Nina's POV
Mom's hug was crushing me.
I'm so happy! So, so happy! She pulled back, tears streaming down her face. How long? When? Why didn't you tell me?
Mom, we—
Yiannis! YIANNIS! They're here! Together! They're actually together!
Dad appeared from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. When he saw Theo's hand on my back, his face broke into a huge grin.
Well, well, Dad said. This is a surprise.
A good surprise! Mom grabbed both our arms. Come in, come in! Everyone's here! We need to celebrate!
She dragged us into the living room where my entire family was gathered. Sophia looked up from her phone, her eyes widening. My aunts stopped talking. My uncle paused mid-sip of his drink.
And Marcus just stared. His jaw was clenched so tight I thought his teeth might crack.
Everyone! Mom announced. Nina and Theo have an announcement!
Oh God. This was happening. Right now.
I looked up at Theo, panicking. He squeezed my hand once—a silent message. We've got this.
We wanted to tell you all together, Theo said smoothly. His voice was calm, warm, like announcing fake relationships was something he did every day. Nina and I are dating.
Silence. Complete, total silence.
Then chaos.
WHAT? Sophia shrieked.
Oh my God! Aunt Maria clutched her chest. I knew it! The way you two were looking at each other last night!
How long has this been going on? my uncle demanded.
Why didn't you tell us? Mom was crying again. Nina, why didn't you say anything?
I opened my mouth, but Theo beat me to it.
We wanted to be sure first, he said, his arm sliding around my waist. The gesture looked so natural. We've known each other for years through Marcus, but we never really talked until my birthday party last month. We started spending time together, and... He looked down at me, and the softness in his eyes almost looked real. We realized there was something there.
Something there? Mom repeated, melting. Oh, that's so romantic!
Why didn't you mention this last night? Sophia asked suspiciously. At Marcus's party?
We were going to, I managed to say. But it didn't feel like the right time. We wanted to tell everyone together at Sunday dinner.
My father stepped forward, studying Theo carefully. You're serious about my daughter?
Theo met his eyes without flinching. Very serious, sir.
Dad looked at me. And you? You're happy?
I thought about Dylan's texts. About Santorini. About the lies we were building brick by brick.
Yes, I said. I'm happy.
Dad broke into a smile and pulled Theo into a hug, clapping him on the back. Welcome to the family officially, son. You've been like family for years anyway.
Thank you, Yiannis.
Everyone started talking at once. My aunts asked how the first kiss happened. My cousins wanted to know if Theo had asked Marcus for permission first.
Marcus still hadn't said a word.
He stood in the corner, arms crossed, watching Theo like a defendant he was about to destroy in court.
Marcus! Mom grabbed his arm. Aren't you happy for them? Your best friend and your sister!
Ecstatic, Marcus said flatly.
The tension was thick enough to cut.
Can I talk to you? Marcus said, looking at Theo. Alone. Outside.
My stomach dropped. Marcus
It's fine, Theo said quietly. He squeezed my hand once more, then released it. We should talk.
They headed for the back door. I tried to follow, but Mom caught my arm.
Let them have their moment, she said. Marcus is just being protective. He'll come around.
Through the window, I could see them on the patio. Marcus was talking fast, his hands gesturing sharply. Theo stood perfectly still, his lawyer face fully in place.
This was a disaster. Marcus was going to kill him. Or worse—he was going to figure out the truth.
Nina, sit! Aunt Maria patted the couch. Tell us everything! How did the first date go?
I sat down in a daze, surrounded by eager faces. Sophia was watching me with narrowed eyes.
It was nice, I said lamely.
Nice? Mom looked offended. Just nice?
Really nice. Theo took me to that Italian place downtown. We talked for hours.
What did you talk about? Sophia asked.
Work. Family. Life. I was making this up as I went. He asked about my Nashville project. He actually knew about it—he'd been paying attention all these years even when I didn't realize it.
That's so sweet! Aunt Maria cooed.
And the kiss? my cousin asked. How was the first kiss?
I felt my face heat up. I'm not discussing that.
Oh, it was good then! Mom laughed. Look at her blushing!
Through the window, I saw Marcus shove Theo's shoulder. Hard.
Theo didn't react. Just stood there taking whatever Marcus was dishing out.
I stood up. I should—
The back door opened. Marcus stormed inside, his face dark. Theo followed more calmly, but I could see the tension in his shoulders.
Everything okay? I asked carefully.
Fine, Marcus bit out. He looked at our family. I need a drink.
He headed straight for the kitchen.
Theo came to my side, his hand finding the small of my back again. He'll be fine.
What did he say?
Later, Theo murmured.
Dad clapped his hands. Dinner's ready! Everyone to the table!
The dining room was packed. Mom had clearly been planning this dinner for days—the table was loaded with food. Moussaka, pastitsio, roasted lamb, salads, fresh bread. The smells made my stomach rumble despite my nerves.
Theo pulled out my chair before I could sit. The gentlemanly gesture made Mom sigh happily.
Such good manners, she whispered loudly to Aunt Maria.
Marcus sat directly across from us, still glaring.
Dinner started normally enough. Dad said a blessing. Mom started passing dishes. Everyone dug in.
Then Sophia said, So Nina, how's your decorating going?
The dismissive tone was subtle but clear.
It's going well, I said evenly. I just signed a new contract with
That's nice, Mom interrupted. It's good to have hobbies. Keeps you busy. She turned to Theo. She's so creative, always has been. Remember when she wanted to drop out of business school to chase this design dream?
My jaw clenched. It wasn't a dream. It's a career.
Of course, sweetie. I just mean it's a nice little business.
The words stung like they always did. Little business. Cute hobby. Like six years of work and success meant nothing.
Actually, Theo said, his voice cutting through the conversation. Nina's business generated over a million in revenue last year.
The table went silent.
Mom's fork stopped halfway to her mouth. What?
A million dollars, Theo repeated calmly. Her firm has designed interiors for the Continental Hotel Group, the Meridian Collection, and the Ashford hotels. She has a portfolio that competing firms would kill for. That's not a hobby, Sandra. That's a highly successful business.
You could hear a pin drop.
I stared at Theo, shocked. He'd said it so matter-of-factly. Like stating obvious facts instead of defending me.
I... I didn't know the numbers were that high, Mom said weakly.
Because you never asked, Theo said. Not unkindly, but firmly. Nina's brilliant at what she does. She built something remarkable from nothing. You should be incredibly proud of her.
Dad was grinning now. We are proud. Very proud.
Then maybe treat her work with the respect it deserves, Theo said quietly.
Sophia looked like she'd swallowed a lemon. Mom was blinking back tears—whether from shame or pride, I couldn't tell.
Under the table, I reached for Theo's hand.
He caught it immediately, threading our fingers together.
I squeezed once. Thank you.
He squeezed back. You're welcome.
Neither of us let go.
The conversation moved on. Aunt Maria asked about the wedding in Santorini. Sophia talked about her kids' school achievements. Dad told a story about the restaurant.
But Theo's hand stayed in mine the entire meal. His thumb occasionally brushing my knuckles. A constant, steady presence.
It was supposed to be for show. Part of the act.
So why did it feel so real?
More wine? Dad asked, noticing our empty glasses.
I'll get it, Marcus said abruptly. He stood and grabbed the bottle.
When he refilled Theo's glass, he leaned close and whispered something I couldn't hear.
Theo's hand tightened around mine. Just slightly. But enough that I felt it.
Whatever Marcus had said, it wasn't friendly.
After dinner, Mom brought out baklava and coffee. Everyone moved to the living room. Sophia's kids wanted to show Theo their drawings. My aunts wanted relationship advice.
I found myself alone in the kitchen with Marcus.
He was loading the dishwasher with more force than necessary, slamming plates into slots.
Marcus
Don't. He didn't look at me. Just don't.
You're mad.
What gave it away? He turned to face me, and his expression was pure hurt. You're dating my best friend, and I had to find out with everyone else. You didn't think to tell me first?
Guilt twisted in my stomach. We wanted to tell everyone together.
That's crap, Nina. You wanted to ambush me so I couldn't object.
There's nothing to object to!
He's my best friend! You're my baby sister! This crosses so many lines!
I'm not a baby. I'm twenty-eight years old.
And he's six years older than you. He's been in my life since law school. He was there when you were still in college. This is— Marcus ran his hands through his hair. This is weird, Nina. This is really weird.
It doesn't have to be.
Did he tell you? Marcus asked suddenly.
My stomach dropped. Tell me what?
That I made him promise years ago to never look at you that way. To never even think about pursuing you.
The words hit like ice water.
You what?
After Dylan, when you were a mess, every guy I knew was circling. Wanting to be your 'support system.' I saw what they really wanted. Marcus's voice was rough. I told Theo—I told all of them—you were off-limits. That you'd been through enough and didn't need more complications.
I felt sick. You told Theo to stay away from me?
I told him not to think of you as anything but my little sister. And he promised. Marcus looked past me to where Theo was visible in the living room, smiling at something my dad was saying. So either he's breaking that promise, or...
Or what?
Marcus's eyes met mine. Hard. Searching.
Or something about this doesn't add up.
My heart stopped.
Before I could respond, Theo appeared in the doorway.
Nina, he said smoothly. Your mom wants to take pictures.
I'm talking to my brother.
Now, Nina. There was steel under the pleasant tone.
I looked between them. The tension was suffocating.
We're not done, Marcus said.
Yes, we are. Theo's hand found mine, pulling me gently away. Excuse us.
He led me back to the living room where Mom had her phone out, directing people into position.
You and Theo! By the fireplace! She was practically vibrating with excitement. This is our first official photo as a couple!
Theo's arm slid around my waist, pulling me close. I could feel his heart racing against my side.
Smile, he murmured.
I smiled. Mom snapped a dozen photos.
Perfect! I'm posting this right now! Mom was already typing on her phone. Everyone needs to know!
And just like that, it was official. Public. Real in a way that made my chest tight.
Theo's phone buzzed. He pulled it out and his expression hardened.
What? I whispered.
He showed me the screen.
A text from an unknown number.
Cute couple photo. I'm sure it'll last. See you in Santorini. - Dylan
The message felt like a threat.
But worse than Dylan's text was what I saw when I looked up.
Marcus was watching us from across the room.
And his expression said he knew.
He knew we were lying.
And he was going to prove it.