OLIVIA’S POV
The 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 alcohol and after a few glasses I was beginning to get tipsy. This was my cue to stop but somehow, I drank more. I knew anything that happened was entirely up to me.
We talked about anything and everything.
Other than the fact that he was incredibly sexy, he was a wholesome person and very easy to talk to.
Soon enough, I began to feel comfortable. Too comfortable, because of my next question…
“What about Linda? Are you two still dating?” I immediately chided myself internally at my interest in his love life.
He seemed momentarily surprised at my question making matters worse.
“I’m sorry, you don't need to answer that…” I tried to amend the situation.
It was obviously none of my business.
The drinking was obviously making me say things now.
I needed to stop.
But he laughed, and kept laughing until I felt embarrassed.
He noticed my reaction and stopped, trying to control his laughter.
“I’m sorry,” he said in between laughs, “The look on your face.”
“Oh…” was all I managed to say.
Finally composed he said, “Don’t feel embarrassed about asking me these things… we are family now after all.”
I cringed at the word ‘family', even though I knew he was right. Dante was now my stepbrother. Who would have thought?
“Linda was too vain and I wondered why I spent that long with her.” He sounded regretful, “Maybe if I had not been so interested in being so popular and an asshole…”
“You’re not an asshole. Don't think of yourself that way. You're not as vain as she is. You have purpose. You have dreams, your eyes are always so full of kindness and you never hurt anyone.” I found myself saying.
He looked at me strangely now.
“I… I mean that's what I think. Don't mind me.”
He said nothing, just looked at me.
“Wow…” He finally said. “I didn't know you saw me that way….”
In no time, I felt a shift in the atmosphere and wanted nothing more than to be away from this hot temptation called Dante. He had that hooded look back in his eyes again as though he was seeing me again with new eyes. Or maybe it was just the alcohol. Then he moved an inch forward on the couch on which we sat.
“Uhm…” I started as I inched further to the arm of the couch. “It’s getting late, we should probably—”
“Are you trying to get away from me?”
He had that mischievous glint in his eye and if I was not really feeling him that way, I could have rolled my eyes.
“I don't know… maybe…” I blushed.
He was so close now.
I could feel the faint smell of outdoors, sandalwood, musk, cologne, mixed with the alcohol on his breath that fanned my face.
I could see the frame of lashes of his eyes clearly now, and he looked breathtakingly handsome, so handsome that my breath came short.
“You are beautiful.” He said staring deep into my eyes, daring me to look away. He pushed a stray strand that had fallen to my face to the back of my left ear.
And I gasped. His touch was so cool, yet so electrifying. So delicate yet so manly. I felt like I would melt.
He was staring at my lips now and I ran my tongue over them, feeling self conscious.
I don't know if I would be able to stop him if he wanted to kiss me.
I was not sure I was strong enough to…
It was wrong.
The situation was wrong.
We were tied by the bonds of our parents as siblings forever.
But my body was refusing to listen to the reason that my brain was trying to give it.
That's why when he held my face with one hand and pulled my waist to him with the other hand, I didn't fight it.
I couldn't fight it. I just couldn't.
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