My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 46: You don't deserve her

My mom gasped, her hand flying to her chest as my words settled heavily in the room.

"No more questions, Matt!" Carly snapped, her voice sharp and final.

My mom turned to me, her expression hardening. "What part of I don't want anyone saying dirty words did you not understand? I don't want Tori growing up to be like you."

The words hit me harder than I expected.

Like me?
What exactly was that supposed to mean?

I swallowed my irritation. "Sorry. No more f-word. Besides, you told me to speak honestly."

She ignored that and turned her attention to Stephen. "Stephen, when are we going to meet your parents? They know about your relationship with my daughter, right?" She paused. "What's your surname again?"

"N—yes," Stephen replied stiffly. "Walker."

My dad's brows lifted instantly. "The Walker family?" He leaned back slightly. "I heard their spoilt son is betrothed to someone from the Scott family. That's not you, right? Because what I've heard about that son... nasty behavior, carefree lifestyle, far too many dirty secrets—"

I felt Stephen tense beside me. His jaw clenched, his hand curling into a fist under the table. I quickly reached for him, intertwining my fingers with his, silently begging him to stay calm.

"Dad!" I cut in sharply.

He waved his hand dismissively and laughed. "Ah, forget it. It might not even be you. You don't look like that kind of boy." He chuckled. "Don't mind my words."

But the damage was already done.

Carly's face twisted in confusion. Everyone looked unsettled — especially her. She glanced at me briefly, as if searching my face for confirmation that my dad was wrong.

After dinner, my mom began clearing the table. Carly and I followed her into the kitchen to help with the dishes. Matt and Tori disappeared down the hallway, leaving my dad and Stephen alone in the living room.

Stephen shifted uneasily on the couch. The silence was suffocating.

"Do you love my daughter?" Mr. Wilson asked suddenly.

Stephen swallowed. "Y—yes. I do. Truly."

"Then why are you playing her for a fool?" My dad's tone dropped, cold and dangerous. "I've dug deep into your background. With everything I've heard, you don't deserve her."

Stephen's chest tightened.

"I know this won't last," he continued. "And just so you're clear — I don't tolerate bullshit."

Each word landed like a blow.

Stephen understood exactly what he meant.

You don't deserve her.

The sentence echoed relentlessly in his mind.

⸻

Stephen's POV

I was stunned that those words were coming from her father.
But the worst part?

He was right.

I'm a liar.
A fake.
A murderer.
A spoilt son hiding behind charm and smiles.

I've hurt Sharon in ways she doesn't even know — things that would shatter her if she ever found out. And I know that day will come... I just pray it doesn't come soon.

That's why I make sure my friends keep their mouths shut.
Because the truth?

The truth would tear her apart.