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The early Sunday morning painted my room with golden honey hues as sunlight streamed through my window. With a sleepy yawn, I gently rubbed my eyes and rose from my cozy bed. My mind wandered to the small town library, a place I loved for its books that let me escape into captivating worlds and bond with fictional characters.

I fetched a white towel from my drawer and headed to the shower, which was conveniently attached to my room. Stepping onto the cold, unforgiving tiles sent shivers through me. I turned the shower handle, allowing the warm water to embrace my skin.

After my refreshing shower, I dressed in a light pink top that left a sliver of my belly exposed. My favorite flared denim jeans completed the look, adorned with delicate accessories—a golden heart locket necklace and a pearly heirloom from my grandmother.

A touch of makeup enhanced my features: mascara-coated lashes, a subtle cat-eye eyeliner wing, and rosy lips courtesy of my tinted Burt's Bees lip balm. As I gazed at my reflection, I couldn't help but admire the young woman I had become. I had straight black hair, foxy brown eyes, and a sprinkle of freckles across my light brown skin.

Proudly, I embraced my blossoming curves and the undeniable transition into womanhood that was just around the corner, as my 19th birthday approached. While part of me longed to remain forever young, I understood that growth and change were inevitable, and I was ready to face them head-on.

I descended the stairs and entered the expansive kitchen, a rare sight of my mom preparing breakfast after many years. It was an unexpected and heartwarming surprise.

"Morning," I greeted, taking a seat at the kitchen island.

"Hi, good morning sweetie. You go sit down; I'm making pancakes for breakfast," she said with a sweet wink.

As I settled in, my plate was already set, and I observed my mom skillfully flipping pancakes as if she were a seasoned chef. Typically, it was Toni who took charge of cooking in our household, and he excelled at it.

I often wondered why he hadn't pursued a career as a professional chef, envisioning a grand restaurant in town. Perhaps practicality took precedence over passion, considering the expenses of our expansive home.

Instead, he had established himself as a prominent businessman, although the specifics of his field remained a mystery to me. I presumed it was the realm of wealth management and investments, a world reserved for the well-to-do.

"So, any plans for today?" my mom inquired, turning her head to look at me. I nodded.

"I'm going to the library in town to get some new books. I've devoured all of mine," I explained.

"That's wonderful, sweetie. It's heartening to see young girls still finding joy in reading," she remarked with a warm smile. "Oh, and would you mind picking up some groceries for me afterward?"

"Of course, Mom," I agreed, and she expertly flipped a pancake onto my plate. The delectable aroma wafted through the air, and I eagerly added some fruit and drizzled maple syrup. My first bite was a revelation.

"This is amazing, Mom. You should do this more often," I complimented with a grin. However, my mother seemed distracted, her gaze fixed on her phone, seemingly lost in another world.

It was a recurring concern of mine, her constant attachment to the device, as if oblivious to the beauty of the world around us. It left me pondering how someone could spend every hour absorbed in a digital screen when there was so much natural beauty to appreciate.

Footsteps echoed through the kitchen, and there stood Toni, shirtless, revealing his chiseled, muscular chest in all its glory. "Morning, babe," he greeted, sharing a kiss with my mother, who giggled and finally put her phone away.

I took a bite of a strawberry and pretended not to be affected by the sheer sexiness of his physique. "Mornin', Isabella," he said, his gaze briefly flickering to me. It wasn't intentional; he never did that anyway. I managed a small, polite smile. "Good morning, Toni."

Toni was something else entirely. He was one of the most handsome men I had ever encountered, possessing an irresistible allure with a hint of danger. His warm brown hair sported a few dignified grey strands, a testament to his age, which I found intriguing. His grey eyes had an icy piercing quality, and a well-maintained stubbled beard accentuated his sharp jawline. And his body... tall and powerful, he exuded an undeniable air of authority, not just through his job and wealth but also in his appearance and demeanor.

I shifted my focus back to my breakfast, attempting to devour the unholy thoughts that had crossed my mind. Toni walked past me, holding a plate, and settled next to me at the kitchen island. "You look pretty. Are you going somewhere today?"

His words caused my lips to part in surprise. I had never heard him compliment me like this before. While he occasionally remarked about how Tabitha, my mother, had a beautiful daughter during business gatherings and dinner parties, it had never been in such a casual and personal context. My cheeks flushed with a shade of red as I turned to him. "Thank you. I'm going to the library."

"Okay, I'll give you a ride. I'm heading into town anyway," he offered.

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating those potentially awkward 17 minutes alone with him. But the thought of avoiding such a situation for my own peace of mind won out. I quietly declined, "I... I'm good, but thanks for the offer, Toni."

He playfully bumped my shoulder and raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure, Isabella? I mean, it's the least I could do. It'll be quick."

I fidgeted with my leg and shook my head once more. "No, I'm okay, really."

My mother rolled her eyes at me, clearly growing impatient with our exchange. "Sweetie, come on. Toni is offering you a ride into town; you should be grateful," she chimed in, her lips pursed in a subtle reminder.

Sensing the futility of further resistance and not wanting to argue, I relented. "Okay, then. We'll go together," I said to Toni, offering a brief smile, and then continued to finish my breakfast.

The ride to town was quiet, but not uncomfortably so. I had a feeling that Toni was stealing glances at me, checking to make sure I was alright. I appreciated his consideration, knowing that I could be somewhat anxious at times, and I tended to keep to myself as a naturally quiet person.

"Can I... turn on the radio?" I softly asked, trying to break the awkward silence that hung between us.

He glanced at me briefly and replied, "Of course."

I reached out to the radio and tuned it to a slow, mysterious rock song playing softly in the background. The music provided a comforting backdrop to the otherwise quiet journey.

As we arrived in town, Toni looked at me one last time and unexpectedly patted my thigh. I jumped slightly in surprise, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I met his gaze. "We're here. How late will you be home?" he inquired.

I blinked, then replied, "Hopefully before dinner, but I'm not sure. I also need to pick up some groceries for Mom."

"Alright, no need to worry. I'll be nearby for work, and I'll pick you up after my shift so we can get groceries together, okay?" he suggested, his smile putting me at ease.

"Mhm, okay. Sounds great," I agreed, returning his smile.

I opened the car door and stepped out, looking back as the black Mercedes drove away. Toni's parting words, "Have fun, Bella," echoed in my ears as I made my way towards the town's library doors, ready to lose myself in the world of books once more.