Trying to live #Wattys2024

Chapter 38

My phone buzzed with a message just as I stepped out the main door. I smoothed down the black, long-sleeved bouffant dress I had chosen for the evening, the fabric soft under my fingertips. I'd curled my hair earlier, letting most of it cascade down my back while a few strands framed the right side of my face. The effort had taken longer than I'd expected, but I wanted everything to be perfect.

Another buzz. I scowled, muttering under my breath. "Can't you give me a break?" I thumbed the screen. "You can stop messaging me. I'm here."

"And the princess arrives," Wyatt drawled, leaning casually against his sleek sports car, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"I told you I needed fifteen minutes."

"You told me that an hour ago," he deadpanned.

I twirled for him, letting the dress flare slightly. "Do I look presentable?"

Wyatt's lips quirked into a small smile, and he shook his head. "You look beautiful."

A grin spread across my face, and I playfully flicked the collar of his shirt. "You look handsome."

He wore a white shirt, the top two buttons left casually undone, paired with a tailored black blazer and matching trousers. The outfit complemented his chiseled features, making him look effortlessly suave.

"Hmm, we make a beautiful pair," Wyatt mused, leaning in closer, his voice dropping an octave.

"That we do," I replied, gently pushing him back.

He groaned as he rounded the car, opening the passenger door for me. "This is why I wanted you ready by 6:30 p.m. I didn't want to run into my stepsister and her lover boy."

I glanced at him, puzzled, as he nodded toward the driveway. My gaze followed his, and understanding dawned.

Henry and Juliette were making their way to Henry's car, hand in hand.

Henry was the epitome of dark allure, clad entirely in black—shirt, blazer, trousers, shoes. His black hair contrasted sharply with his vivid green eyes, which seemed to glow with an inner light. Juliette, on the other hand, looked like a life-sized Barbie in her strapless pink dress, her blonde hair flowing in soft waves. The dress hugged her curves, accentuating her tan skin.

Henry's gaze locked onto mine, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips as he looked me up and down. His stare was so intense that I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Before I could ponder why he was staring so hard, Wyatt's breath tickled my ear. "You and lover boy are twinning."

I glanced at him, startled by his sudden proximity. "God, Wyatt! Move away before I hit you!"

He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "What? I thought you liked me being close."

His playful antics were all too intentional, and when I glanced back at Henry, I saw the effect it had.

Henry's expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he stormed to his car. He yanked open the driver's side door, and once inside, he slammed it shut with such force that I flinched.

I turned on Wyatt, pushing him away, frustration bubbling up inside me. "Really? Did you have to do that?"

Wyatt merely shrugged, sliding into the driver's seat and starting the car. I watched him, dumbfounded, as he drove down the Avilla's long, winding walkway. A glance back revealed that Henry and Juliette had already left.

The first twenty minutes of the drive were heavy with silence, broken only by the soft music playing from the car's stereo. Wyatt drummed his fingers on his thigh, his expression solemn. I couldn't take the quiet any longer—he still hadn't answered my question.