𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐀

33. Mission, completed

I can't choose what to make the cover, but I think I like this one for now 😭

enjoy the chap lovelies xx

song: 'Pop Star' by Coco & Clair Clair

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Stepping through the front door of the house, the familiar creak of the hinges leads me to pause for a moment. My date had been amazing—everything I hoped it would be. But now, as I stepped into the entryway, a wave of nervousness washed over me. I was home, yes, but something felt off.

I hadn't even taken off my shoes when I noticed the unusual silence. I glanced towards the living room and saw them all: my dad and all of my brothers, each one with a look that ranged from concern to suspicion. The room felt charged with an intensity that made my stomach churn.

"Where have you been?" my dad asked, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable undercurrent of worry.

I swallowed hard, trying to appear nonchalant.

I'm so fucked.

"I was at the movies with Azalea, remember?" I asked, hoping my voice sounded steady and casual.

Matteo furrows his brow before stepping to the side, revealing a nervous looking Azalea behind him, who seemed to be signalling to me with her widened eyes that if I were to run, now would be the time. "You mean the friend who's been in your room for the past hour?" His tone was incredulous.

Panic flared in my chest. They knew.

I knew she would be caught.

My mind raced, scrambling to create a believable story. "Um, yeah," I stammered, "she left early. I stayed to finish the movie, and the limo drove me back home."

My dad's eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing my face. "So, you went to the movies alone after she left?"

"Well, no, the limo and the driver were waiting outside for me." I smile, trying to look as convincing as possible, sending Azalea a glance as I try to send my own message.

You're dead.

"Hm," He hums, his eyes watching me carefully, eyes filled with accusations as he sighs, "So if I go to ask him right now, he would say he drove you home from the movies?"

"Yep! I really didn't want to miss the ending," I replied, attempting a small smile as I pray to any and all the gods that he would somehow believe my bluff.

There was a long, heavy pause as they all exchanged glances. The air seemed thick with their scrutiny, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I stood there, bracing myself for more questions, desperately hoping my story would hold up.

Finally, my dad sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing a little. "Alright," he said, his voice softer now. "Just let us know next time, okay? We were worried, we don't want to lose you again."

I nodded quickly, relief flooding through me. "Will do, Dad. Thanks, and trust me, you won't be getting rid of me anytime soon."

"Well, there goes my chance at happiness." Luca murmurs. I turn to him with an offended expression, placing a hand on my chest. "Wow, Lulu. How could you?"

I turn around as I made my way to my room, but I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I know I shouldn't lie to them, especially after all they've done for me, but I wasn't ready to share the truth about my date just yet. I needed time to sort through my feelings, to figure out how to explain everything.