[Background music: French Montana-Unforgettable ft. Swae Lee]
Lila stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the hem of her soft beige top and running her fingers through her loosely curled hair. There was nothing particularly special about the way she looked—at least that's what she told herself. But deep inside, something fluttered. Today felt... different.
The sleek black car sent by Nico Damaris waited outside, quiet and elegant. She stepped in, the driver silent as ever, and before long, she was at Nico's estate—modern, refined, and yet strangely welcoming.
"Hey," Nico greeted her at the door, a rare softness in his eyes.
"Hey," she smiled back.
The morning passed in laughter and sibling-like teasing. They played video games, shared childhood stories, and even had a mini pancake-making disaster in the kitchen. It was easy, lighthearted.
Then came the pool.
"I don't know how to swim," she said with a laugh, holding the edge of her towel tightly around her.
"I'll be gentle," Nico promised, his eyes drifting—just for a moment—down the curve of her waist and the softness of her skin peeking through the fabric. She looked stunning. Radiant. Dangerous.
When she dropped the towel, he had to look away for a second. Breathe, Nico. She's your step sister.
Still, he couldn't deny the heat that crept up his neck when their bodies touched in the water.
His hands gently cupped her waist as he guided her. "You're doing great," he whispered, the sun shimmering on her skin. Every soft gasp from her lips made his stomach twist in ways he didn't understand.
He cleared his throat. "I need to grab a towel—I'll be right back."
Lila, misjudging her progress, dove into the deeper side, confident she could handle it. But within seconds, her limbs thrashed—panic took over.
She was sinking.
Nico returned and froze—she was under. He dove in, dragging her limp body up and out of the water. His hands trembled as he pressed against her chest, again and again.
"Come on, Lila," he whispered, then leaned in, breathing into her mouth—once, twice—
She gasped.
Her eyes flew open. "Nico?" she croaked.
He let out a shaky laugh and pulled her into a hug. "You scared the hell out of me."
He wrapped her in a towel, his hands brushing gently over her arms. She sat quietly while he brought her a drink. In the kitchen, his thoughts swirled.
Did I... press her chest? Kiss her? God, what does that mean? His cheeks flared pink again.
Back on the couch, they laughed over popcorn and a silly movie. Nico hadn't laughed this much in years. And Lila... she made everything feel real. He caught himself watching her, wondering what it would be like if she weren't his stepsister.
"Thanks for today," he said quietly.
Lila looked up, smiling. "You're welcome. Thank you."
But her mind wandered. To Astor. The way his eyes pierced through her. The way he kissed. The way he held her like she belonged to no one but him.
Night fell, and Lila went to change. Nico got ready quickly and went looking for her. A door was slightly ajar. He peeked.
She stood there, bare, back to him—perfect, beautiful, unaware.
Nico turned away immediately, guilt knotting in his stomach. When she returned, dressed and glowing, he couldn't help but stare.
They reached Misir Bar, the place buzzing with life. Music, laughter, and the clink of glasses filled the air. Lila's heart skipped as she recognized it—this was where she met Astor.
While Nico chatted with friends, she slipped away to the washroom. Cool water on her hands. A breath.
And then—he was there.
"Astor?" she whispered.
He didn't answer. Just grabbed her hand and led her into a small toilet stall, locking the door behind them.
Meanwhile, outside the toilet—
Nico leaned against the wall of the washroom , surrounded by a couple of his friends—Rowan and Daz.
"Is that her, Lila?" Rowan asked .
"Yeah," Nico replied,
"She's stunning, man," Daz added. "Isn't she your... step sister?"
Nico's jaw tightened slightly, but his expression softened. "Yeah. Technically."
"Technically?" Rowan smirked. "You two don't feel like siblings."
Nico chuckled under his breath. "She's the first person who's made me laugh this much in years. I don't know how to explain it. When I'm around her, it's like the world's not as dark."
Daz raised a brow. "You're falling for her, aren't you?"
"I think..." Nico's heart pounding, "I think my heart already belongs to her."
There was a beat of silence.
"Well then," Rowan nudged him, "you better not waste time. Girls like her don't stay single for long. Someone else might take your place."
Nico paused. "I don't want us to be siblings anymore. She's amazing. I think I'm... ."
Back in the toilet, Astor leaned in, his voice low. "You're disgusted?"
She narrowed her eyes. "How do you read my mind?"
He smirked. "Easy. Right now, I think... you want a kiss."
[Background music: Six Days (Remix)]
She opened her mouth to protest—but he kissed her. Soft, dangerous. She kissed him back, melting into his arms. He led her to a private VIP room.
Clothes fell. Her body pressed against his. He touched her, kissed her, tasted her. She moaned under him, breathless.
"I want to take advantage of you now," she whispered, her voice a tease.
He laughed. "Advantage?"
She kissed down his body, gave him pleasure in ways that made him lose control. Later, she went to the shower, exhausted. He joined her. Kissed her again. Washed her hair, dried it gently.
A soft kiss on his nose.
"What was that?" he asked.
"A gift," she smiled.
Later, back with Nico—
"I'm tired," she told him. "I need to go home."
"Stay the night."
"I can't. I've got work."
"I'll drive you."
"It's okay. I'll go alone."
He watched her walk away, heart aching.
Outside the bar, she waited for a taxi—until Astor's car pulled up. She got in without a word, and soon, she fell asleep.
Astor looked at her, then carried her to her room and gently laid her down.
Downstairs, Nico arrived—heading upstairs—only for Astor to stop him.
"She's sleeping. Don't disturb her."
"Who are you?" Nico demanded.
Astor turned, eyes sharp. "Never think of getting Lila. She's mine. Only mine."
He left, and Nico ran after him—but the car was already gone. Rage bubbled inside him. At home, he punched the mirror, blood dripping from his hand. Jealousy and fury tore through him until sleep finally dragged him under.
The next morning, Lila woke, confused, aching, and dazed. She got dressed, headed to work. Routine took over.
But at lunch, she messaged Nico.
"Lunch at Malberi? I'll wait for you."