9. DAHLIA HARPER

Where the fuck are my heels?

I couldn't find my heels that I'd decided on for my dress. I'm good at many things, but packing isn't one of them. I don't know how something gets lost at the exact moment I need it. I swear I put them in the suitcase, but now they're nowhere to be found. Maybe I should start making a packing list next time to avoid this kind of situation.

Fortunately, I found my heels just in time.

"Sweetheart, are you ready?" Dad knocked on my door.

Yes. I was back at my house. I returned just the day after my kiss with him. I was too short-circuited to think straight. There wasn't a moment when I didn't feel a tingle in that house, so I ditched the scene.

Uncle Dante and Aunt Viv weren't happy with my decision, and Uncle kept glaring toward Marco as they suspected it was because of him. Anyway, I cheered them up by saying we were going to meet on Camilla's birthday.

"Yeah, I am." I answered him, putting on my sneakers and strapping my heels into the suitcase with a glare as if I was scolding them for dissappearing.

Dad opened my door, looking dashing as always, and said, "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah." I replied and kissed his cheek and watched how his chest rose with pride. Dad always got emotional when I showed him affection, but I knew he appreciated it.

"Are you planning to live there for months?" He narrowed his eyes at my luggage , clearly concerned about the amount of stuff I was bringing.

"Come on, Dad. Do you know how much it takes to take care of curls? Also, skincare is important." I swatted his arm playfully.

"You're all your mom over again," he smiled.

"I take after the best." I chuckled.

"Now, we should just head back because your mother is not that happy with me today." Dad sighed.

"Did you try to murder Mr. Unicorn again?" I asked suspiciously. It was really funny that a man who claims to never be jealous of anyone is jealous of a stuff toy.

"No, I just accidentally knocked it off the shelf," he admitted sheepishly.

"Dad, don't lie to me." I knew he was lying

"Your mom was bathing Mr. Unicorn, talking to that hideous thing, so I got...

"Jealous." I finished for him.

"So, I proceeded to drown that fucking toy in the bathtub when your mom came in, and then she looked too mad at me for trying to murder Mr. Unicorn," he explained, looking regretful—not for the stuffed toy, but for Mom.

"Dad, seriously? Are you still upset about that stupid toy after all these years?" I asked, shaking my head in disbelief. "It's just a toy."

"One that got more votes on an Insta poll than me." He grumbled.

I broke out into a fit of laughter, "Dad, it was just a silly poll! And it was like two decades ago."

"Still," he muttered, crossing his arms and pouting like a child. I couldn't help but smile at his stubbornness, knowing that Mr. Unicorn would forever hold a special place in our family history.

"Okay, I know that my dad is going to make it up with a good fucking session." I winked at him. If I had to count how many times I have seen my parents in, before, and after dirty deeds, I would need a calculator.

"I never agreed with Stella that I'd spoiled you, but now I think she says the truth. You are spoiled."

"Dad, when I got you and uncles and aunts like that, it was hard not to get spoiled. Now let's go, or you're going to be in big trouble." I pointed at the door.

"You are going to save me, aren't you?" Dad asked me, kissing my forehead.

I smiled and nodded, "Of course, Dad. I'll always have your back." With that, we headed out the door together, ready to face whatever trouble awaited us.

We entered the living room and found Mom with her arms crisscrossed at her chest. I guess Dad tried to murder that stuffed toy in a cruel way. When she saw me, she hugged me, and when Dad tried to kiss her, she pressed her index finger at his lips and pushed him away. Dad looked devastated.

"Don't you dare make it up with kisses, Christian Harper." Mom said it angrily, her sundress falling elegantly to her knees.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Mom held up her hand to stop me. "No defending Dad this time."

"Dahlia, let's go, or we are going to be late. Gosh, I'm so excited to meet Bridget." Mom ignored Dad.

I patted Dad on the shoulder to show him my sympathy. He looked like he had lost everything, and I giggled at his look. When he threw me a look, I laughed even more.

All the way to Eldorra, everything was just quiet. Dad was continuously trying to convince Mom, while Mom blatantly ignored him. I put on my headphones and drowned out their argument with my favorite music, trying to focus on the excitement of meeting Bridget instead.

When we reached the castle, I was engulfed in arms and could only hear cries of laughter and happiness. I've missed this happiness, which never came back after that incident. When I was free from arms, I saw Sofia and Camilla. Milla looked breathtakingly beautiful. She always had those elegant and classy vibes around her.

I greeted Aunt Bridget first. She hugged me tightly.

"It's been so long since I've seen my godchild. Gosh, you have grown just more beautiful." She smiled brightly, showing a set of perfect white teeth. Her blonde hair were tied in an elegant bun and diamonds were decorating her neck. Beautiful.

"So have Camilla and Bridget." Mom said this as she was hugging Camilla.

"Here are you; I thought you forgot me completely." Uncle Rhys's arms surrounded my stomach as he picked me up and spun me around .

"I could never forget my favorite uncle," I laughed as he put me back down. His black hair fell to his collar, but his smile was warm and genuine. It felt good to be in his arms again after so long. Gray eyes so familiar and comforting met mine as he ruffled my hair. "You've grown so much," he said, a hint of sadness in his voice. I hugged him tightly, feeling grateful for his presence.

"Be careful with my daughter, Larsen," Dad called out from where he was chatting with Uncle Alex and Josh.

"He is a pain in my ass, as always." I giggled when Uncle Rhys said that.

Dad and Uncle Rhys always talk to each other like that. They never want to accept their friendship. Mom tried calling it bromance, but Dad always shut her up on that topic. But we all know that they are best friends, despite their constant teasing and banter. It's clear that their bond runs deep, even if they won't admit it openly.

"Okay, now give me content on which I could blackmail my dad." I said to him seriously, as if we were smuggling drugs. Despite being in his fifties, he looked so handsome, it could make girls swoon over him.

"I've collected so many of them. Let me tell you that once when Stella was busy—" Uncle Rhys whispered.

"I could hear every single fucking word you are saying, Larsen." Dad came up from behind with a scowl marring his forehead.

"So, what? Your daughter has the right to know about your deeds, Harper." Uncle Rhys appeared unaffected, standing a bit taller as if he already wasn't so giant.

"Okay, then it would be fair if I told Camilla that once when bri-" Dad began.

"Okay, you shut your mouth; I'll keep mine shut." Uncle Rhys glared at Dad, his jaw clenched in frustration.

"Little butterfly, you should go, or he is going to give you a terrible headache. I don't know how Bridget handled him." Dad said to me.

"Hey, he is like the best godfather ever. I love him to bits." I kissed Uncle's cheek and watched how his chest swelled with pride and a small smile played on his lips. Uncle Rhys may be tough, but deep down he had a heart of gold that shone through in moments like these.

"How can you betray me, little butterfly? Both of my girls have left me." Dad said dramatically , pretending to wipe away a fake tear. I couldn't help but laugh at his theatrics, knowing that deep down he was just happy to see us happy with Uncle Rhys.

"Dad, I love you too." I went and kissed his cheek too.

"You are just a petty little bitch, Harper." Uncle Rhys sadi with a smug expression.

"You want me to murder you, Larsen?" Dad asked him.

Uncle Rhys just chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. "Bring it on, old man," he replied with a grin.

..........................................................................

The next two days were bliss. I, Sofi, Milla, and Josie were in bliss. I ignored Marco when he came and only greeted Uncle and Vivian. I don't fucking care. I'm having fun, and that's all I care about. I'm avoiding him, for I don't want to get in any kinda relationship. Kiss was a mistake, even if he refuses to label it as such.

He spent most of his day working like he always does and nights with James and Niko.

Today was Milla's birthday. Camilla looked so gorgeous with her blond hair and her dress that it was hard for me to tear my eyes away from her. She wore a lavender-colored off-shoulder gown that had delicate golden embroidery and enhanced her figure.

Sofia wore her dark blue V-neck gown. and Josie wore her typical red gown. Red suits her the most.

I wore an emerald green V-neck gown with spaghetti straps that had slit.I loved green. It calms my eyes.

The decorations were breathtaking in the castle. After all, the only princess of Eldorra deserved such a grand celebration. The chandeliers sparkled, the flowers bloomed, and the music filled the air, creating a magical atmosphere for Milla's special day. Everyone danced and laughed, making memories that would last a lifetime.

I am tired of dancing. I had danced with Niko, my dad, James, and now with Uncle Dante. After this, I'm going to just sleep in my room.

"You okay, sweetie?" Uncle Dante asked as he twirled me around the ballroom.

"Just a bit tired, Uncle," I replied with a smile, feeling grateful for his understanding.

"Shall I escort you back to your room then?" he offered kindly, sensing my exhaustion.

"No, i'm fine. Thanks, by the way." I smiled at him.

"Dad, could I have a dance with her?" Marco's voice cut through as the hair on the back of my neck rose. He was behind me, and I could feel his eyes burning into my back. Uncle Dante looked at me, but I just stood there still.

"I'm dancing with her." Uncle Dante stared at Marco. A stare that looked more like a warning than a request.

"Come on, honey. Let them dance together." Aunt Viv's sweet voice came from behind him. I'm sure she is acting like a matchmaker these days , trying to bring Marco and me closer together.

"Mia Cara, I'm dancing with her." Uncle Dante shook his head.

"So, you are going to deny me this dance?" Aunt Viv pouted, giving Uncle Dante a playful look.

"Uncle, I will be fine. You should go dance with Aunt Viv instead." I said, knowing avoiding a certain confrontation won't get me far.

Uncle had to leave me as Aunt Viv took him for a dance. I was always bemused as to how whipped these very dangerous men were by their wives. Aunt Viv whispered something in Uncle Dante's ear, making him chuckle and blush. It was a side of him I rarely saw, and it made me smile to witness their love and affection for each other.

Marco put a hand around my waist and held my hand, and we swayed to the music. Heat spread to my core at his touch.

Was I craving his touch? Investigate later.

"Why are you dancing with me?" I asked as he lifted me off the ground.

He danced so well, and it was like I was just floating through the air, my feet never touching the ground.

"Because I want to dance with you." He answered casually.

"That's not an answer." I replied as he tugged me closer, my breasts graxing his tuxedo. I noticed how handsome he looked tonight, his eyes sparkling in the dimly lit room.

"You want an answer from me, huh? Then why don't you answer me? Why have you been avoiding me for the past few days?" He whispered, his breath warm against my ear. I hesitated, unsure of how to respond, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement at his closeness.

"Because that kiss was a mistake, and before I commit more of them, I need to distance myself from you." I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach. His grip on me tightened, and I could feel the tension between us growing with each passing second.

"It's funny how you keep lying to yourself. That kiss wasn't a fucking mistake ," he said, his voice low and intense. "You can try to push me away, but we both know there's something between us that can't be ignored."

"There is nothing between us. You are the one who is delusional enough to believe that." I said, slipping free from him. "Now, If you excuse me, I have somewhere else to be." With a defiant look, I turned and walked away, leaving him standing there in silence.

I was this close to my room when he grabbed my hand and pushed against the wall. his body in contact with mine, and his mouth is just inches away from my lips.

"Stop running from me, Lia."

"What do you want from me? A one-night stand or a kiss or something else? Because I sure as fuck don't want to want something that will never be present and ruin my days after it." I pulled my hand away from his grasp and took a step back, feeling a mix of anger and confusion. "I need to know where we stand before anything else happens between us," I said firmly, meeting his gaze with determination.

"I want you, Lia. Not for just a one-night stand or a kiss. I want you forever. I knew I wanted you the moment you stepped into that party , and I won't stop fighting for you until you believe that. If you run, I chase you. If I chase you, I'll catch you . And when I catch you, I'll never let you go," he declared, his eyes full of sincerity and passion. So dark yet so captivating, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. It was in that moment that I realized he was serious about us, and I couldn't help but feel my walls crumbling down in the face of his unwavering determination.

He reached behind us and dragged me into the room.

"As much as I hate myself for becoming so obsessed over something, I still want you. I gave you a choice in that restaurant, it's yours now. But know this, diamond, you won't have any choices after this ." His words sent a shiver down my spine, the intensity of his gaze leaving me breathless.

So, I did what I wanted.

I locked the door behind me.

Choice made.

I knew there was no turning back now, but I felt a strange sense of freedom in my decision. The only thing left to do was face whatever consequences came my way.

I gasped as he yanked me towards him, kissed me forcefully, and whispered, "You've made your choice, now you'll have to live with it." The thrill of defiance mixed with fear as I realized the consequences of my actions were about to unfold.