Accidentally Yours Chapter 2 Part 1
Chapter 2 · Part One
Accidentally Yours
Diana
Angelo Guistine had not changed a whiff, even though he was older now.
He still had those kind, bright blue eyes that could make anyone attracted to him.
His copper hair, neatly combed back, gleamed under the warm lights of the ballroom, and—just as always—his tie was crooked.
They were always crooked.
Four long years had passed since I’d last seen him, but I hadn’t missed a single detail about his life.
Bella had made sure of that.
I knew about his Gibbs Prize in Economics and Management.
I learned about the nine cats he’d smuggled into his Oxford dorm, even though his poor mama was allergic.
I even knew about the four girlfriends he’d had during his time there and how he’d broken up with the last one just a week before his return.
“Come on, Dina, let’s go see them,” Papa said, his voice breaking through my thoughts.
His hand was warm and steady as it wrapped around mine, lacing our fingers together.
We walked into the grand ballroom, which seemed to hum with elegance and celebration.
It was vast, with high, vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate gold patterns gleaming in the crystal chandelier glow.
A sea of polished mahogany tables stretched across the marble floor, each decorated with towering floral centerpieces and delicate golden place settings.
Soft jazz music floated through the air, blending with the low laughter and conversation from what felt like a thousand people.
It was Angelo’s mama’s birthday, a milestone that always brought the Guistine family and their vast network of relatives together.
Before we could fully take in the scene, Claudia appeared.
Her wide, infectious smile lit up the room as she approached us.
“Diana! I cannot believe Mama pranked me and told me you wouldn’t be here today because she hadn’t invited you and your Papa.”
She wrapped me in a warm embrace, her cheeks brushing mine as we exchanged kisses.
“How could I miss this occasion when I’ve been itching to catch up with you?”
I was probably going to tell a lot of white lies today.
There were so many distant relatives here who didn’t like me or Papa, but no worries—the feeling was mutual.
Yet, we all pretended to enjoy each other, spewing affectionate lies through gritted teeth.
Claudia, though, was different.
She was the one I genuinely liked among Angelo’s sisters.
“Oh, is that the only reason you’re eager to be here?”
Her brows arched mischievously as her gaze slid toward Angelo, who stood across the room, deep in conversation with a cluster of cousins and his sisters.
I rolled my eyes, but the warmth of her teasing made my cheeks burn.
Papa chuckled, his deep laugh joining Claudia’s.
“I can see your act, Diana. You’re shy, but don’t worry—you’re not left out. Angelo’s been blushing every time he hears your name.”
“They’re just too cute, right?” Claudia said with a grin.
I groaned, shaking my head.
“I’m so not ready for this conversation.”
And I meant it.
I just wanted to enjoy the party, savor the evening, and pretend for a few more hours that Angelo’s return didn’t change everything.
Because deep down, I knew it would.
After all these years, his presence here would seal my fate in a way I wasn’t ready to accept.
“Can I let you in on a secret?” Claudia asked, leaning closer with a conspiratorial smile.
I nodded a big, dramatic nope.
I already knew whatever came out of her mouth next would be insufferable.
“Angelo has been anxious to meet you all morning,” she said, undeterred.
“He penned down a thousand words to woo you with.”
“That’s so cute of him,” Papa said.
“My brother is the most romantic man you’ll ever see,” Claudia beamed.
“I agree with you.”
“Which is why I, as the bigger sister, must take you to him right now.”
Before I could even process her words, Claudia grabbed my hand.
She snatched me away from Papa and whisked me across the room, quickly mumbling to him, “I’m borrowing Diana for a bit.”