SUMMER
I didn't realize how tense my shoulders were until Mrs. Ria offered to show me to my temporary room.
Grateful for the escape, I spared one last glance at the twins—Travis leaning in the doorway like he didn't have a care in the world, Tristan watching me like he knew exactly how I felt.
I followed her down the hall, letting the distance dull the sharp air around them.
Once I was alone, and Mrs. Ria had politely made sure I was settled, she gave me a small nod and left with a gentle, "Dinner's at seven, dear."
I nodded, waited for her footsteps to fade, and locked the door behind me. This wasn't home. This wasn't even close.
I walked to the bed and collapsed into it, staring at the ceiling. It was clean. Luxurious. Tastefully decorated. Everything about it screamed wealth and structure—but none of it felt like mine.
Ireland was louder.
Warmer.
It smelled like my father's cologne and the cinnamon cookies I used to bake when he got home from meetings late.
This place? It smelled like fresh polish and marble and strangers who didn't ask where you came from, only what you were worth.
The tears came fast. Faster than I expected.
I wasn't dramatic. But something about the quietness here—about the way I had no control, no power, no familiarity—made my chest ache.
I missed my father.
Even though he hadn't called.
Even though part of me was starting to wonder if he ever would.
I was raised an only child, pampered and adored—not by the world, but by the one person who mattered. My dad.
He always said I reminded him of my mother, though I only remember her in flashes. A perfume bottle. A soft lullaby in another language.
We weren't billionaires like the Bellanis. But in my father's eyes, I was royalty.
Now, I wasn't even Summer Adair.
I was a girl being kept out of sight, tucked away in a home that ran on secrets and silence.
And I was starting to wonder if maybe this wasn't just for my "safety."
Maybe it was a choice.
Someone's choice.
Not mine.
---
I wiped my face and scoffed.
God, I didn't even want to come to Chicago. If I'd just stayed back in Ireland, ignored the stupid summer fest invite, maybe none of this would've happened. Maybe I'd still be in my bed, with my friends, with my life.
But there's no such thing as what if.
This was the reality now.
I was here. Alone.
In a house with two absurdly attractive twins who were either very polite or very suspicious—possibly both.
And for the sake of my sanity, I'd pretend I was okay with that.
---
I told myself I'd just rest my eyes.
Ten seconds, maybe.
But the next thing I heard was banging on my door.
My brain fogged with sleep, I stumbled over and yanked it open, ready to yell—until I saw who it was.
"Hi, sunshine," Travis grinned. "You sleep like the dead. I've been knocking forever."
Just like that, my frustration dissolved.
"Of course not," I said dryly. "I've only had the most emotionally draining day of my life. Apologies if my body decided to check out."
His face shifted. Something flickered across his features—regret? Recognition? Maybe both.
He stepped aside as I moved to freshen up, clearly taking the hint.
"I'm guessing you're here to drag me to dinner?" I called from the bathroom.
"Yup. Dinner's in six minutes. Thought I'd check on you. I figured you'd be wiped."
I returned, wiping my face. "Thanks, I guess." I gave him a crooked smile. "We can go."
The moment i placed my hands on the knob i heard shuffling behind me, and the next moment, im pressed with my face to the door and travis hot body behind me.
He leaned down slightly to whisper in my ears ." cmon sunshine afterall the efforts i put into waking you, you are just gonna dismiss me like that??" .
The feel of his hot breath on my ears turns my thoughts into a puddle of mess, causing me to press backwards into him .
His suppressed groan is enough to wake me up. i pushed him while he wasn't concentrating and ran out of the room as fast as possible while still in a blushing mess.
Turning around the corner, i stumbled into a hard body and bounced back while losing balance.
I was unable to stop the fall, so i resigned myself to fate and closed my eyes .
The feeling of a strong arm around my waist jacking me up to my feet made me open my eyes to see tristan looking down on me .
Why are they so strong, aren't they just 19? Seriously, what did they eat while growing up? i mused to myself.
" Are you alright, sunshine? you didn't hit your head now, did you?? . well, i think i could get used to this, haha .
" Uhh... n..noo sorry, i wasn't watching where i was going... thanks." Scolding myself to get a grip, i stood properly .
" You sure your face seems red, though?" tristan said while smirking at me. i could tell he was trying hard to hold his laugh. hmph .
stomping my feet in annoyance, i threw a glance at him and opened my mouth to argue when .....
" Hey sunshine, you're still here?." travis said as he took long strides from behind me. " Oh .. hey bro, " figured you will be downstairs by now."
tristan squinted at the figure of his brother coming from the direction of my room they exchanged a couple of twins glances but said nothing god knows what they are discussing. Well, now im bothered .
" alright boys stop with the pissing contest lets go have dinner," i said as i passed by them while echoes of their laughter travelled down my ears. Well, that went well, right ??.
A/N : Who do yall think summer should end up with ??
or should i make it a why choose novel ?? im having conflicting thoughts. Your feedback will be helpful, thanks.