Mag-log inI slowly woke up.The room was quiet except for birds singing outside.I was still at Aaron's house.The celebration ended late so I had to stay in one of the guest rooms.I blinked a few times before I remembered everything that happened yesterday.The contest.The trophy.The dance.The kiss beneath the fairy lights.A small smile appeared on my face.I stretched before reaching for my phone on the bedside table.I wanted to check the time.Then...Ping.A new email notification.It was from Northbridge University Scholarship Committee.My heart suddenly began racing.No way!!Please let this be it...I opened the email with trembling fingers.My eyes scanned quickly then stopped."Congratulations..."I froze.Oh my.I read it again."Dear Allison Foster, Congratulations! You have been selected as one of the recipients of the national excellence Scholarship. Your hard work and dedication have paid off. We look forward to supporting your future."My eyes began watering.I laughed sof
The confetti continued falling and for a few seconds, I forgot everyone was watching.Still in Aarons embrace, I laughed softly through the tears.Aaron leaned down and whispered."I told you we would be okay."I smiled."We really won."He nodded."We did."The MC laughed into the microphone."I think we should let our winners breathe."The audience chuckled.Reluctantly, Aaron let me go.After a few more congratulation speech, the Principal stepped forward with the judges.A beautiful gold trophy was brought onto the stage.The trophy had an inscription that read "Parkview high couples contest champions."The judges congratulated us.Then the MC announced again."Our champions will receive a $10,000 cash prize along with a future development sponsorship from Briggs estate and our partner organizations, providing mentorship, networking opportunities and support for heir future ambitions."The audience gave a loud round of applause.Mr. Briggs was invited to the stage to present the t
*The next morning*I slowly opened my eyes.The morning sunlight spilled through the curtains.For a few seconds, I simply stared at the ceiling.Today.The couples contest.Part of the reasons why I got into that deal that changed my life.A gentle knock interrupted my thoughts."Sweetheart, are you awake?" My mom asked from outside the door."Yes mom. Come in."My mother entered carrying a large ivory colored garment box, tied neatly with a satin ribbon.I sat up immediately."What's that?"My mom smiled."A delivery came late last night."Then she stepped forward and placed the box on the bed."Aaron asked the driver to leave it with me so you wouldn't see it until this morning."My heart skipped a beat.I slowly untied the ribbon and when I lifted the lid, I froze.It was a soft champagne-blush colored gown with layers of flowing tulle.It had delicate silver beadwork shimmering across the bodice.Tiny crystals that caught the morning sunlight.Off-the-shoulder sleeves and a full
*Allison's POV* *The next day*Finally, the closing bell echoed through Parkview high.Within seconds, the hallways came alive.Students streamed out of classes chatting excitedly about the couples contest tomorrow.Members of the student council hurried around with clipboards in hand as they directed volunteers.Some students carried folded banners towards the auditorium while others stacked chairs and arranged boxes of decorations.The excitement in the whole school was impossible to ignore.I carried my bag and walked out of the class."Hey princess." Aaron said with a smirk.I jumped immediately.I wasn't expecting him to be at the edge of the door."Oh shit. You startled me." I said as I hit his chest.He laughed."Come on. We have a lot to do today." He said as we walked towards the car park.He opened the passenger door and I entered.He closed the door before walking around to the driver's seat.We headed towards the mall to pick a few last minute things before the contest.A
His hand stayed warm on my lower back the whole way to the bar, guiding me like I was the most important person in the room.We found a high table in a semi-private corner.Aaron leaned against it, pulling me gently between his legs so he could hold me close.His hands rested on my waist as he looked down at me. Aaron ordered a whiskey for himself and turned to me with that soft, charming smile I loved.“Something light for you?” he asked. “A strawberry cocktail? Sweet, not too strong. You deserve to celebrate tonight.”I nodded, smiling. “That sounds perfect.”He ordered it and handed it to me when it arrived. We clinked glasses, and he looked at me with so much pride in his eyes.“You were incredible tonight,” he said, voice low. “Standing there in front of everyone. My father couldn’t stop talking about how lucky I am. You handled it all so gracefully..”His words made my cheeks warm. I took a small sip of the sweet, fruity cocktail and leaned closer to him."I wasn't expecting
I was totally aware of the eyes that were following me.They looked curious.I unconsciously smoothened the fabric of my dress.And adjusted a loose strand of my hair behind my ear.My heels clicked softly against the polished marble floor.I couldn't help but think about why Mr. Briggs was calling me.Did I do something wrong?I lifted my head and spotted Aaron across the ballroom.He was standing beside Mr. Briggs, Thomas, Nathan Cole and several distinguished businessmen.Aaron stoop confidently.Even among powerful people.Then...Suddenly, he turned like he had sensed my gaze.Our eyes met and he smiled.Not a broad smile.Just a small, reassuring one.I let out a quiet breath I didn't even realize I was holding.As I walked closer, Mr. Briggs noticed me.His expression soften immediately.A genuine smile replaced the mean billionaire expression I was expecting him to give."Come here, Allison."He said with a calm voice I was never expecting him to have.I walked over politely.
Aaron stepped closer. Slow. Controlled. Dangerous.“I won’t repeat myself,” he said, his voice low and edged with warning.The hallway fell silent.For a second, everything seemed to stop.My pulse hammered in my ears.Then Liam let go of my wrist.But his eyes stayed locked on Aaron’s, and Aaron
We left the ice cream shop quietly, the soft moment between us still lingering as we walked back to the car.The car stopped in front of my house.I unbuckled my seatbelt slowly.Before I could open the door, Aaron spoke.“You’re home.”I glanced at him. “Yeah. Obviously.”That got a faint look fro
A soft knock came a few minutes after Aaron left the room.I looked up from where I was sitting.“Come in,” I said quietly, my voice still a little unsteady.The door opened gently, and a well-dressed woman stepped inside holding a long garment bag. She offered a polite smile.“Mr. Briggs sent thi
I hesitated for only a second before stepping aside.“Yeah, come in.” My voice shook slightly.Aaron walked in without another word.I closed the door, fingers lingering on the handle before turning back.He had already moved into the living room, leaning casually against the table by the window.B







