Elizabeth's POV
It was only a month before I turned eighteen—January 22nd, 2022—the first day I saw James naked in my brother's room.
James is three years older than me, the same age as my brother Liam.
Before that day I wasn't really into James. He was just a casual friend to me. He and my brother are known for being the school playboys, the type that only want to go under your skirt, and also the best tennis players. You know that saying—birds of the same feather flock together. They are inseparable and arrogant. The only nice thing about them is that they give me money to open the door for them when they come home late.
"Lizzy, why are you standing there?"
Shocked, James hurriedly grabbed a towel to cover himself.
My jaw dropped. I didn't know he was this hot—his veiny, long dick was right there, and it felt like it was calling my name.
"Mmm… I didn't—didn't know you were naked."
I hurriedly closed the door and walked straight to my room with the image of James stuck in my head.
His abs, his hairy body, his height, his broad shoulders, his brown eyes, his smooth face and jawline. He looked like he was crafted specially. Like a Greek god.
I opened my laptop and searched for a porn site. I was really horny and I wanted James. I needed James. So I used my phone to search for his picture on his Instagram.
But what I saw stopped my horniness immediately.
It was James and his new girlfriend—and my brother was cheering for them to kiss.
I was so heartbroken. I even forgot to masturbate.
James is the only child of his parents. His mom died when he was sixteen. I was so sorry for him, so my mom became like a mom to him. His dad and my dad are business partners—we are wealthy. His dad and my dad are the two richest men in Buffalo, USA. My brother is smart, tall, handsome, and arrogant, of course.
I'm chubby and fair-skinned, I have emerald eyes and long black hair. I am 5'2" in height and a well-known introvert. I always feel happy in my own space. I'm not too smart and not too dumb—just in the middle.
My brother and his best friend James are the next heirs of R&A Corporate Company, the top richest company.
James started to ignore me more after the incident. He avoided my gaze, he didn't smile at me or look at my face.
Weeks flew by, and today… was my birthday.
But today felt different.
Today was my eighteenth birthday.
And today was also the first time in a month that James Adams—my brother's best friend—would talk to me again.
Or at least, that's what Liam yelled across the hallway like a megaphone.
"Lizzy! Get downstairs! We bought you something!"
I blinked at my mirror, smoothing my hair. "We?"
Liam popped his head into my room without knocking. "Yes, WE. Me and James. Do you want us to return it?"
"No!" I almost shouted.
He smirked like he caught me caring.
"I knew you'd come running. Birthday girl or not, don't make us wait."
"I'm not making anyone wait!" I snapped.
Liam raised a brow. "Tell that to James. He's been pacing in the living room."
My stomach flipped.
James… pacing?
For me?
Impossible.
Since the incident—yes, that Liam's-bedroom incident—he hadn't said my name once.
I pulled on my soft pink sweatshirt and followed Liam downstairs, trying to breathe slowly.
The living room was decorated simply—just how I liked it. Pink and white balloons, a cake on the center table, and my dad playing songs on the piano that only he liked, smiling proudly.
But beside the gift table…
Hands in his pockets…
Head slightly lowered…
Was James.
Tall. Cute.
Messy black hair like "he woke up like this but still looks perfect."
Brown eyes that could either freeze you or melt you—depending on his mood.
He looked up the moment I walked in.
Our eyes met.
Something tightened in my chest.
Liam clapped dramatically. "Finally! The celebrant arrives."
Dad chuckled. "Happy birthday, princess."
I smiled. "Thank you."
Liam handed me a wrapped box. "Okay, first gift—from me."
I unwrapped it. Inside was a pair of white sneakers I once said I wanted.
"Liam… thank you."
"Say I'm the best brother."
"I will not."
"You're saying it in your heart."
"I'm really not."
He laughed and stepped aside.
Dad gave me a new iPad. I hugged him.
Then Liam nudged James.
Not subtly.
James rolled his eyes. "I know. I know."
But he stepped toward me—slowly.
My breath caught.
"Uh… Lizzy," he said softly.
Hearing my name from him felt strange. Warm. Dangerous.
"Yes?" I whispered.
He held a small white box behind him.
"This is… from me."
Liam groaned. "Just give it to her, bro."
"Can you let me talk?" James snapped quietly.
Then he turned to me again.
"I saw something you posted."
My brain stopped. "You… what?"
"On Snapchat."
Oh God.
The necklace I posted.
My cheeks lit up. "Why were you watching my Snapchat?"
He didn't answer.
He just placed the box in my hands.
"Open it."
I opened it.
The necklace.
The exact moon pendant with tiny diamonds.
"James… how did you—"
"I saw it," he said. "And you looked like you really wanted it."
I stared at him, speechless.
"I know we haven't talked," he continued softly, "and I know things got… weird after… you know."
"You don't have to explain," I whispered.
"No. I do."
Liam squinted. "Explain what?"
"Nothing!" we both said instantly.
James stepped closer, voice low.
"I didn't want you to feel awkward. But avoiding you made it worse."
"Yes," I said quietly. "It did."
He gave a small smirk. "So… I thought maybe a gift would fix it."
"You didn't have to buy me anything."
"I know," he murmured, locking eyes with me.
"But I wanted to."
Jess clapped loudly. "Cake time!"
I stepped back, but James leaned closer and whispered:
"Do you like it? The necklace?"
"I love it," I whispered.
"Good."
Liam dragged him away. "Stop making my sister blush, bro."
"I'm not—!" I protested.
James smirked. "You kinda are."
"Shut up."
"Make me," he whispered.
I froze.
He laughed and walked off.
---
Later that night, after cake and photos, I climbed onto the roof for air.
I needed space.
I touched the necklace on my neck. It glowed softly.
I still couldn't believe he bought it.
Or that he noticed me.
A creak. I looked back.
James.
"Are you hiding?" he asked.
"Yes," I said honestly.
He lay down beside me on the roof. "You didn't look shy when you yelled at Liam."
"That's different."
"Why?"
"Because Liam is annoying."
"And I'm not?"
"You… are complicated."
He laughed softly. A warm laugh I'd never heard from him.
"You look nice when you talk," he said.
"What?"
"You're always quiet. Liam said it's because you're shy. But I think you talk nicely."
My heart almost fell off the roof.
"Thanks."
Silence.
Warm silence.
"I'm glad you like the necklace," he said.
"I still don't know why you bought it."
His eyes flicked to my lips for one second.
"I have my reasons."
"What reasons?"
"You'll find out someday."
"James! Come help me!" Liam yelled.
James sighed and stood up.
"Happy birthday, Lizzy."
"Thank you."
He walked away…
But I looked ba
ck once.
And the look he gave me…
Wasn't the look of someone avoiding me.
Or someone embarrassed.
Or my brother's arrogant best friend.
It was a look I didn't expect.
A look that squeezed my chest.
A look that told me…
Something between us had changed.
Forever.