17~ Vanessa

JESSICA

The sound of the front door opening made me jump, and I quickly turned around, my heart pounding in my chest. Blake stepped inside first, followed by a tall, confident woman with striking features.

Her presence was commanding, and I could see the resemblance to Blake in her sharp eyes and the curve of her smile.

Why do I feel so scared of her?

"Jess, this is my sister, Vanessa," Blake introduced, stepping aside so she could enter the room fully.

Vanessa’s eyes swept over me, assessing in a way that made me feel like she could see right through me. But instead of the cold judgment I feared, she offered a warm, welcoming smile.

"So, you're the one who’s stolen my brother’s heart," she said with a chuckle, stepping forward to shake my hand. "It’s nice to finally meet you."

I smiled back, a little shyly. "Nice to meet you too. Blake’s told me a lot about you."

"Only the good things, I hope," she teased, glancing at Blake, who rolled his eyes playfully.

"Of course," I replied, fee