Her hair cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall, shimmering under the morning sun that filtered through the windowpane. The soft pink dress hugged her curves delicately, fluttering slightly with every step she took. Her skin glowed, but it was her eyes those big, blue, doll-like eyes that caught me off guard. They sparkled like the ocean at dawn, mysterious and alive. She blinked slowly, and I swear for a second, the world stopped turning.
Then she smiled.
God, that smile. The dimples, the way her lips curled at the edges, the warmth it was disarming. I felt my chest tighten, and I didn't know why. I wasn't supposed to feel anything… but right now, I was crushing hard.
"Sadash," she said sweetly, her voice like honey gliding into my ears. My heart skipped a beat. "I've met your son," she added, her eyes narrowing. "He's rude, and I don't like him." Jake chuckled awkwardly, pretending not to be affected. "I thought I apologized," he said.
"Save it," she shot back.
"How rude," he mumbled under his breath, sarcasm dripping from every word. That's enough, you two!" Sadash snapped, glaring between us. "Jake, apologize to her."
"But Mom—"
"Now."
Jake let out a dramatic sigh and rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay… I'm sorry. Please forgive me," he said, flashing those famous pleading eyes of his.
I studied him for a moment, letting him stew in silence before I replied, "Fine. I accept your apology." He visibly relaxed. "So… can we be friends now?"
"No. I don't want male friends."
Jake opened his mouth to argue, but Sadash gave him the death stare. He gritted his teeth and looked away as I turned, smiling victoriously, and walked off like I ruled the world.
(A Few Years Later)
"Jake! It tickles—stop!" I gasped between laughter. "You're not even strong enough to push me off," he teased, lifting me easily.
"Fine, I surrender! Please put me down!" I panted, breathless and giggling.
Time had flown.
From heated arguments and constant bickering, we somehow transitioned into this best friends who shared everything. He was still annoying, of course, but he had become my constant, my peace.
"Aurora…" he said suddenly. "Hmm?"
"What do you want for your 18th birthday?"
"I want you." His brows shot up. "What?!"
"Oh, stop it," I said, rolling my eyes. "I meant I want us to stay like this forever. Best friends."
He smirked, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "We will… maybe for a little while. Then we'll evolve. You know, become something else." He winked. "Hey! Naughty boy!" I smacked his arm and pulled on his ear playfully."Ouch, ouch! I'm kidding!" We both burst into laughter.
He glanced at me more seriously. "So… how do you feel about college?" I bit my lip. "Weird. I haven't really had friends before. You're the only one I've known. I've been hidden in this house my whole life. But as long as you're with me…"
"You'll be fine," he finished for me."Exactly. I have my superman."Just then, a voice cut through our moment. "Good morning, sir," Jake said automatically, not realizing who it was at first.
"Good morning, Dad," I muttered.
"The preparations for your schooling are complete," my father said stiffly. "Make us proud. Uphold the family name."
I stiffened, my smile fading. Jake glanced at me, then back at the man. The tension in the room was suffocating. I rolled my eyes. The moment he felt unwanted, he stormed off like a cloud of smoke.
"I hate him," I said under my breath.
Jake sighed. "Don't be like that. I know he's… difficult, but—"
"Difficult?" I cut in, my voice trembling. "Jake, do you even hear yourself? You know very well what he did—or tried to do. Three times. If it wasn't for you, I… I don't know what would've happened."
He clenched his fists, jaw tightening.
"I know," he whispered. "I'll never forgive him for it. That's why I'm always here, Aurora. I'll protect you. Always."
For the first time, I saw something flicker in his eyes pain, rage, and something else.
Love.And that terrified me more than anything else.