In Sydney, the farmhouse was buzzing with life. Everyone gathered for dinner, the long wooden table stacked with delicious food, the air filled with laughter, teasing, and the sounds of clinking cutlery. The younger generation, full of energy, dominated the room with their chatter, while the elders occasionally glanced at them with fond smiles, enjoying the warm chaos.
After dinner, the elders quietly excused themselves, retreating to their rooms to rest, leaving the young ones to plan and prepare for the evening's excitement. The pool party tonight promised to be lively, and everyone was eager to look their best.
Meanwhile, Julian checked his phone and quickly replied to Sebastian:
"Bro, we're at the Harrison farmhouse. Both families are together, enjoying the weekend. And don't forget—tomorrow is Senorita's birthday party, so come directly here."
Abby, equally excited, added:
"We're all in the farmhouse—your family and mine. Tomorrow is my sister's birthday, your brother's Senorita. Don't miss it, just come directly."
Sebastian smiled slightly, the corner of his lips tugging up as he typed back to Julian:
"Okay… I've never met them, but Dad always praised them. This is a perfect chance to meet them—and to finally see your Senorita too."
To Abby, he replied:
"What? So that means there's a deep connection between the Harrisons and the Whitmores. Glad to know. I'll be there—bye."
The young ones finished getting ready for the pool party, excitement and anticipation in the air. Dresses were adjusted, hair styled, and laughter echoed through the hallways as they prepared for a night filled with fun, games, and memories they would never forget.
By nightfall, the pool area glimmered under soft fairy lights, the water reflecting a thousand tiny stars, the air warm and fragrant. Music played in the background,In the water, Julian and Abby were already lounging, drinks in hand, watching the scene unfold with playful anticipation.
From the terrace, the girls arrived, turning heads as they walked toward the pool. Bella, Mia, and Navya looked stunning in their sleek black bikinis, each exuding confidence and charm. Their laughter rang through the night air as they jumped into the pool together, water splashing around them in sparkling arcs.
Julian and Abby couldn't help but notice every detail. Abby's gaze lingered on Mia, the way she laughed freely, her carefree energy drawing him in completely, his focus remained on Mia. Bella noticed Abby staring and smirked, paddling over to him with a teasing gleam in her eye.
"Brother, what are you staring at?" Bella asked, her voice laced with amusement.
Abby, still captivated by Mia, muttered without thinking, "Mia…"
Bella chuckled, teasing him mercilessly. "She is hot, huh?"
"Yes… the hottest," Abby admitted, realizing too late how obvious he sounded.
Bella's laughter filled the air as Abby's face flushed crimson. She leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, I'd be the happiest girl in the world if Mia became my sister-in-law," she teased, giving him a playful wink.
Abby's heart skipped a beat. He couldn't help but smile, glancing at Mia, who was laughing and splashing water with Navya. The warmth in his chest grew, a mix of admiration and protectiveness.
"Hey, pass the bottle," Abby called casually toward Julian.
But Julian didn't move; his eyes were fixed on Navya, following her every movement. Abby caught his gaze and smirked knowingly. He leaned slightly, clearing his throat and coughing to get Julian's attention. Success—Julian finally turned, raising an eyebrow in question.
Abby gave him a knowing smile before turning back to the girls, the teasing glint in his eyes unmistakable. Julian's grin widened, the playful spark lighting up his features as he registered Abby's words.
"She's my cousin," Abby said loud enough for Julian to hear. "And I know her… she likes you too."
Julian's smirk deepened into a mischievous grin. The corners of his lips curved with the thrill of the challenge, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He glanced around the pool, searching for subtle cues from Navya and Mia, excitement building with every passing second.
After a while Bella, Navya, and Julian were busy clicking selfies by the pool, laughing and teasing each other, Mia had found a quiet corner. She sat at the edge of the pool, legs dangling in the water, a half-eaten burger in her hand, completely absorbed in her little world.
Abby noticed her from across the pool. His heart skipped a beat at the sight—her carefree focus, the way she savored every bite, completely unaware of him standing so close. Slowly, he moved toward her, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
Mia remained oblivious, chewing thoughtfully, her dark eyes fixed on her food. Abby's gaze softened, captivated by her innocence and charm. He crouched slightly and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.
Mia's eyes shot open, widening in shock. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she instinctively turned her face to the side, trying to hide her sudden embarrassment.
Abby, amused yet tender, gently lifted her chin with his finger, guiding her gaze to meet his. "Mia," he whispered, his voice low but certain, "I love you."
Mia's eyes widened even further, her heart pounding in her chest. The admission hit her like a bolt of lightning. She looked down, fidgeting with her hands, her face glowing with heat.
Abby's tone softened, reassuring yet confident. "I know… you have feelings for me too. Tell me… do you love me?"
Mia swallowed hard, her breath catching as she met his deep, unwavering gaze. A small smile tugged at her lips, and in a trembling voice, she admitted, "When I was sixteen… I fell for you."
Abby's chest swelled with warmth, his hand still gently holding her chin. "And I've been waiting all these years to hear you say it," he murmured, a victorious yet tender smile on his face.
Mia blused, Abby's hands wrapped gently but possessively around Mia's waist, pulling her closer so that their bodies pressed together. Her lips were almost brushing against his, and her heart began hammering uncontrollably. A shiver ran down her spine at the closeness, her breath catching in her throat.
Abby's lips curled into a teasing, confident smile. "You're looking very hot," he whispered, his voice low and husky, sending another wave of heat through her.
Mia's cheeks flushed crimson, her nerves fluttering as she bit her lower lip, unable to hide the mixture of excitement and shyness swirling inside her.
Abby leaned in closer, and instinctively, their lips met. The kiss was soft at first, teasing, then deeper, filled with unspoken longing. Mia's hands instinctively moved to his waist, fingers clutching him as if anchoring herself to the moment.
Abby's hands slid up to cup her face, holding her tenderly as the kiss deepened. Mia moaned softly against him, the sound muffled yet intoxicating. She pressed closer, feeling the heat and strength of his body against hers.
In a daring, playful moment, Abby gently pinched her waist, eliciting a startled gasp from Mia. That tiny reaction only fueled his desire. Their lips moved together with more intensity, tongues brushing and exploring, tasting, and savoring every corner of each other's mouth.
For a brief moment, the world around them—the pool, the laughter of friends, the twinkling lights—faded. It was just the two of them, lost in the raw, intoxicating closeness they had held back for so long. Hearts racing, breaths mingling, the danger of being in public only heightened the fire between them.
Mia's hands tangled in his shirt as she pressed herself closer, her body trembling with a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and desire. Abby's grip tightened slightly, anchoring her, claiming her in a way that was both gentle and possessive.
Even in the open air, with the party going on around them, nothing else existed but this moment, this heat, this undeniable pull between them.