playing the events of last week. I had run into Laxus at his birthday party, and he had expressed a desire to

of my abilities, the way I believed he deserve

. As I rose from my bed, a wave of nausea washed over me. I rushed to th

y face, I returned to my bed, only to be interru

e inquired, promptin

you?" I retorted, to w

" he remarked, earn

ve my room," I requested, bu

for dinner with the Villafuertes la

encounter with the Villafuertes,

orry about me,

gaze puzzling me, prompting me

ng watching me in discomfort?" I teased,

ou, Tyra," he stated, m

as older than me hinted

?" I probed further, to w

ace in your decision," he resp

searching for a comfortable dress for the eveni

. I grabbed my phone and called my friends, seeking thei

joyfully over the video call. As I awaited Trish

h?" I inquired, and

dress," Trisha complimented,

expressed my gratitude

ning look. Leaving my room at lunchtime, I spotted Tyler in the living room engrossed in a phone conversation. Perh

" he inquired, eliciti

plans," he added, promptin

e mall for a bit," I re

something caught my eye, leading me to make a purchase. Returning home, I began preparing for the evening. While cleaning out my bag

Tyra?" he called out. I contin

ing my teeth, I exited the bath

I quipped, to which he suggested s

be fine," I reassured him, u

ose myself for the dinner with the Villafuertes. I got dressed and completed my preparations.

!" Dad complimented me,

eat too," I responded as he

ugh this," he whispered, but I

m inquired, prompting me to check my reflection. I

. I'm perfectly fine!" I r

r chimed in, causing me to n

doctor?" Mom asked, conce

sted, relieved when they believe

, with Dad behind the wheel, driving us to the restaurant where we were meeting

offered, to which Mom expressed

e exclusive area where the Villafuertes awaited

u all!" She greeted us wa

ear," she whispered, to

k you

she interjected with a gen

cknowledged, and sh

parents, while Tyler took a seat opposite Laxus. Only the spot nex

couraged, prompting me to move to Laxus' side. Pau

t?" Laxus whispered, bu

to the woman app

anging greetings with my family. She flashed me a smile before embra

dged him with gratitude and took a sip, only to feel the weight of Lax

fuerte called for th

instructed, prompting the waiter

us to the tension between Laxus and me. A message notification on my phone drew my attention, pro

mirk from me. She certainly knew how to push my buttons! In response,

. Were they attempting to win me over? I savored the salmon, finding it delicious, but hesitated with the lobster as I wasn't sure

ispered, placing a prepared lobs

he urged, indic

its exquisite taste. I had anticipated it would be delic

ning," Mrs. Villafuerte initiated, s

Tyra?" she inquired, prompting me to

ss," I calmly stated, noting Lax

," Laxus interjected, prompting

with that other

s happiness with someone else," I added,

ul," Laxus responded, leaving me uns

hy don't you hear what he has to say?" Mr. V

to say to her,

being s

t," Mika chimed in, catching my attention. Of course! Th

ompting Laxus' parents to e

al together," Mrs. Villafuerte rema

partners, though," Mom

emarked, flashing a smile in my direction. Her smile see

us interjected, taking a

es to see her. Perhaps she's just waiting for your attent

et Laxus up with someone? The mere thought sent a shiver down my sp

ed. I forced myself to calm down and looked

g for an empty stall. Finding one, I immediately emptied my stomach, feeling disg

t was happening to me? Was I sick? Returning

d y

aze with seriousness. Mom nodded, and a

Laxus stated before entering his

m getting into his car. Retrieving a sma

inquired, examinin

ife," I replied before t

the country. They granted my request, and Tyler volunteered to join me.

ng, I came across a store specializing in newborn essentials. Despite feeling unsure of

d, I quickly dismissed the thought and returned the t-shirt to its place

xus inquired, his gaze