Stole My Heart 💕

14 - Birthday party

Hanna's birthday party was in full swing, the music vibrating through the walls of the beautifully decorated venue. Balloons and fairy lights adorned the space, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Hanna, beaming with joy, stood at the entrance, welcoming each guest with an excited hug. When Candice, Andrea, and Blake arrived, she pulled them into a tight embrace, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she received their gifts.

Nick was already there, of course—being Hanna's cousin, he had helped set up the party. He stood near the refreshments table, watching as Candice entered, his gaze following her every movement. He had an air of quiet confidence, the kind that made it impossible for Candice to ignore him for long.

As the time came to cut the cake, Hanna called her closest friends to stand beside her. Candice took her place, but suddenly, she felt a presence behind her. Turning slightly, she gasped, her breath catching in her throat. Nick stood there, much too close, his deep eyes locked onto hers.

"Don't try to escape," he murmured, his voice a low whisper that sent a shiver down her spine.

Candice clenched her fists, resisting the urge to push him away. "Nick, what do you think you're doing?" she hissed under her breath.

"With Hanna here, you can't just run away," he replied smoothly.

Before Candice could respond, the cake-cutting commenced, and she had no choice but to stay.

After the celebration, Nick seized the opportunity. He reached for Candice's hand, his grip firm yet not painful, and led her away from the crowd.

"Let go, Nick," Candice said, trying to yank her hand free.

"Not until you listen to me," he said stubbornly.

They reached a quiet hallway, and Nick finally loosened his grip. Candice rubbed her wrist and glared at him. "What is wrong with you? You can't just drag me away like that!"

Before he could respond, a voice called his name. They both turned, and Candice's eyes widened as she recognized Lisa, Nick's ex-girlfriend, approaching them.

Lisa smirked. "Nick, I was looking for you."

Candice didn't waste a second. Taking advantage of the moment, she slipped away, leaving Nick furious as he turned back to Lisa. "Not now, Lisa," he snapped before storming off to find Candice again.

Minutes later, his eyes landed on her. She was on the dance floor, swaying gracefully with Blake, laughing at something he said. Nick's jaw tightened, his blood boiling at the sight.

Lisa appeared beside him. "Want to dance?" she asked sweetly.

"Not interested," Nick replied bluntly, his eyes locked on Candice.

Lisa huffed in irritation but then noticed his line of sight. Smirking, she picked up a glass of juice and sauntered toward Candice and her friends.

She congratulated Hanna with a sugary smile before turning to Candice. Just as she moved closer, she pretended to stumble, sending the juice spilling all over Candice's dress.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry," Lisa said, her voice dripping with insincerity.

Hanna's irritation flared as she stepped in. "Seriously, Lisa? Could you be more obvious?"

Lisa feigned innocence, but Candice simply sighed. "It's fine, Hanna. Let's just get cleaned up."

Hanna grabbed her wrist. "Come on," she said, dragging Candice toward the washroom. As they walked away, Hanna muttered, "Who the hell invited Lisa? Ugh, I bet it was Nick. That jerk! I'm not letting him off the hook this time."