Chapter One

Daisy pov

As the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, I stood before the mirror, carefully choosing my outfit. Today was the day I would visit my best friend Brianna's house, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. It wasn't just because I missed spending time with her, but also because of a secret desire that tugged at my heart.

I reluctantly admitted it to myself - I longed to catch a glimpse of her father, Anthony. There was something about him that made my heart skip a beat whenever he was around. His warm smile, the kindness in his eyes, and the way he cared for his daughter made my feelings all the more confusing. As much as I wanted to see Brianna, a part of me was drawn there for him.

"Sister, I'm going to visit Brianna," I announced, trying to sound nonchalant, but my voice came out louder than I intended. My older sister, ever perceptive, emerged from her room, holding a novel in her hands.

"You don't need to shout, Daisy. I'm right here," she said, flashing a knowing smile.

I blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed for being so obvious. "Oops, sorry about that. Well, don't miss me too much while I'm gone," I replied, trying to divert the conversation.

My sister, Mia, raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, come on. I know the real reason you're going over there. It's not just about Brianna, is it?"

Caught red-handed, I sighed, knowing I could never keep anything from Mia. I had confessed my secret crush on Anthony to her before, and she always gave me sensible advice, albeit tinged with disapproval due to the age gap between us.

I hesitated for a moment before admitting, "You're right. I do hope to see him, but it's complicated. You know how I feel about him, but I can't help it."

Mia put her arm around my shoulders, offering to understand. "I get it, Daisy. Sometimes, our hearts lead us to unexpected places. But remember, he sees you as a daughter, and pursuing something beyond that might not be wise."

I nodded, appreciating her concern, but deep down, I couldn't help but dream. Every night, I would close my eyes and envision a different reality - one where Anthony saw me as more than just his daughter’s best friend. I knew it was unlikely, but the heart has a way of holding onto hope, even in the face of reason.

“Hey, let your mind wander back," she said, pulling me back from my thoughts.

"Don't wait up for me in case I come in late," I told my sister as I prepared to leave for Brianna's house.

"Have you told Brianna about the feelings you had for her dad?" she inquired, her curiosity evident.

"I can't," I confessed with a heavy sigh, "she would never talk to me again, and I'd lose any excuse to see her father."

"Those are even more reasons you should consider giving up on this," she advised, concern etched on her face. "It could ruin your friendship with Brianna."

"I know it's risky, but I'm willing to take that chance if he wants me to," I replied with determination, despite the possible consequences.

"Okay, just stay safe," she told me, worry lingering in her voice as she waved me off while I walked out the door.

With a smile on my face and a flutter of excitement in my heart, I happily ordered a ride to Anthony's house. As I waited outside, memories of Anthony flashed through my mind - one particular image of him wearing boxer shorts made me grin, hoping to catch a glimpse of him like that again today.

The ride to his house was pleasant, and during the journey, I made up my mind. I decided that on my 18th birthday, I would finally gather the courage to tell him how I felt. I was convinced that by then, he wouldn't see me as a minor anymore, and perhaps, just perhaps, he might feel something more for me too.

Upon arriving at the house, I rang the doorbell, and Brianna, my best friend, opened the door with surprise evident in her voice. "Hey bestie, you didn't tell me you were coming," she said.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, knowing that my true reason for being there wasn't to plan her birthday but to be closer to her father. However, I managed to respond, "You know my birthday is coming up, and I thought I'd come here to plan it with you."

"You're right," she said, smiling. She ushered me inside the house, and I glanced around, searching for any sign of Anthony.

"Are you the only one at home?" I inquired, trying to hide my disappointment, hoping that maybe I had been mistaken.

"My father went for exercise," she replied, handing me a bottle of juice. "Oh, I see," I said, feeling a little disappointed that Anthony wasn't home.

"That gives us time to plan your birthday. Are you still planning on using our house for the party?" Brianna asked. I had been pleading with her to convince her dad to let me use their house for the celebration.

"Did your father agree to it?" I became alert, not wanting to get my hopes up if he hadn't.

"Yes, he couldn't say no to my puppy eyes," Brianna said with a grin, her excitement infectious. I couldn't help but share in her joy.

"That's amazing! I'm so grateful for this, Brianna. I look forward to my birthday; it's going to be so much fun," I exclaimed, feeling a rush of happiness.

Just then, the door to the entrance swung open, and Anthony walked in, his presence commanding my attention. He was sweaty from his exercise, and I couldn't help but notice the veins popping on his arms. My heart skipped a beat, as it always did in his presence. He stopped dead in his tracks and sniffed the air, something he often did around me, which I found both endearing and nerve-wracking. Then, his eyes landed on me.

"Ah, you're here, Daisy," he greeted with a warm smile.

The sound of my name on his lips sent shivers down my spine. I tried my best to hide the butterflies in my stomach.

I knew that opportunities like this were rare, so I acted on impulse and hurriedly went to hug him, trying to convey my gratitude. "Hello, Mr Anthony. Thanks for allowing me to use your house for my party," I said, squeezing him a little tighter.

He seemed taken aback, but he managed to free himself from the embrace. "No problem, you're like a daughter to me," he said kindly.

His words hit me like a dagger to the heart, and I could feel tears welling up. I couldn't bear to hear those words again, reminding me of the distance between us. Without thinking, I came up with a silly excuse to leave right then and there. "I've just remembered that I promised my sister to help her run some errands."

"But you just got here," Brianna whined, confused by my sudden change of plans.

"I know, but I'll be back," I said, trying to sound cheerful despite the sadness that threatened to consume me. I glanced up at Anthony, and I thought I saw a flicker of hurt in his eyes too, but I couldn't dwell on it as I hastily left their house.

The day of my long-awaited birthday finally arrived, and in preparation for this special occasion, I had been trying my best to avoid Anthony. I had made up my mind to open up to him and

confess my feelings on this very day. Despite my sister's attempts to talk me out of it, I was determined to follow my heart. Dressed in a beautiful gown and with a touch of makeup, I headed over to Brianna's house, eager to arrive before the other guests since it was my party.

Brianna welcomed me with a gift in her hand, and I couldn't help but express my surprise. "You shouldn't have," I said, accepting the gift with gratitude. "Using your house for the party is the best gift." I wrapped my arms around her in a warm hug, feeling thankful for her generosity.

As the music filled the house, I smiled and looked around in search of Anthony, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. However, to my disappointment, he was nowhere to be found. The guests started arriving, and I couldn't help but notice that some seemed more interested in the free food and drinks than in celebrating my special day.

In the evening, Anthony returned from wherever he had been earlier, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. He was wearing an elegant Armani suit that accentuated his handsomeness. Our eyes met, and to my surprise, he smiled at me. It was the first time I had ever seen him do so; usually, he carried a serious expression or was busy sniffing the air.

As people passed by, they wished me a happy birthday, and I thanked them politely, although my thoughts remained occupied by Anthony's presence.

I was on my way to search for Brianna’s father when I heard a moan coming out of one room, out of curiosity to see who can be doing such in someone else house, I wish I never did because right in front of me is my crush and my sister suckling each other face out

“Mia” I shouted.

"Daisy, I can explain," Mia pleaded, trying to adjust her disheveled clothes as she reached out to me. However, I couldn't bear to hear her explanation. My trust in her had been shattered, and I couldn't find the strength to confront her at that moment.

"I need to leave," I choked out, my voice barely audible as I ran out of the party, desperate to escape the painful reality that had unfolded before me.

Brianna caught up with me, her concern evident as she held her chest while trying to catch her breath. "Why did you leave your party like that?" she asked, worried about my sudden departure.

"It was a lovely party, but I'm just tired and need to go home," I replied, avoiding eye contact with her, not ready to face the hurt she had caused me.

"Are you sure you're okay? What happened there?" she inquired, attempting to understand the reason behind my emotional outburst.

"Nothing happened," I half-yelled, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. "I need to go now." With that, I ran off, and this time, she didn't follow me.

For the next three days, I secluded myself in my room, unwilling to talk to Mia. She didn't make any effort to reach out to me either, which only deepened my sense of betrayal. It became clear to me that she must have done what she did on purpose, putting her own desires before our friendship.

Determined to escape the pain and the memories of Anthony, I decided to attend a school in another state, far away from all of this. I packed my bags on the last day, leaving my sister a note before going to Brianna's house. I felt the need to offer her an apology for my abrupt departure and to see Anthony one last time before leaving everything behind.

As luck would have it, I found Brianna outside her house, engrossed in a book on the porch. "Brianna," I said softly, making my presence known to her.

"Daisy, are you going out? What's with the bag?" she asked, dropping the book in her hand to greet me.

"I'm traveling, and I'm not sure I'm ever coming back here," I admitted truthfully, my heart heavy with emotion.

"You can't do that! I thought we said we would go to the university here together," she said with sadness in her voice, and my guilt intensified.

"I changed my mind, and I have to go now if I don't want to miss my flight," I explained, knowing it was time to leave everything behind, including her.

"Okay, but promise me you'll call me," she pleaded, her eyes filled with sincerity.

"I promise," I replied, even though deep down, I knew I couldn't keep that promise. As I walked away, I knew that leaving her behind was one of the hardest things I had ever done, but I needed to start anew, heal, and find my own path in life.

My heart was heavy with sadness as I realized that I didn't get to see Anthony, her father, for the last time. I hugged Brianna tightly, knowing it would be the final embrace between us. I was going to miss her dearly; she had been an incredible best friend.

As I got into my car and prepared to leave everything behind, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. Part of me was ready to start anew, to leave this painful chapter behind, but another part resented my sister for her betrayal, and I knew forgiveness would not come easily.