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Chapter 66

Lily sat on the plush chair in the hotel lobby, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She couldn't stop fidgeting—tugging at the hem of her dress, smoothing her hair, glancing at her phone every few seconds. The anticipation was nerve-wracking. Jake had called earlier, his tone calm and direct, telling her he'd be there for dinner. It wasn't much, but it was enough to set her nerves alight.

Her heart skipped when she spotted his car pulling up outside the glass doors. She rose quickly, smoothing her dress once more as she watched him step out. Jake was dressed casually, but in a way that seemed put together. In his hand, he held two bouquets of flowers, vibrant and fresh, their colors a striking contrast against the evening gloom.

Lily's stomach twisted with a mix of hope and apprehension as Jake walked toward her. When their eyes met, he gave her a small, crooked smile, one that eased a fraction of her anxiety but still left her feeling unsettled. He didn't pause as he reached her, leaning in to give her a kiss, warm and lingering.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice tinged with something that sounded almost... apologetic.

"Hi," Lily whispered, tucking back her hair.

"You look beautiful," Jake commented, his eyes lowerign to her dress. "As always."

"Thank you," Lily smiled. "So do you. I like the new hair cut."

"Thanks," Jake grinned. He paused for a few seconds before clearing his throat. "Lily...."

"Yeah?" Lily waited.

"I'm sorry for being such a jerk," Jake confessed. "I behaved like an absolute child."

Lily blinked at him, momentarily stunned, before she managed a small smile.

"It's okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I was jealous," Jake continued. "And I didn't handle that very well."

Lily slowly nodded. "I'm just glad you're here."

Jake wished she would say more. He wished she would reassure him again that there was nothing going on between her and Gabriel. But she seemed to be happy, and he didn't want to sour her mood by brining him up.

"I'm glad too," he said instead.

Lily took in a deep breath and gestured to the bouquet in his hand, her eyes brightening slightly. "Are those for me?"

Jake chuckled, shaking his head. "Nope. These are for your mom and Daphne actually," he said, holding the flowers up. "Figured I'd try to win some points there."

Lily couldn't help but laugh, a soft, nervous sound that carried some of the tension away.

"What do I get?" She asked, her lips curving into a genuine smile. Despite her initial nervousness, there was something comforting in Jake's casual demeanor, something that made her hope the evening might go smoother than she'd feared.

"You," Jake's grin spread as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small box. "Get this."

Lily's brows raised as she stared at the box.

"Open it," Jake smiled.

Lily hesitated for a moment, her heart fluttering with curiosity as she reached for the small box Jake held out. Her fingers brushed against his briefly, sending a flutter of warmth up her arm. With a soft click, the lid popped open, revealing a delicate bracelet nestled on a cushion of velvet.

"Oh..." Lily's breath caught as her eyes fell on the simple yet beautiful piece of jewelry. It was a fine silver chain, adorned with two small charms: a scripted "J" and an elegant "L," intertwined like they were meant to be together.

"Wow," she whispered, her voice barely audible. She glanced up at him, her wide eyes.

"It's nothing fancy." A sheepish grin tugging at Jake's lips. "But I wanted you to have something... personal. Something that's just us."

Lily slowly lifted the bracelet from the box, the charms catching the light and sparkling softly. She turned it over in her hands, marveling at the thoughtfulness behind the gesture.

"It's beautiful," she said. "Thank you, Jake."

"Here," he said, stepping closer and gently taking the bracelet from her hands. "Let me put it on you."

Lily held out her wrist, watching as Jake carefully clasped the bracelet in place. His touch was warm and steady, and when he was done, he held her hand for just a moment longer.

She glanced down at the bracelet, her lips curving into a soft smile. "I love it," she said, meeting his gaze. "It's perfect."

Jake's grin widened, his confidence returning. "Well, I'm glad you like it. Now I just need to survive dinner with your big fat Italian family," he teased, the tension between them easing into something warmer.

Lily laughed, the sound light and genuine. "You'll be fine," she assured him, her fingers brushing over the charms again. "You've already won me over."

________________

The elegant ambiance of the restaurant enveloped them, with soft golden lighting reflecting off crystal glasses and polished silverware. The Murano glass chandelier overhead cast a warm glow on the table where Lily and Jake sat with her family.

Jake sat next to Lily, trying to maintain a calm demeanor under the scrutinizing gaze of her fbrother, who leaned back in his chair with an air of quiet authority. Across from them sat Daisy, who was gracious but quiet, throwing encouraging smiles in Jake's direction. Luca sat at the head of the table. Daphne, seated beside Theo, offered a polite smile, though she seemed more focused on keeping Theo from saying anything too harsh.

"So, Jake," Luca began. "What are you studying in school?"

Jake straightened in his seat, his voice calm but confident. "I'm studying English Literature with a minor in History," he said.

Luca's brows lifted slightly, his expression intrigued but measured. "What drrew you to that field?"

Jake smiled faintly, his grip on his fork loosening as he found familiar ground. "I've always been passionate about stories—how they shape the way we see the world and ourselves. Literature gives us a window into different times, cultures, and ideas. And history complements that by giving context to those stories."

Luca nodded slowly, his gaze still piercing. "And what do you plan to do with that passion? Are you considering academia, or something more practical?"

"I'm considering a career in publishing or writing," Jake said. "I'd like to work in a field where I can bring stories to life for others—whether through editing, publishing, or even creating my own work someday."

Daisy's face softened, a warm smile spreading across her lips. "That's wonderful," she said. "We need more people who appreciate the art of storytelling."

Jake thanked her politely. Lily quietly patted his back before pulling away and reaching for her drink.

Theo's sharp eyes flicked to Lily's wrist as she reached for her glass, the delicate bracelet catching the light. Without a word, Theo leaned forward and lifted her wrist, inspecting the bracelet with a scrutinizing eye.

"What's this?" he asked, arching a brow.

Lily stiffened slightly, her cheeks coloring. "It's just a gift," she said quietly.

"Hmm," Theo murmured, unimpressed. "Not exactly Cartier, is it?"

"Theo," Daphne interjected softly, her tone a gentle warning, but he ignored her.

"Don't be such a snob. It's personal," Lily said firmly, pulling her wrist away and clasping her hands in her lap. "And I love it."

Theo shrugged, leaning back in his chair with a faint smirk, but his disapproval lingered in the air.

Daphne's eyes narrowed at Theo, her disapproval sharp enough to cut through the lingering tension at the table. Her lips pressed into a tight line, and she shifted in her seat to fully face him, her expression silently reprimanding.

Leaning closer to her, Theo's smirk didn't waver as he murmured under his breath, "He's worse than the other one this morning."

Daphne's glare hardened. "Behave," she warned, her voice quiet but sharp.

Simultaneously, Lily gave him a discreet nudge under the table with her foot. "Stop it," she hissed.

Theo chuckled softly, more amused than chastened, and relaxed back into his chair. The two girls returned their attention to Jake, who seemed blissfully unaware of the tense undercurrents, and to the rest of the table.

Luca's eyes flicked toward Theo, his brow raising slightly as their gazes locked in a silent, knowing exchange. The corner of Luca's mouth twitched, almost imperceptibly, but before either man could speak, Daisy pinched Luca's arm lightly, her expression a mix of warning and exasperation.

"Jake and Mason are planning on taking Lily camping," Daisy announced brightly, her tone deliberately cheerful in an effort to diffuse the tension. "That sounds like so much fun."

"Camping?" Theo echoed, his brows furrowing deeply. "Tents? Sleeping bags? Can Lily even handle that?"

Lily turned toward him, her irritation clear. "Yes, Theo. I can handle it," she snapped. "It's not like I've never been outside before."

Theo raised a skeptical brow, his smirk reappearing. "Sure, but let me know how long you last without your hairdryer."

Daphne groaned, giving him another withering look. "Honestly, Theo, stop. You're being impossible."

Jake chuckled nervously, breaking the tension with a light comment. "Don't worry. I'll make sure she survives. Maybe I'll even bring an extension cord for the hairdryer."

Everyone at the table laughter, except for Theo, who simply rolled his eyes, and Lily, who glared at him before reluctantly cracking a smile.

______________________

Mason and Wendy

Mason kept one hand on the wheel, the other draped lazily over the gear shift as he drove Wendy back to her dorm. The hum of the engine and the soft patter of rain on the windshield filled the comfortable silence between them. Wendy leaned her head against the window, her arms wrapped tightly around her bag, lost in thought.

"Something on your mind?" Mason asked, breaking the quiet as he glanced at her. "You've been quiet since you answered your mom's call."

Wendy stiffened, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag. She didn't look at him. "Why are you so nosy?" she snapped, her tone sharper than she intended. "And why do you have to know so much about me?"

Mason blinked, his brow furrowing as he glanced at her, confused. "Whoa, I wasn't trying to pry. You just seemed... upset."

"I'm not upset," Wendy shot back, her voice rising defensively. "Maybe I just don't feel like talking, okay? Not everything has to be some big discussion."

The tension in the car thickened, the once-comfortable silence replaced by a charged awkwardness. Mason exhaled, his jaw tightening as he focused on the road ahead.

"Got it," he said. "Didn't mean to overstep."

Wendy immediately regretted her words but kept her gaze fixed on the rain-streaked window. Her throat tightened, guilt creeping in, but the thought of Mason digging deeper into her family life made her chest ache. She couldn't let him see the mess or anyone else ofr that matter. She couldn't let him connect the dots.

They drove on in silence, the city lights flashing through the windshield. Mason's usual relaxed demeanor had stiffened, his hand gripping the wheel a little tighter. Wendy wanted to say something, to explain, but the words tangled in her throat.

When he finally pulled up in front of her dorm, Mason shifted into park but didn't look at her. "We're here," he said, his voice neutral.

Wendy hesitated, clutching her bag as she opened the door. "Mason—" she started, but the words faltered.

"Goodnight, Wendy," he said, cutting her off gently but firmly.

Wendy reached for the door handle and pushed the door open. She turned her body to leave but instead found herself staring at the wet pavement outside. Lily was with her parents and the thought of returning to an empty dorm doom didn't please Wendy.

Instead of stepping out of the car, she yanked the door shut and sat back down in her seat. Mason's brow furrowed as he watched Wendy settle back into her seat, her fingers fumbling with the seatbelt as though she had made a snap decision. The engine hummed softly, the rain still pattering against the windshield, blurring the view of her dorm outside.

"What's the matter?" he asked, his tone gentle but laced with confusion.

"I don't want to go just yet," Wendy replied, her voice quiet but firm, her gaze fixed on the raindrops streaking down the glass.

Mason leaned back slightly, studying her profile. She looked tense, her lips pressed into a thin line and her hands clenched tightly in her lap. He opened his mouth to ask more but caught himself, unsure if pressing her would make her retreat further into whatever was bothering her. Instead, he tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel.

"Okay," he said after a moment, his tone casual. "Anywhere you want to go?"

Wendy finally turned to him, her eyes meeting his for a fleeting second before she looked away. "Anywhere but back to my dorm," she said, almost under her breath.

Mason hesitated, a flicker of worry crossing his face, but he didn't push. "Alright," he said, putting the car back into drive.

They drove in silence again, the city lights casting fleeting shadows across their faces. Mason's mind swirled with unspoken questions. What had changed in the last few minutes? Why didn't she want to go back? But he didn't ask. Something in her posture told him she wasn't ready to talk, and he wasn't about to risk shutting her down completely.

The rain eased to a drizzle as Mason turned onto a quieter street. He pulled up in front of the sleek, modern luxury apartment building. Wendy glanced at the building, then back at Mason, her brows knitting together in curiosity.

"Come on," Mason said, stepping out and opening her door before she could object. "I want to show you something."

Wendy followed him into the lobby, the warmth of the building's interior a stark contrast to the chilly rain outside. The concierge nodded at Mason as they entered, and soon they were in the elevator, heading up to the twelfth floor.

When the doors opened, Mason led her down the quiet hallway and unlocked the door to the empty apartment.

The place was vast and airy, with an understated elegance that hinted at luxury. The floors were a polished light wood, and the open floor plan made the space feel even larger. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city skyline, the lights twinkling against the backdrop of the rain. The walls were a soft, neutral tone, and the lack of furniture made the apartment feel almost like a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with stories and memories.

Wendy stepped further inside, her footsteps echoing softly in the open space. The warm recessed lighting bathed the room in a golden glow, contrasting with the cool, moody city view. She walked toward the windows, placing her hand lightly on the glass, as if trying to feel the pulse of the city beyond.

"What is this place?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

"My new place," Mason said, stepping in behind her and gesturing around. "Figured it might be better than your dorm for now."

Wendy glanced over her shoulder at him, her lips curving into the faintest smile. Mason stayed by the door for a moment, watching her wander around. She seemed different here, lighter somehow, as if the weight she carried had loosened its grip. He followed her slowly as she moved from the windows to the living area, her fingers brushing the edges of the walls and the countertops, as though she were acquainting herself with the space.

Wendy's steps eventually led her to the kitchen, where sleek marble countertops and state-of-the-art appliances gleamed under the pendant lights. The space was modern and inviting, with an island that stretched out, begging to be gathered around.

Wendy stopped by the counter, running her hand over the cool marble before turning and hopping up to sit on it. She swung her legs gently, her expression thoughtful.

"You've got a good eye," she said, her tone casual but sincere.

Mason leaned against the opposite counter, crossing his arms as he watched her. "You think so?" he asked with a small smirk.

"Definitely," Wendy said, her eyes scanning the room before landing on his. For a moment, she hesitated, her walls faltering, before she added softly, "My kind of place."

Mason tilted his head, studying her, but again, he held back the questions swirling in his mind. Instead, he matched her light tone. "There's a third bedroom."

"A third?" Wendy raised her brow. "Who's occupying the second one? My competition?"

Mason chuckled. He pushed off the counter he had been leaning against and stepped forward. With a sigh, he dropped his hands on either side of Wendy and leaned in.

"Lily," he said. "My parents are heavily insistent on her moving in with me."

"Oh," Wendy frowned. "She's leaving the dorm..."

"Don't tell her anything yet, please," Mason said. "We haven't spoken to her yet."

Wendy nodded slowly, the frown deepening.

"What's the matter?" Mason asked, ducking his head to get a better look at Wendy's face.

"You're taking her away from me," Wendy muttered. "She's my best friend."

"Or I'm pulling her closer in hopes that you will follow her here," Mason grinned.

"Shouldn't you at least take me out to dinner before you ask me to move in with you?" Wendy rolled her eyes. "I hardly know you."

Mason smirked, his gaze holding Wendy's as he leaned in just a bit closer. "Dinner? Is that all it takes to win you over?"

Wendy scoffed, but the corner of her lips twitched with a suppressed smile. "I said you should at least start there," she retorted. "I didn't say it would be that easy."

Mason chuckled, his hands still resting on either side of her as he tilted his head, pretending to consider. "Alright, fair enough. What's your idea of a perfect dinner date then?"

"Oh, I don't know," she said, feigning indifference. "Something simple. Maybe a fancy rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. A bottle of red wine. Candlelight." She paused, giving him a teasing look. "You know, nothing too extravagant."

Mason laughed, shaking his head. "You've got expensive taste."

"Guilty," Wendy said, leaning back slightly, her tone playful. "If you're going to ask a girl to follow her best friend into your ridiculously oversized apartment, the least you can do is impress her first."

"Noted," Mason said, his grin widening. "But let me get this straight. You want wine, candles, a view of the city... and then maybe you'll consider moving in?"

"Maybe," Wendy teased, meeting his gaze with a challenging glint in her eye.

Mason stepped back slightly, giving her room but never breaking eye contact. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, his voice low and amused. "But for now, you're going to have to settle for my stunning personality and this empty apartment."

Wendy laughed, shaking her head as she leaned forward slightly. Mason tried not to notice the way her arms tightened around her chest but Wendy caught his wandering gaze.

"You know," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "For someone so eager to convince me, you're really bad at sweet-talking."

"I'm saving the sweet talk," Mason said, flashing a grin. "Don't want to use all my tricks at once. Gotta keep you guessing."

"I like to know what's I'm getting before I make any deals," Wendy said. "What are the benefits of me moving in here?"

"You mean beside getting to live with Lily?" Mason arched a brow.

Wendy nodded, her hair falling around her shoulder.

"Well, for starters, " Mason leaned forward once more, his hands firmly placed on either side of her on the counter. "I get to see you every morning....in your tiny shorts."

"That's a point for your court," Wendy pointed out.

"You get to sit at this counter at breakfast and....."

"And?" Wendy moved closer to the edge of the counter.

The air between them seemed to thicken, the teasing smiles turning into something more charged as Mason closed the distance between them. His hands remained planted on the counter, his arms framing Wendy as her legs parted slightly to accommodate his presence.

"And," Mason continued, his voice dropping into a low, velvety tone, "you'd get to watch me make coffee in the mornings. Shirtless."

Wendy arched a brow, fighting the smirk tugging at her lips. "Shirtless coffee-making? That's supposed to be a selling point?"

Mason tilted his head, his grin widening as he leaned in just a fraction closer. "Depends. Is it working?"

Wendy's breath hitched, her usual quick-witted retorts momentarily faltering under the intensity of his gaze. She tilted her head, pretending to think. "Is it worth it?"

Mason grinned. He leaned back slightly and grabbed the back of his t-shirt and yanked it off over his head. Wendy felt her belly clench as the scent of his cologne intensified.

Mason's shirt hit the counter, revealing a lean, toned chest carved with definition that seemed almost too perfect. His skin had a sun-kissed warmth, with faint lines tracing the dips and curves of his muscles. Wendy's gaze drifted over the sharp cut of his collarbone, the strength in his shoulders, and the ripple of his abs that tightened slightly as he exhaled.

"Worth it now?" Mason teased, his grin lazy but electric.

Wendy swallowed, trying to keep her composure as she let her fingers drift up, almost experimentally. She brushed the pads of her fingers along the line of his shoulder, then traced down the length of his bicep. His skin was warm, his muscles firm yet smooth beneath her touch. Mason's eyes tracked her every move, an amused glint mingling with something darker in his gaze.

Wendy's fingers hesitated before continuing, trailing down over the sharp cut of his chest, then slowly gliding along the defined ridges of his abs. Her touch was featherlight, yet it seemed to leave a path of fire in its wake.

She paused just above the button of his jeans, her fingers brushing the rough denim. The air between them felt heavier now, charged with something almost unbearable.

Mason's grin widened as he dipped his head slightly, his voice a low, teasing drawl. "Don't be shy.," he whispered into her ear. "Go on."

Wendy's cheeks flushed, but she didn't pull her hand away. Her lips parted slightly, caught somewhere between hesitation and curiosity. Her fingers lingered at the edge of the fabric, her eyes flicking up to meet his.

"Confident, aren't you?" she said, her voice soft but laced with challenge.

"Confident?" Mason leaned in, his tone dropping to a murmur that sent a shiver down her spine. "Only because I know you think about it too."

Wendy arched a brow at that, her grip on the moment solidifying as her lips curled into a smirk.

"You sure about that?" she asked, her hand finally retreating—but not before letting her nails trail lightly along his skin as she pulled away.

Mason chuckled, stepping back slightly, but the intensity in his gaze never wavered. "Don't act like you're not thinking about all the fun we could b having right now in this big empty apartment."

"The bedroom's empty," Wendy said.

"The kitchen has a counter," Mason reminded her. "The living room has floors. The bathroom has a vanity, the balcony has railing, the windows have glass."

Wendy slowly bit down on her lip as she peered at him through her lashes.

Mason's words hung in the air, every syllable laced with deliberate provocation. His smirk was unapologetic, confident in the effect he had on her. Wendy's pulse quickened as her gaze flicked over his face, tracing the sharp angles of his jaw and the mischievous glint in his eyes. The way he stood—broad-shouldered and effortlessly alluring—only added to the heady tension building between them.

She tilted her head, her lips curving into a slow, teasing smile. "You seem to have it all planned out."

Mason took a step closer, closing the small space between them. He braced his hands on either side of her, his body angled just enough to draw her attention to the warmth radiating from him. His voice dropped, a low hum that resonated in the quiet kitchen. "I'm good at improvising, sunshine."

Wendy's breath caught, but she masked it with a soft laugh, her hand rising to rest lightly on his chest. The feel of his skin, warm and firm under her palm, sent a ripple of heat through her. She let her fingers trail up to his collarbone, then slowly down to his abdomen, her movements deliberate, testing.

"I don't scare easy, Mason," she murmured, her voice soft but edged with defiance.

"I wasn't trying to scare you," he replied, his grin widening as his hand brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering at her jawline. He slowly tilted her head to one side and hovered his lips over her. "But I'm not above making you blush."

Wendy's eyes narrowed, her smirk sharpening as she leaned in just enough to close the gap between them further. Her voice dropped to a near whisper, her words brushing against his skin. "You think you've got me all figured out, don't you?"

Mason's gaze darkened, his lips curving into a slow, wicked smile. "Not yet," he admitted, his voice husky, "but I'm having fun trying."

The air between them heavy and electric, as neither of them moved to break the moment. Wendy bit her lip again, the faintest flicker of hesitation giving way to a quiet, daring laugh.

"Let's see if your improvisation skills are as good as you think," she said, her voice steady but her heart racing.

Mason's grin softened into something more dangerous, his hand sliding to her waist as he leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek. "Challenge accepted."

Wendy leaned back slightly, creating just enough distance between them to reclaim her composure. She let out a sharp breath, her smirk fading as her eyes flicked to his bare chest and then away again.

"Alright," she said, her tone brisk and cutting through the charged air between them, "that's enough."

Mason raised a brow, his grin faltering as confusion flickered across his face. "Enough?"

"Yes, enough," Wendy replied, hopping down from the counter with a determined step, brushing past him. She grabbed her bag from the corner of the kitchen and slung it over her shoulder. "Put your shirt back on. Playtime's over."

His lips twitched with the ghost of a smile as he crossed his arms. "Playtime? You were having fun five seconds ago."

Wendy shot him a pointed look, hands resting on her hips. "Fun? Watching you show off like a peacock isn't my idea of fun. I've had enough of you for one day."

Mason chuckled, the sound low and incredulous. "You're impossible."

"Maybe," she said with a shrug, heading toward the front door. "But right now, I'm impossible and ready to leave. So, are you going to drive me back, or should I call someone else?"

Mason stared at her for a moment, a mix of amusement and frustration playing on his face. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he reached for his shirt and pulled it back over his head.

"You're lucky I like you," he muttered, grabbing his keys from the counter.

Wendy laughed, walking out of the apartment and leaving him to follow the scent of her perfume.

As they walked to the car, Mason's teasing grin returned. Wendy slid into the passenger seat without another word, staring straight ahead as the city lights once again lit up the windshield. Mason climbed into the driver's seat, glancing sideways at her before starting the car.

"For the record," he said as they pulled onto the street, his tone lighter now, "you're the one who asked me to sweet-talk you."

Wendy turned her head, giving him a flat look. "And for the record, it didn't work."

His laughter filled the car, the tension melting into amusement.

__________________

Theo and Daphne

Theo moved through the quiet hotel hallway, his shoes clicking softly against the marble floor. The echoes followed him, but they didn't drown out the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, which felt louder than usual tonight. He ran a hand through his dark hair, his jaw tightening as he approached the suite where his parents were staying.

Dinner had been an interesting, filled with laughter, conversation, and banter about Jake. But Theo had barely tasted the food. His mind was preoccupied with the words he planned to say—words that had been building in his chest for weeks now.

He wanted to marry Daphne. The thought of her brought a softness to his sharp features, a brief but unmistakable flicker of warmth.

Stopping outside the door, Theo adjusted his shirt, taking a steadying breath. This wasn't just about asking for their blessing; it was about a tradition, a legacy.

Knocking softly, Theo stepped back and straightened his posture, his confidence outwardly unshaken despite the nerves stirring within. He needed them to see how serious he was. The door opened, and Daisy's gentle smile greeted him, her warm eyes flicking up to meet his. Luca sat on the sofa behind her, his presence as steady as ever.

"Mom, Dad," Theo began, his voice steady but low. "I need to talk to you. It's important."

"What is it?" Daisy wondered. "Come inside."

Theo stepped into the suite, the warm glow of the table lamps casting a cozy light over the luxurious space. Daisy gestured for him to sit, but Theo remained standing, his hands clasped behind his back. He swallowed hard, his usually cool demeanor betraying a flicker of unease.

Daisy tilted her head, her curious gaze narrowing. "You look nervous," she said softly, folding her arms as she leaned against the edge of a chair.

Luca glanced up from his seat, setting aside the book he'd been reading. "What's going on? Something wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong," Theo replied quickly, though his tone hinted at the weight of his thoughts. He drew in a breath, exhaling slowly as he finally took a seat on the armrest of a chair. His fingers tapped against his knee before he stilled them, meeting his mother's questioning eyes.

"I've been thinking about Daphne," he began, his voice steady but quieter than usual. "About us. And...I've decided I want to ask her to marry me."

Daisy's eyes widened slightly, a soft smile tugging at her lips, but her expression quickly shifted to one of quiet understanding. Luca straightened in his seat, his sharp gaze locked on Theo, reading every nuance in his son's face.

"I want to do it the right way," Theo continued, his voice growing stronger. "And I'd like to ask her with your ring, Mom. The one that was Grandma's." He paused, searching their faces. "This isn't just about proposing. It's about honoring what our family stands for—the traditions, the legacy. I want to start my life with her with that same foundation."

Daisy pressed a hand to her chest, her expression softening with emotion. "Theo..." she murmured, her voice trailing off.

Luca leaned back, nodding slowly. "You're serious about this," he said, more a statement than a question.

"I've never been more serious about anything," Theo replied, his dark eyes unwavering.

Daisy glanced at Luca, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "Well, I think we need to talk about that ring, don't we?" she said, her voice light but filled with warmth.

Luca chuckled, his serious demeanor softening. "You've got our blessing. That ring belongs to the woman you choose to spend your life with. If Daphne's the one, it's hers."

A rare, genuine smile breaking across Theo's face. "Thank you. Both of you."

Daisy stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You'll make her so happy. I'm proud of you."

He nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I hope so."

"I'll call the jeweller," Daisy beamed with happiness. "We'll need the ring resized."

__________________________

Lily

Lily walked slowly to class, her bag slung over one shoulder, the cool morning air brushing against her cheeks. She kept her head down, earbuds in, hoping to get through the day without any unexpected interruptions. But just as she rounded the corner, Gabriel suddenly appeared beside her, falling into step without so much as a greeting.

"Hey," he said, his tone light but probing. "How're you feeling?"

Lily glanced at him, her brows knitting together in confusion. "I'm fine," she replied curtly, her voice laced with suspicion.

Gabriel didn't seem fazed by her tone. "How was your night?" he pressed, his gaze fixed ahead as if the question were as casual as the weather.

She blinked, caught off guard by his sudden interest. "It was... nice," she admitted slowly.

"Do anything fun?"

"My parents met Jake," Lily answered.

At that, Gabriel's jaw tightened ever so slightly, though he nodded quietly, keeping his thoughts to himself. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence stretching awkwardly between them as the sound of their footsteps echoed off the pavement.

Just when Lily thought he wouldn't say anything else, Gabriel broke the silence.

"Mason invited me to go camping with you guys," he said, his tone neutral but carrying an undertone she couldn't quite place.

Lily stopped in her tracks, turning to face him. "He did?" she asked, her confusion deepening. The idea of Gabriel joining their trip felt oddly intrusive, given the distance she'd been trying to maintain. "Are you... going?"

Gabriel shrugged, a flicker of something unreadable passing across his face. "Haven't decided yet. Thought I'd see how you felt about it."

Lily's lips parted in surprise, but she quickly closed them, unsure of what to say. Why did he care what she thought? She studied his expression, searching for clues, but Gabriel's face was as unreadable as ever.

"So?" He looked at her for the first time since he appeared. "Should I come?"

Lily searched Gabriel's face, trying to decode the sudden interest in her opinion. His expression was maddeningly neutral, his dark eyes revealing nothing. Why did it matter to him what she thought? Was he just trying to mess with her again?

Lily's heart thudded in her chest as she finally managed a response, her tone clipped and unsure. "Whatever you want."

Gabriel's lips twitched, not quite a smile, but close. He shrugged, the motion casual, though there was a tension in the way his shoulders lingered mid-shrug before settling.

"Alright," he said simply, as if that settled the matter.

Lily's brows furrowed. "Alright what?"

Gabriel's gaze slid back to her, holding her eyes for a moment longer than felt comfortable. "Alright, I've decided," he said, his voice smooth. "Someone needs to keep you safe from the bears."

With that, he shoved his hands into his pockets and resumed walking, his pace unhurried, as though the conversation hadn't left a dozen questions swirling in Lily's mind. She stood frozen for a beat, watching his retreating figure, before shaking her head and continuing to class, wondering what game Gabriel was playing now.

Are you excited to go camping?