Lahat ng Kabanata ng When Best Friends Kiss: Kabanata 151 - Kabanata 160

(TODD’S POV) For a few moments, I am not exactly sure of what to say. I just stood there, grasping the paper in my hands and letting my mind come to terms with what I had just read. It was a "Dynastic Alliance and Mutual Advancement Agreement." My eyes had skimmed over legal terms, but the clauses had burned themselves into my brain: · Article 4.1: The Union. My "commitment to a public, romantic relationship with Leslie Anne Williams" was listed as a "Primary Condition." · Article 6.3: Asset Pool. A joint trust—the "O’Connor-Williams Future Fund"—had been established. My future NBA signing bonuses, endorsement deals, and a significant portion of my parents' investments were pooled with capital from Denver Williams. It was presented as seed money for "our shared future." · Article 8.2: Breach and Forfeiture. This was the knife. If the "Primary Condition" (my relationship with Leslie) was "unilaterally and irreparably terminated by Todd Michael O’Connor," the entire Fund, plus all c

(TODD’S POV) My Baby ❤️: Still want to see my new wallpaper? 👀 Me: Yessss 👀 👀 My Baby ❤️: Good, now follow my lead. I glance up from my glowing screen and look at Rory, who is smiling mischievously at me. She is curled up in a large beanbag right beside me, where I am seated in an armchair. I try my best not to chuckle as I turn back to face the large TV screen. Rory, Aunt Ryan, Rosalie, Nana, and I are gathered in the living room, watching Encanto. Coming to Rory’s was the best decision ever. I had hurried over to Laurel’s house to shower and change clothes because I wanted to try my best to show no sign of distress or sadness. I didn’t want her worried, and so I was going to keep the recent misfortune a secret until later today, not to ruin the good news concerning her I.Q. test results. Way into the movie, my phone vibrated, signaling a message from Rory. My Baby ❤️: Okay, here goes! I look up at her and our gazes match. I shoot her a look that says what do you want to

(THIRD PERSON POV) “He’s not coming home tonight.” George O’Connor said helplessly into the almost empty room. Martha, who had been seated tensely, stood to her feet, running her fingers through her messy hair. “Oh goodness! We have to reach him! We need to find out where he is! To be sure that he is safe!” she cried again. Her husband looked at her; his next words were not predicted. “Is that really what you care about?” he asked her. “Or are you worried about what would happen when the Williamses come over tomorrow to take what is theirs?” The room became even quieter than it had been. They had been in the living room since afternoon, and since everything had unfolded, they had barely spoken to each other. “I know that you’re really angry with me, George. And I am sorry,” Martha said, finding the courage to look her husband in the eyes despite how hard it was. “I am finding it hard to even forgive myself!” “Good!” George exclaimed, getting to his feet. “Because I honestly don

(RORY’S POV) I was on my way out, taking the kitchen door when I saw Rosalie sneak in too. She was all dressed up like she was headed to a party. She froze when she saw me and then a grin spread on her face. “I never knew you had it in you, Bun,” she said with a nod. “Shh,” I said quickly, but she rolled her eyes. “Nana and Aunt Ryan are passed out from drinking so many cocktails,” she said nonchalantly, but she lowered the tone of her voice now. She looked me over, an eyebrow raised. “Where are you going? To see Todd?” I sighed. I didn’t want to lie to my sister. “No. To see his parents,” I mumbled just loud enough for her to hear. Her eyes widened and then she took my hand in hers, leading me out of the kitchen, through the back door. We sneaked off, walking carefully, and then stopped only when we got to the beginning of the driveway where Rosalie’s car was already parked. My eyes widened in shock at how prepared she was, but when I turned to her, she shook her head at me.

(TODD’S POV) I don’t think I will be able to fall asleep tonight. I have been texting Rory, and that has kept me occupied. But she hasn’t answered me in a few minutes, and it has me thinking about the reality of this situation. Tomorrow morning, the Williamses will be at my house ready to take back all we own, ready to kick us out onto the streets, and I was the only one who could change that. But at the expense of my happiness. At the expense of my free will. The loud sound of my ringtone made me leave my deep thoughts and turn to my phone. I sat up in a moment, quicker than the twinkling of an eye. Rory was calling. “I was beginning to think you went to sleep without saying goodnight to me, the love of your life,” I said, a smile already climbing my face, almost as bright as the warmth that had started to spread around my chest. Again, the Rory effect. The power she had to just change my life, to make me so happy no matter how angry or whatever I was going through. “Now, why w