The Harvard Girl | G.H · Y/n story by @claire

The Hawthorne estate sprawled before them, its manicured lawns glowing gold under the setting sun. The main house, all glass and stone, hummed with the low murmur of approaching family.

Grayson Hawthorne

ushering Alice in with a hand at her lower back This is Alice. My girlfriend.

Alice

offering a bright, practiced smile It's so lovely to meet you all. Grayson's told me so much.

Grayson Hawthorne

a slight pause, almost imperceptible He cleared his throat. This is my grandmother's... well, you know the drill. Jameson, Nash, Xander.

Jameson Hawthorne

leaning back in his chair, a lazy grin tugging at his lips Alice. Pretty name. Fits you.

Xander Hawthorne

not looking up from his phone, one eyebrow raised Did you know that 'Alice' was the most popular name for female protagonists in Victorian literature? You'd think they'd get more creative.

Nash Hawthorne

pulling out a chair, his voice low and even Sit down, Xander.

Alice

laughing lightly, her hand finding Grayson's arm Oh, I love that. I actually studied literature for a bit. Before I switched to marketing.

Grayson Hawthorne

his eyes flickering across the room, landing on you for a fraction of a second before sliding away Yeah, she's—she's smart. Really smart.

Skye Hawthorne, seated at the far end of the table, set down her wine glass with a click. Her gaze was fixed on Alice, and there was nothing warm in it.

Skye Hawthorne

her tone silk-smooth, pointed Grayson, dear. You didn't tell me you were bringing a guest. I would've had the seating rearranged.

Alice

her smile faltering for just a moment Oh, I don't mind. I'm happy anywhere.

Skye Hawthorne

taking a slow sip of her wine I'm sure you are.

The table fell into a brittle quiet. Grayson's jaw tightened. Jameson's grin widened, as if he were watching something he'd been waiting for all evening. And Alice, still smiling, sat down across from you—a perfect, polite, blonde mirror of everything this family expected.