twenty-nine

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"i know how much it matters to you,
i know you got daddy issues"

***

TW

Elena

"Eleanor, meet Noah and Antonio, their Mr. Vanov's son," Dad flashes his infamous smile, motioning his hands over to two boys who seemed to be around my age. "Their dad is the mayor but also one of the members in our church."

Being able to tell the deception in his tone, I knew he wanted me to act oblivious towards the situation. He reminded me over dozen times on how to behave today at dinner, especially since it's the mayor and his two sons who can potentially one day have an important role in the church.

Although, I never really stood this close to the sons despite them going to the same school as me, even had a couple of classes together with one of them but never dared to speak to them. Surrounded by their friend group is just a recipe for disaster, let alone someone like me being involved with a high-class citizen in town.

Hesitant, I force a smile on my face which only led to my dad shooting a quick stern look at me, another reminder of how he wants me to behave. I drop the negative thoughts and try to focus on the positive side - as soon as I get this dinner done, I'll finally be able to go home and sleep.

I quickly fix myself and smiled, but this time softly so it looks more natural - and less forced.

The shorter one looked timid, darting his eyes everywhere but at me. He rocked back and forth with his hands behind his back, puckering his lips as he stared at the wall.

But the other brother was the opposite. He maintained composed with both of his hands in the front, taller but slimmer than the other one. A charismatic smile formed on his face as his eyes met mine, making my cheeks flush warm.

Dad gave me another glare, waiting for me to make the first move.

I stick my hand out, "N-nice to meet you guys, I'm Eleanor."

The quiet one remained quiet, a quick glance at my hand before moving to the side to let his brother take his spot. The more charismatic one finally broke the awkward tension by shaking my hand, flashing his pearly and perfect teeth.

"I'm Antonio, and this is my brother Noah."

Noah.

Noah fucking Vanov.

I tried to focus on my breathing to somehow calm and distract myself at the same time, but my breathing came to a stop once I realized this wasn't a crucifying nightmare.

"Hey, Ellie."

I turn around and look at Antonio's brother, trying to remember what his name was since he clearly remembered mine.

"What did you call me?" I questioned him, realizing that he seemed more comfortable or at the very least more confident than he did before the dinner.

I take a quick glance back at my father through the window who was too busy trying to start the car, telling me to stay inside to 'stay warm' when in reality, he wants me to chat with them.

"Ellie," he repeated. "That'll be your nickname."

I raise my brows, "Nickname? I don't do nicknames."

He shrugs, "Why not? Ellie has a nice ring to it."

"I... I guess," I mumble, feeling my cheeks warm up. Guilt begins to consume my heart due to forgetting his name. "I honestly can't give you a nickname because I forgot your name," I explain, hoping he wouldn't take it offensively. "I'm so sorry."

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