Stepmother

Elias POV

“Jane! Who is that at the door?”

The authoritative voice cut through the air like a whip. I felt my body tense instinctively. Even after five years, that voice still had the power to make my stomach knot.

Aunt Jane’s face paled slightly. She gave my arm a gentle, reassuring squeeze before replying, “It’s Young Master Elias, Madame. He’s come to visit.”

There was a brief, heavy silence. Then the click of heels echoed from the hallway. My stepmother appeared, dressed in a silk robe even though it was already afternoon. Her perfectly styled hair and makeup made her look as cold and flawless as ever. Her eyes narrowed the moment they landed on me.

“Elias,” she said, her tone flat and laced with clear displeasure. “What a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you here. Especially unannounced.”

I forced myself to stay calm, offering a small, respectful nod despite the fever making my head throb. “Good afternoon, Stepmother. I’m sorry for coming without notice. I only came to pick up some old project documents I left in the study a while ago. I won’t stay long.”

She crossed her arms, looking me up and down with obvious disdain. “Documents? Of course. Always working, aren’t you? Even on a weekend. Unlike Fred, who actually knows how to enjoy life and represent this family properly.”

Aunt Jane moved uncomfortably beside me, but stayed silent.

I swallowed the bitter taste rising in my throat. “I won’t disturb you. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just go to the study and leave quickly.”

My stepmother let out a short, mocking laugh. “Look at you. Still pretending to be the good son. Tell me, Elias — does it ever get tiring? Always playing second place to your brother? Always cleaning up after him?”

Her words stung, especially with how weak I already felt.

“Stepmother, I’m not here to argue,” I said quietly, keeping my voice natural. “I just need the files and I will walk away. That’s all.”

She stepped closer, her perfume overwhelming. “You know, your father still talks about you sometimes. Always comparing you to Fred. But we both know who he truly favors, don’t we?” She smiled coldly. “Fred is out right now, handling important business. Something you could never manage properly.”

Aunt Jane finally spoke up softly, “Madame, the young master doesn’t look well. Maybe we should let him get what he needs and rest.”

My stepmother shot her a warning glare. “Jane, don’t forget your place. This is my house.” She turned back to me. “Fine. Go get your precious documents. But don’t take too long. And next time, call before showing up. We have standards here.”

I nodded once. “Thank you.”

I walked past her toward the familiar hallway leading to the study, my legs feeling heavier with every step. Aunt Jane followed silently behind me.

Once we were out of my stepmother’s sight, she whispered worriedly, “Young master, you really don’t look good. Your face is pale. Are you sick? Let me make you some soup before you leave.”

I gave her a tired but grateful smile. “I’m okay, Aunt Jane. Just a little cold. I’ll be fine. I don’t want to cause any more trouble.”

She shook her head, eyes filled with concern. “Trouble? You could never be a trouble to me. You were always such a good boy. Even when they… even when things were hard for you.”

I reached the study door and paused.

Memories flooded back — nights spent working here alone, trying to earn even a scrap of approval that never came. I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The room was still as I left it, five years ago. Aunt Jane must have protected it well enough.

“I’ll be quick,” I told her. “I just need the blue folder from the bottom drawer and some old blueprints.”

While I searched through the drawers, Aunt Jane hovered nearby, fidgeting.

“You’ve lost weight,” she said sadly. “And you look so tired. Is Fred still giving you problems at the company? I hear things from your father’s secretary…”

I found the folder and pulled it out, flipping through quickly to make sure everything was there. “It’s the same as always, Aunt Jane. But I can handle it. I have to.”

She stepped closer and gently touched my arm. “You don’t always have to be strong, my dear. If you ever need a place to rest, even for one night… this old woman still has a small room here.”

Her kindness nearly broke something inside me. I turned and hugged her briefly. “Thank you. That means more than you know.”

I gathered the documents into a bag and headed back toward the entrance. My stepmother was waiting near the door, arms still crossed.

“I already picked out the files, are you satisfied now?”

She let out a short, mocking laugh. “Look at you. Trying to play tough, huh. Let me tell you a little secret. All your hard work, sweat, and tears will eventually go to Fred. You’re nothing but a—”

The front door opened just as she said it would. “Enough.”

A deep, commanding voice suddenly cut her off. My father appeared from the hallway, dressed in a casual shirt. His presence instantly changed the atmosphere.

My stepmother’s entire demeanor shifted in a heartbeat. Her cold expression melted into a sweet, coquettish smile as she turned toward him.

“Oh, darling! You’re back already,” she purred, walking over to him and sliding her arm around his waist possessively. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I was just welcoming Elias. You know how much I care about family.”

Father glanced at me, his expression unreadable. “Elias. You’re here.”

“Yes, Father,” I replied softly, lowering my gaze slightly. “I came to retrieve some old project files from the study. I didn’t mean to disturb anyone.”

My stepmother smiled sweetly at Father, playing with the collar of his shirt. “See, honey? He’s only here for work again. Always so dedicated. Unlike some people who actually know how to enjoy life.”

Father gently patted her hand but kept his eyes on me. “Go get your files, Elias. Then come meet me in my office. We need to talk.”

I nodded quickly. “Yes, Father. I already got the files. We can talk now.”

“Good...”

Aunt Jane gave me an encouraging look as I walked past them to my father’s office. My stepmother’s fake smile didn’t fool me for a second — I could still feel the venom behind it.

I stepped inside with Father. He was already seated on his ‘special’ chair. My stepmother was perched on the arm of his chair, still acting affectionate, running her fingers through his hair.

“Sit down, Elias,” Father said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

I sat carefully, trying not to show how dizzy I felt. “Here are the files, Father,” I said, placing the folder on his desk. “Is there something you wanted to discuss?”

Father leaned back, studying me. My stepmother smiled at him sweetly before turning her gaze on me, her eyes cold.

“Yes,” Father said. “There are some matters concerning the company I want to go over with you…”

“Okay...” My body became tense at whatever my father was about to say.

He sat upright and faced me, just when he was about to speak Aunt Jane came into the office. “Madame, Master Fred is waiting for you downstairs.”