"So he was the replacement?"
She didn't know why, but something fluttered in her stomach. Was she… happy? That question alone made her nervous.
Alice kept a straight face, refusing to let anyone even herself see that the new boy was already planting seeds in her heart.
"You're welcome to the School Council," Ronald announced, his voice sharp with authority. "As you know, every member on this board holds considerable power and most times, we summon students for one of two reasons. Either we have a punishment… or we need their help."
Japheth raised a brow, crossing his arms confidently. "And I doubt I'm here for a punishment. I wouldn't risk my scholarship doing something that reckless."
"Do you talk this much?" Marga snapped, visibly irritated. "Sorry…" he murmured with an awkward smile. Lois leaned in toward Ronald, whispering, "You sure he's the right guy for this?"
"Just relax," Ronald replied under his breath, his expression unreadable. Ronald cleared his throat and continued, "Japheth, you're here because you've been selected to replace Josh on the Homecoming Committee. And more importantly… to be this year's Homecoming King."
"What? Me?" Japheth blinked, pointing to himself as if there was a mistake. "Yes, you. Who else?" Marga rolled her eyes with dramatic flair.
"Marga, please," Alice intervened softly. "Be nice. "Whatever," Marga muttered.
Alice turned back to Japheth, nerves creeping up her spine. "So… what's your say? Do you accept?" For a second, silence loomed in the room. "Yes," Japheth finally replied with a small grin. "I agree."
Everyone collectively exhaled, visibly relieved. Thanks, Japheth. We're glad to have you," Alice said, unable to hide her excitement. "Meeting adjourned," Ronald announced, already heading for the door.
After the Meeting
"Alice, wait up!"
She paused mid-step, her name echoing through the hallway. She turned there he was.
"Hi Alice…"
Hi."Um… you left your towel on the court earlier, and I figured I'd return it."
"But your hands are empty…"
"Look around we're standing by the lockers," he replied with a teasing smirk.
"Oh… right." She blushed slightly.
Japheth opened his locker, retrieving the neatly folded towel and handing it over. "Here you go."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. "See you later I've got golf practice." His brows lifted. "You play golf?"
She chuckled. "Not really. My brother forced it into my electives."
"That's… actually cool. You don't see many girls proud to say they were forced."
And also don't see many girls into sports
especially pretty ones like you."
She blinked, caught off guard. "Thanks… I, um… I'll head off now." He watched her walk away, his heart betraying a hint of interest.
"Are you feeling better now?" Jeffery asked softly. Daisy nodded weakly, "Yes… but please, don't tell Alicia. I don't want her worrying."
"I promise."
Her gaze fell. "After what your mother did to me that day… my health has never been the same."
Jeffery clenched the steering wheel tighter at the memory. After dropping the kids at school, he'd rushed to bring Daisy in for emergency surgery. Her body had endured more pain than most people could survive.
"The real reason Alicia married Leo… it was for me, wasn't it?" Daisy whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "She traded her happiness for thirty billion dollars. Just to save my life."
Jeffery didn't speak. He reached out and held her hand. "Don't worry about Alicia," he said. "She's strong. She knew what she was doing."
She turned to him. "Jeff…"
He froze. She never called him Jeff. Always Jeffery. It was the first time and it sounded… perfect.
"I love it when you call me that," he said with a small smile. She stared at him. "Weird man."
He laughed gently, then grew serious. "Why do you keep worrying about my mom? Daisy, no matter what she says or does it's you I love. Only you."
Her heart stammered. "Jeff…"
His voice lowered. "Say it again." She laughed nervously, looking away.
He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. It started slow, but quickly grew desperate, hungry.
"Where have you been all these years?" he murmured between kisses. Jeff…" she moaned, losing herself in his arms. He grinned devilishly. "That's it."
Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her upstairs.Gently, he laid her on the bed, his hands never leaving her body. "Should I?" he asked. She nodded.
Clothes vanished, lips tangled, hearts raced. His desire for her was insatiable, but so was his gentleness. You're beautiful," he whispered, stopping her from hiding.
She trembled under his touch, fingers tangled in his hair, gasps escaping her lips. Every kiss felt like home. Every whisper, a promise.
"Don't worry… I'll take it slow," he assured her as he positioned himself.
She winced as he entered her, the pain sharp at first. "Are you okay?" he asked, immediately concerned. She nodded, whispering, "I'm fine…"
With care and patience, he moved, letting her body adjust. Her soft moans filled the room, building a rhythm only they understood. The world melted away it was just them. No mothers. No money. No past.Only love.