Early update? Oh YEAH!!

Dedicated to JadenChiu for the awesome cover❤️ Thank you so much!

NOTE to Remember: Daniel does NOT know that Alicia and Skylar aren't real sisters.

Chapter |20|

"How can you not like this?" I gaped at Daniel incredulously as we walked towards where the announcement podium had been set.

It was official. This guy was cray-cray. I mean how could you not like gummy bears?

The chewy teddy bears with different flavours? And don't even make me started on the ring pops.

I was happily savouring my strawberry ring pop when I'd offered him gummy bears to which he replied saying that he didn't like them.

A while back, when I'd found the treasure box, I didn't expect to see what I found in there.

With a card of two for free lunch/dinner at one of the best restaurants and a whole bunch of different candies, I was literally loving every bit of it.

Once we reached our designation, the leech aka Saliva Factory aka Lacey, attached herself to my partner and I wandered off to look for Andrew.

Once a small intro speech was done, we were called up on the safe with two other pairs who had won for a congratulatory ceremony before letting us go.

From the gossip spreading around, I'd heard that the restaurant that was in the prize was a really good one. It was expensive but the food was to die for.

Just this bit got me excited.

I happily skipped my way back to the car where I met Emma, who congratulated me and Chloe who nearly trampled me with her hug.

Once we reached home, Emma ushered me to my room and asked me to go get ready. To be honest, I was really excited. For the first time in three years I was going to dress up properly.

The grin on my face was hard to wipe off as I tried to look for something to wear. I didn't even realise I was humming while dancing for a bit.

Today had been an awesome day.

I was about to go into the washroom to change when a knock made me halt. I kept my clothes aside and went towards the door.

Upon opening, I saw Daniel already dressed up in a navy blue shirt and black jeans with his hair in a messy yet attractive look.

"Uh, I'm not ready yet. Give me fifteen minutes and I'll be ready," I told him to which he responded-

"Yeah. About that. I was wondering if you didn't mind me taking Lacey with me? She really hasn't been to this restaurant and its a perfect opportunity for her to go," he said.

Disappointment accompanied a tinge of hurt as I looked at Daniel, covering my expression with a blank one.

Even I haven't been to this restaurant, I wanted to say but held it back.

I forced a small smile. "Sure. I don't mind at all," I replied and quickly shut the door before he could say anything else.

Deflated, I slumped in my bed. I really wanted to go out, dressing up. I fell back on my bed with a sigh. I guess today wasn't my day.

I was about to throw my clothes back in when my phone rang. I picked it up and was greeted with five words.

"Get ready, we're going out!" Andrew said.

"But where? And how'd you know that I wasn't going to the dinner?" I asked, a happy feeling bubbling inside me as I thought of going out.

"That bitch knows how to manipulate Daniel. And that piece of shit let's her do it so easily. She just wanted to destroy your night," he told me and I felt nothing but anger towards Saliva Factory.

"Forget her for the time being. Anyways, where are you taking me?" I asked instead of dwelling over what he just told me.

"That, is going to be a surprise. Oh, and dress nice. Let's make the bitch burn green with jealousy," he said, cackling out loud like a maniac.

I chuckled at his comment and after some more talk, I hung up to get ready. The excitement returned and I decided to dress up good.

I went to my cupboard to look for a dress but frowned when I found nothing.

I groaned.

I dialled up Drew's number.

"Already ready?"

"No. I don't have anything to wear," I whined.

"Already taken care of. Just go to Emma. She's waiting," he replied and hung up.

What even?

I quickly went to Emma's room and knocked. She quickly opened and ushered me in. Her face was lit up in excitement and that was scaring me a bit.

"Emma, you're scaring me with that grin," I spoke cautiously.

Her grin widened in response. "Sorry, I'm just excited to doll you up. Now we have to show Daniel what he's missing, don't we?"

"Wait-what?"

"Oh nothing. Just go try on your dress and I'll do your makeup and hair," said and pushed me into the washroom with a dress in hand.

It took a moment for my surprise to wear off. What did she mean by the earlier statement?

Diverting my mind to the outfit, (which didn't turn out to be a dress) I almost gaped at it. It was beautiful.

It was a blue denim shirt with a White flowy skirt that reached my mid-thigh and a thick brown belt.

I tried on the outfit and loved how it complimented my figure while not showing too much.

It was not too formal but equally cute. In short, I loved it.

I went out and let Emma examine me. She seemed satisfied with how I looked and ushered me towards the makeup table.

She dabbed on some things on my face, keeping my makeup light and natural with a slight pink lipgloss and outlined eyes with a soft blush on the apple of my cheeks.

She then proceeded to curl my hair in soft beach waves. Once she was done, I looked at myself in the mirror and I couldn't take my eyes off of her handiwork.

"Just one more thing," she said and went to grab some sandals.

She dug in her closet for a beautiful white pair of wedges that had me fallen in love with it. It was gorgeous.

"Emma, I can't even thank you enough for all this," I said gesturing to my outfit and hair and makeup.

She waved it off. "Nonsense. That witch has been controlling my son for way too long. She thinks that she is the goddess of beauty. Someone needs to show her that there are more gorgeous people on this earth," Emma said and I almost teared up.

"I-Th-"

"Shh. Now go on. I think Andrew would have come by now," she said and pushed me out.

I stopped for a moment and turned back. Emma gave me a questioning look and I just shook my head a little and hugged her.

She warmly returned my embrace and I couldn't be happier.

"Now, go," she said and I nodded.

I went up to my room to grab a clutch and my phone. Once I was sure I had everything, I carefully made my way downstairs.

My clacking of my heels caught Daniel's attention and he looked up. "Finally lets g-"

He trailed off and his eyes widened. I must've imagined it but I saw a brief look of what seemed like awe pass through his face but he quickly covered it up.

He cleared his throat as I descended the last few steps. "I thought you agreed to let me take Lacey," he said, shaking his head a little as if to clear out some thought.

"I did. And I'm not going with you so don't worry about me sabotaging your plans," I said in a sweet voice, with an undertone of light bitterness.

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Who are you going with, then?"

"None of yo-" I was cut off when the front door opened, revealing Andrew, who was dressed impeccably.

He wore a tight fitted black v-neck and dark jeans and had his hair styled.

"Drew!" I nearly shrieked with excitement and jogged my way slightly into his open wide arms.

I threw my arms around his neck and his arms circled around my waist as he picked me up and twirled me, chuckling under his breath.

"What's up sis?" He whispered in my ear and I grinned at him once he put me back on the ground.

He pecked the temple of my head, making me feel warm inside and I could feel a state burning through my skull.

I turned around to see Daniel watching us with a unreadable expression. He eyed Andrew's arm around my shoulder with a weird expression.

"Let's go, shall we?" Andrew asked and I nodded, a big smile gracing me face.
***

"No way!" I said as we walked out way to Emma's house.

The night had gone smoothly and wonderfully. I had so much fun today. Drew took me to a cute little shack decorated with fairy lights and colourful lamps.

It was a vintage sort of a restaurant where I had fun dancing with the old couple that owned the little shack.

They were super nice and let us have fun and served us the best dishes that they could make.

"So, enjoyed?" Andrew asked as I reached the doorstep.

I threw my arms around him in response. "You're the best brother anyone could ever have," I told him, honestly. He was literally like every other caring, protective and loving brother out there.

The proof being the punch he'd given one of the males who'd dared to cat call at me.

I couldn't have asked for anything more from him. He didn't have to take me out today, but he did. And even though he said it was for revenge on Saliva Factory, I could see it in his eyes that he could care less about that leech.

He was trying to make me happy. And I loved him for it.

In fact, if he ever needed me, I was going to stand by him no matter what. Because that's was siblings did and even though we were not blood related, there wasn't anywhere else I felt at home like with him.

"And you're the best sister. So, I'm gonna go now. Sleep tight and take care," Andrew said and kissed the top of my head.

I smiled. "You too. And don't worry, if it counts as something, I'll help you with whatever you want me for to bring the witch down."

He smiled at this. He was about to turn away when he remembered something. "Oh and before I forget, for the time being, don't tell anything about the contract to anyone."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "What do you mean by that?"

"I think it's better for now that no one knows about it. Half of the people won't understand it and it's gonna be really difficult explaining it to each and everyone here. Plus, I think it might be helpful in more ways than one," he said and winked at me before leaving.

I felt confused but shrugged it off.

Right now, I needed a hot bath. With the thought of a relaxing bath, I went inside.

Collecting my clothes and my towel, I went into the washroom. I shrugged off my outfit and places it nearly in one corner before hopping into the bath tub.

I pulled on the shower handle but it once again didn't budge.

Getting frustrated by constant pulling, I wrapped a towel against my body and went out.

"Emma? The shower handle isn't budging," I yelled.

Emma emerged from the kitchen and frowned. "I thought the plumber had fixed it. Let me call him again."

"But how do I take bath now?"

"Go take it in Daniel's washroom," she said, frowning at her phone.

My eyes widened. "Emma? Can't I do that in yours?"

She looked up with a sheepish expression. "I might've finished up the hot water. But Daniel's washroom has a separate pipeline so I think his will have hot water," she replied.

I was about to protest but she cut me off. "He's not here and I don't think he'll be returning any time before mid night, so you can go use it and come out quickly."

She was right. He won't be here so I can quickly go in and come out.

With that thought in mind, I quickly gathered my shampoo and soap and rushed off out of my room.

Reaching his door, I hesitated a bit before opening it. Chucking my hesitation aside, I quickly went in.

I took in the room.  It was really neat and beautiful. It had cream and brownish grey walls with subtle lighting, giving the room a wonderful glow.

An abstract paints hung on the bed wall and there was a grey rug beside the bed.

Towards the right were two doors. I assumed one of them would be the washroom.

I quickly walked towards the first door and opened it to reveal a walk in closet. My eyes widened as I took in the wide closet. I snapped myself out of awe and quickly walked out.

Quickly shutting the door, I proceeded to the second door which, thankfully was the washroom, which was equally well built.

Marble floor and shelf were covered in the same colour as the walls outside along with cream lining.

I took in the detail of the washroom as I set my things. I went towards the shower and decided to take a quick bath since I did not want to risk being caught by Daniel here.

Not that I was doing something wrong.

With that thought in mind, I quickly took a warm, relaxing yet quick shower.

Once I was done, I wrapped the towel on my body and proceeded to take my things when I realised something. In my haste to take a shower, I had forgotten my clothes in my room.

My jaw hung in horror as I quickly decided to escape. If anyone caught me like this, it would be embarrassing since the towel reached only my mid-thigh.

I quickly grabbed my shampoo and soap along with other necessities before quickly opening the door.

But the luck was so on my side. Not.

At the same time, Daniel opened the door to enter inside the room.

I froze in horror. Shit.

He was busy texting on his phone so he didn't notice me standing there half naked. Maybe I could slide past him and he wouldn't notice?

It took me a second to come out of my frozen state. Now what was I supposed to do? He was blocking pretty much any way out.

I didn't want to step forward because, it was embarrassing. So I did the next most stupid thing that came to my mind.

I cleared my throat.

This made his head snap up. His eyes widened as he took in my state mean wheel I was content on making my face resemble a tomato. No biggie.

His eyes raked my body and I started fidgeting, feeling uncomfortable.

He seemed to realise that he was unabashedly checking me out since his head snapped up with wide eyes.

After a moment of pure awkwardness, he seemed to regain his ability to speak. "What're you doing here?"

"Uh- the shower in my washroom wasn't working so, I uh, asked Emma and she asked me to use your washroom," I said pointing awkwardly to the washroom door that was a little steamy.

"And your clothes?"

"I kinda forgot them in my room. I wanted to get out of here before you came," I admitted sheepishly.

He didn't say much and I slowly started my way to the door. His phone pinged with another message and I saw him stiffen. He cursed under his breath.

He looked up at me as I was near the door. His eyes widened and he clasped his and on my wrist. He immediately pulled me back, making me stumble and collide with his hard chest.

My eyes widened at this. He must've seen my expression since he elaborated. "You need to hide. Lacey is coming up," he explained.

Ah shit.

"B-But-" I started but froze when I heard that leech's voice.

"Danny! I'm coming up. I have a surprise for you," she said in a sing song voice.

Daniel acted quickly. He pulled me along as I clutched onto my towel for dear life.

I'm three quick strides, he pulled me along and reached his closet. Pulling it open, he pulled me inside with him.

He closed the door behind and went ahead to another standing cupboard that was dark brown in colour. He opened it and lightly pushed me inside before stepping in himself and shutting the door behind.

"What the hell are you doing?" I whisper-yelled at the same time as I heard the door of Daniel's room being opened.

Right now our bodies were pressed against each other and I could barely make out where his face was.

"If she finds me in this room, she's going to stay in for atleast two to three hours. Do you want to stay in the closet for that long?" He whispered back, his voice becoming raspy.

My eyes widened at this. The idea of being in a dark, cramped cupboard for hours didn't seem like a good idea at all.

I could feel my chest rising up and down due to ragged breaths. I felt Daniel's breath graze my ear and I involuntarily shivered.

Daniel must've though I was feeling cold since he shifted a bit before I felt him wrap his arms around my shoulders.

I snapped my head towards where I thought his face was. His breathing was becoming laboured and I thought it was because of the proximity between us.

"Uh-I thought you might use some warmth since you're practically-uh yeah," he whispered awkwardly, his breaths becoming heavier. I didn't pay much attention to it, though.

My cheeks burned and as much as I hated to admit it, it felt good like this. I was about to reply when I heard suddenly the door of the closet room open.

"Danny? I thought this game of hide and seek was old?" I heard Lacey say.

Daniel stiffened as her footsteps neared. Now he was sweating too. His ragged breath now captured my attention. "You okay?"

He barely managed to nod and I heard Lacey open a cupboard, while humming a tune.

I looked at him and whispered. "What did you say to her?"

"I texted her that I had a surprise for her but only if she could find me," he replied in a hoarse and I wanted to face palm.

"What the he-" I couldn't complete my sentence since I heard the cupboard next to us being opened.

By now, Daniel was really breathing hard and sweating bullets. If Lacey by any chance opened this cupboard, we would be gone for, especially given our situation.

"Daniel? What's wrong?" I asked as I clearly saw him trying to control a panic attack.

"I-I'm claustrophobic," he whispered back.

My eyes widened. Oh fudge cakes.

"Then why the hell did you choose to hide in the cupboard, you doofus? You're girlfriend is going to kill us," I whispered as I heard her opening the cupboard across the room.

"S-She's not m-my girlfriend," he answered in a mere whisper and I thought I almost imagined it.

I could feel my heart racing along with Daniel's. His breathing was getting louder and if it didn't stop, girlfriend or not, that leech was going to bite my head off.

And weirdly enough, I knew Daniel wasn't the kind to be in a closet like this with another girl to cheat on someone. From what I'd learnt about him, he was the loyal kinds and I really didn't want this image of his to be tarnished.

Even though she wasn't his girlfriend, if she saw Daniel pressed up against me in this cramped space, I knew for sure that she would spread false rumours of him cheating on her, which involuntarily brought anger in me.

He could've clearly let me get humiliated and mocked by his girlfr- I mean whoever she was to him but he chose to hide me and locked himself inside the cupboard with me, even when he was claustrophobic.

I needed find a way for her not to find us.

Dread filled me as I heard Lacey walk towards the cupboard we were hiding in. We were obscured behind thick coats but if she opened, she would clearly hear Daniel's ragged breaths.

I looked at Daniel who was trying his best to control it but he was failing. It wasn't his fault to be honest.

I panicked as I heard her checking another cupboard. There wasn't much time before she would open this one.

I tried to cover his mouth but his chest still heaved up and down. Asking him to hold his breath would be useless since he was already trying to do that for so long.

As I felt the cupboard lock jiggle, I did the only rational thing that came into my mind.

I grabbed Daniel's face and brought it closer to mine. "Daniel?" I whispered quickly.

"Y-Yeah?"

"You sure she's not your girlfriend?" I asked, just to confirm before I decided to do something that would be really wrong.

I felt him nod, even though he was clearly confused.

"Listen, this the only way to save you from getting caught, so I apologise in advance," I whispered the moment the door creaked.

Not giving him a chance to reply, I got on my toes and after a deep breath, I pressed my lips against his.

*****
Note: To those of you who seemed confused as to why she kissed him to stop his panic attack... Covering his mouth would suffocate him even more since he is already claustrophobic.

There are other ways to stop a panic attack but for that the person needs to be calmed down slowly and if you noticed, in this case she really didn't have time.

So she shocked him by kissing him, hence diverting his mind completely along with making him hold his breath.

Hey guys! How was it?

Did anyone squeal? Which part was your favourite?

I hope you enjoyed the feels. And you all can thank me for a fast update (just kidding).

Oh and please refrain from asking me to update as soon as I do because frankly, it's not going to happen immediately.

I write at my own pace because I want each chapter to make some sense.

Anyways, VOTE AND COMMENT! Your comments make my day!

Love you all!❤️