heart."

"Aww," Lily laughed. "I love you, too."

Theo's jaw tightened as he watched Daphne lean in, her fingers laced through Lily's, her smile soft but defiant. Daphne's expression was maddeningly serene, as if his presence meant absolutely nothing to her in this moment.

He narrowed his eyes, forcing himself to stay composed. "You're really not going to talk to me?"

Daphne turned her gaze to him, a spark of challenge in her eyes. "What would you like to discuss, Theodore? Your plans with Nara tonight?" She kept her tone light, almost playful, but Theo could sense the edge beneath it.

Lily squeezed Daphne's hand and leaned in, all warmth and laughter. "We don't need to talk about boring old plans, do we?" she teased, giving Theo a pointed smile. "Daphne and I are far too busy celebrating her big 'promotion.' It's a very important role."

"You're welcome to watch from the sidelines, Theodore," Daphne said, her voice dripping with mischief. "But I'm afraid your time's up."

Theo's mouth opened slightly as if to argue, but instead, he let out a heavy sigh, giving the two of them one last lingering look. Daphne felt her heart race as he held her gaze, but she forced herself to stay steady, savoring the strength that Lily's presence gave her. Finally, Theo turned, returning to his table with a reluctant nod.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Daphne and Lily burst into laughter. They huddled together like little girls, whispering and giggle the whole evening as Theo glanced over towards them frequently. His gaze lingered on Daphne, especially when the waiter stopped at their table periodically to give her free drinks or to flirt.

Daphne didn't hold back. She flirted shamelessly with the young man, batting her long lashes at him, tilting her head, pushing her hair off her shoulder. She had the poor guy turning as red as a tomato.

"One more drink?" The waiter asked as Daphne payed the bill. "It's on the house."

"She's good," Theo said, coming up behind him.

The smile slipped from Daphne's lips as Theo's eyes challenged her not to argue with him. Beside him, Nara smiled down at Lily.

"Hi, Lily," she said. "So good to see you."

"Hi," Lily smiled politely but not enough to open up a conversation.

"Lily, grab your keys," Theo ordered. "I'll drive everyone back."

"What? No," Lily frowned. "We're not done."

"You two plan on giving that guy a heart attack tonight?" Theo questioned.

"Lily and I have plans," Daphne turned toward Theo and she rose to her feet.

"It's late," Theo said sternly. "She has classes tomorrow."

"I actually don't," Lily pointed out. "Daphne and I are going to meet up with my friends. Alexa invited us to a party."

Theo's jaw clenched as he looked down at Daphne's dress once more.

"No, you're not going to a party," he said to his sister, his voice filled with irritation and his eyes glued on Daphne. "It's late and I don't want drunk college boys around you."

"She's going with me," Daphne said. "A certified adult. You're more then welcome to come and watch, Theodore."

Theo's jaw clenched once again as his eyes narrowed. Daphne held his gaze as Lily came to stand beside her.

"All of her friends will be there," she said. "And I'm dying to have some fun tonight."

Theo's gaze darkened, his jaw clenched so tight that Daphne could almost see the anger rolling off him. His eyes flicked between Daphne and Lily, the possessiveness unmistakable as he took in Daphne's flirty, confident stance. Daphne met his intense stare without flinching, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. She knew exactly how much this was getting under his skin, and she was reveling in it.

"Daphne," he said, his voice dangerously low, "we're going home. Now."

Daphne tilted her head, looking him up and down with feigned innocence. "Oh? I didn't realize you were in charge of my plans for the evening."

Standing behind the pair, Nara's gaze flickered back and forth between the pair. Lily watched her and smiled.

"Don't worry, they're fine," she said. "She's Theo's girlfriend."

"I know," Nara said. "He told me."

Daphne blinked, "What?"

"Yeah...." Nara laughed. "At dinner tonight."

Theo stared at Daphne, watching the information sink in.

"Are we done here?" Theo snapped, his eyes fixed solely on Daphne. "Or do you have any more 'plans' that I need to disrupt?"

"We're going to the party," Lily said, linking her arm with Daphne.

"Lily, no-"

"Bye, bye, love you!" Lily waved as she pulled Daphne away. 

Will Theo go to the party? 

This chapter was supposed to be longer, but typing hurts my wrists.