My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 89: All along

Stephen's POV

My entire body went numb when I heard her say no.

Not disbelief — shock. The kind that doesn't hit all at once but seeps into your bones, freezing everything in place. Those were the last words I ever imagined hearing from her, echoing in the quiet space between us like something broken that couldn't be taken back.

I'm not known for patience. Never have been. Truthfully, I could've slipped the ring onto her finger without asking — claimed the moment as mine — but I tried to do it right. Tried to be the gentleman she deserved.

And she shattered it with two careless words.

The world around me trembled. My chest tightened, breath shallow, thoughts scattered. I was awake — fully conscious — yet emotionally detached, as though I'd been knocked out and left floating somewhere outside myself. I needed something sharp, something grounding, just to pull me back.

"Say it again," I managed, voice low and unsteady, clinging to hope that maybe I'd misheard.

She giggled.

"Stephen, it's a yes. I was just teasing you."

Relief didn't come gently — it crashed into me, tangled with irritation and lingering fear. My jaw tightened as I slid the ring onto her finger before she could rethink it, holding her close.

"Don't ever do that again," I whispered into her ear.

She knew I meant it. Beneath the teasing smile, she understood that this moment had mattered — more than I'd let on.

⸻

Sharon's POV

My sister lost her mind when she heard the news. Completely lost it. Within hours she was buried in wedding catalogues and fabric samples, determined to choose my dress as if the entire ceremony depended on it.

I watched her excitement with a bittersweet smile. She had faced her own wedding alone months ago — carrying grief that never really faded. Any reminder of Dad sent her spiraling into quiet tears, especially the thought of him walking her down the aisle — something she never had.

And here I was, planning mine.

It felt unreal.

Dad called that evening and asked me to come over.

The mansion greeted me with its usual imposing silence — polished floors gleaming beneath soft chandeliers, the air heavy with expensive stillness. Yet something was missing.

Patricia.

I didn't see any sign of her. Despite everything between us, worry crept in. Blood doesn't untie itself just because pride says it should. Dad reassured me she disappeared like this whenever she was upset.

Still, I hoped she was safe.

I found him in his room and kissed his cheek lightly.

"Sharon, we need to talk."

His tone was serious enough to make my stomach tighten.

"What about, Dad?"

"I know you've been through a lot... and this may not be the right time. I spoke to your mother about it years ago. She said the decision should be yours."

I frowned. "What is it?"

He hesitated, then continued.

"I want you to carry my name — Sharon Scott. I don't want you introduced as my illegitimate daughter anymore. I want what's best for you. And... I want you to work for me. Not searching for jobs. I want you to lead — to be CEO of my company."

The words hit me harder than I expected. My eyes filled before I could stop them.

"Dad... that's too much. I don't deserve all that."

He reached for my hand.

"You deserve more. I'm just giving you what should've been yours."

A phone call interrupted him, and he stepped into his study. Alone, I wandered around the room. It felt less like a bedroom and more like a command center — papers stacked, screens glowing, evidence of a life consumed by business.

Something in the trash caught my attention — photographs, crumpled and discarded.

Curiosity pulled me closer.

When I smoothed them open, my breath caught. I recognized myself instantly. Memories surged back — a moment I had buried deep.

Footsteps approached.

"Sharon... I can explain."

I backed away, heart pounding, betrayal sharp and suffocating.

"So it was you. You were behind it."

His face faltered. Silence confirmed everything.

"There's nothing to explain," I said, voice shaking with hurt. "You betrayed me. For what?"

He tried to justify it — muttering about pressure, about Patricia, about business deals and choices he couldn't undo.

I didn't stay to hear more.

Disappointment burned deeper than anger. I walked out, leaving him behind in the quiet wreckage of his own confession.

I never imagined he could hurt me like that.

⸻

Stephen's anger later burned hot and immediate when he heard.

"He's going to answer for this. I don't care who he is."

I cupped his face, grounding him with a gentle kiss.

"Let it go. I just need space. I'm okay."

His gaze softened, searching mine.

"You're sure?"

I nodded.

"Will this stop you from coming to dinner? My mom is determined to meet you."

A small smile tugged at my lips. "Not a chance."

⸻

Dinner at Stephen's house was... overwhelming.

His mother swept toward me with dramatic enthusiasm.

"Oh my goodness, Stephen — you never told me you were dating someone this stunning!"

Heat rushed to my cheeks as Stephen groaned and rolled his eyes.

She leaned closer, voice warm and conspiratorial.
"You're breathtaking, Sharon. I understand why he can't look away."

No one had complimented me so openly before. I wasn't sure where to look.

Sarah hugged me, whispering, "I didn't tell her much. She's just like that."

Across the room, Stephen's father observed us with composed intensity — the presence of a man used to commanding rooms and schedules. Even his welcome was measured.

"Sharon, you're welcome here. I hope we get along well."

Before I could respond, his wife laughed.

"John, stop sounding like a business meeting."

They exchanged a glance — hers playful, his restrained — and I found myself wondering how two people so different had built a life together.

Watching them settle at the table, I realized families were never simple.
But maybe... that didn't mean they couldn't still be whole in their own way.