Enemies to lovers with a family twist!
Alora Frank has been living her life under the abuse of her mother and father. Hiding secrets and unimaginable pain behind her perfect smile. Except one day she finds her father isn't her father, she had family...
We returned from dinner just in time, and according to Nicolo, the shopping trip was a success. However, I couldn't shake off the events of the day. He had bought an entire mall for me, but why? The sudden shift from being invisible to becoming the center of everyone's attention felt both abnormal and normal at the same time. It was as if I had transformed from an out-of-fashion doll to a coveted toy, yet I felt trapped between two worlds. Shaking off my thoughts, I prepared to join the others downstairs, now that I had a rough idea of the house's layout.
As I descended the stairs, I found everyone engaged in conversation. "Alora, come," Luca beckoned, indicating an empty seat between him and Marco, who was shooting me icy glares. If looks could kill, I would have been six feet under.
Despite the tension, I made my way to the vacant seat, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze on me. We ate and chatted, with me answering occasional questions about my childhood. Unable to be completely honest or outright lie, I offered vague, incomplete responses.
"Alora, you'll be starting school this upcoming Monday. Enjoy these four days, and don't worry, Bruno, Marco, and Zena will accompany you," Nicolo announced.
"Why is Marco going to school? And um... who is Zena?" I asked, avoiding Marco's frosty stare.
"I got held back due to some family business," Marco mumbled, catching me by surprise. He had actually answered my question without a hint of rudeness. "Zena is a family friend. You'll meet her today," he added nonchalantly, causing my jaw to drop. "What?" I whispered, still in shock.
"Oh, did we forget to mention? You're hanging out with all of us today. Since you've already spent time with Dad, it's our turn now," Bruno said enthusiastically. "So, you'll hang out with me first, and then I'll tell you who's next," he continued, grinning broadly. I returned his smile and, after finishing my meal, excused myself to retreat to my room.
Once alone, I began pacing, my mind filled with unwelcome thoughts. What if I made a fool of myself? What if I embarrassed them? My hands started shaking, and I could feel a panic attack looming. I found my phone on the bedside table and, with trembling hands, played a voicemail.
"Hey! Where are you? Girl, you left me alone. You know how much I missed you, Tiger. Ha, the name you hate. Anyway, you're not picking up my calls, so I'll just say it here. I love you and miss you so much. Always remember that you got this. You can and will get through this because you are enough. Plus, you're always gonna have me. See ya. Love you, my Tiger." Her voice faded away, leaving me blinking back tears.
What I wouldn't give just to have another minute with her...
"Alora, are you ready?" Bruno's voice echoed from downstairs. "Yeah, give me a sec," I replied, ensuring my voice didn't crack. Taking a deep breath, I wiped my tears and headed downstairs.
We arrived at a skatepark, and I gave Bruno a puzzled look. "Don't worry, baby sis, I'll teach you. It's easy," he assured me confidently. Oh no.
"Bruno, don't let go. OH MY GOD, I'm so gonna fall!" I panicked.
"Calm down, I got you," he reassured, tightening his grip on my hand.
I glanced around to see we were at the edge of a cement hill where everyone else was skating. Just then, my feet slipped, and I fell backward. My head spun, and a sharp pain shot through my back. My eyes closed involuntarily, and I lay there.
"Alora, shit, shit, are you okay?" "Alora," a distant voice kept calling my name, but I kept falling, the voice growing fainter with each passing moment.
Author's note
Halo! How are you guys? Sorry for the late update, I was a bit busy. How was the chapter? I also wrote another book it would mean a lot of you guys check it out and leave some feedback! Thank you guys for reading and leaving comments, it really means a lot and motivates me to write :)
Quote of the day:
Mind says let go but heart says no...
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