elara

Three weeks later, I found myself seated across from Jared in one of my father's sprawling restaurants. A steaming plate of spaghetti sat in front of me, but he had opted for nothing more than a glass of water. His face had healed remarkably well, the remnants of his injury fading, and as I studied him, I couldn't help but admire how undeniably attractive he was. His muscles were defined, and his shoulders broader than Damon's; his striking white hair and piercing eyes made him stand out as something truly exceptional. Jared was the kind of guy who radiated a protective aura, a stark contrast to my brother, Damon, yet the familiarity in their strength brought me comfort.

"Your cheeks are red— is it spicy?"

he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

I met his gaze and shook my head, panic gripping me. How could I reveal that the flush across my face stemmed not from the food, but from the fluttering feelings I had for my own brother? I really needed to get it together.

"So, do you need anything else?" he asked, his tone genuine.

"No, thank you," I replied, my voice betraying a hint of nerves.

"Elara… I guess I should apologize for what happened the last time—the kiss. Even if we're engaged, it really should have been a mutual decision. My apologies."

His sincerity caught me off guard.

"It's fine, Jared,"

I assured him, a reassuring smile breaking through.

"I've forgotten about it and I forgive you."

He seemed to relax a little, and I could see the tension ease from his shoulders.

"So, do you want to do something else? Or maybe go somewhere?"

I thought about it for a moment, considering our surroundings and the gentle hum of conversation around us. "No, Jared, let's just talk," I decided.

And talk we did. The evening melted away as I shared bits and pieces of my life, feeling surprisingly at ease with him, as if I were simply recounting stories to Damon. He nodded along, his attentive gaze encouraging me to open up further.

"Umm… about our engagement… we… umm… do you like me?" The question slipped from his lips, catching me off guard. Sudden nerves coursed through me; I'd been pondering the very same thing.

"I don't know," I admitted after a moment of hesitation. "I'm just getting to know you. You're a cool guy. I don't feel any of that… well, that sexual tension, but I do like you." As I spoke, I noticed him shift back in his seat, a frown creeping onto his face. Had I said something wrong? Maybe I had been too blunt?

"Well… our parents have engaged us, so we have to live with it," he said with a resigned sigh.

After finishing dinner, he escorted me home, and as we approached the entrance, I was surprised to spot Damon standing there, waiting for me. Was he really waiting… for me? The uncertain look in his eyes shifted between Jared and me, and I felt an unexpected thrill rush through me. I turned to Jared, offered a soft "goodnight," and made my way inside.

"How was the date? Was he nice to you?"

Damon inquired, his eyes eager and curious.

"He was really good and sweet,"

I replied, feeling a flutter of surprise myself. It wasn't the first time Damon had shown such keen interest in my life, so I wasn't overly shocked by his probing. I headed to my room, offering a simple "goodnight" before shutting the door, my mind swirling with thoughts of the evening.