CHAPTER FIVE: A NEW HOME

Stacy

My vision blurs and it's like everything in the universe is ganging up against me. How could he be my Stepbrother?

“Hey there, little stepsister," he says with a smirk that grates on my nerves.

Mom turns to me and takes both my hands in hers. “Stacy I know I haven't really been quite the good mother lately, but I promise to change okay? I know I'm asking too much from you, but just this once. Please?"

I urge to tell her to fuck off, but she looked really happy when telling me about her new fiancee that it'll kill me to crush that.

And that is how I seal my fate for the next year or more.

After breakfast at our house, Jacob helps to pack all our things in his car.

“I'll go with Jacob, you ride with your stepbrother," Mom says smiling sweetly.

“What!" I protest, shaking my head. “No. Can't I just ride with you and Jacob, Mom?"

Jacob steps forward and puts a hand on my shoulder. “Dear, you should take this chance to bond with your brother. You'll both be spending more time together in the future after all.”

Before I can even protest, he and Mom get in the car and drive off. I'm left stranded at the side of the road with my Stepbrother as my only means of salvation.

" Come, let me give you a ride,” he offers, opening the door to his matte black Aston Martin.

" Did you know?” He raises his brows questioningly. “Did you know I am going to be your stepsister? Before you took advantage of me?"

“Advantage of you?" He scrunches his face like I just said something really ridiculous. “You are a twenty fucking years old adult who took part in a completely consensual sex. That is not taking advantage of you.”

I fold my arms over my chest and glare at him. " I was drunk.”

He shrugs. " Still moaned my name though. Now, are you taking said ride, or do I leave you to figure everything out yourself.”

" Fine!” I said getting into the car and slamming the door so hard, it's a miracle it doesn't fall off. He chuckles, gets in the driver's seat and we drive off.

******

The Henderson Villa is nothing like I have ever been to in my entire life. It's huge, painted white with heavily tinted dark windows, two fountains on either ends of the house, a beautifully trimmed lawn, a huge garden and a big swimming pool.

The inside is even more sophisticated with diamond chandeliers, bright walls and polished marble floors. Guards are stationed almost everywhere and maids are rushing about trying to get things done on time.

My bedroom is even more fancy and gives off the spoiled princess vibe. Pink walls and beddings, bright curtains and a huge walk-in closet.

I sigh as I place my final piece of my clothing in the closet. This is going to be my home for God knows how long, so I better make something good out of it.

“Try to look on the bright side,” Nika says over the phone. " You now have a father figure in your life who is willing to take care of you. You can attend a better school than that state university you keep going to.”

She's right, but that doesn't excuse how pathetic the whole situation is. "I slept with my stepbrother, Nika. How does that sound?”

" Well, you are right. But you were drunk and you didn't even know who he was. That's not on you.”

I'm about to respond when a knock comes on my door and it opens slightly. A maid pokes her head in. " Miss, the master demands your presence downstairs immediately.” She slips back out and shuts the door.

I pick up my phone. “I'll talk to you later. My stepfather wants to see me."

I hang up, slip the phone in my back Jean pocket and step out of my bedroom. I make my way downstairs to the living room where Jacob, mother and Josh are standing. A large number of maids and guards are gathered in the living room as well.

Mom smiles when she sees me and pulls me to stand beside her. Jacob simply nods and turns to the staff.

“Everyone, this is Stacy, Helena's daughter. She'll be staying here as from today and I want you all to accord her the same respect you give to Joshua and I. Is that clear?"

“Yes master," the staff reply.

“Good. You can get back to your jobs.’

The staff disperse and it's left just the four of us. He and Mom turn to us and he clears his throat.

I might just be paranoid, but something about Jacob just doesn't add up. There's something about him that makes my skin crawl and I feel like throwing up.

“I'm pleased to have you in my family, Stacy," he says with a smile and I nod. “Your mother has told me all about you and I'm pleased to be your new father."

I bite my lips to stop myself from telling him that no one can replace my father. No matter how hard he tries, he's never going to take my father's place.

“So, I enrolled you into Preston," He says. “You'll move out of the state university and transfer to Preston. If you have any troubles at school, you can tell Josh and he'll solve it immediately."

“Thank you, Jacob," is all I can manage to say without sounding impolite. He pulls something out of his pocket and hands it to me, his stoic look not changing.

He's like an iceberg that refuses to melt. I wonder what Mom saw in him.

“This is your credit card,” he says, handing me the black card. " You use that for your shopping and anything you need. You are under my care for the next good number of years and I will make sure you are well taken care of.”

I stare at the card and sigh inwardly. As if the mansion and new school isn't enough, he just had to top it off and make us look like his charity case.