Aster is a charming 19 year old, and Theo, a rugged and mysterious man, Aster's adopted uncle.
As Aster embarks on a twisted and passionate journey into adulthood, Theo finds himself drawn to Aster's innocent and captivating nature...
With a forbid...
The restaurant was alive with the sounds of laughter and joyous conversation.
At the entrance stood Arthur, Daisy, and Marco De Leon, their heads held high, radiating pride and confidence.
The venue was lit with a retro chandelier that bathed the place in a warm, dim light. The tables were dressed in black and white linens, the design minimal and chic, perfect for a family or friend gathering.
In one corner, a band played elegant music while at the other end of the room, a mini bar stocked with high-end liquors beckoned.
Meanwhile, Theo and his wife Cassandra were chatting with some random family members. However, Theo was soon whisked away by his cousins and uncles, along with his adoptive father, Alejandro.
Alejandro greeted Theo warmly, embracing him tightly. Theo returned the hug with a slightly awkward pat on the back.
"How have you been, hijo? And where's Cassandra?" Alejandro spoke, releasing Theo from his embrace.
"I'm doing well, father. As for Cassandra, she's with the ladies," Theo responded, settling into a chair.
Alejandro turned his gaze and spotted Arthur approaching with Daisy's hand in his.
Theo put on a fake smile for his elder brother, keeping their past grievances hidden from their father.
Alejandro gestured at the seat between him and Theo, silently inviting Arthur to sit.
With some reluctance, Arthur took the seat, settling on the chair.
He nodded briefly to Theo before turning back to his father.
Suddenly, Alejandro's attention was drawn to the entrance door as his granddaughter appeared for the first time in years. Others, in turn, turned their gazes in the same direction.
The atmosphere around them subtly changed as Theo's gaze fixated on Aster's unexpected arrival.
He studied her intently, absorbing the details - her soft black hair, styled with a simple blowout, falling gently over her shoulders, and her hazel eyes casually scanning the room as a soft smile played on her lips.
Theo's gaze landed on Aster's dress that hugged her curves like the dress was actually meant for her to wear.
He observed her as she made her way toward a nearby table. Noticing a girl with vibrant ginger hair trailing behind Aster, the pair were on the verge of taking a seat when Alejandro beckoned them to their table.
"Aster, my dear child!" he called out, warmly gesturing for her and her friend to join them.
Aster turned her head to find a familiar gaze already fixed on her.
Theo watched her intently, trying to gauge her emotions behind her unreadable face, as she made her way towards her grandfather.
"Abuelo," Aster said with warmth, enveloping Alejandro in a tight embrace.
"You've grown into such a beautiful young lady," Alejandro remarked, his eyes filled with pride. "The last time I saw you was when you were in grade school."
Aster let out a soft chuckle. "Life has been quite pleasant lately," she added, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
Alejandro glanced around the table, his eyes settling on an empty chair beside Theo.
"Why don't you join us for a while?" he suggested. "We have a lot to catch up on."
Aster was about to accept the invitation, but a realization flashed across her face. Sitting next to Theo would undoubtedly stir up complicated emotions. With a polite shake of her head, she declined.
"I'm sorry, Abuelo," she replied. "But I wouldn't want to leave Scarlett alone. Especially when she doesn't know anyone here besides me and Marco."
Scarlett, standing beside Aster, was about to speak but was silenced by a subtle nudge from Aster.
"Perhaps later?" Aster suggested, her eyes darting briefly to Theo before quickly averting them.
Alejandro's expression softened as he caught the exchange between Aster and her friend.
"Of course, dear." he said, "Later would be perfectly fine."
Aster, with Scarlett in tow, continued walking towards the table they had initially planned to sit on.
"What was that?" Scarlett asked, already drinking the wine that the server gave her.
"What was what?" Aster threw back another question.
"Don't act so innocent, I know when somethings bothering you." The red head stared at her friend, waiting for her to say something.
Aster mentally glared at Scarlett for asking too much question, "You know, I think I actually step on shit earlier. I'm gonna go to the restroom to check." She said and quickly stood up without waiting for her response.
Scarlett let out a disappointed sigh, suspecting that Aster was keeping something from her.
She watched as her friend disappeared from sight before returning her attention to her drink.
Aster entered the restroom, locking herself in. Thank God it was designed for one person at a time.
After a good ten or fifteen minutes, Aster finally emerged from the restroom, rummaging through her purse. Lost in thought, she collided with someone, Theo.
Aster stumbled back, her heart skipping a beat. She steadied herself, trying to steady her own racing thoughts and emotions. Theo didn't say anything, his gaze still on her, making it hard for her to gauge his thoughts. The air between them felt thick with tension, just when Aster was about to speak, he finally broke the silence.
"Aster," he said, his voice calm and steady.
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