Chapter 2

Miles POV

Later that week, I sat in the passenger seat with my backpack resting between my feet while my mother drove, occasionally humming along to whatever song was playing on the radio, and every time I glanced at her, I saw the same smile that had been on her face all week, the smile of someone who was genuinely happy, someone who had finally gotten something they had waited years for.

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen her this happy. Maybe before Dad died. The thought made my chest tighten a little.

I turned my attention back to the passing scenery outside the window. We were leaving the neighborhood I grew up in, for a private estate that Jack lived in.

“So,” my mother said suddenly.

“So?” I repeated.

"We're going to have a new family, and new family members. I know this is coming suddenly but I wasn't you to know that I have always considered you in every decision I make" She said and I smiled.

"You'll be having a step brother. He's around your age and I know how much you struggle to have friends. Your new brother will be a new friend to you, I'm sure you'll love him and get along well" She said and I nodded.

"Okay mom" I replied her.

“What I’m trying to say is that maybe having a brother will be good for you.” she clarified and I looked out the window.

A brother. The word felt strange. I hadn’t had a brother before or a sister. It had always been just me and my mother.

“You really think we’ll get along?” I asked her with a raised brow.

“I do.” Her answer came immediately without hesitation.

The truth was that I wasn’t expecting much. I wasn’t moving because I wanted a bigger house. I wasn’t moving because I wanted a new family. I was moving because my mother deserved happiness.

When Dad died, I was eleven years old, mom was absolutely devastated. Dad was theor years afterward it had been just the two of us. Mom struggled to raise me alone and try to survive. There had been nights when my mother skipped dinner because she claimed she wasn’t hungry. Years later, I realized she simply couldn’t afford enough food for both of us. She had sacrificed everything.

So if she had finally found someone who loved her, someone who could make her smile like this, then I wasn’t going to ruin it. Even if it meant moving into a stranger’s house. Even if it meant adjusting to a completely different life. I could handle it. I would do anything to see her continue to smile and be happy like this.

About thirty minutes later, my mother turned down a long private road. I immediately sat up straighter. Massive iron gates stood at the entrance of the private estate. Jack was really rich, I couldn't believe this was where I would be living too. The gates slowly opened and we drove through.

The estate was enormous. A mansion sat at the end of a long driveway surrounded by perfectly maintained gardens and fountains. The building itself looked like something from a movie.

I couldn’t even count how many rooms it probably had.

“Wow.” I mumnled and my mother laughed.

“I know.” she winked, she had really hit the jackpot. It made me smile in relief, at least I knew she wouldn't be struggling again to afford basic food and groceries.

I stared out the window. My entire apartment could probably fit inside the front entrance. The car finally stopped and for a moment neither of us moved.

Then my mother smiled nervously. “Ready sweetie?” she asked.

"Sure" I smiled back. Before I could say anything else, the front door opened. A tall man dark haired man stepped outside. It was Jack. Even from a distance he looked exactly like I remembered. Although I had only seen him once, I still recognized him. Seeing him now, I saw am uncanny resemblance between him and the bully that made life a hell for me, Ryan.

They had the same eyes, the same jaw and same facial structure. It was honestly a little unsettling but I tried not to think too much about it.

The moment my mother stepped out of the car, Jack immediately wrapped his arms around her. "Hi honey" he smiled and kissed her and my mom blushed like a school kid. It was obvious they were in love.

Something in my chest relaxed slightly. At least this part was real. Jack wasn’t pretending, he clearly cared about her. When they finally pulled apart, he looked over at me.

“Hey kiddo.” he smiled at me,

“Hi.” I quickly stepped out.

“Come here.” The smile on his face widened. Before I knew it, he was hugging me too. The gesture surprised me. “Welcome to the family.” he said.

“Thanks.” I said awkwardly, not used to getting affections from anyone but my mom and Giselle.

Jack stepped back. “Let’s get inside.” he said, taking my mom's hand. The three of us headed toward the mansion. The interior was somehow even more impressive. Everything looked expensive. I found myself walking more carefully than necessary.

As we walked deeper into the house, Jack pointed things out. “The living room is on the left. He said and I nodded. “The gym is downstairs.” he said again, earning another nod. “The theater room is through there.”

A theater room. This mansion was bigger than I thought. Eventually we reached the dining room and the table was already set. Several dishes had been prepared. The smell alone made my stomach growl.

“Good sign.” Jack laughed.

My face heated slightly. “Sorry.” I mumbled.

“Don’t apologize. That’s what food is for.” he smiled cheekily.

My mother sat beside him and I took a seat across from them. As they talked, my gaze wandered around the room.

That was when I noticed a frame that hung on the far wall. It was a family portrait. A younger version of Jack stood beside a beautiful woman. Between them was a boy, he looked roughly around thirteen years old.

I froze when I realized the boy looked exactly like a younger version of Ryan. My stomach twisted slightly. No.. this had to be some sort of coincidence, it couldn't be.

I studied the photograph for another second before forcing myself to look away. It can't be him

The dining room conversation continued around me. My mother looked happier than I had seen her in years and Jack looked equally happy.

Then suddenly the front door slammed somewhere in the distance The sound echoed through the house. A second later, a voice rang out.

“Dad! I’m home!” I heard a loud voice that I knew all too well and my heart sank to my stomach.

My entire body froze. No. No. No way. My heart immediately began pounding.

Footsteps began to approached and with how fast my heart was racing, I was surprised I hadn't passed out.

Then the dining room door swung open. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. A familiar tall figure stepped inside.

I looked towards the door and couldn't believe it was him. My spoon fell from my hand in shock. The same face I’d spent years trying to avoid. The same face that had slapped me in the bathroom less than a week ago. The same face that traumatized me. It was none other than my school bully, Ryan.

It felt like I was in a terrible nightmare, Ryan was Jack's son.