Unthinkable Love

Chapter 10

Lola

Two Months Later

I really tried my hardest the last two months to stay away from Theo. I mean, he was my professor after all. Each day I would see him, I could feel my feelings for him growing stronger. He would always sit and watch me in awe while I manipulated with the water in the marble fountain. He was always so intrigued with my power and he wanted to learn more. Coming from the Fuoco clan, he had never really seen anyone with the strength of my power before.

I learned that he was twenty years old, only two years older than I was. His last relationship, with Lucy, ended rather badly. So much so that his family needed to move away from the Fuoco clan. They came here for a fresh start and Theo loved how peaceful it was here in Colombo. I had asked him what his family was like but he said there was not much to tell.

Should I be worried that he was hesitant to honestly open up to me?

Ivy and Jordan would not stop pestering me about what was going on between us. Ivy would always wriggle her eyebrows at me whenever she saw us together.

“When will you two get it through your head? Nothing can happen between us! He is my professor and nothing more. Never mind the fact it is forbidden by my family.” I explain to them for the millionth.

“But you guys look so great together. He only ever has eyes for you whenever you enter the room.” Ivy rebuts. Now it is my turn to roll my eyes. Jordan just nods his head in agreement.

Today is the day we finally graduate from Colombo Academy of Magical Talents. There was a beautiful ceremony led by my father in the Crystal Hall to farewell all my fellow students and tonight there will be a ball to celebrate.

Ivy, Theo and I were specifically requested to help with the decorating for the ball. We are the strongest mages from our respective clans. Ivy created the most incredible floral arrangements for the tables with delicate flowers and lush green foliage. Theo created six fireplaces that lined the walls of the hall with the warmth of fire that will not extinguish. I created three impressive ice sculptures that towered in the corners of the room. Each sculpture representing each of the clans.

It all looked spectacular before we went home to get ready and I could not wait to see it all finished later.

My mother helped me curl my long brown hair and put some make up on my face. She left the room to give me some privacy while I slipped into my gown. It was a long velvet dress the colour of the deep blue sea. It was stunning. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror and I felt the most beautiful I have ever felt in my life.

I stepped out into the hall and made my way into the living room where my family, Jordan and Ivy were waiting for me.

Jordan was wearing a dashing beige suit with black accents to match his slicked back black hair. Ivy was wearing an emerald green gown made of satin. It was stunning and reminded me of Theo’s eyes. I find my mind drifting away again thinking of him.

My mother gasps and covers her mouth with her hands when she sees me. She fights the urge not to cry.

She pulls me into an embrace and says, “You look incredible darling!”

“Absolutely beautiful!” My father exclaims. I catch a glimpse of Ivy once again wriggling her eyebrows at me. That girls eyebrows are going to fall off one of these days.

“Come on everyone, we don’t want to be late!” My father announces.

As we walk into the Crystal Hall, I am in awe of how amazing it looks. The room is lit with fairy lights and everyone looks dashing in their formal attire.

I am still taking in the room when I see Theo facing away from me. Even from across the room, I could notice him anywhere. At that exact moment, he sees me from the corner of his eye. He turns slowly in my direction, longingly looking all the way down to the bottom of my gown and slowly all the way back up to meet my gaze. His mouth opens into the most gorgeous smile I have ever seen in my life and he is looking straight at me!

Am I dreaming? Could he possibly be looking at me that way? I turn around to make sure there is not someone behind me.

Nope, he is definitely smiling at me.

My cheeks heat up and I return his smile nervously before I take my seat at the table with my family.

My father, Headmaster Acquaviva makes his way to the stage to give a speech to address his students for the final time.

“Good evening ladies, gentleman and honorary students. Welcome to your graduation ball. This is always such a special occasion as we celebrate the years of hard work and the achievement of all of your successes. This journey has been tough for some of you and I am extremely proud of all the smiling faces around this room. I offer you all my sincerest congratulations as we send you all off into the world as young men and women. May your futures be bright with success and everything you deserve. It truly has been an honour to be your Headmaster and a privilege to see you all grow into the people you are today. Good luck for all your future endeavours. Congratulations again and please enjoy your evening.”

The hall is filled with cheers and clapping as my father waves to everyone while heading back to his seat.

An incredible banquet of food is served consisting of carved roasted meats and vegetables, delicious salads and an exquisite vanilla panna cotta for dessert.

I am finishing off the last of my panna cotta when the band starts to play, signalling the beginning of the ball dancing. Jordan excuses himself from the table. He is probably going to try find a hunky single guy to dance with. I sit alone at the table watching my mother and father twist and twirl around the dance floor while Ivy and Levi are wrapped in a loving embrace, swaying slowly to the music.

“Excuse me miss, may I have this dance?” An incredibly husky voice whispers in my ear.

Flinching in my seat, I say “Yes Professor.”

He takes my hand in his and leads me to the dance floor. He places a white peony behind my ear and beams at his handy work. He places his other hand on the small of my back, pulling me closer towards him until there is no space left between us. Suddenly, I am all too aware of my breasts pushed up against him and I can feel the bulge in his pants pressing on my stomach. We start swaying together to the rhythm of the music.

I look up into his eyes and wonder what he is thinking. Of all the women he could be dancing with tonight, he asked me! He looks at me longingly with lust-filled eyes. I wish I could kiss him right now. Just one little taste couldn't hurt. He is only inches away from me but I know I can’t in this room full of people.

“You look absolutely gorgeous tonight Lola. I can’t keep my eyes off of you.” He admits, smiling down at me.

“You are looking very handsome yourself Professor.” I say nervously as I study his navy tuxedo and white bow tie. My stomach is doing back flips at the feel of his hands on my waist. What is it about this man that sends my emotions wild? How can someone I have known for such a short time have such an effect on me?

“Please call me Theo, Lola. As of today, I am no longer your professor.” He says, searching my face.

“It is such a beautiful ball isn’t it?” I try to change the subject as I look around the room.

“Yes it is.” He says, still looking down at me with that same longing in his eyes.

“I wish - “

“WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?!” Levi yells from behind me.

I turn in Theo’s arms to see rage radiating from my brother. He is glaring daggers at Theo.

“I am enjoying a dance with a former student. Is there a problem?” Theo asks with a stunned look on his face.

“OF COURSE THERE IS A PROBLEM! I'VE TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY FROM MY SISTER!” Levi shouts.

People are starting to stare at the commotion. I am starting to feel incredibly uncomfortable from all the unwanted attention.

“I apologise for making you upset, we were just danc-“ Theo continues.

I cut Theo off mid-sentence. “Please stop it Levi.” I plead in a small voice. I can feel the rumble of a storm brewing outside as I start to panic. Ivy appears and is trying to pull Levi away from the situation.

“You haven’t told her, have you?” Levi demands of Theo.

“Told me what?” I ask, confused. My blood is starting to boil like a pot of water on the stove. The storm outside is getting closer and louder. Theo looks as though he would rather be anywhere else but here right now.

“You haven’t told her who you really are! Your treacherous family slaughtered our ancestors. They burnt us to the ground! We are lucky to still be alive!” Levi shouts angrily. Ivy continues to pull Levi away. He is furious; he lashes out with his arm and knocks Ivy to the ground. He turns away from Ivy and lands a powerful punch on Theo’s jaw. Theo stumbles backwards but does not retaliate. He holds his cheek in pain and avoids my distraught gaze.

I can't take any more of this. I have to get out of here. Everyone is starting at me. Where is my father? Why has he not stopped Levi yet? The pain of deception and betrayal is consuming me. I turn on my heel and run as fast as I can out of the hall. On my way out, Lucy steps out in front of me with a smug look on her face. I push her aside and keep running out into the night.