LOGINMum rushed forward, pulling me away.“Stay the hell away from my daughter—”The words died in her throat as she took in the familiar face.She staggered back.“Richards?”“Dee…” Dad croaked.A loud gasp left her lips, she brought her palm over it, her eyes taking on a glassy hue.“Oh my God, Richy…” she whispered.Dad stepped closer.“It's me, Dee.”She dove for him, her arms wrapping around his neck while his, came around her waist.“Richy…” she called again this time with tears rolling down her face.While I stood there still in shock.A small crowd began forming around us, murmuring and whispering amongst themselves.Mum's soft cries turned into loud wails as she hugged him tightly, almost as though if she let go—he’d disappear with the wind.And Dad—silent tears rolled down his face while he tried to comfort her by assuring her it was really him.They stayed like that for a while, then Mum pulled away slightly, this time, taking his hands in hers.She sniffled loudly.“How?” she a
Silence.Her brows furrowed in puzzlement.“What?”My shoulders fell, as exhaustion washed over me.A humorless chuckle left my lips.Then finally—I exhaled heavily.“Scratch that, I think I've always liked him. For years now... I think the closeness just made everything worse.” I croaked.“Oh my God.” She gasped, covering her mouth with her palm.I sniffled, wiping at a tear that rolled down my face.“At least the only person that'll scrunch their face at you would be your mum and a few others. As for mine—”I scoffed.“I don't even want to think about it.”We fell into a longer silence this time.Tense.Awkward.“What are you going to do?” Angelica asked, breaking into the quiet.I shrugged carelessly.“I want to come clean about it.”“And him?”I opened my mouth, then clamped it shut.“I see…” Angelica mused.We both went quiet again.This time, I tapped my fingers against my skirt as my gaze stayed on Elana.Angelica's gaze stayed on Elana's, her eyes filled with mirth.Suddenly—
Louisa gasped dramatically.“Tu as tout à fait raison, Denise.” (You're absolutely right, Denise.)Louisa turned to Angelica and began talking to her.Well, more like scolding.Mum turned to me with a heavy exhale.“Okay, Rosie—”“She's a fucking bitch, Mum.” “I swear to God, Rosie—”“I know Mum.” I groaned. “You don't always have to threaten me to pass a message.”“God help me the day I decide not to do so, only for you to go and wreak havoc.”I pursed my lips.“I'll be on my best behavior.” I muttered dryly.“Thank you.”She turned back to Louisa and Angelica.I leaned towards her.“It's unfair that I'm not allowed to bitch back though.”“Rosie.”I straightened, rolling my eyes.“Fine, fine.”Louisa turned back to us with a smile, and somehow—Angelica now had a smile too.I mean, we could pretty much tell it was fake but anyway…The point was that she was actively trying.“Très bien, alors pourquoi ne pas vous laisser toutes les deux faire connaissance?”(Alright then, how about
“Come on, Rosie!” Mum's voice echoed downstairs.“Coming!” I yelled back.I spritzed perfume on my body then stared at myself in the full length mirror.I tied my hair into a ponytail, then gave myself the best no makeup look.I'd decided on a white off shoulder floral top, paired with a light pink satin skirt and floral white heels.Gorgeous.My cheeks heated up as Henry's voice floated into my mind.My gaze lingered on my reflection for a few seconds.Then I looked away.“Snap out of it, Rosie.”Last night wasn't something I wanted to think about right now.I grabbed my brown Louis Vuitton bag then headed downstairs.Mum stood at the foot of the stairs with an annoyed expression on her face.“Seriously?”“I'm sorry…” I drawled, with a large grin.She shook her head then headed for the door.Henry walked towards us.Hair messy, cheeks slightly flush.“Is he coming with us?”“Of course not, dearie.” Mum said with a small smile.“Today is just for me and you.”Thank goodness.A bright
His jaw clenched tightly, his fingers balled into fists by his sides.“Cancel it.”A bitter scoff left my lips.“News flash, Henry. I wasn't asking for your opinion.”“Then I'm coming with you—”“Like hell you will! Do you even hear how stupid that sounds?”“Then cancel it, Rosie.”“Fuck this, I'm out of here.” I muttered, trying to brush past him.He blocked me, using his body to keep me locked in place.“Get out of my way, Henry.”“No.”We both glared at each other.Expressions hard.Chests heaving.And neither of us looked ready to give in.Then—Henry caved.His lips came slamming down on mine.Hungry.Frenzied.My arms wound around his neck as I pulled him closer, deepening the kiss.He palmed my ass in his hands, lifting me up as my legs wrapped around his body.My fingers tangled into his hair.Then trailed lower, brushing over his arms before creeping underneath his shirt, feeling warm skin.He trembled against my touch while his hands roamed over my skin blindly.He broke the
Andrew froze.His eyes widened in surprise.“Goodnight.” I whispered, brushing past him.I strolled past a fuming Henry, heading into the house.The door slammed shut behind me, then footsteps followed.“What the hell was that?” I ignored him, making my way upstairs.“I'm talking to you, Rosie.”My fingers curled around the doorknob.“Answer me!”Henry's fingers wrapped around my arm, slamming me against my door as his body pressed flush against mine.His breath came out in heavy pants, his eyes locked on mine.Slowly, he leaned forward.I turned my head away, letting his lips land on my cheek.He eased back slightly.“Why are you doing this to me?”I craned my head back to him.“Really? We're playing the victim card now, huh?”He pursed his lips.“I didn't peg you to be that kind of a person, Henry.”“You did that to make me jealous, didn't you?”I rolled my eyes.“Oh, please, get over yourself, Henry.”“His fucking jacket? As if that wasn't enough, you decided to kiss him.”“You're
Henry plastered a fake smile on his face“Likewise,” he replied, arm outstretched.Jacob smiled tightly, but took his hand.“Hi, Mr Gareth.” Lena said, waving slightly.“Good to see you, Lena.” Maggie came over, taking Henry's hand in hers. “I'm so sorry about the other day.”Henry smiled politely
I struggled to keep up with Abby's eager strides while the damned dress made it even harder.“Andrew!” Abby shouted, as we rounded the corner, coming to a stop in front of a door.“Andy dear… a special someone is here to see you.”No response.She knocked on the door, still no response.“I'm guessi
Henry's POV “Much better,” Denise said, adjusting my bow.I kissed her forehead softly, smiling as she giggled shyly.“Let's go.” She urged, and I complied.“Rosie!” Denise shouted, “thirty minutes is up, Rosie. Let's go.”We both waited.I faintly heard Rosie's door open and close.Then her foots
I shot up, eyes wide in panic.“Rosie?” Lena called. “Are you there?”“I am.” “Okay… I'm listening.”“Well…” I drawled, scratching my neck softly.“Don't even think about lying to me.” Lena cut in. “I swear I'll come to your house and annoy the shit out of you till you talk.”“Don't you think that







