AMELIA
The faint warmth spread through me as I noticed Jake's glances lingering a bit longer than usual. It felt like the potion’s effects were beginning to take hold, pulling him toward me in subtle ways. A surge of excitement made me grin. Finally, maybe he would see me as someone worthy to stand by his side, someone he could care about beyond mere friendship.
But my smile faded when my older brother, Bernard, spoke, his voice like a cold breeze cutting through my hopeful thoughts. “Amelia,” he said seriously, his gaze fixed on me. “I don’t like that you kissed Jake. You know very well that his heart already leans toward Alyssa.”
My heart twisted as I looked at Bernard. “I don’t have false hope,” I protested, trying to keep my voice steady even as I felt a sting of hurt. “Jake just
