OLIVIA’S POV
It was D-Day!
We got up early to finish up everything. As we put up chairs in the garden and placed flowers on the tables, the house was abuzz with excitement.
The last two days had been filled up with plannings for the wedding— decor, food, seat arrangements and all the works
By now, I was physically and mentally drained.
I wanted it to be perfect for my mom, the simple, romantic wedding she wanted, and she was delighted at how I and Alicia had gotten everything done to her taste.
Now that everything was set up, the time we had been waiting for had come. As the visitors started to arrive, there was a lot of laughter and conversation in the garden. The hard part was yet to come and Alicia wasn't making it any easier.
“So… how do you feel about walking down the aisle with your crush?”
I hissed.
“Alicia stop it!” I looked around to see if anyone heard her.
“What!” She whispered harshly.
Then she held her chest dramatically in shock and gasped, “Don’t tell me you still like Dante!”
I didn't get to answer her question, as I was asked to go next. Thankfully!
I left her looking bewildered at me.
No one wants to hear that you have feelings for your stepbrother… not even your best friend!
It was finally time for us to start the match down the aisle, and Dante walked briskly to me and presented his arm like a prince asking a princess for a dance.
I shook those thoughts from my mind as much as I could.
He was the groom's man and I was the bridesmaid. Period!
But, I had not been looking forward to this part at all. Not just because of the moment we had back then in the kitchen, but because of the setting that looked like we were getting married.
He was in a sharp three-piece tuxedo, with well shined shoes. His hair was perfectly styled. He looked like he could be a model on the front cover of Vogue magazine. and he looked at me with that silly grin and my stomach flipped. His hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.
I blinked rapidly as I averted my eyes from his face. I was sick of feeling this way whenever I got close to him, but I couldn't help it.
I had tried to make myself as scarce as possible, so we wouldn't have to run into each other.
“Are you avoiding me stepsis?" He said as soon as we began the walk. I looked ahead and kept my face in a smiling position but I couldn't stop the start of a blush creeping up my face.
“Wh-what? Why would you think so?” I stuttered.
“Really?” He asked.
I didn't respond.
He leaned down, and my breath caught.
What was he doing?
My eyes must have looked alarmed.
Then he whispered, "One would think you'd be more open to someone you consider very hot. If my memory serves me right…"
I used my other palm that wasn't entangled in his to pat my now flaming cheeks.
I heard him chuckle, knowing the effect he was having on me.
What an asshole!
But I'd be lying if I said his low hum laughter didn't do things to my insides.
We managed to make it to the altar without any more words.
Then Mum began walking down the aisle, I saw Alex sniff and it brought tears to my eyes. I was so happy Mom found someone who loved her as much as she loved him.
Mum took her place next to Alex. She looked lovely in her simple vintage gown as she stood at the altar. I squeezed Alicia's hand, experiencing a wave of emotion.
As Mum and Alex exchanged vows, I found myself shedding a few tears. I was so happy for her!
OLIVIA’S POVThe ceremony didn't take too long because we didn't want to waste anyone's time and the reception started. There was a lot to eat since mom went all out. They were called to have their first dance and after that, they danced with each of us. I told Alex how happy I was to know that he was the one who got to marry my mom when we danced and I told Mom not to break her spine before she came back from her holiday. That earned me a smack on the arm but we both laughed.When the party ended, we packed up and helped mom and Alex get on their way for their honeymoon. They would be gone for two weeks and I know that's going to be the longest two weeks of my life. Dante and I alone in the house? I shook my head at the thought alone.Once we got home, in his Bentley, he brought out some leftover drinks and asked that we have a mini party in honor of our parents. It was a very bad idea but I needed something to aid me to sleep and I agreed. It had been a while since I drank alcoho
OLIVIA'S POVOr not.I stood up abruptly, shying away from Dante's presence that seemed to overwhelm me at that moment. I wanted nothing more than to have this—whatever this meant— yet I didn't want to because of the logical reason of how wrong it was.I walked up to the window and opened the drapes with a sigh. I sensed him walking up to me from behind.“The night sky looks incredible today…” I said in conversation. I didn't know what to say. Suddenly, I flinched as his hands ran the length of my arms. He pressed himself against my back and I could feel him… all of him— hard, solid muscle and all. He leaned his chin on my hair and my already racing heart started to beat even faster.I felt a rumble come from his chest that sounded like the beginning of laughter. He wrapped his arms around me and his closeness disarmed me.“Olivia, are you nervous?” Dante asked and I could feel him smiling.I blushed at my reaction. I must have looked stupid. “No,” I lied. “Don’t be nervous, Olivi
DANTE'S POVThe sound of snippers cutting woke me up. I groaned and held my pillow over my head, as the sound grew louder and louder, making my head ache badly. I had chosen to indulge myself in more booze after Olivia had left me last night—with that look of bewilderment and fear in her eyes. I had been confused and had pondered alot last night, on every single moment that we had spent together, wondering if I had made a mistake.Did I assume her interest? What went wrong?Did I screw up?I had thought for so long until I had drifted to a fitful sleep.I ran my hand through my hair and lay staring at my ceiling. My bed still had the faint smell of citrus and lilies that were her scent. I wondered if it was her shampoo or her perfume.It was intoxicating, and it was driving me insane.And so was that noise, coming from my bedroom window. I pulled the covers, stalked to where the sound was coming from and there, I saw our gardener trimming the bushes.“Morning Dante.” He waved at
DANTE'S POVI was thrilled to see Olivia working at The Barnes, but I couldn't help but feel that she didn't feel the same way about seeing me.Her hair was pulled into a bun, held together atop her head as she served customers with a warm smile.My thoughts were on her since then, and I couldn't get her out of my mind, even when Linda called again this afternoon to meet.“Hello??? Are you even listening to me?!”“I thought I made it clear to you. There's no chance of us getting back together! It's over, for good.” I spoke that phrase into the mouthpiece of my phone and ended the call. I don't know why I bothered with her. She was too dumb to unders
DANTE'S POVIt was a bit rough returning to school because I had to meet a certain quota to apply for the four-year program I intend to take after I was done.The community college baseball team I was a part of, was hosting a game. Some recruiters from universities looking to scout for potential players that were very good at baseball, came to watch. It was a very intense game, especially for those in their final year, who really wanted the scholarship. I didn't really need a scholarship, but it felt good to be seen and accepted on the basis that you were good at something. And baseball was what I loved. It was all, or nothing.I wasn't sure I could do it at first, because my doctor had insisted I take a much needed break. But I knew I had to, if I wanted to achieve my dream of playing baseball p
OLIVIA'S POV“Oh shit!” Alicia muttered as the restaurant door chimed and was nudged open.I frowned and looked up to see who had just come in.“Wow!” It was my turn to exclaim.Dante has been coming up with excuses as to why he came to the restaurant everyday ‘I’m just here to enjoy a burger', ‘I’m expecting someone… oh crap, the person just canceled. I can just wait for you', ‘Rhonda said I should deliver lunch to you' I had scoffed at the last one which was yesterday because Mom knew I ate at work. It was am eye-rolling week for me though.Today, however, he had come along with two of his friends I had remembered fr
DANTE'S POVI didn't get a letter.It had been three days since Olivia's interview at Wexford and I was yet to get my own letter.Tired from practice and lectures, I got home and grabbed some leftover lemonade from the fridge.I heard laughter coming from the backyard and guessed that the two lovebirds were at the pool…again.I went out to the mailbox and checked the mail. Nothing from Wexford. I sighed and went to see my Dad and Rhonda. Let's hope they’re not naked. I pray to the heavens.“Hello! Dante Incoming…are you guys decent?” I shouted so loud they can hear me.
RHONDA'S POVI was back to the office, back to my work after a much needed break. I couldn't remember the last time I had been off work for so long.“Welcome Rhonda.” My secretary hugged me tightly.“Leah, you're gonna choke the life out of me.”She released me immediately.“Oops! Sorry… wouldn't want Mr Addams running up here to lock up whoever harmed Mrs Addams.” She enunciated my new name with a dramatic flair.I giggled.It was good to be back.Not just to Colorado, but to the office
OLIVIA'S POVI woke up early, feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. Today was the day Dante and I had been planning for what felt like forever – our summer getaway. We had decided to take a road trip to the beach, just the two of us, before he had to report to the New York Nighthawks for his rookie season.I jumped out of bed and started getting ready, my excitement building with every passing minute. I had packed my bags the night before, so all I had to do was to wait for Dante to arrive as we would be going on a road trip before we arrived at our cabin we had booked for a week.Dante was right on time, as he knocked on my door, sipping coffee he had gotten on the way and handing me mine and looking handsome as ever. "Hey, beautiful," he said, smiling at me.
SOPHIA'S POVI stood on stage, my voice soaring through the auditorium as I took my solo. The glee club members accompanied me, their harmonies blending perfectly with mine. I felt a rush of excitement, my new leadership role still sinking in.Suddenly someone pushed the doors slightly and occupied one of the empty seats at the back, I wondered who it could be but as I stared hard, I realized he was a familiar figure. Sebastian. My heart skipped a beat. What was he doing here? I hadn't seen him since...everything fell apart.I momentarily paused, my voice faltering. But I recovered quickly, not wanting to give away my emotions. I finished my solo, the music swirling around me.As the song ended, I gave last-mi
OLIVIA'S POVIt was going to be a great day. I could sense it. I walked into the departmental building for my classes, greeting familiar faces as I made my way to the notice board. As I scanned the postings, one particular announcement caught my eye. The annual Research Excellence Award was open for applications. I had heard whispers about this prestigious honor, but never thought I'd be eligible to apply.According to the notice, every year, each department at Wexford Ivy recognizes the most outstanding researcher in their field.From what I had learnt about it, the award was given to the student who demonstrated exceptional research skills and made significant contributions to their field of study. The winner received a generous grant to further their research, as we
OLIVIA'S POVI watched as Mrs. Shelly walked into the glee club room, and without any preamble whatsoever announced with a determined look on her face. "Jenny, I'm afraid I'm relieving you of your duties as president," she said, her voice firm but gentle.Jenny's face turned red with anger and embarrassment. "What? Why?" she demanded, her voice rising in indignation.Mrs. Shelly sighed, her expression sympathetic but firm. "I made a mistake, Jenny. I gave you the title of president because of your connections to your mom, but that was wrong. Leadership isn't about who you know, it's about who can get the job done."Jenny's anger turned to outrage. "You've gotta be kidding me.”
DANTE'S POVWe were still in our feelings from the aftermath of Jesse's betrayal, but the show had to go on. Our team, was facing off against our arch-rivals, the Lincoln Lions. I was starting pitcher, and I was determined to lead my team to victory.Olivia was in the stands, cheering me on with the rest of our friends. She was wearing my jersey, and her face was painted with our team's colors. I couldn't help but smile when I saw her.As I took the mound, I noticed a group of scouts from the New York Nighthawks in the stands. They were here to watch us play, which meant they wanted to recruit a new player to New York. It was a big deal, and I was determined to make a good impression.The game was intense, with both
DANTE'S POVI was getting ready for the big game, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The team was buzzing with energy, everyone was chill with me now and that was good. We began putting on our gear. I was focused on my own preparation, trying to get my head in the game.As I laced up my cleats, I glanced around the locker room. Everyone seemed relaxed, enjoying the pre-game banter. Reynolds was joking with Jesse, while everyone else was quietly getting ready, some others on their phones.Coach Thompson walked in, a serious look on his face. "Alright, team, let's get focused. Today's game is crucial, and I expect everyone to give their best.”We all nodded, our expressions turning serious. The coach's word
DANTE'S POVI was relieved when my dad told me to lay low for a while. The attention from the viral photo was suffocating me. I couldn't go to school without being stared at or whispered about. I couldn't even go to my own baseball practice without being asked questions.Olivia was going through the same thing. We had to avoid each other, even though it was hard. We couldn't visit each other's practices anymore or eat lunch together. It was like we were hiding from the world.But then, something unexpected happened. A fire broke out in the school's auditorium, causing a massive evacuation and a police investigation. The rumors and whispers about Olivia and me died down, replaced by shock and concern about the fire.
OLIVIA'S POVAs I walked through the halls of school, I couldn't help but feel like everyone was staring at me. Whispers followed me everywhere.But one person didn't seem to care about any of that. Sophia, stuck by my side like glue no matter what."Don't let them get to you," Sophia said, falling into step beside me. "They're just jealous."I sighed, feeling a bit defeated. "It's hard not to let it get to me, Soph. Everyone's talking about me and Dante."Sophia rolled her eyes. "Let them talk. They're just bored and need something to gossip about. Something else will come up soon, and they'll forget all about you and Dante."
DANTE'S POVAs I walked into the locker room for practice, I could feel the eyes on my back. My teammates were all staring at me, their faces filled with a mix of confusion and disgust."Hey, Dante, what's going on?" Reynolds, one of the team players, asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We didn't know you were into that sort of thing."He was Jesse's sidekick so I wasn't expecting much from him."It's none of your business," I replied, trying to keep my cool.But the guys just kept pushing. "Dude, she's your sister," another one said, his voice filled with revulsion. "That's just wrong."I fel