Antonio
I strolled downstairs, expecting to find Kendra already seated at the breakfast table. Instead, I found my stepmother expertly orchestrating the staff as they finished setting up.
“Good morning, Mom.”
“Good morning, Antonio,” she replied crisply, giving the table one last scrutinizing glance. “Did you sleep well?”
I nodded, glancing around.
Damon emerged from the library, his hair mussed, eyes glued to his phone. “Morning,” he muttered, flopping into a chair.
I glanced at my watch: 8:45. “Has Kendra come down yet?” I asked, an my stepmother answered.
“Not yet.”
Frowning, I shot off a quick text and waited, but no response came. Just a few feet apart, yet we’d spent half the night texting like love-struck teenagers until sometime past 3 a.m. I’d finally drifted off after waiting over fifteen minutes for her reply, which never came. Apparently, she was still out cold.
Just then, my father descended the stairs, his expression softening as I greeted him.
“Good morning, Dad.”
“Morning, son.” His gaze swept the room quickly before landing back on me, a small frown tugging at his features. “Where’s Kendra?”
“Still in bed, I think. I’ll go check.”
He nodded, heading over to Vivian and planting a gentle kiss on her cheek before walking to the living room.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air, enticing my senses, but I resisted the urge to pour myself a cup and jogged back up the stairs instead.
I made my way to Kendra’s room, my footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. I knocked lightly and waited. When no sound came, I slowly eased the door open, a smile spreading across my face.
Kendra lay sprawled across the bed, her dark hair fanned out like a halo against the pillow. Her chest rose and fell with each gentle breath, and the corners of her lips curved in a faint smile, as if lost in a pleasant dream.
I stepped inside, hesitant to disturb her. Instead, I settled into the armchair beside her bed, content to simply watch her sleep.
The morning light streamed through the window, casting a soft glow over her peaceful form. I didn’t know how she could still be asleep with such bright sunlight pouring in, but I didn’t want it to rouse her before she was ready. Quietly, I moved to the window and drew the blinds closer together, dimming the room.
Returning to my seat, I was surprised when one of the housekeepers entered with a gentle knock. "Time for breakfast, Miss Ryan," she murmured.
I pressed a finger to my lips, signaling her to be quiet. “Let her sleep,” I mouthed.
She nodded and retreated silently, closing the door behind her.
I returned my gaze to Kendra, studying her delicate features. Her beauty wasn’t just skin-deep; it radiated from within. The more I looked, the more I felt myself getting attached—too quickly, too deeply. The thought of waking up beside her every morning made my heart pound faster. I was undeniably, hopelessly smitten.
My phone buzzed, shattering the tranquility. Jake’s name flashed on the screen. Reluctantly, I stood, casting another glance at Kendra before slipping into the bathroom to take the call.
“Hey, man,” Jake’s voice boomed. “What’s up?”
“Just watching a sleeping beauty,” I replied with a grin. “Later on, we’ll be taking Kendra on a tour of the estate.”
“Look at you, all head over heels. Who knew this day would come?” he teased.
“I know, right?”
“And who do you have to thank for that?”
“Uh, God?”
