FORBIDDEN STEP

nding almost my entire life in this house, I was leaving. Lucas had suggested that my mom and I move into h

ve from Tampa, where I grew up, it felt

over for sleepovers and study sessions... it was more than just a home. Every room, every corner, held a piece

, held every memory, every laugh, and every tear. I remembered the countless reading sessions, the daily day

go when my friends and I decided to have one last sleepover. We'd stayed up late, gi

ame!" Savvy exclaimed, her e

ebrow, intrigued.

hievously. "Truth

ing her head. "Only

ands in mock defense. "I pro

ave been friends since childhood; we attend the

her way for anything fun but Emily is

as she asked Emily, "So, what's the deal with you and Daniel? It seems you're getting very close with

nd she looked away, laugh

ading across my face. "I tho

kled with amuseme

and down. "It's not bad,

y head. "Savvy, you'

Ava, how's everything going with your mom's wed

I'm happy for my mom, but it's weird to

t. But from what you've said, Lucas se

furrowing. "Yeah, I guess so.

t about the son, Liam? Yo

above a whisper. "Yeah, yeah, he does hav

with curiosity. "Just

veness creeping into her voice. "I don't know,

rned mischievou

d taken aback. "No, he's not

could stop them, and I felt a strange pang

ed me out of my thoughts. "Come on, l

tairs. I settled into the back seat of the car and gazed out the window a

ad testing our patience. But as the car drove through the gates, I couldn't h

fore. Its exteriors were mesmerizing, with a d

chitecture company, but seeing his work first

, and the elegant curves all came together

he car, I couldn't help b

up close, with intricate stone carvings and expa

with vibrant flowers of every color, thei

tal-clear waters inviting me to take a dip. Lounge chairs and umbrellas were arr

f members moving discreetly about the property, tending t

I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and gratit

reathtaking hallway with a sweeping staircase and

y tale, and I couldn't wait to explore ever

. Our little house in Tampa had been our haven, filled with love, laughter, and memories. But steppin

't help but feel a sense of awe. This was a life I had only ever seen in movies or read about in books. T

nights. It was a simple, yet happy life. But now, as I stood in this grand mans

s, taking in the various artwork and decorations. And then, I saw him. A

. Liam's piercing blue eyes seemed to stare right through me, his chiseled features and strong jawli

t. There was something about Liam's eyes that seemed to dra

tice anyone approaching me. But then, I heard a