LOGINHi, everyone! I'm happy to say that I'll update this story daily now~
His movements were loud, taking everyone’s attention as all of us looked at him.“Am I interrupting something?” River asked, his voice low and teasing. “Can I join?”“Sure.” My mom’s voice broke as she cleared her throat. “Sure. Please, take a seat.”River sat across from me, then he took my hand and kissed the back of my palm.“Hello, Princess.”I only showed a weak smile in response, but at the same time, I felt so delighted. It was like my heart was singing hallelujah.For the first time, someone acknowledged my presence without asking anything in return.“Stop doing that, River,” my mom reprimanded, her voice low with authority. “Other people might get the wrong idea.”“But you’re not other people, Mrs. Miller.” River’s lips curved into a smirk. “I’m sure that you understand that this is a tradition I couldn’t remove, not even when I’m in the States.”Mom sighed. She wanted to speak, but one warning glance from Dad and she immediately went silent, holding the cutlery as if her en
My guards stiffened upon hearing those words.They knew that Mia wasn’t bluffing. Whatever she says, she does. And if she said that she’ll take this incident to the principal’s office? She will.“So, what can you say?” Mia asked, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. “Would you like me to go to the principal’s office now?”“No need, Ma’am Mia,” one of my guards answered as he took a step back. “We’re sorry for the inconvenience.”“Good. Now, go.” Mia shooed them away, her brows furrowed. “And… please. Study how to be a cool bodyguard. Because what are you doing right now? It’s not cool.”The guards didn’t reply. Instead, they took another step away until they were now far from us.I heaved a sigh, although I can still see them in my peripheral vision.“Haah. Finally, they’re gone,” Mia said as she turned to me. “To be honest? I really don’t have any idea how you are enduring that, babe.”“I mean, if my parents control me like that? They won’t see me in this country anymore. Ever,
For some reason, those words… made me feel belittled. It’s like he was telling me that I deserve what I tolerate.This jerk. I used to think he was kind because he was taking my side, and because he showed concern toward me, even though it was our first time meeting each other.But now, I hate him again. I just want to strangle him.In bed.Shit. Where did that thought come from?“Damn. Is this how you live in the States?” River asked, shaking his head, as if he was in disbelief. “I’m not even thinking that much about business in my academic days. I only train in my free time.”Dad scoffed. “You’re a Palmer. Of course, you will be on a different level. No one can dictate to you. You don’t even follow your parents.”“Come on, Rico. Stop that.” River chuckled, scratching his nape, pretending to be embarrassed as he looked at me. “Princess might think that I’m a reckless person.”“Well, aren’t you?” I raised an eyebrow and folded my arms. “You even keep calling me princess even if that’s
My breathing hitched. His mouth onto my ear, feeling his breath onto my skin… Everything felt so sensual.Sensations sent onto my spine, and although my brain tells me this is wrong, I can’t stop my body from acting up.God, why? This is so much. I’ve never been with any man before, not to mention a man who’s as handsome and charismatic as River.“A-Alright…” I answered, trying not to show that much how nervous I was. “Can you step back now? Y-You’re too close. People might get the wrong idea.”River smirked, and instead of complying with my request, he even stepped closer—as if the closeness between us wasn’t still enough.Placing a strand of hair at the back of my ear, River muttered, “And why would they get the wrong idea? We’re cousins.”Clutching the fabric of my cloth, I controlled myself as a sudden sensation traveled into my body.Serenity, don’t entertain those thoughts! River is just messing with you!I repeated those words like a chant, like it’s the only thing that would
Before I knew it, my cheeks were heating up.This isn’t the first time I was complimented for my appearance and how I handle myself with grace—since my parents made sure that I’ll grow up this way.Tons of suitors even said more than that as they admired me.But… Why am I acting this way when River said those words?Why is he giving me sensations I never felt with anyone before? Could it be that I like him?If that’s the case, then… Could he be mine?“You shouldn’t do that when you’re outside, River,” Dad scolded him. “You’re not in Italy right now. People might misunderstand your actions.”“But she’s my little, demure princess. What would other people misunderstand?” River asked, raising an eyebrow.I wasn’t stupid not to understand what my father was trying to say. Shivers sent down my spine as a realization struck me.“He… isn’t my stepbrother, right?” I asked, yet deep inside, I was hoping to be wrong.“Of course, he’s not,” Mom answered me instead, a playful smile curving on her
My eyes widened. He’s right. For a moment, I forgot about it all… And I can’t deny that my heart feels lighter now that I don’t have any negative emotions.I released it. All thanks to him.“I guess you’re feeling that good, huh? You didn’t even notice your phone ringing.”“Huh?” I looked at my phone and realized he was right. “Shit. It’s Dad.”Crap. Did he already know I’m not with Mia right now? But how?I slapped my forehead, realizing that Dad has many eyes around me. How could I think about staying away from them when they could bring me back home in a snap?“Shit,” I cursed again, staring at the phone. I don’t even want to answer it.And the phone died, revealing the wallpaper I had. It’s our family picture.River looked at it, and his expression darkened. It didn’t even change, as my Dad called me again for the nth time. I didn’t even notice it earlier—I was too busy cursing River while the rollercoaster took different turns.Shit. What should I do now? I know I should answer







