BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 47

•WILLIAM•

Things went much smoother than I had anticipated. I guess I was just overthinking the possibility of the press stirring up headlines about us again. They're here at the party, keeping tabs on Shelby and me for the past three hours.

But I was relieved to see that their focus was mainly on the engaged couple, as it should be. I really don't want to be in the middle of any more relationship drama or gossip scandals. I've had my fair share of crazy experiences with women in the past, and I'm not eager to repeat that now, especially since Shelby and I have agreed to start anew.

I sneak a glance at her across the room. She's engrossed in a conversation with her parents, a genuine smile on her face, radiating happiness and carefreeness. If being with me can consistently bring her that kind of joy, then I'm committed to holding onto her.

"She's quite a tough one, huh?" Vincent's voice breaks my reverie, as he follows my gaze towards her.

I'd almost forgotten he was here with me after the girls left us to mingle. I don't exactly know why they did that, but Vincent seems chill, and the past ten minutes of us standing together have been surprisingly pleasant. Even though he gives off a bit of an intimidating vibe.

"It's nothing I can't handle," I finally respond, earning a smirk from him.

"Out of the three sisters, Shelby was the hardest to figure out. Until you came along and managed to put a smile on that face, something most of us here have thought she's not capable of doing herself."

Vincent claps me on the shoulder with a smile, and I chuckle softly.

"I've known her for a long time. I've learned which buttons not to push when it comes to Shelby—"

"Worried about making a misstep and losing her?" He cuts in, and I give him a long look.

"Not worried about that, we just have our own way of understanding each other."

"Like two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly," another voice chimes in. We turn to see Jason joining the conversation.

"Glad to finally meet you in person, Mr. Fontane."

He offers a handshake, and I shake his hand with a firm grip before releasing it.

"Congratulations on your engagement, Mr. Cartwright."

"Thanks, appreciate you being here," He replies and then shifts his attention to Vincent.

"If any of Vincent's remarks bothered you, I apologize. He doesn't always have a filter, so don't take it personally."

He drapes his arm over Vincent's shoulder, and Vincent playfully shrugs him off, rolling his eyes.

"Hey, I was just trying to make conversation," he defends himself.

"Your idea of conversation so far is not appealing to anybody," another voice interjects. Chase Evans appears beside Jason, completing our circle.

"As if you're a master of striking up normal conversations, especially with an audience that's ninety percent women," Vincent fires back, earning laughter from all of us.

I quickly realized that the guys had already formed a camaraderie among themselves. It's evident in their teasing and banter.

I've managed to fit in effortlessly, thanks to them. They've made me feel at ease. It's exciting that we share this unique connection—dating the Falcon sisters.

"Seriously, William, you have to teach me your ways. Your performance during the Falcon Group merger ceremony was impressive. I'm inspired," Chase tells me, and I can't help but smile.

"It's all about strategies man. Staying focused and keeping your head in the game. Although I know you might have some trouble adjusting due to your reputation..."

Jason and Vincent suppress their laughter, and Chase glares at them before turning to me.

"I've changed, alright? I can manage that easily without distractions and with just one woman in my life to focus on. Plus, I'm not the only one with a history."

He gives me a knowing look, and the other two also turn their attention to me, smirking on their faces.

"I guess that's one thing we have in common," I respond to Chase, and he grins before giving me a bro hug.

"That's what I'm talking about. No need to keep secrets. We should be proud that we've all changed for the better, right?"

We all laugh, and Jason steps aside to let the girls through. They're all smiles.

"Are you guys having fun?" Shanelle asks.

"Yeah, we're bonding," Chase answers with a smirk.

Shelby wraps her arm around me, her big blue eyes locking onto mine.

"You good?" I nod quickly, pursing my lips.

She smiles and rejoins the conversation. Tonight feels heartwarming. I'm glad I've managed to connect with her sisters and their boyfriends because I know that even though she doesn't show it, this means a lot to her. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep that genuine smile on her face.