Chapter Twenty-Six: Black Tie, Tension, and Possessive Kisses
Chapter Twenty-Five: Black Tie, Sticky Notes, and Realizations
(Lyra's POV)
I was hunched over Cassian's notes, trying to focus on fractions and functions, but my mind kept drifting.
"Lyra," Evan's voice cut through my thoughts, smooth as ever. "My dad invited you all over for dinner."
I froze. "Dinner? Uh… we don't have to, do we?" My stomach twisted into knots.
"Of course you do," he said quietly, leaning closer, golden eyes unreadable. "He saw us hanging out once… you have to come."
I blinked. Have to? My chest tightened. My mind spun. Do they not want me there? Do they hate me? Am I… bothering them?
I could feel my cheeks heating, and I tried to focus on Cassian's scribbles, but I couldn't stop overthinking.
Soraya leaned over, grinning. "Ooooh, Black Tie? You're gonna be nervous, aren't you?"
I nodded quickly, biting my lip. "Yeah… I mean… I don't even know what to wear…"
Saphira smirked. "Don't worry. You'll look gorgeous. You always do."
I felt my stomach twist. Gorgeous? They're just being nice. Right?
Later that afternoon, I was tucked into a corner with my sketchbook when I noticed a sticky note tucked inside one of my favorite pages. I frowned, picking it up.
"You're mine. I don't like to share."
A chill ran down my spine. I looked up, and Evan was standing there, golden hair catching the sunlight, smirk tugging at his lips. "Found it?"
I swallowed hard. "I… uh…" My face burned.
"Don't overthink it, Sol," he said softly, leaning close. "Just… remember, you're mine."
When I got home, I facetimed my cousin Rina. Her face lit up instantly.
"Lyra! Spill. What happened?"
I hesitated. "Uh… well… there's this cheerleader at school. She keeps flirting with… him. And I… I don't know…"
Rina's eyes went wide. "Lyra! You have feelings for him, don't you?!"
I tried to deny it. "N-no! I don't! I mean… I barely…"
Rina rolled her eyes so hard I could practically see it. "Ly! Stop lying to yourself. You like him. Admit it."
I froze, heartbeat hammering. Rina's right. I… I do like him.
The week passed in a blur. Every time Evan leaned close, brushed my hair back, or called me Sol, my stomach fluttered. I found myself thinking about him constantly. And now… the Black Tie dinner was looming over me like some impossible mountain.
Saturday. Black tie. His dad. Everyone's going to look at me. Will I… fit in? Will I be good enough?
I sighed, flipping through my sketchbook, trying to distract myself. But my thoughts kept circling back. I like him. Really like him.
And somehow… that thought made everything feel both terrifying and thrilling at the same time.
(Lyra's POV)
The limousine pulled up to the sprawling gates of Evan's estate, and I had to swallow down a mix of awe and nerves. Even bigger than I imagined... Every inch of it screamed wealth: perfectly manicured lawns, fountains, even more rooms than I could imagine.
Evan's blue eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. "You ready?"
I nodded, clutching my clutch bag, trying to look composed. "Yeah... I think so."
Dinner started... and it was as awkward as I feared.
His father, Mr. Vale, was all sharp suits, sharper words, and a business-minded gaze that seemed to see right through everyone.
"So," he said, glancing at Evan, "my son will take over the company after college. I hope you understand that priorities must come first."
Evan stiffened slightly.
"And what happened with Elaine, son?" Mr. Vale asked, golden eyes cold and probing.
Evan's jaw tightened. I swallowed. Who is Elaine?
The conversation around the table felt like walking on a frozen lake - one wrong word, one glance, and everything could crack.
I tried to stay quiet, sipping my sparkling water, but every so often, Mr. Vale made some sharp remark or dismissed Evan's comments.
How can anyone survive dinner like this?
Evan seemed... off. Not his usual teasing self, not even smirking. He kept glancing at me with a faint edge of something I couldn't read - protective? Sad? Angry?
After what felt like an eternity, the dinner finally ended. I followed Evan upstairs into his even bigger-than-I-ever-imagined mansion, each room more lavish than the last. He led me to his room - huge, golden accents, soft lighting, walls lined with books, a telescope in the corner.
Cassian lounged on a chair, grin spreading as he caught sight of me. "Sol," he said, mock-seductively, "you look amazing tonight."
I flushed, glancing at Evan. He narrowed his blue eyes slightly.
Aveline, perched beside Cassian, rolled her eyes. Cassian's smirk didn't falter. "Careful," he teased. "I might just steal her away."
Evan stiffened, hands clenching, jaw tight. "I said she's mine."
Cassian smirked, unbothered. "Relax, Vale. It's all fun."
Evan's golden gaze darkened. "I said she's mine."
Aveline groaned. "Oh, I can't with you two..."
The argument escalated quickly. Cassian flirted openly, Evan snapped, voices rising. Aveline stomped out, frustrated, leaving a tense silence.
I quietly moved toward the balcony, needing fresh air. The city lights sprawled beneath me, and the cool breeze brushed my face.
"Where do you think you're going?" Evan's voice was low and dangerous. Before I could turn, he was there, cornering me against the wall.
"Evan... what-" I started, but he tilted my jaw, golden eyes glinting.
"I told you. You're mine. I don't share."
Before I could protest, he pressed his lips to mine - soft, possessive, commanding. I froze, heart hammering, cheeks burning, breath catching. And then... he pulled back.
"Remember that," he murmured, voice low, before walking away, leaving me trembling.
I walked home alone, every step heavy, heart aching. The city streets felt colder than usual. By the time I got inside, I was almost at tears.
"Lyra! How was the dinner?" my mom asked, smiling warmly.
"Fine," I said, forcing a smile. "Really nice."
I hugged her, pretending, before retreating to my room. Once the door shut, the tears finally came.
I guess all the overwhelming things got to me.
I sank onto my bed, clutching the teddies Evan had gifted me, the sticky note's words echoing in my mind: You're mine. I don't like to share.
And somewhere deep down, I realized... I liked him. Really liked him.
And now, after tonight... it hurt more than I ever expected.
What if I was just his game?