Attractive

Lila didn’t understand why she was so attracted to a stranger she had just met. It was weird, unsettling even. She tried to shake off the feeling, immersing herself in her book, but it was no use. Her mind kept drifting back to the man who had just entered their lives.

"I wonder what he's discussing with Dad," Alice mumbled, pacing back and forth in the room. Lila, pretending to be absorbed in her book, paid no attention to her sister.

"He's incredibly attractive, even more than all the guys I've been with. I'm eager to have a taste of him. I know he’s older but still.” Alice said, her brow furrowing as she was about to turn the next chapter.

This wasn't the first time her sister had talked about sleeping with someone, but there was an odd feeling in Lila's heart after hearing Alice's words.

"Do you think he's rough, passionate, dominant, or submissive in bed?" Alice's mischievous smile formed.

"I suppose I'll have to find out. Judging by his demeanor and aloofness, he's probably into BDSM! Let's play a guessing game—"

Interrupting her sister, Lila closed the book loudly and stood up from the bed. She stared at Alice, her expression filled with concern and disbelief. "Alice, what in the world are you talking about?" she exclaimed, her voice conveying genuine worry. "You can't just entertain thoughts of sleeping with someone you barely know! That's inappropriate and disrespectful."

Alice shrugged nonchalantly, her mischievous smile fading slightly. "Come on, Lila, lighten up. I was only joking around. You know me." She tried to downplay it, but her sister's reaction clearly struck a nerve.

"No, Alice, this isn't a joke," Lila insisted, her voice firm. "It's crucial to treat people with respect and not reduce them to mere objects of desire. "

Rolling her eyes, Alice retorted, "Oh, come on, sis, don't be a buzzkill. I saw the way you were looking at him. You find him attractive too, don't you?"

Lila blushed, unable to deny it. It was hard not to when he looked like that, but she wasn't about to admit it to Alice.

"I-I-I..." She stammered, her face burning hot. She was a terrible liar.

Alice raised an eyebrow, her teasing smile growing wider. "Of course, I don't...!"

Alice chuckled and took a step toward her. "You don't?" she pressed, closing the distance between them.

"Y-yes!" Lila replied, taking a step back. She knew Alice could be intimidating when she wanted to be.

"Are you sure about that, Lila?" Alice asked, still advancing.

"Yes!" Lila raised her head, attempting not to cower in front of her sister.

"Hmm, you're a terrible liar, Lila," Alice laughed, closing in and starting to tickle Lila.

Lila squealed and erupted into laughter as Alice's tickling assault began. She squirmed and tried to evade her sister's playful fingers, but Alice was relentless.

The tension that had filled the room moments ago was replaced with laughter and sibling camaraderie.

"Okay, okay, I give up!" Lila managed to gasp between fits of laughter. "You win, Alice!"

Alice grinned triumphantly and ceased tickling her sister, stepping back with a satisfied expression. "I knew it! You find him attractive too!"

Still catching her breath, Lila playfully shoved Alice. "Fine, you caught me. He's good-looking, but that doesn't mean we should make inappropriate comments or fantasize about him. We need to be respectful and maintain boundaries."

Alice's mischievous smile softened. "First time Lila finds someone attractive. Ha! Today has been eventful."

Alice said, wrapping her arm around her sister's shoulder, pulling her for a side hug. Lila bit her lip and looked down at her feet, attempting to hide the faint blush that coated her cheeks.

A knock echoed through the room. "Who is it?" Alice asked as she released her hold on Lila and strode towards the door.

"Sorry to bother you, but the master wants to meet both of you in his office," the maid's voice came from the other side.

Alice and Lila exchanged a quick glance before Alice responded to the maid, "Alright, we'll be there shortly."

As they made their way to their father’s office, Lila couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and nervousness. She wondered what the meeting was about and if Caleb would be present. The thought of seeing him again sent a flutter through her heart, and she discreetly adjusted her appearance, smoothing down her clothes and fixing her hair.

Entering the master's office, they found their father sitting behind a large oak desk. He looked up from his papers as they entered, his expression stern yet welcoming.

"Good afternoon, Alice and Lila," he greeted them, gesturing for them to take a seat in front of his desk. "I hope you both are well."

Alice and Lila nodded in response, taking their seats. Lila's eyes briefly scanned the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of Caleb, but he was nowhere to be seen.

"Now, the reason I called you here today," their father continued, "is to discuss the upcoming charity gala that our company is hosting this year. It's an important event, and I would like both of you to be present."

Lila stiffened. He wants both of them to be present? Meaning she is supposed to attend?

"But father, Lila—"

Her father raised his hand, interrupting Alice. "I know you’re worried about your sister, Ali, but she can’t stay in her room forever. She needs to go out, meet new people, and make friends."

"But you know she hasn't been herself lately," Alice argued, glancing at Lila with concern.

Lila shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of their gazes on her. "Father, I don't think I'm ready for a big event like that," she said softly, her voice wavering.

Their father sighed, his stern expression softening slightly. "Lila, I understand your hesitation, but this is an opportunity for you to step out of your comfort zone. You can't hide from the world forever. I believe attending the gala will be a good start."

Lila swallowed hard, her mind racing. She knew her father was right, but the thought of being surrounded by so many people made her anxious.