In the prestigious world of Ember Cove's elite, where wealth and status reign supreme, the scions of the Hastings dynasty are about to discover that the heart has a will of its own.
Samantha Hastings has always been the responsible one, dutifully fo...
Dedicated to:This chapter is dedicated to my older sister, who has been a constant source of love, support, and inspiration throughout my life. Your unwavering presence and sage advice have been invaluable, and I am grateful beyond measure to have you by my side.
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The Next Morning
As I slowly drifted back into consciousness, I couldn't help but notice the comforting warmth of a body pressed against mine. Blinking my eyes open, the memories of the previous night came flooding back – Samantha's head resting on my shoulder, the way her soft curves had molded to my frame as I pulled her close.
I stifled a sigh, savoring the feel of her in my arms, the faint scent of her shampoo filling my senses. In that moment, it was as if the rest of the world had faded away, and all that mattered was the girl sleeping peacefully beside me.
Suddenly, a bright flash jolted me out of my reverie, and I blinked rapidly to clear my vision. Aspen and Elijah stood over us, Aspen's phone in hand, twin smirks plastered on their faces.
"Well, well, well, look who's getting cozy," Elijah teased, earning a disapproving head shake from Wrenley, who hovered behind them.
"Guys, this is a bad idea," Wrenley warned, his voice low.
But before I could react, a soft voice cut through the commotion. "Would you all just shut up?" Samantha mumbled; her eyes still half-closed as she snuggled deeper into my embrace. "Some of us are trying to sleep."
Suddenly, a pillow came flying through the air, smacking Elijah squarely in the face. Samantha let out a contented sigh, her grip on me tightening ever so slightly.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the scene, even as a blush crept up my cheeks. Aspen, seemingly unfazed by Samantha's retaliation, held up her phone, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
"Wait until Leighton sees this," she said, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.
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