Chapter 2

My phone buzzed again. I didn't even need to look to know who it was.

"Hey, sis~ Miss me today?"

I tapped it open, and there was a voice message, with a deliberately drawn-out, incredibly sweet tail end to his words.

Right after, a generous cash transfer, enough to make my heart flutter.

My lips stretched into a wide grin.

I replied, "Love you, baby, but keep the money for yourself. Don't always send it to me."

"My money is for my sis to spend!"

"When we meet, I'm gonna take you shopping for bags and pretty clothes too."

He was *too* good.

Even my best friend, Valerie, said I’d hit the jackpot. Where did I find such a golden retriever boyfriend?

So adorable and sweet, he spent money without batting an eye, constantly doting on me, calling me ‘sis’ every other word. It was like he wanted to shout to the world how much he liked me.

Honestly, chatting with him made me feel five years younger.

Every day, I was living in a sweet bubble, my heart did a little happy dance every time my phone buzzed.

He was just so perfect.

I loved it.

Even through the screen, I could picture him perfectly.

He had to be a clean-cut guy in a white shirt, with a bright, innocent smile.

We’d planned to meet up in person next Monday.

I’d mentally rehearsed what to wear and how to do my makeup countless times. It had been so long since I felt this mix of anticipation and nerves.

"Ahhh, sis, we're finally meeting so soon! I'm so nervous!"

"Sis, I might look a little different in real life than online. Don't be scared when you see me, I'm still me, okay?"

"And whatever you like, sis, I can change for you!"

Jaxon was clearly more nervous than I was, which actually made me feel less anxious.

The day before our IRL date, Valerie called and invited me to her place for dinner.

She said her parents missed me and it would help me relax before the big meet-up.

She lowered her voice,

"Oh, I almost forgot to warn you, my troublemaker cousin, Jaxon, is staying with us for his college break."

I was picking out an outfit as I asked her, "What's up with him?"

"You have no idea. His family is super influential, and my parents spoil him rotten, like the apple of their eye. He's completely unruly, got white hair and a lip piercing, and walks around acting like he owns the place. His whole vibe is just… beyond normal comprehension!"

I chuckled, reassuring her,

"Okay, I'm prepared. It's just dinner, what could possibly go wrong?"

"True. And lately, I don't know what's gotten into him. He's not even riding his precious motorcycle. He just sits there, glued to his phone, grinning like he's under a spell!"