ASHLEY'S POV
The person in the mirror was still me, yet barely recognizable. I stared in disbelief, my eyes scanning every inch of my transformed reflection. My hazel eyes, once hidden behind thick glasses, now shone bright and clear. My breasts were fuller, my hair a vibrant blonde, just like my mom's. My skin was flawless, not a blemish in sight. And my teeth... perfectly straight, no longer crooked or bracketed by braces.
"Ahhh, Dad! Dad! Dad!" I yelled, racing down the stairs, my heart racing with anxiety. I burst into the sitting room, where my dad was waiting with his luggage. But when he saw me, his expression wasn't one of shock or surprise. Instead, he looked... resigned.
"Ashley?" His voice was laced with a mix of concern and curiosity. "Did you mess with the chemicals?" he asked his tone firm but controlled as if he already suspected the answer.
_FLASHBACK ENDS_
Trent's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes refusing to budge until I answered. I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "It's no big deal."
But he wouldn't let up. So, I shot back, "What's the deal with you wanting to see my pics so badly? You think they'll reveal some deep, dark secret or something?" My tone was light, but beneath the surface, I hoped he'd drop it.
"I feel like you're not letting me into your life," Trent said, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "Like you don't want to introduce me to your family."
He placed his hands on my chin, his blue eyes searching for answers. But surprisingly, their usual sparkle didn't stir me.
"It's not like that, babe," I reassured, attempting to alleviate his doubts. "I would never keep you from my family. When the time is right, I'll introduce you to my dad."
Trent raised an eyebrow, his skeptical expression screaming "I'm not buying this." I could sense his frustration.
"Can we please just go inside now?" I asked, hoping to deflect further conversation.
He yanked the keys from the ignition and stepped out of the car, his long strides devouring the distance. I hurried after him, struggling to keep up.
"Hey, babe, wait up!" I called out, my voice laced with a hint of desperation.
Trent's pace didn't falter, his broad back radiating tension. I could sense his anger still simmering beneath the surface.
I caught up to him, my feet matching his rapid stride. "What's wrong? You're still upset, aren't you?" His silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words.
"I'm not," Trent said, his eyes fixed ahead, his voice was flat.
I knew he was lying, but I couldn't fault him. This was my second visit to his parents' house, yet he'd still never met my dad. The imbalance in our family dynamics was starting to weigh on him.
Trent shook his head, his gaze avoiding mine.
"I'm fine."
Meeting my dad was out of the question. He was in hiding, laying low until he "cleaned up the mess," as he put it. Not my words, his. I couldn't possibly introduce Trent.
"Come on, smile," I coaxed, attempting to tickle him. At first, he resisted, holding firm to his stern expression. But I persisted, and eventually, a faint smile crept onto his face.
"Promise me you'll introduce me soon," his eyes locked onto mine.
"Pinky swear," I replied, holding out my pinky finger. Trent's smile widened as he wrapped his pinky around mine, sealing the promise.
Having already met Trent's parents, I expected to feel more at ease. Yet, a flutter of anxiety persisted. My dramatic makeover, both inside and out, still amazed me. Sometimes, a glance in the mirror served as a reassuring reminder that the shy, book-smart girl I once knew was now a vibrant, self-assured young woman.
I'd gone from wallflower to stunna, but my inner nerd still lingered. My confidence was growing, but I couldn't help occasional flashes of my old self. It was weird, but I was learning to rock this new me.
Trent's gaze caught mine, and he noticed my uneasy expression. "Come on, Ash, let go," he gently pried my clenched hands apart. He plucked a stray strand of hair from my face, his fingers brushing against my skin.
"They're just my parents, no biggie," he reassured me, his bright smile infectious.
"Yeah," I replied, smiling back at Trent.
As we stepped inside, a soothing melody enveloped me, calming my nerves. The beautiful music seemed to resonate deep within, like a gentle hug for my soul.
"Hey kiddo," a deep, silky voice filled the room, sending a shiver down my spine.
I turned to face the speaker, and my breath caught. Sitting before me was the epitome of perfection - deep green eyes, chiseled features, and a strong jawline that seemed carved by the gods. His messy, dark hair framed his face.
His radiant smile spread across his face, illuminating the space around him. Broad shoulders and a fit physique hinted at an athlete's build, while an air of quiet confidence commanded attention.
Trent's brother, I presumed. Yet, the resemblance between them was uncanny. I felt a flutter in my chest, surprised by my reaction.
My eyes widened as I turned to Trent, who chuckled and shook his head.
"Ash, this is my older brother, Xavier," Trent said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Xavier's gaze locked onto mine, his deep green eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Nice to meet you, Ash." He offered a charming smile and stretched out his hands for a handshake, and I felt my heart skip a beat.
I couldn't help but compare the brothers – Trent's easygoing nature versus Xavier's commanding presence. Both were captivating in their ways, but Xavier's intensity left me breathless.
I was so entranced by Xavier's captivating smile that I didn't even notice the wheelchair until my hand reached out for the handshake. Our palms touched, and a jolt of calm warmth spread through me. It was as if time stood still.
"Ash," Xavier said, his voice low and smooth, releasing my hand reluctantly. "It's great to finally meet you."
Trent cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "Xavier's a bit of a charmer, Ash. Watch out." He grinned, teasing.
Xavier chuckled, his eyes never leaving mine. "Just being friendly, little bro."
"Please don't call me that again." Trent feigned annoyance.
"What are you up to this time?" Trent asked, munching on a chip. "And why are you in a wheelchair? Mom and Dad would kill you if they knew you weren't taking care of yourself."
Xavier shrugged, his gaze still fixed on me. "Just a minor setback, bro. Soccer injury. I'll be back on my feet in no time."
Trent raised an eyebrow. "A minor setback that requires a wheelchair?"
Xavier's smile faltered for a moment before he recovered. "It's just precautionary, Trent. Don't worry about it."
I felt Xavier's eyes on me, like a gentle warmth on my skin. I avoided his gaze, focusing on the couch cushions instead.
"Where are Mom and Dad?" Trent asked, settling into the armchair.
"Out for dinner, I guess" Xavier replied. "They'll be back later."
The room fell silent, except for Trent's crunching on snacks. I could feel Xavier's stare, but I didn't dare meet his eyes again.
"I thought you said you stopped playing soccer," Trent said, his brow furrowed in skepticism.
Xavier's expression turned guarded, his eyes darting to me for a fleeting moment before returning to Trent. "I did. This...was just a friendly game, bro."
Trent raised an eyebrow. "Save it, Xavier. You'd never risk your scholarship for a 'friendly game.' What happened?"
Xavier's jaw clenched, his voice low and even. "I told you, Trent. It was an accident during a pickup game."
Trent's gaze lingered on Xavier's face, searching for cracks in his story. He knew his brother too well; the evasive tone, the brief hesitation – it all screamed deception.
I watched the exchange, sensing underlying tensions. Trent's instincts whispered that something was off, but Xavier's words seemed genuine. I couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden beneath the surface.
"Whatever, man," Trent said finally, shaking his head. "Just be careful, okay?"
Xavier's expression softened, his eyes locking onto Trent's. "I will, bro. Promise."
Trent headed out, and I stood up, attempting to follow. "Oh, Ash, you don't have to bother," he said. "I'll be back soon. Just want to run some errands."
Panic set in as I realized I'd be alone with Xavier. No way, I thought. He can't leave me with this gorgeous, captivating Greek god.
"Oh no," I whispered to myself, feeling trapped. Just me and Xavier, alone together.
Xavier's voice broke the silence, his deep, smooth tone sending shivers down my spine. "Looks like we're alone now, Ash."
I turned to face him, trying to play it cool despite my racing heart. "Guess so," I managed, forcing a casual smile.
Xavier's green eyes sparkled with amusement as if he knew exactly how flustered I was. He wheeled closer, his movements fluid and graceful.
"Relax, Ash," he said, his v
oice soothing. "I promise I won't bite...unless you want me to."