BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 48

•SHELBY•

The party raged on for hours, and at one point, I started feeling tense, especially when the reporters swarmed in, bombarding my family with questions about the happy couple.

Ugh, I don't particularly appreciate dealing with their questions. They always manage to ask stuff that's subtly insulting and utterly nonsensical.

On the flip side, William was getting along really well with the guys. I felt glad they hit it off. Judging by the grin on his face, it was clear he was thoroughly enjoying the night.

After what felt like an eternity of posing for family photos and mingling with the parents' friends-turned-guests, I finally escaped their orbit. I scanned the living room, searching for William.

Spotting him by the door next to one of my mom's friends, I made my way toward them. But my steps halted as I noticed how touchy-feely she was getting with him. My smile evaporated in an instant.

Seriously, the nerve.

William seemed oblivious to her advances, which annoyed me even more. She was practically all over him, and he didn't seem to see anything amiss.

I squinted at them both and marched over, catching their attention. Her smile faded, and she stepped away from William.

"Hey you," William greeted me with a gentle peck on my cheek, his arm slipping around my waist.

I kept my gaze fixed on what's-her-name, who suddenly found the floor fascinating, probably realizing I saw everything.

"Everything okay?" he murmured into my ear, and I nodded.

"Yeah. So, Miss..." I trailed off, waiting for her to provide her name. She perked up and turned back toward us.

"Hilton. Gemma Hilton," she replied, and I mustered a fake smile in return.

"I noticed my mom chatting with some friends earlier. Friends you'd probably enjoy talking to—around your age, I mean."

Her eye twitched, and I could sense her annoyance, but I couldn't care less. She needed a reminder about who she should be mingling with—definitely not younger men, especially not one who's already mine.

"Excuse me then," she said, her pale green cocktail dress swaying as she turned toward the crowd.

But before leaving, she placed her hand on William's bicep again, giving him a flirty grin before walking away.

I forced myself to stay composed and not lash out at the old lady in the midst of the party. It was clear she was deliberately being provocative.

"Jealousy doesn't suit you," William commented, and I spun to face him.

"Excuse me?"

"You know what I mean," he said, glancing after Gemma Hilton, who was making her way across the room. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Oh, please. She probably puts on her granny diapers before bed. There's nothing to be jealous of."

He chuckled and nuzzled his nose into my neck, making me squirm because it tickled.

"Can we get out of here?"

He lifted his head, frowning.

"Why? Aren't you enjoying the party?"

I playfully adjusted his tie before clarifying.

"Well, I've had a bit too much fun, and it's taking forever. I want to leave."

He grinned down at me.

"Where to? You live here, remember?"

"Let's head back to your place."

The corner of his mouth curved into a smirk, his hold tightening around my waist. He leaned in for a kiss, but I tilted my head away and gently pushed him back.

"Hold that thought."

He mock-glared at me, and I chuckled before turning around and going back to my parents to let them know we were taking off.

After bidding farewell to nearly everyone in the house, we finally departed and drove straight to William's house—the same place we used to share.

I was relieved he hadn't given it up after I moved out. We had a mix of beautiful and challenging memories in that house. Now that we're genuinely together, we'll create new ones that will remain forever in our minds.

He helped me out of the car as we arrived at his place. Playfully, he peppered kisses on the back of my neck as I led him inside by the hand.

Laughter echoed in the empty space as we entered the foyer. We playfully jogged up the stairs, and upon reaching the bedroom, he pressed me against the door, our lips colliding.

As I reached behind me to twist the doorknob, we remained locked in the kiss.

The room was dark when we stumbled inside, and I realized I liked it that way. It was great we both preferred to keep the lights off.

His fingers fumbled behind my dress, seeking the zipper, while I worked on his tie, attempting to undo it.

"I actually liked the dress, but too bad, it's gotta go," he murmured against my lips in the dark.

I turned around, pressing my back against his chest, my head fitting under his chin.

"Go for it."

Swiftly, he unzipped me, and the dress effortlessly slipped down to the floor.

With arms intertwined, lips locked, and the air thickening with tension, this moment couldn't be more perfect.

He was mine, and I was his. Tonight was about us, delving into passionate intensity beneath the sheets and eagerly anticipating waking up wrapped in each other's arms.

Because that's our daily plan now—embracing a brighter future together.