Stephen POV
The atmosphere at the dining table was as dead as ever. The clinking of cutlery against plates, the murmur of controlled conversations, and the tempting aroma of the lasagna that the mansion's chefs prepared filled the atmosphere. My father talked about family business, and my mother pretended to show interest, and Derek seemed lighter than usual, even more energetic; after all, he had reasons to feel so good. Maddie had finally made peace with him. But me? I could barely concentrate on anything.
I pushed food around my plate, feeling disconnected from everything around me. My mind was stuck on the kiss I had given Maddie. It was a mistake. A big mistake. I knew that, but I couldn't stop torturing myself with the memory.
“Stephen, how was your day at college?” my mother aske
