Amelia

"Amy! Amy!" Sofia yelled as she ran towards me. She finally stopped and started to breathe heavily. "I need your help."

I simply nodded as she continued, "Listen, I just bought a cake and I need to decorate the table before he comes downstairs. "Please, I need you to distract him for a little while."

I looked at her, confused. "It's Luke's birthday, and I want to surprise him."

"WHAT!" I exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell me? I didn't even bring him a present."

Suddenly, we heard a knock on the door, we both turned around, and she said, "Finally, he's here." My eyes widened.

"Who's here?" She opened the door, and I found myself staring at him.

He wasn't dressed up; instead, he wore an oversized black hoodie with black cargo pants and white sneakers. I never imagined seeing him without those suits he usually wears.

Oh god, what happened? Why is he approaching me? He said, "Hi." It took me a moment to respond, "Hi."

"I hate to break it to you, but you should definitely go distract Luke before he hears us and comes down," Sofia muttered. I shifted my attention to Sofia and nodded before walking to Luke's room.

I knocked on Luke's bedroom door and entered once I heard his calm "come in."

He was playing by himself on the floor. I sat down next to him and asked, "Can I play with you?" He smiled and nodded.

While I was playing with him, he asked, "Why didn't you leave? Our class has ended." Actually, he's right. "I don't know, maybe I wanted to stay a bit longer to find out what's on your mind right now. You seem lost." I asked.

He seemed distracted the entire day. "It's nothing." He lowered his gaze. "You don't want to tell me? Fine. But remember, I'm always here for you." I beamed.

I spent my entire childhood alone, with no one caring for me or even asking how I felt. My older sisters were focused with their studies, and my parents with their jobs. To them, I was just an annoying kid. Even though my parents were present, I was never supported like the other kids.

"What is your favorite movie?" I questioned. I have to start a conversation with him.

"I don't know, they were all so good. But I love Spirited Away a lot."

"I love that movie, as well as all the other Ghibli movies." I smiled.

"Does it mean we can all watch movies together the next time?" It's not a bad idea. "Sure, why not?" I said confidently.

Luke smiled and said, "Good, I should definitely tell uncle."

"Wait what? That's a bad idea." "Why?" He said it with a sad expression on his face.

"Because, you know, I can't just interfere with your family time. I'm not part of your family." I can't tell a little kid that my parents would kill me if they find out about what's happening right now.

I'm literally in the same house as a man. We're under the same roof. Even though my parents love Stella, it took her a lot of convincing for my parents to let her marry, and she wedded the guy after only two months of knowing each other.

My parents are against dating. If you love someone, you should marry him right away, but they should accept him as well in order to bless your marriage.

Luke was still upset. "Come on, you can't stay sad when you know it'll make me feel the same way." I remarked.

"Tell me what should I do for you to forgive me?" He looked at me with wide eyes. "You're going to do whatever I want." He spoke.

"Yes, whatever you want." I smiled.

He started walking towards his bookshelf, pulling out a small book. "Read this for me." I stared at the book title, then carefully opened it and started reading. He looked happy.

"I love the way you read," he added, and I beamed, "Thank you." He returned to the bookshelf and put the book back.

Suddenly, we heard Sofia's voice. She was calling Luke. He started running downstairs. I was even more surprised when I saw how well decorated the table was. They did an amazing work in a short amount of time.

When Luke entered the living room, we all began singing him happy birthday. He was even more happy. After he blew out the candles and cut the cake, I packed my things and was headed toward the door when a deep voice said, "Stay." I turned around, and it was Asher. Every time I hear his voice, it hits me with nostalgia.

"I can't. I have to go." I couldn't look him in the eyes. "Please, just for Luke." He pleaded.

"I really don't want to interfere with your family time. I'm not part of your family." I said the same thing I told Luke. He started to move in closer.

"Amelia, you are a part of this family. You have no idea how much Luke adores you." The way he said my name reminded me of him. I closed my eyes for a second and had a thought. His name was Asher Harper, just like Sofia's brother. Does that mean...?

"You still remember me, right?" He asked . "I'm sorry, what?" I want to make sure we're on the same page.

"I'm the guy that used to sit next to you and even said "hi" every time I passed in front of you." I pretended to be surprised, then said, "Oh, what's up? Sorry, I didn't know you until now." I chuckled nervously.

Seriously, what am I even saying? "It's okay, I didn't know you at first until I heard your name; it was unforgettable." His smile was charming.

"It's good to see you again," I replied with a smile.

Seriously, why does my phone ring at the worst times? When I checked my phone, it was a message from Cassian.

Cassian: Come outside. I'm waiting for you.

I read his text three times just to figure out what he was saying. My eyes widened; I should definitely leave. "If you'll excuse me. I gotta go. Bye." I gave Luke and Sofia a quick smile before leaving.

His car was parked right in front of the house. But how did he know the exact address?

Before getting inside the car, I approached the driver's seat and asked, "How did you know this address?"

"I went to your house and couldn't find you, so your mother gave me the address and told me to drive you home." My mother? What is she up to?

As soon as he was done, I began calling my mother. I asked if I could enter Cassian's car after she had responded. I hung up when she said yes. I finally opened the passenger door and sat in his car.

Why is my mother forcing me to marry this man yet she refused to allow my sister to marry? What's going on inside her head? Why are all the boys I've ever cared about suddenly showing up?

So many questions to ask, but no answers.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed reading it. What do you think about the story this far? Please make sure to comment your thoughts.

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