My first crush (COMPLETED)√

PART 2: Chapter 56: Remembered.

"Where were you last night?" Stephen asked calmly, his foot tapping against the floor in a steady, controlled rhythm.

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Sharon's POV

Oh my gosh.
What do I say?

My mind spun wildly, thoughts crashing into each other. If he finds out... he'll explode. He might already suspect something. His eyes were too sharp, too observant.

Stay calm, Sharon. Just breathe.

⸻

"I called you several times last night," Stephen continued, his voice tightening. "You didn't pick up. For God's sake, what the hell were you doing with him, huh?"

Aaron stood off to the side, gaze drifting away as if the question hadn't been directed at anyone in particular. Being around Stephen meant learning to endure his temper — and Aaron looked perfectly willing to test it.

"I'm sorry, Stephen," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. "I was home last night. Maybe you came when I stepped out to see a friend."

Stephen's lips curved — not quite a smile.

"Very good," he said slowly. "Except I just caught you in your own lie. I was at your doorstep all night. Allison wasn't around either." His gaze locked onto mine. "So tell me... you were with him, right?"

My chest tightened.

"Stephen, I can explain. It's not what you think."

He paused — then suddenly laughed.

"I'm thinking nothing," he said lightly. "Come on, Sharon. I was just teasing you. I'm sure you went to see a friend and happened to meet Aaron at the door. That's all." His tone softened, but the look in his eyes didn't. "I understand."

Before I could respond, he pulled me into a hug.

I stiffened.

This felt strange.
Wrong.
Too gentle. Too controlled.

This wasn't the Stephen I knew.

"I don't want to ruin the moment," he murmured.

Then he leaned back and smiled.

"Happy birthday, Sharon."

My eyes widened.

"What? Today is my birthday?" I blurted out, stunned.

"Yes," he said, amused. "I knew you'd forget."

"Oh my God... I didn't plan anything! My dress, my hair, shoes — I haven't told my friends—"

"It's handled," he interrupted calmly.

Aaron stepped forward with a grin.
"Hey, Sharon. I would've been the first to say it if I'd known earlier... but happy birthday."

Stephen rolled his eyes.

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Stephen's POV

Just leave.

Please — just leave — because I can feel my patience thinning to a thread. Watching him stand so close to her, acting comfortable... it grated against my nerves.

I was here first.
And the first always wins.

⸻

"To this beautiful, gorgeous lady," Aaron said warmly, hugging Sharon.

Stephen flinched, but Sharon shot him a reassuring glance — a silent message not to react.

"Thanks," she replied softly.

She turned on her phone and gasped as notifications flooded the screen — birthday messages from Bella, Helen, Jane, and countless others. Messages from her mom, Carly, Matt, and her dad followed.

Her face lit up.

"I can't believe this," she laughed. "I know there's probably a surprise party planned, and you spoiled it just to be first! But what am I going to wear?"

Stephen smirked.

"Yeah, yeah. Check your bed."

She turned — eyes widening at the sight of neatly arranged packages waiting for her.

Then Stephen looked toward Aaron, voice cool and deliberate.

"Aaron... wouldn't you like to leave my girlfriend and me alone?"