BAD BOY IN LOVE - CHAPTER 23&24
★★★sister in-law★★★
“What is it?” Jace asked, snatching the phone from Axel and looking at the screen.
He too was surprised as he stared at it for a while.
“What the heck is this?” Axel exclaimed.
“I’m sure your dad will summon you home right away,” Asher replied, hinting at a serious situation.
Jace took a proper look at the picture on the screen, wondering who could’ve been stucking them like a fan.
It was a picture of her and Delilah. The scene happened to be when Delilah had ice cream staining her lips. He wanted to help clean it, but the closeness between them was d@mn tight. If one didn’t take a proper look at the picture, you’d mistake it for a kissing scene.
Jace angrily threw the phone to the side, rubbing his forehead in frustration.
“Stop taking your frustration out on my phone,” Asher complained, picking it up.
“Why is your phone still silent? I’m expecting your dad’s call,” Axel pouted sadly.
Jace also took his phone and immediately it rang. The call was from his dad, indeed. He stared at the screen, having doubts about picking up, but he eventually chose to answer.
“Come home now,” Mr. Hunter said and hung up immediately.
Jace let out an unsatisfactory breath and stood up, grabbing his car keys.
“Can’t you go tomorrow? Time has gone,” Axel asked worriedly.
“Tomorrow is a new month, and I don’t want to start it with unnecessary arguments,” Jace finally said, picking up his car.
“Should we come with you?” Asher asked, but Jace shook his head and left the room at last.
“You know he won’t approve of that,” Axel said, falling tiredly onto the bed.
“I hope his dad goes easy on him,” Asher said.
“He won’t lay a hand on him,” Axel said, his gaze fixed on his phone.
“That’s true,” Asher agreed, laying down beside Axel.
★★★★★★★★
Jace drove roughly into the Hunter compound and parked the car. As he stepped out, the guard by the door bowed in greeting and silently entered the house. Just as he opened the door, a young lady in her 20s rushed over to him, giving him a tight hug. But Jace looked at her with irritation.
He gently broke the hug and walked further into the living room. “When did you get back from the city?” Jace asked, taking a seat on the couch.
“As soon as I saw the trending picture, I couldn’t handle the heat. I had to confirm if the news was true. But I believe it’s just rumors spreading easily these days,” Dior replied, sitting beside Jace. However, Jace shifted away from her.
“Where’s Dad?” Jace asked slowly.
“Upstairs, he’ll be joining us soon,” Dior answered, trying to touch Jace, but he gave her a stern look and she froze in her seat.
“When will you stop looking at me like that? I’m your fiancé, so you need to stop with these unnecessary looks,” Dior complained.
“Fiancé? Are we engaged? Did I propose to you? Wait!!! Did I ever say I like you? Stop with the act and get your head straight. You can never be my fiancé, not in this life or the next,” Jace said through gritted teeth.
“You may not like me now, but I know you will once we’re married,” Dior said happily.
“You’re actually delusional,” Jace said.
“But wait! Who started the unnecessary rumors about that girl? Because I know you’re not dating her,” Dior said.
“She’s dating her, and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Angel, who happened to be Jace’s little sister, said as she came out of her room. She was a sharp and brilliant young girl of around 8 years old.
“Angel,” Dior called, trying to pretend she hadn’t heard Angel well.
“Jace,” Angel called, running to hug Jace, and he returned the hug.
“My Lilly, how are you doing?” Jace asked, gently playing with her hair.
“I’m good, brother. And you?” Angel asked, and Jace nodded. “I’m good,” he replied.
Angel sat beside Jace, giving Dior horrified looks. From the beginning, she had a strong dislike for Dior. Anything related to Dior irritated her to no end.
“Angel, I’m greeting you,” Dior said nervously.
“Yeah, I heard you, but I’m not going to reply to you,” Angel said.
“Angel. How many time did I have to correct you not to talk to Dior in that manner”Mr Hunter said coming down the upstairs.
“Dad, she’s so rude. Why should I treat her with manners?” Angel retorted.
“Angel!!!” Dior screamed, unable to tolerate the insult any longer.
“Get up and go to your room,” Mr. Hunter shouted, and Angel stood up in fury. She glared at Dior before storming angrily to her room.
“Dad,” Jace called. Mr. Hunter stared at Jace before walking over to the couch and sitting down peacefully.
“Dad, time is running out, and I have to go back home today. So if you have anything to say, please make it quick,” Jace said.
“I called you here because I want to get to the bottom of the rumors about you,” Mr. Hunter said, settling into the couch. “Can you explain your picture with that girl to me in one word? Are you really dating her or not? I just need a simple yes or no answer.”
Jace stared at the floor, as if trying to gather his thoughts. There was truly nothing going on between him and Delilah, but he couldn’t help but hope for something to develop between them. He h@??d the fact that his dad was trying to force a girl into his life. He had always planned to marry for love, but his dad wanted to ruin everything. If he chose to go against his dad, everything would fall apart, as his dad would stop at nothing to torment his life.
Jace lifted his head and nodded slowly. “Yeah, there’s something between us,” he answered, and Mr. Hunter let out a disappointed sigh.
Dior couldn’t help but stare at Jace with irritation. “Jace, what are you talking about? Don’t you love me? I’m your fiancée. We’re about to get engaged, so what’s going on?” Dior said.
“Stop calling yourself my fiancée. I’ve never liked you, not even once. I don’t see you as the right person for me, so cut the crap and get out of my life,” Jace said, standing up.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out three ATM cards, dropping them on the table. “Dad, I don’t want to be your puppet anymore. I just want to live my life as the man I am. I don’t want to be a son who has no control over his own life. I want to stand on my own and start living the way I want. Here are the cards you gave me. I want to start living independently. You don’t have to interfere anymore,” Jace said, bowing one last time before walking out of the room. “Jace!” Dior screamed, but Jace didn’t look back.
Mr. Hunter could only stare, unsure of what to do next.
★★★★★★★★
The next morning, Delilah and Lina got ready for school.
Lina didn’t have any extra clothes, so she had to wear Delilah’s.
The clothes suited her well, almost as if they were made for her.
Delilah couldn’t help but take a closer look at Lina. Now that she really looked, it was like looking at her own reflection. They looked so much alike, if you really paid attention. They were the same height and everything.
Delilah shook her head as memories from the past flooded in.
“Delilah,” Lina called happily, checking herself in the wall mirror.
Delilah smiled at her, and she smiled back.
“Thanks for the outfit. It actually looks nice on me,” Lina said, but there was a hint of sadness in her voice. Delilah noticed and gently moved closer to her. She touched her shoulder and raised an eyebrow. “Got anything on your mind?” she asked, and Lina shook her head.
“Not really. I can’t believe I’m this pretty. Poverty is not good, and it’s hard to believe that a piece of clothing can make such a difference,” Lina said sadly.
Delilah understood her words and smiled gently, helping Lina sit on the bed. “Do you want more clothes? Should I go shopping for you this evening?” Delilah asked, but Lina declined the offer.
“No need for that. What’s the point of dressing nicely when my parents are struggling? It’s fine like this,” Lina said, holding Delilah’s hands, catching her off guard. “I don’t need you to shop for me, I just want to be your friend,” Lina said, and Delilah smiled.
“Let’s go to school now,” Delilah said, standing up.
“Happy new month and happy birthday in advance,” Lina said, shocking Delilah. It wasn’t the new month wish that surprised her, but how did Lina know her birthday was this month?
Delilah frowned and gave Lina a questioning look. “How did you know that?” she asked.
“I saw it on your Instagram. You know, I’m one of your followers,” Lina said, and Delilah smiled.
“Thank you,” Delilah said appreciatively, and Lina nodded. “Let’s go now,” Delilah said, and they both left the room.
As they walked to the sitting room, they were shocked to see Harper sitting there, her face pale and tired. It seemed like she hadn’t slept in days.
“What happened?” Delilah asked, walking closer to Harper.
“Don’t come any closer,” Harper said, glaring at Delilah with irritation.
“What’s wrong? You haven’t slept since yesterday? Is everything okay?” Delilah asked, sounding worried.
“You lying piece of s**t! You told me you went for a ride with Axel, but you were actually with Jace,” Harper said, causing Delilah and Lina to gasp in shock.
“How did you know? What are you talking about?” Delilah’s voice trembled.
Harper glared at Delilah and showed her a picture she had taken with Jace.
Delilah’s eyes widened even more than usual, and Lina looked equally astonished.
“Um… Harper…” Delilah stammered.
“I don’t need an explanation,” Harper said, storming off to her room.
Delilah followed her with her eyes and sighed in frustration. “Let’s go,” she said to Lina, and they both walked out.
When they got outside, Delilah’s intention was to get into her car, but she remembered that her car had developed a problem yesterday, and she started fidgeting.
She rubbed her forehead in frustration. “I totally forgot,” Delilah said, and Lina tapped her shoulder.
“We can grab a taxi,” Lina suggested.
“I h@?? that,” Delilah replied, feeling annoyed. Suddenly, she felt a small hand touching her legs, and she looked down in surprise. It was a little boy holding onto her tightly.
Lina also stared at the boy, intrigued by his mysterious presence.
Delilah gently bent down and looked at the boy in wonder. “Let go of me,” she said, and the boy smiled.
“I won’t let you go, just like you won’t let go of my brother,” the boy said. Delilah’s face formed a confused expression.
“What are you talking about? Who is your brother?” Delilah asked.
“Aaron. My brother’s name is Aaron,” the boy replied.
“Aaron? Aaron?” Delilah tried to recall, and the boy nodded.
“But she’s not holding your brother,” Lina chimed in, smiling.
“She may not be holding him physically, but she’s holding him emotionally. Last night, my brother couldn’t stop being upset every time her name, ‘Delilah,’ was mentioned,” the boy explained.
“You even know my name. But little boy, I’m not holding your brother. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Delilah insisted.
“Last night, my brother saw the picture you took with that guy, and ever since then, he’s been moody. I think he’s angry,” the boy revealed, causing Delilah’s eyes to widen in realization.
“You see, I don’t know what’s going on between you and my brother, but please don’t play with his heart. He’s cold and it’s hard for him to fall in love. Ever since our mom passed away, no one has truly loved him. All the love he received was from those who didn’t love him deeply. So if you want to love him, please do it with your whole heart. He may seem cold, but he’s a loving person. If he says something that irritates you, please don’t ghost him. It hurts him a lot,” Kayden explained, leaving Delilah speechless.
“But why are you telling me all this? I don’t have anything to do with your brother,” Delilah replied, trying to make sense of the situation.
“I know, but I have a feeling that something will happen in the near future. My name is Kayden,” he said, extending his hand for a handshake.
“Oh… my name is Delilah,” she said, accepting his handshake.
“I hope we get along well… sister-in-law,” Kayden said, causing Delilah and Lina to gasp in surprise.
“Sister… sister what?” Lina stammered.
“I told you there’s nothing between me and your brother,” Delilah explained.
“You don’t have to worry about that… sister-in-law,” Kayden reassured, making Delilah smile.
“Don’t joke around like that,” Delilah said, playfully ruffling his hair.
“I’m not joking around. My brother likes you, and he will pursue you, so get ready to see him around,” Kayden said, leaving Delilah in disbelief.
“What?!” Delilah’s voice skipped a beat.
“Kayden,” Aaron called, emerging from the room. But his movement halted when he spotted Delilah.
“Aaron,” Delilah called softly.
“Delilah,” Aaron responded nervously.
Kayden glanced at Delilah, then at Aaron. He walked over to Lina, taking her hand and leading her away from the scene.
“Hi,” Delilah greeted.
“Hi?” Aaron echoed.
“About the picture you saw… it’s not what you think,” Delilah tried to explain.
“You don’t need to explain,” Aaron disapproved, and Delilah nodded in embarrassment.
“Are you going to school?” Delilah asked.
“No, I have to drop off at the hospital,” Aaron replied. Delilah’s eyes widened, thinking she had misheard.
“Are you sick?” Delilah asked worriedly, and Aaron shook his head.
“No, my brother is sick,” Aaron answered.
“Ohh…”
“Kayden!” Aaron called loudly, and Kayden emerged from his hiding place. “Let’s go,” Aaron said, opening the car door.
Kayden smiled at Delilah and waved. “Bye, sister-in-law,” he said, leaving Aaron wide-eyed.
“Sister-in-law?” Aaron called, but Kayden didn’t respond. He just glared at him and got into the car.
Aaron gave Delilah a questioning look, and she shrugged in response.
Aaron smirked and drove away instantly.
“Why is he calling me sister-in-law?” Delilah complained.
“Maybe his brother likes you,” Lina replied.
“Do you think so? That cold-hearted guy? Loving me? It seems unlikely. Even with his behavior, I don’t think he’ll ever get married,” Delilah said.
“Let’s go,” Lina said, and Delilah nodded, ready to take a step forward when her phone beeped.
She checked the message and smiled wickedly.
“Do you perhaps know how to dance?” Delilah asked, shifting her gaze to Lina.
“Dance? I can try,” Lina answered.
“Should we take the throne?” Delilah asked, and Lina smiled.
“What are you talking about?” Lina asked.
“Let the game begin. I want to start my own,” Delilah said devilishly.
“Your own? What are you talking about?” Lina asked.
“Harley… and Raven. I will make life difficult for them,” Delilah said and stared at Lina. “First, let’s start with you,” Delilah said and held Lina’s hand. “Let’s go shop for you. You always have to look good like today,” Delilah said and dragged her away.
“Where are we going?”
“To get you a nice dress”
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TBC✍️✍️✍️