LOVE IS A DEBATE: RIVALRY TO ROMANCE (Novella)

FORESHADOWING

we approached the elevators, my attention flicked to my younger sister, Aliana, who had just arrived in the lobby. She was scanning the crowd, checking her phone anxiously.

I spotted the guy she had been speaking to - tall, dark, with that effortless charm. Atticus Everheart. They'd already introduced themselves, and I noticed the small, careful way he engaged her - leaning in, playful yet respectful, like he was trying not to startle her.

Aliana, reserved as ever, had her arms loosely crossed, one hand brushing her hair back as she smiled faintly. I could see the sparks - quiet, curious, tentative.

---

Across the lobby, Arabella was striding through in full force - confident, demanding, and gorgeous in the way only a career model could be. She spotted Soren, standing slightly apart, calm, observing the room with quiet strength.

"Hi. I'm Arabella Valencourt. We must've met before - have we? Or have we not?" she said, bold and commanding.

"Um - I think. You're Adriana's sister, right? My friend's doing business with her. Or now... probably more than that," Soren replied, caught off guard but unflustered.

"You tell your friend if he hurts her, he'll die," she warned, folding her arms.

Soren raised his brows, amused. "Fair warning noted. But you can stop with the death threats; he tends to behave better when someone's already watching out for him. And if he gives you trouble, you'll have to deal with me - I'm less dramatic than you sound, so that's probably better for everyone."

Arabella blinked, clearly surprised, but smirked. "Good. He'd better."

It was the perfect first impression - her fire against his calm, steady presence.

---

By the time we reached the conference room, everyone was already there: my parents, Genevieve and Charles, perfectly composed; Beckett's friends Soren and Atticus, already chatting with our sisters; and the rest of the corporate team.

Beckett leaned toward me, whispering, "Looks like your family approves of my friends, at least."

"Or they're just figuring out which one of them is trouble," I replied, smirking.

He laughed quietly. "Guess we'll find out soon enough."

The group settled, introductions continued, and even though it was a work meeting, the air was lighter than usual. Laughter punctuated discussions of branding and campaigns, and for once, Beckett and I weren't the only ones drawing glances.