At Luxford Academy, the elite boarding school for the ultra-rich, Adriana and Nicholas have been bitter rivals since childhood. Forced to live in the same dorm, their once-friendly pranks have escalated into daily clashes-sharp insults, constant bic...
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By the time we finally get back home, I feel like I'm on the verge of collapsing. My muscles are sore from all the twisting, posing, and holding in cold water for hours. Honestly, the only thing keeping me going is the idea of sinking into my bed and letting sleep take me. But when I walk in, I see little Daphne sitting in the living room, clutching a stuffed animal, and looking adorably bored.
She brightens up the moment she sees me. "Adri!" she squeals, her little arms reaching out excitedly.
"Hey, princess," I say, forcing a tired smile as I scoop her up. How can I possibly say no to that face? "Wanna watch some TV with me?"
She nods enthusiastically, her curls bouncing, and we settle onto the couch. I hand her the remote, letting her pick whatever she wants, which ends up being some animated movie that I vaguely recognize. I stretch out, letting her cuddle into my side, her small head resting on my shoulder.
Halfway through, I find myself sinking deeper into the couch, my eyes getting heavier. But I keep peeking down at Daphne, watching how invested she is in every little scene. She laughs at the funny parts, points out things I miss, and whispers to herself when the characters are in trouble, as if she's cheering them on.
At some point, though, she goes quiet. I look down, and sure enough, she's fast asleep, her tiny fingers still clutching my hand. I can't help but smile at how peaceful she looks. I carefully pick her up, holding her close as I walk up the stairs, trying not to wake her. She stirs a little, murmuring something incoherent, but stays blissfully asleep as I bring her into my room.
I lay her down on my bed, and she immediately curls up like a little kitten, sighing contentedly. I crawl in beside her, pulling the blanket over both of us. The exhaustion hits me all at once, and I can barely keep my eyes open.
As I close my eyes, I feel Daphne's tiny hand reach out and grasp onto my shirt, as if making sure I won't leave her. I wrap an arm around her, holding her close, and within moments, I drift off too.
It's one of the most peaceful sleeps I've had in a long time. Just me, Daphne, and the warmth of this quiet moment.
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