Cheating By The Rules | Harry Styles AU (ongoing)

chapter 44

A/N: please vote before reading :) ♥

All day, I thought about how wonderful my time with Harry had been. I wasn't only focused on how lovely it had been, but I also kept thinking about how much I'd have wanted to stay longer. I yearned to spend a night with him, go back to the diner, and bask in his presence instead of cutting our time short. As a result, I fantasized about the next time I would see him again as I drove to my parents' house.

Jace and I had agreed to go to my parents' separately. He was stuck in one of his emergency meetings, which meant he would definitely be late—likely by at least thirty long minutes. Frankly, I was completely okay with that because I didn't want to share a car with him anyway. It was the perfect excuse to travel alone, and I welcomed the space.

My parents' driveway was filled with other cars, so I parked along the curb. Stepping out, I reached into the passenger seat for the present I had bought a week ago. I had carefully picked it out, and I knew my mother would love it—even if she always told me not to bring her anything.

I made my way to the front door, and like all family gatherings, the door was unlocked, so I didn't need to knock or find the keys. When I stepped inside, the house was alive with chatter and warmth. Familiar voices filled the air, and it resulted in a smile stretching across my face.

I took in the sight of some of my family members and my mom's closest friends. I hadn't seen her friends for a very long time, so it was nice to be in their presence again. Besides that, I had last seen my cousins and their partners during Thanksgiving. My gaze instantly fell on Josie because it was the first time I'd seen her since my mom shared the news of her pregnancy.

After a quick round of greetings, I headed straight to my dear mother. She was seated on the couch with the biggest and most beautiful grin on her face, her eyes lighting up when I came closer. I knew how much she loved to celebrate her birthday and see everyone again. Everybody's presence was the only gift she wanted.

"Happy birthday, Mom!" I said cheerfully as I threw one of my arms around her for a tight, affectionate hug, holding her present behind my back.

"Thank you, honey!" she beamed, hugging me back like we hadn't seen each other for months.

"How are you feeling?" I quickly checked in when I pulled back to see her face.

"Wonderful, especially with everyone here," she said, her tone filled with joy.

"Good," I breathed out. "Jace is running a bit late, but he told me to give you your present in the meantime."

"I told you not to bring anything, Ivy," my mother scolded playfully the moment I revealed the wrapped gift I had brought along.

"I know you did, but I just can't show up empty-handed, Mom," I told her, handing her the gift.

My mother looked at me with gratitude, her eyes twinkling as she began to unwrap it. Her face instantly brightened when she saw what was inside, a wide smile stretching across her face. The beautiful gold bracelet that was nestled in the box was a success.

Seeing her like this brought technicolor to my life. I loved to make my parents happy.

"This is such a sweet gift," she expressed.

"I'm glad you like it, Mom," I voiced.

"Can you put it on? I'd love to wear it right now."

I nodded at her, so she removed the bracelet from the box and handed it to me. Easily, I put it on, and she moved it around her wrist, admiring the piece of jewelry.