Page 47 of Never Enough

I don’t understand. She’s the one that gave the okay about Celeste and pretending for our parents. It would be silly—and to be honest, frankly, embarrassing—to get caught faking a relationshipnow.

“Stop calling me babe,babe,” she snaps with narrow eyes. “You’re only addressing me like that to make me a puddle at your feet.”

“I am not, sweetheart,” I protest, my voice softening again.

Her eyes narrow even further. “Yes, you are. You’re using my love for youagainst me.”

“Baby, please. Celeste means nothing to me. I chose you,” I plead. I completely ignore how I’ve used three pet names for her in the last five seconds.

“Do you? Because you’re leaving my bed to go to hers.”

“So I won’t sleep in the bed. I’ll sleep on the floor. Will that make you happy?” I offer, desperate to appease her.

Shoulders slumping, she sighs. “No, Alex, it won’t, but since you insist on pleasing your ex-girlfriend over me, I’ll settle for what I can get.”

I’m pushing my luck, I know it, but it’s almost over. If I embarrass Celeste in front of her parents, she’ll never forgive me. Celeste stuck by me for years. The least I can do is play along a little longer. Plus, it’ll embarrass my parents too. Mom will hate to learn I misled her all night.

Daphne’s mad now, but she’ll understand. She just needs some space to think overnight, and tomorrow, everything will be better. I’ll make it up to her.

As I crawl out of bed, I turn to face Daphne one last time tonight. “Sweet dreams,” I murmur, hoping she’ll hear the sincerity in my voice.

She doesn’t answer and instead keeps her back turned. I can feel her pain, and it cuts me to the core.

Chapter seventeen

Daphne

My eyes open, and I’m instantly reminded of how alone I feel. The sheets are the only warmth near me because Alex never returned to the guest room. He’s probably still with Celeste.

Great.

The room’s too bright, which only contributes to my temperament. I’m still here, in the Whitmore mansion. Slowly, I remember bits and pieces of last night. Alex and Celeste are a picture-perfect lie, smiling for cameras that aren’t even there.

After rolling over, I grab my phone. The screen lights up, showing I missed a text from Eden.

Eden

How are you holding up?

I’ll reply later. First, breakfast. Everyone feels better with food in their tummies.

After swinging my legs off the bed, my feet hit the cold floor. I quickly dress and shuffle towards the door, all the while tryingto shake off my dread. Downstairs, the house comes alive with morning sounds, but none of them comfort me.

Coming here was a mistake.

Alex’s and his dad’s voices creep around the corner. I’m not sure where they are. I’m not even sure what time his dad got in because he wasn’t at dinner last night. Not wanting to seek them out since I’m still upset with Alex, I find the kitchen. I’ll speak with him after I eat.

The kitchen is a cavernous space, its walls lined with towering cabinets that seem to disappear into the ceiling. It’s amazing because, once upon a time, Alex used to figure out ways to reach into those cabinets all by himself. Unfortunately, now that he’s taller, he’s lost the passion, when he’s finally grown enough to reach them.

I remember the counters, cluttered with a chaotic array of cooking ingredients. Bowls of flour, sugar, and spices jostled for space, while pots and pans of every size and shape hung from overhead racks. The air was thick with the aroma of spices and simmering sauces. Now, everywhere I see is a pristine expanse of white marble. Untouched. Unloved.

Celeste is alone at the six-burner stove, with her back turned to me. Eggs are frying in a pan, and I’m actually surprised that she’s cooking. Well, attempting to cook. Looks like they’re burning.

After my nose wrinkles at the smell of char, I register what she’s wearing. A barely there red nightie. I mean, girl’s ass cheeks are hanging out and if she turns just right, everyone will get a peek of her nip.

She knows what she’s doing. They think she was in Alex’s bed last night. The burning thought stings my insides. Because Alex was in her bed last night, right? I mean, in all the ways that matter. He said he’d sleep on the floor, but what if he didn’t? Or what if he did, but he wanted to touch her?

Trust is important, and I do trust Alex. If he said he’d sleep on the floor, he slept on the floor. However, it doesn’t help knowing that Celeste slept less than a foot away, practically naked.

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