LOGINHey, lovely readers.
I’ve been working on this story for a while now, and it truly means so much to me to know that people are reading and connecting with it.
I’d really love to hear your thoughts! What do you think about Xavier, Sydney, Bianca—or even Kendrick (Drake)? 👀
Let’s talk in the comments!
Also, if you’re enjoying the story, don’t forget to leave a rating—it really helps and means a lot to me as an author.
Thank you so much for being here.
“So when are you flying in, Mom?” I asked over the phone. “Erm… this is such a rush. I had things planned.” She says slowly, as she always does. “So you’re not coming?” I ask, a frown forming on my face as I brace for the worst.“Oh no, honey, I will,” she says finally then pauses. “Sydney….. not that I don’t support this union, but… isn’t this a bit rushed? Are you under duress?”For some reason, that puts a big smile on my face. This is the most reaction I’ve gotten from my mother in a while. She has always seemed like a brick—no emotions or whatsoever—so hearing concern in her voice feels… new.It feels good.“Oh mom, you’re worried!” I say, my voice lifting with surprise and affection.“Of course I am. I care about you. “Of course I am. I care about you,” she says quietly. “I know I don’t always show it well, but I do.”My chest tightens.“Well….. something is going on right now,” I say carefully. “That’s why we have to move things along.”Maybe I was expecting too much when I
Hey, lovely readers. I’ve been working on this story for a while now, and it truly means so much to me to know that people are reading and connecting with it.I’d really love to hear your thoughts! What do you think about Xavier, Sydney, Bianca—or even Kendrick (Drake)? 👀Let’s talk in the comments!Also, if you’re enjoying the story, don’t forget to leave a rating—it really helps and means a lot to me as an author.Thank you so much for being here.
“Come on, let’s get out of here,” Xavier says to me, reaching for my shaky hands. Xavier's parents rushed into the library. His mother immediately turns on Kendrick, scolding him, though she doesn’t hide her disappointment in Xavier for hitting his brother.His father says nothing.He simply stands there, staring ahead, his expression unreadable.I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand.Without a word, Xavier reaches for my hand and pulls me gently to my feet. His grip is firm, controlled.He leads me out.His jaw is tight, his expression hard. He’s trying to hold himself together.A few minutes later, we’re driving home in silence.Not just quiet—heavy, suffocating silence. Even the radio is off, leaving nothing to soften the tension between us.I stare out the window, exhausted, completely drained by everything the day has thrown at me. A dull headache begins to settle behind my eyes.When I can’t take the silence anymore, I lean forward and switch on the radio.The soft music fil
I was utterly alone in the dining hall for the past 45 minutes. Xavier's parents and his sister left a while ago and I was here, sitting with my thoughts. His mom left a few minutes ago. I sat rigidly, tears gathering in the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill. My mind raced as I tried to understand how my life had turned into such a mess. I never imagined that Drake was Xavier’s brother — Kendrick.What did he mean that we slept together? Why would he lie like that? We didn’t get to that point and he knew that. Why would he try to tarnish my image on purpose? The dining room doors burst open.Before I can process what’s happening, Drake—no, Kendrick—is in front of me. His fingers wrap around my wrist.“Drake?”“Where are you taking me?”He ignored me and continued pulling me away until he stopped at a door, then opened it, and on entering, I could see shelves of books, old and new—with the old, musty smell of books. The smell hits me first—dust and old paper.Shelves line t
XAVIER’S POV“What the hell?!” The word leaves my mouth before I can stop it.I should have seen it.The familiarity in his tone when he said her name. The way she froze. The way Kendrick’s expression shifted from confusion to recognition then to fury in seconds.My brother.Of all men in this city.I loosen my tie roughly and step out into the hallway, my jaw tightening.“Kendrick,” I call after him sharply but he doesn’t stop walking.“Stop.” He does and slowly turns around, eyes blazing — not shocked anymore, just angry.“What the hell was that?” I demand.He laughs—bitter, humorless. “You really want to ask me that?”“You don’t get to disrespect her in front of our parents.”“She disrespected me first.”My jaw flexes. “You dated her. Past tense.”“It was literally last month dude.” He paused, “I loved her,” he snapped, frowning. The words land heavier than they should but I keep my face neutral.“And she’s with me now,” I say evenly.“Is she?” he shoots back. He is oblivious to
The dining room freezes. I sat in turmoil, the food in my mouth instantly tasting like dust. He stood at the other end of the table, staring me down. A confused expression on his face as well.His jaw tightens and his shoulders stiffen. I met his gaze and our eyes met. There was no mistake about who was glaring back at me. The same face I memorized is softer. The same eyes that once looked at me like I was something worth choosing. Except now they’re burning.“D-Drake?” I blurted out softly, my head spinning.“How?.... W-what?... Sydney?’’ Drake stuttered trying to form a sentence.“W-what are you doing here?” I asked dumbfounded after finding my voice.“This is my home” He says matter-of-factly, answering my question.“What did you just call him?” Xavier’s mother asks sharply.Drake’s lips press into a thin line.“Kendrick,” she says again, turning to him. “Why are you standing there?”Kendrick?The name slams into me like a second punch.No.No, no, no.He steps into the room, his
“Are you nervous?” Xavier asked, looking down at my fidgeting hands on my lap. I didn’t respond. I sat rigid on the passenger seat, my seatbelt awkwardly fastened, staring outside the window and wishing this whole situation away. I was meeting the Crests—I mean the famous Crests.I had a headache
I stared at my almost-empty cup. I have been sitting in the cafe for almost 45 minutes now and Xavier is still nowhere in sight. I wish I didn't have to do this with him. I took out my phone and opened Instagram to while away the time, since Xavier decided to keep me waiting. I was scrolling throu
The phone rings longer than usual before she answers.“Hello?”My mother’s voice sounds the same as always — soft, distant, like it’s coming from another room even when she’s right there.“Hi, Mom. It’s me.”“Oh,” she says. “Sydney.”There’s a pause. Not an unfriendly one. Just empty.“How are you?”
I swallowed on seeing Bianca. Then all of a sudden, it was like I lost my ability to walk properly. I cowered at my desk. Bianca threw a bored glance my way while I was setting up my desk for the day. She continues typing away on her screen. Her long, thin nails made a loud tap, tap sound as her fi







