Daisy’s Secret Crush

***Daisy’s POV.***

Toby and I were in the same university but he was more into painting and sculptures while I was interested in designing. I love painting too but Toby is gifted in that field. But he mostly helps his father in business.

His father is a good man and father I must say. He always supported Toby in every venture and never expected him to take over his company. Senior Wright is an investor and also has his own security service-giving company. The company not only helps find good security for anyone but also hires people right for any kind of job.

“Dad invested in Mr. Anderson’s project, as he believed it would be beneficial. That is why I am at this party tonight, otherwise, I don’t think I would have gotten an invite.” Toby says as we wait for appetizers.

“How do you know Ms. Dupont?” I ask.

He smiles, which looks sad to me, and says, “I met her a few months ago at her mother’s funeral. She wanted a portrait of her mother. That is my creation.” Toby says, showing a picture on a mantel. The server comes at that time and leaves us with a plate full of appetizers and another plate of pastries.

“I always knew you were good, but you are brilliant. I envy you.” I say and he blushes, “Aww! You still have that cute blush that surfaces whenever someone compliments you. Then what happened?”

“During her portrait making, I felt like Olivia opened up to me emotionally, which she didn’t do with anyone. I was attracted to her with only one look, but I didn’t approach her as she was grieving and I didn’t want her to think I was taking advantage of it.” He says.

“Well, you were raised by a gentleman. Obviously, you would become one too.” I say.

“Stop giving my old man all the credit.” He says.

“He is the only man after my father and godfather that I admire the most. If he was a few years younger, I would be your stepmother right now.” I say and pop a crispy baked zucchini chip.

“Don’t put that image in my head. But would you seriously have ditched Mr. Anderson for him?” Toby asks.

“Men like your father are born only once in a century. Your mother was lucky to have him.” I say, “But back to the topic.”

“Yes. So Olivia was vulnerable and approached me one day after we came back from dinner, which she invited me to. It was sudden and I could not stop myself from holding back and kissed her. But when she tried to move for more, I backed away. I talked to her, and she accused me. That is all an excuse and I am denying her because I pity her. She left me in the middle of the road and I had to walk back home on foot as I wanted to think what happened.” He says then takes a sip of champagne.

“Excuse me.” I call a server who pours his glass.

“When I reached the front of my apartment building, she was there. As soon as she saw me she started crying saying that she shouldn’t have abandoned me and I didn’t want any reporters to see her like that so I took her to my apartment. Then one thing led to another and I ended up making love to her.” He says.

“Then what happened?” I ask.

“I thought that next day she would regret it as she was emotional and it was her first time. It was mine too. But she reverted back to her usual self. I liked it. We started meeting up more and I thought we were in a relationship. It felt like one to me. But I don’t think Olivia thought that way. She thought of me as nothing but an entertainment for her to past time with. It hurt a lot initially but every now and then when we pass by I see something in her eyes. It is like she wants me but she is trying to hold back. Maybe I am seeing things which I want to see making me delusional or there is something.” He says.

“There is something, Toby. I saw a little hurt look in her eyes when she heard me calling you Toby.” I say.

“Did you really?” He asks and when I nod, he continues, “She left me just saying that we are not compatible in status. My father is a self-made man and so am I and she is a born heiress. But every time I look at her I only remember her face the time we first had gone for a long ride. She was reluctant but also so happy but she wouldn’t show me.” He says with a smile.

“They are both so alike.” I say.

“What is your deal? Why is he denying a beauty like you? Isn’t he always going after what he wants? According to rumours, I think.” He asks.

“I have been around Anderson boys since I was born. Ryan is like my older brother but Noah is my best friend.” I say.

“I am not?” He asks with a hurt look.

“I can have two best friends. Anyway, with Theo, it has always been different. I had a crush on him when I turned 16. And it crushed me every time I saw him with a new girl. But something changed when I got back from London.” I say and tell him about the incident in the pub, along with other things.

“One thing is clear, he definitely has hots for you.” Toby says.

“Noah says the same thing.” I say.

“No literally. Every time I look at them, he is looking at you. When you frown, he frowns. When you smile, he smiles too.” Toby says.

“Are you looking at him or yourself?” I ask with a frown.

“Oh my goodness, he just frowned.” He says and laughs.

“Stop teasing me.” I say and finally, take a drink of champagne.

“He is acting stubborn to keep you away, thinking his plans might foil if he did something with you. Is he afraid of your father?” He asks.

“Who’s not?” I ask with a chuckle.

“From what I heard, maybe he is stopping himself because of your parents’ friendship.” He says.

“I thought the same. If I was any other girl, we would have finished what we started in that pub.” I say.

“He would have if he hadn’t known who you were when he approached you. But I think what is holding him back could be that he doesn’t want casual things with you.” He says.

“I don’t want that either. I want a serious relationship with him, too.” I say.

“But that’s the problem. I think he won’t get serious with you until he is one hundred and one per cent sure that you both are going to work out. He would only approach you if he feels something for you which is more than physical.” He says.

“That would take years.” I say and hold my head in my hand.

“Or what if he would realise that he can’t bear to see you with anyone but himself? That he wants you all for himself. That could make him approach you too.” He says.

“The same thing goes for you. If only Olivia sees that you have options and what she is losing if she holds onto her pride maybe that would wake her up to take you seriously. In short, we had to show them that letting go of chemistry and people like us, is a loss to all of us.” I say.

“Yes. And also we have to do something that pushes them off the edge and come face to face with their true feelings.” He says.

“Yes. We have to break them. Their hard armour. Because when it breaks they will finally be free of whatever shackles they are holding onto and come flying to us.” I say.

“Did you see any historical romance recently?” Toby asks.

“I broke after staying cooped up for two days and tried to find some tricks.” I say and sigh.

“I understand. I did the same. But I saw some sappy romance instead.” He says.

“Now I know why we are friends.” I say and laugh.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“Tubelight.” He says and I punch him lightly, “How are we gonna accomplish freeing them?”

“Simple. We would make them jealous.” I say as that is the only thing I could think of.

“Classic. But it always works best.” He says.

“We need to show them that we could be more than friends if they don’t separate us.” I say.

“But how would we know that our plan would work?” He asked.

“We will test it tonight and if we get the result in any way, we will move forward.” I say with determination.

“I am already feeling excited.” He says with a goofy smile.

“Me too.” I say with the same smile.

“So what would be our first step?” He asks eagerly for what would happen next and so am I.

“How is this music?” I ask casually.

“What?” He asks.

“How is this music?” I ask again as I move my head to the music.

“But weren’t we planning something here?” He asks.

“Just tell me, how is this music?” I asked last time.

“Nice.” He finally answers.

“Shouldn’t we dance then?” I ask with a smile.

“I know that smile.” Toby says finally understanding the meaning behind my words.

“You do?” I ask.

He stands up and bows in gentlemanly behaviour and asks, “Would you like a dance, my lady?”

“I would love to.” I say and take his hand with a smile.