Undoubtedly Yours, page 1
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2025 by Natalina Snow
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.
First eBook edition October 2025
Book cover design by RJ Creatives
Formatting by Natalina Snow
Proof Read by Meet me in the Pages
ASIN B0FN7PD7ZD (eBook)
ISBN 9798299100464 (Paperback)
Contents
1. Prologue
2. Chapter One
3. Chapter Two
4. Chapter Three
5. Chapter Four
6. Chapter Five
7. Chapter Six
8. Chapter Seven
9. Chapter Eight
10. Chapter Nine
11. Chapter Ten
12. Epilogue
Also by
About the author
Prologue
CHLOE
(8 years earlier)
Iwatch from my second storey window as my brother and his friends ride their BMX bikes up and down the street. Tucking a loose strand of my blonde hair behind my ear, I secretly wish, just for once, he would let me be a part of his friends group. My brother and I have never had a close relationship. He's always had his friends and his hobbies, but he never wanted to be around me. Now at sixteen, I want nothing more than to fit in and feel like I belong. I know by now that I likely will never know how that feels.
Glancing up, my brother notices me watching from the window. I quickly duck down to hide from his glare. Oh no, I just know I'm going to pay for this. I hear my brother shout something at his friends and my heart thunders in my chest. I quickly scramble to close my door as I hear their heavy footsteps hitting the staircase. Just as I go to slam the door my brother stops me and swings it wide.
I begin to back away from him. He has never hurt me, but he does tease and push me around. I hate it. He's supposed to be my brother, to protect me and help me. Instead I seem to just be a thorn in his side.
“Spying on me and my friends?” He sneers in my face while his two friends Michael and Jack snicker behind him.
“I… I wasn't staring…” I stammer as my brother takes a menacing step towards me. I close my eyes and wince. I brace for him to push me, but it never comes.
“Just leave her alone, Patrick. Let's just go back outside and ride our bikes,” I open my eyes, and see Grace standing in front of me. “It's okay Chloe, I know you weren't spying. I told you to watch me,” she says over her shoulder giving me a wink. I catch on to what she is saying and begin nodding.
“Just leave me and my friends alone, loser,” my brother says as he and his friends walk out of my room. I let out a sigh of relief as I look back at Grace. She has a large smile plastered on face.
“Sometimes boys can be dumb,” she shrugs. I don't respond. I just blush at her words. She tucks a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, and lifts my chin. “Are you sure you're okay?” Concern laces her voice and I look away from her nodding. She gives me one last smile and makes her way to the door. Just before she leaves she looks over at me.
“Your hair looks pretty today.” My heart flutters in my chest as my cheeks flame. I don't respond as she walks out the door. I know at that moment that I have a huge crush on Grace, and there is nothing I can do about it.
GRACE
I know Patrick is my best friend, but sometimes I really just want to punch him in the face. The way he treats Chloe has my temper rising, and I have no idea how to vocalise that.
We have been friends since primary school. We both found a love in BMX bikes and sports, I always knew I was different to the other girls. I wasn't girly like them. I didn’t spend my time playing with Barbies or want my nails painted. No, I wanted to climb trees and pretend to be a dinosaur. Patrick was my first friend not to judge me, the first person who treated me like one of the boys. I felt accepted, and as I got older and began to understand why I was different, he never judged me. He gave me a hug and said we would be best friends for life, no matter what. What I didn't understand was his dislike for his little sister. He was only a year older, and yet, he treated her like she was the bane of his existence.
I've always done what I can to protect Chloe from Patrick where I can, but I can't toss years of acceptance and friendship away, no matter how much I like her.
What Patrick didn't know was that I like Chloe much more than I should. Over the last couple of years I have seen her blossom into a beautiful woman. Her hips and breasts have filled out, and I have to fight the urge to stare at her all the time. She gets under my skin, but I know I need to cut it out. Patrick is like family to me, and I don't want to lose the one person in my life who accepts me for me.
Having a widowed Portuguese parent, who is religious, doesn't exactly make it easy for someone like me. I'm too scared to break my mother's heart when she is already so broken. So I continue to confide in my best friend, and keep my true self hidden from the world.
I place my bike into the garage and make my way inside my home, the smell of Portuguese stew assaults my senses and my stomach grumbles.
“Grace? Is that you?” my mothers voice calls from the kitchen.
“Hey Mum,” I responded, making my way into the room. “That smells delicious.” She turns and smiles kindly at me.
"I’m making your favourite. I thought you might be hungry," she says, stirring the pot with a wooden spoon. "How was your day, minha filha?" I shrug.
“It was ok, I hung out with Patrick and the guys and we rode our bikes and practiced more tricks. Maybe if I practice really hard, Patrick and I will make it pro. You know Jack’s dad owns the BMX agency. I might even get to travel.” I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. But my mind keeps drifting back to Chloe. The way she looked at me earlier, the colour that crept into her cheeks when I complimented her hair. She's been on my mind more than ever lately, and it's becoming harder to push these feelings aside.
As I take my seat at the table, my mother places a bowl of the stew in front of me. Stirring the food in my bowl absentmindedly, I can't help but wonder if Chloe feels the same way. Does she see me as just a friend, or is there a chance for something more between us? The thought makes my heart race with both excitement and fear.
But for now, I'll have to keep my feelings hidden and focus on being there for Chloe as a friend.
Chapter One
GRACE
(10 years Later)
My heart pounds hard in my chest as the countdown begins. My bike is lined up on the ramp, as I take a deep breath to calm my nerves. The crowd's excited chatter fades into a background hum, my focus solely on the moment ahead. The buzzer sounds, and I push off, feeling the rush of adrenaline as I soar through the air.
The wind whips through my hair as I execute the first jump of the course, the cheers and applause of the crowd adding to the thrill of the stunt. Landing smoothly, I can't help but grin, the euphoria of performing well washing over me.
As I continue to race around the track, each jump taking me closer to the finish line, I catch a glimpse of Chloe in the stands, her eyes shining with pride. My heart skips a beat at the sight of her, and for a moment, everything else fades away. Despite the noise and chaos around me, all that matters is her smile and unwavering support. Until I see Jack sitting beside her, a possessive arm wrapped around her.
I grit my teeth and force myself to block out the image. I can't let my feelings for Chloe distract me now. This race is all that matters, my focus needs to be sharp if I want to come out on top.
I focus on the track ahead, determined to block out the distraction of seeing Chloe with Jack. The roar of the crowd surrounds me as I navigate the final stretch, adrenaline fueling my every move. My muscles strain as I push myself harder, craving the exhilaration of victory.
As I race towards the finish line, I can feel my heart racing in sync with the pounding of my bike against the track. The cheers grow louder, urging me on, pushing me to give it my all. I can almost taste the sweet victory that awaits me just a few meters away.
With one final burst of speed, I cross the finish line, the cheers of the crowd reaching a deafening crescendo. I slow down, catching my breath as I bask in the glory of my win. The sense of accomplishment washes over me, filling me with pride and satisfaction.
“And Grace Da Silva does it again!” The announcer's voice booms across the race course as pride swells up in my chest. “Not only has she taken gold today, but she has managed to break her record and her time today has qualified her for the Olympics.” The crowd cheers as my team races towards me, whooping and cheering as they pop the cork off the champagne bottle that soaks us to the bone.
I'm swallowed by a sea of congratulations and hugs from my team and fans, but my eyes scan the crowd, seeking only her. I spot Chloe making her way towards me, her smile beaming like a lighthouse leading me to shore. But with every step she takes, Jack is right behind her, his arm possessively slung around her shoulders. I try to ignore the sight of him clinging to her, but it's like trying to ignore a thorn stuck in my side.
"Grace, that was amazing!" Chloe gushes as she reaches me, throwing her arms around my neck. I hug her back tightly, lifting her off the ground for a mom ent before setting her down. Her warmth lingers even after we part.
"Thanks, Chloe," I say, grinning at her. Then, reluctantly, I acknowledge Jack. "Hey, Jack."
“Nice work, Grace. Looks like my father’s training team is paying off right?” Jack and I were friends once, but since I entered the circuit with Patrick he has grown spiteful and jealous and our relationship has become strained because of it.
“Yeah, they are a great team. They have really helped me the last few months to improve my times,” I respond diplomatically, trying to keep the peace despite the tension hanging in the air. Jack's competitive nature has always been a strain on our friendship, but his possessiveness towards Chloe is something I can't ignore. As we exchange small talk, I can feel his eyes on her, watching her every move like a hawk. It makes my blood boil, but I keep a smile plastered on my face, not wanting to cause any drama at such a joyous moment.
“It’s great seeing you both,” I manage to say through gritted teeth, the tension between me and Jack is hitting its peak. “I’ve got to go get changed, Patrick races next and we don’t want to miss that.” Chloe drops her gaze from mine, quickly looking away. She plasters a fake smile across her face as Jack pulls her closer to him.
I quickly make my way to the changing area, eager to get out of my racing gear and escape the suffocating tension between Jack, Chloe, and me. The thrill of victory still pulses through my veins, but it's tainted by the sight of Jack's possessive hold on Chloe.
As I peel off my racing suit, my mind replays Chloe's warm hug and genuine excitement for my win. I can't help but wonder if there's a chance she sees me as more than just a friend. But then, reality crashes down on me as I remember Jack's arm around her, claiming her as his own.
The conflicting emotions swirling inside me threaten to overwhelm as I change into more casual clothes. I try to push away thoughts of Chloe and Jack, focusing instead on the upcoming race Patrick is about to compete in. It’s time to focus on my best friend, after all I want him to come to the Olympics with me.
I make my way back to the stands, eager to support Patrick as he prepares for his race. The crowd is already buzzing with anticipation, and I can feel the energy pulsing through the air. I spot Chloe and Jack sitting together, but I push away the pang of jealousy and focus on finding a seat near them.
As I sit down, Chloe turns to me, her eyes shining with excitement. "Patrick looks really focused," she says, nodding towards the track where my best friend is lining up his bike at the top of the ramp. "He does," I agree, trying to keep my voice steady. "He's been practicing a lot for this one."
Jack chimes in, his voice tinged with a hint of resentment. "Let's hope he doesn't choke under pressure. My father has invested a lot of time and money on him."
I bristle at his comment but choose to ignore it, keeping my eyes on keeping my eyes on Patrick as he waits for the buzzer to sound and gate to drop to begin the race.
The roar of the crowd fades into the background as I focus on my best friend, willing him to succeed.
When the buzzer sounds, Patrick takes off with a burst of speed, his determination evident with every move. My heart races alongside him as he navigates the track with precision and skill. The cheers of the crowd create a cacophony of support, urging him towards victory.
As Patrick approaches the final stretch, I hold my breath, my hands clenched in anticipation. Every muscle in my body tenses as he pushes himself harder, his eyes locked on the finish line. I can see the determination in his gaze, the drive to prove himself on this important day.
And then, in a blur of motion, Patrick crosses the finish line, arms raised in triumph. The crowd erupts into cheers and applause, celebrating his victory. I join in, clapping enthusiastically for my best friend as he takes his triumphant lap around the track. His hard work has paid off, and I couldn't be prouder.
As Patrick approaches where I'm sitting, he looks over at me with a wide grin on his face. "Did you see that, Grace? We are going to the Olympics," he says, his voice filled with excitement.
I return his smile, feeling a rush of happiness for him. "You were amazing out there, Patrick. I knew you could do it," I reply, my words genuine and heartfelt as we embrace in a hug.
Jack, on the other hand, seems less enthused by Patrick's win. His congratulatory smile doesn't quite reach his eyes as he shakes Patrick's hand. I can sense the tension between them, but I don't want to spoil this moment of victory for my best friend.
“Who wants to have a celebratory dinner?” Patrick asks, looking around at all of us. Chloe smiles at her brother, giving Jack a quick glance who nods at her.
“Of course, we would love to,” she says. What the fuck? Did Chloe just look to Jack for permission? The knot of unease in my stomach tightens, knowing that she still allows him to dictate their plans. But I push aside my reservations and put on a smile for Patrick's sake.
“Sounds great, Patrick. Let's go celebrate your win,” I chime in, trying to keep the tension at bay despite the discomfort simmering just beneath the surface. As we make our way out of the stands and towards the car park, I catch glimpses of Chloe and Jack walking side by side, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. I try to focus on Patrick's chatter about the race, but my eyes keep drifting back to them. Chloe's smile seems forced, and she keeps fidgeting with her hands, a telltale sign she's nervous. I wish I could talk to her alone, away from Jack's possessive gaze.
We reach Patrick's car, and he pops the trunk so we can put our gear away. Jack leans against the car, pulling Chloe closer to him. "You should have seen yourself out there, Patrick. You looked like a pro," Jack says, his tone almost condescending. Patrick doesn't seem to notice, his excitement too high from the win.
I slam the trunk shut, harder than I mean to, and Patrick looks at me, startled. "Everything okay, Grace?" he asks, concern in his voice. I force a smile, nodding at Patrick to reassure him. "Yeah, just getting caught up in the excitement," I reply, brushing off his concern. But as I glance over at Chloe and Jack, a knot tightens in my stomach. Jack's possessive hold on her is like a dark cloud looming over us.
As we pile into the car, I slide into the backseat next to Chloe, shooting her a quick smile. Her eyes meet mine for a fleeting moment before she looks away, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. The tension in the air is palpable, and I can sense that she's uncomfortable with Jack's presence.
The ride to the restaurant is filled with Patrick's animated recount of the race, but my mind is elsewhere. I steal glances at Chloe whenever I can, trying to gauge her mood. Is she happy with Jack? Or does she feel trapped by his possessiveness?
When we arrive at the restaurant, Patrick leads the way inside. I follow behind, trying to keep my focus on the celebration at hand, but my eyes keep drifting to Chloe. She walks ahead of me, her steps seemingly in sync with Jack's, but there's a stiffness in her shoulders that betrays her discomfort. I wish I could reach out, pull her aside, and ask her if she's truly happy. But Jack is always there, his presence a constant barrier between us.
We sit around the table and order our soup bases. Of course, Patrick chose hot pot for our celebratory dinner. He loves any opportunity where he can eat as much as he wants.
As we wait for the food to arrive, I watch Chloe carefully, trying to read her expressions. She's quiet, her eyes downcast as she fidgets with her chopsticks. Jack has his arm draped over the back of her chair, his fingers tracing patterns on her shoulder. She seems to shrink under his touch, and I grit my teeth, looking away.
Patrick is oblivious to the tension, too caught up in his victory high. He chatters excitedly about the Olympics, his plans for training, and the potential sponsorships. I try to engage, to share in his enthusiasm, but my heart isn't in it. Not with Chloe sitting across from me, looking so small and uncomfortable.
"Hey, Chloe," I say, trying to draw her into the conversation. Her eyes flick up to meet mine, and I see a spark of gratitude in them. "What do you think about the Olympics? Any events you're particularly excited to watch?" I ask, trying to keep my voice casual.
Chloe's face lights up slightly, and she sits up a bit straighter. "I think it's all so exciting," she says, her voice soft but genuine. "I've always loved watching figure skating, but the gymnastics and swimming are amazing, too."
