My first crush (COMPLETED)√

PART 2: Chapter 57: Remembered 2

"Won't you leave my girlfriend and me alone... together?" Stephen said, his frustration clearly etched across his face.

⸻

"For God's sake, Stephen — are you starting this again?" Aaron shot back, folding his arms.

"What? I'm just saying what any normal guy would say," Stephen replied coolly. "Or are you uncomfortable seeing the two of us together?"

Aaron let out a short laugh.
"Sorry to be rude, Sharon — but Stephen, she isn't the hottest girl in the world, and I can sleep with whoever I want. One more thing — you being with her doesn't bother me."

Stephen's eyes hardened.
"Just make sure my girl isn't part of that 'whoever you want.' Then we're cool."

My throat tightened. I swallowed, guilt prickling at my chest as his words echoed in my ears.

"I'll leave," Aaron said finally. "If that's what satisfies you."

Stephen smirked.
"Shame you can't be invited tonight. The guest list's full. I wish you could come... really."

"You wish." Aaron slammed the door behind him.

From the hallway his voice drifted back, low and sharp:
"Just wait, Stephen. Your worst nightmare is coming. I promise."

⸻

Stephen turned to me.

"Was there anything wrong with what I said?"

"You sounded exactly like my dad," I replied, picking up the red dress he'd bought and letting the fabric slip between my fingers.

"Really?" he asked, surprised.

"Yeah."

I headed to the bathroom, pulling off my clothes before stepping under the shower. Warm water rushed over me, but my thoughts wouldn't settle. The memories of the previous night flickered relentlessly in my mind.

Not now, Sharon. Not today.
Today is supposed to be happy.

⸻

Across town, preparations were in full swing.

My mom, Carly, Matt, and Bella hurried around the house decorating and setting everything in place.

"Tori! Don't go near the cake!" my mom warned.

"But Mom — just one bite!"

"You'll ruin it!"

"I'm starving! I can't hold it anymore!"

Matt sighed, handing her a chocolate bar.
"Here. Take this and go to your room."

"I'm not going! I don't want to!" she protested.

He lifted her effortlessly over his shoulder.
"Put me down! I'm not a baby! Matt!"

Her protests echoed down the hallway as he carried her off.

⸻

Back at my dorm, I slipped into the red dress. The fabric hugged my body elegantly. A touch of makeup, black heels, and I was ready.

Stephen looked me over, admiration softening his expression.
"You look beautiful."

"Thank you." I smiled, kissing him lightly.

I locked the door and followed him to his Lamborghini. The engine purred as we drove off, Stephen texting ahead to let everyone know we were on the way.

⸻

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

The shout hit me the moment I stepped inside.

Voices burst into song, laughter filled the air, and candles flickered on the cake. Emotion swelled unexpectedly in my chest. I tried to blink back tears — but they spilled anyway.

My mom wrapped me in a warm hug. Dad couldn't join; he was stuck on a call. Stephen slipped outside to answer an urgent phone call — something about his father — while Bella chatted with me.

⸻

Stephen's POV

"Hello, Dad."

"Where are you?" his father asked sharply.

"At my girlfriend's. Is something wrong?"

"I need to see you. Now."

"You can tell me over the phone."

"Next street. Black car parked by the road. Get in. It won't take long."

I sighed.
"Fine."

Minutes later I slid into the car.

"Dad... are you spying on me?"

"Yes. You've been spending too much time with that girl."

"That's because I love her," I said firmly. "I want a life with her."

He scoffed.
"You talk like a child. Love doesn't exist. Your mother and I married for business."

"Well, I don't want a life as cold and empty as yours."

His eyes narrowed.
"I don't want you with her. She'll ruin everything I've built."

"You built it — not me. I don't care about your money."

"You can't live without it."

"I've changed."

"Then you're cut off," he said flatly. "No more access to my money. Last chance — leave her."

"You don't make my choices anymore. I'm nineteen."

His expression darkened.
"We'll see about that."

⸻

Back at the party, I spotted familiar faces — and froze.

Jane... and Eric.

"Happy birthday, Sharon," Jane said warmly. "You know I wouldn't forget."

I forced a smile.

Eric smirked.
"So you finally remembered."

"You could've told me," I said, lightly punching his arm.

"Where's the fun in that?"

Just then, another guest entered with an older man — likely her father. Recognition hit me.

"What are you doing here, Patricia?"

"And what are you doing here?" she countered, eyes sweeping critically over my outfit.

"This is my party."

"Really."

"Dad," she called.

"What is it, dear?"

"You never said she was the one hosting."

"Oh — Sharon! Happy birthday," he said warmly. "Your mother has told me a lot about you." We shook hands.

Patricia rolled her eyes.
"Great. Now I'm the fool."

"Don't you remember?" he chuckled. "You two were childhood friends."

"That's impossible. I met her at sixteen." Patrica remains confused.

"Oh, Peter — you're here!" my mom greeted with a warm hug.
"Yes, Katherine. Meet my daughter Patricia."

"Hi," Mom said politely.

Patricia ignored her, glued to her phone.

"What the hell..." Dad muttered, stepping closer.

"Mr. Wilson," Peter greeted. "It's been a while."

Dad ignored him.

"Rude," Patricia whispered, still scrolling.

Dad's voice suddenly rose across the room:
"Kat — I want to see you right now!"