Craving my sister’s fiancé

Chapter 19

Stefan’s POV

My mom’s voice had become a steady hum in the background, like a radio I’d forgotten to turn off. For two hours, she’d been debating flower arrangements and seating charts, but my mind was miles away. I kept picturing Bella—just the two of us, somewhere quiet. I needed a plan to steal her away for a week. I knew my mom would roll her eyes and remind me we had a "lifetime together" ahead of us, but a lifetime felt too far away.

“Stefan!”

The sharp sound of my name snapped me back to the living room. My mom sat across from me, her arms crossed and her lower lip pushed out in a pout. “This isn’t fair. I’ve been talking for hours and you’re off in space.”

I felt a grin tugging at my lips; she always knew how to make me feel guilty with that look. “I’m sorry, Mom,” I said, leaning back with a chuckle. “What were you saying?”

Before she could scold me, the front door clicked open. Bella and her mother walked in. My heart did a sudden thump against my ribs the moment I saw her.

“My in-law!” Bella’s mom called out, her face lighting up as she rushed toward my mother.

I looked at Bella, surprised. She hadn’t sent a single text to mention they were coming. As the moms hugged and traded loud greetings, Bella slipped over and sat beside my mother. She didn't say much, but her eyes locked onto mine and stayed there. I couldn't stop smiling.

“I am so glad you could make it today,” my mom said, already pulling out a binder of notes.

“What do you mean? This is our children’s wedding,” Bella’s mom replied, settling into the sofa. “Of course I’m here.”

I realized that if I didn't move now, I’d be trapped in "wedding talk" for the rest of the afternoon.

“I’m glad you’re here, too,” I said to Bella’s mom, standing up. I reached for Bella’s hand. “Can I borrow her for a bit?”

Bella’s mom gave me a slow, knowing smirk. She glanced at her daughter and gave a small nod. We didn’t wait for a second invitation.

The moment we stepped into my room and the door clicked shut, the silence lasted only a second. I pressed her back against the wall, my hands finding her waist. We didn’t waste time with words. When I kissed her, it felt like we’d been apart for years rather than days. The room filled with the sound of her breath catching and the soft gasps we couldn't hold back. When we finally pulled apart to breathe, we just stood there, foreheads pressed together, grinning like fools.

“Have you thought about where we’ll spend our honeymoon?” Bella asked.

She stepped away from me, her hips swaying casually as she walked toward the bed. She sat on the edge of the mattress, looking at me expectantly. I wasn't ready for the distance, but I stayed where I was. I shook my head with a grin and took a seat on the couch across from her.

“I haven’t picked a spot yet,” I said, watching her eyes. “But I know how much you love Singapore.”

Her face lit up instantly. “That’s exactly where we’re going,” she decided, her smile widening.

She seemed to be glowing, more energetic than I had seen her in weeks. I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “You seem really happy today.”

“I am, Stefan,” she said, her voice soft. “I’m finally marrying the person I love most. My mom and sister are actually getting along for once. And the best part? Daphne finally has a boyfriend.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. My stomach twisted into a hard knot, and my eyes widened before I could stop them.

“What?” I forced out an awkward, dry laugh.

“I know! You’re shocked, right?” Bella leaned in, her voice buzzing with excitement. “What’s even crazier is that he’s a movie star. Who would have thought? But then again, Daphne is so sweet. I guess it’s no wonder Adrian fell for her.”

The room felt suddenly smaller. They’re together? Now? My mind raced, searching for an explanation. Why hadn't Adrian mentioned a single word to me?

Bella’s smile faded slightly as she tilted her head, studying my face. “Is there something wrong?”

“It’s... nothing,” I stuttered, forcing my lips to curve into a fake smile. My heart was hammering against my ribs. “I’m just surprised they got together so quickly.”

“I know, right?” Bella said. “My sister has always been a hard one to crack, but I guess Adrian’s smile finally melted that ice.” She stood up and walked toward me, her hand resting gently on my shoulder. “Thank you for bringing him into our lives, Stefan. It feels like all my dreams are coming true at once.”

I forced my lips to curve upward, but the warmth didn't reach my eyes. This was exactly what I wanted—Daphne was supposed to be out of the way so I could focus on Bella—but a strange, cold weight settled in my chest instead.

A few hours later, my mom announced that we’d be having a full family dinner. When Daphne and Bianca arrived, Daphne didn't even look in my direction. As we gathered around the table, I barely touched my food. My eyes were fixed on Daphne; she was staring at her phone with a glowing smile that made my chest tighten.

“Daphne, put the phone away. It’s disrespectful,” her mom snapped.

“I’m sorry,” Daphne whispered. she set the phone face down, but the light stayed in her eyes.

Seeing her like that made my blood simmer. I knew Adrian wasn’t actually in love with her, but she looked completely smitten. A pang of guilt hit me—had I made a mistake? Was he going to break her?

“Are you still with us, Brother?” Bianca asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

I jumped slightly and let out a dry, awkward laugh. Even then, Daphne didn't lift her gaze to meet mine. The rest of dinner was a blur of my mother’s voice obsessing over wedding details. I couldn't take it anymore. I excused myself to the bathroom, but as soon as the door closed, I pulled out my phone and fired off a text to Adrian.

Why didn’t you tell me you were dating Daphne? His reply came seconds later: Didn’t know I was supposed to ask for permission. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her.

My grip tightened on the phone until my knuckles turned white. That wasn't what I wanted to hear. I wanted him to say it was just a game, or that it wouldn't last. I’m in the middle of a shoot, talk later, he added, ending the chat.

I ran my hands through my hair, pacing the small room. Why was this getting under my skin so much?

I finally left the bathroom and started down the hallway. Ahead of me, Daphne was walking toward me. I opened my mouth to say something, but she moved past me as if I were a ghost. My hand shot out on instinct, grabbing her wrist and spinning her around.

She landed inches from me. I searched her eyes, finding that same bright light I’d seen at the table. A wave of relief washed over me, though I couldn't explain why.

“Why are you ignoring me?” I whispered.

Our lips were only two inches apart. I could feel the frantic thud of her heart matching the racing beat in my own chest. I started to lean in, the world around us disappearing, until a sharp voice cut through the air.

“What are you two doing?”

We jumped apart as if we’d been burned. Bianca stood at the end of the hall, her eyes narrowed. “Did you guys just try to kiss?”