Chapter 2- Fake love

Kye stepped gracefully out of the car, where a line of maids and staff stood ready to welcome her.

As she approached, they bowed in unison, then looked up—surprise flickering across their faces. Her graceful bow and warm greeting seemed to catch them off guard.

"Good afternoon, everyone," she said with poise, her refined tone drawing a few puzzled glances.

A maid stepped forward to take her bag, but Kye declined politely with a soft smile and continued toward the house.

The front door was already open, saving her the trouble of knocking or ringing. As she stepped inside, a familiar, mouthwatering scent greeted her—the unmistakable aroma of pumpkin pudding.

Without hesitation, she hurried to the kitchen, where she found her mother chopping vegetables. Grinning, she snuck up from behind and wrapped her arms around her.

Her mother jumped slightly, then relaxed, recognizing the familiar voice.

"I’ve missed you, Mom," Kye whispered, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Her mom let out a chuckle. "You’ve just arrived and already made a beeline for the kitchen?"

Kye broke the hug and pouted. "That's not the welcome I expected. You didn’t even ask how I am or how the flight, concerts, or tour went."

With a soft laugh, her mom replied, "Alright, alright—how are you? How was the flight, the concerts, and the tour?"

Kye rolled her eyes playfully. "Better. But I can't be blamed—the aroma of your food was my welcome banner. I couldn't resist."

Mrs. Tanner gently pinched Kye’s cheek.

"Ow!" Kye yelped with mock pain.

"You haven't changed at all. Still as dramatic—and even more beautifuler."

Kye burst into laughter. "Mom, ‘beautifuler’ isn’t a word."

"It is in my dictionary," her mother replied with a mischievous smile. She leaned closer, sniffing the air dramatically. "Hmm… something smells odd."

Kye tilted her head, pretending to sniff. "Really? I don’t smell anything weird."

Her mother circled her, inhaling exaggeratedly. "Found it."

"What exactly is 'it'?" Kye asked, raising a brow.

"You," her mom teased.

Kye let out an exaggerated sigh. "You could’ve just said ‘go freshen up’ instead of all that detective work."

She walked off, chuckling, as her mother called after her, "Your scent isn’t bad—guilty conscience?"

Kye laughed again, a grin on her face as she ascended the stairs.

---

🌸 Kylie’s POV 🌸

Later, dressed comfortably in a baggy shirt and sweatpants, I made my way down for dinner, my stomach leading the way.

I found my room exactly as I’d left it—untouched and familiar.

Joining Mom and Ken at the dining table, I leaned in and kissed Ken’s cheek before taking my seat.

My eyes lit up at the sight of chicken-fried steak drenched in cream gravy. I didn’t waste a second—one bite and I was in heaven.

"Mum, this is divine," I gushed, my taste buds dancing with joy.

She blew me a kiss, and I reached out dramatically to catch it, making her laugh.

"Kylie," Ken said, nudging his plate aside.

Mouth full, I turned. "What?"

"The thing we talked about…?" he prompted.

I smirked. "It’s in my room."

Excited, he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and bolted upstairs.

Mom watched him go, eyebrows raised. "And what has him all giddy?"

"Something," I replied vaguely, wiping my mouth and swapping my plate for a bowl of pumpkin pudding.

Mom wasn’t done. "You going to let me in on the secret?"

I shook my head with a grin and dug in.

She rolled her eyes. "You’re impossible."

I responded with another spoonful and a satisfied hum. "Where’s Dad?"

"Business trip," she said.

"Today?"

"He left early so he could come back early— because you were coming home."

"Aww, that’s sweet. And lucky for me—I’ll be able to go to school."

Her fork paused mid-air. "School? I thought the plan was homeschool."

"It was," I said. "But it’s boring. No friends, no real interaction. Just me, you, and a teacher. It’s dull."

"Sometimes dull is safe," she replied.

"Mum, don’t go all Dad on me."

She narrowed her eyes. "Do I need to remind you why we stopped regular school in the first place?"

"That was then. You can't let the past hold the future hostage."

"Keep the inspirational quotes coming, it won’t change my mind."

I grinned. "Too late. I already enrolled myself at your school."

She gasped. "You what?!"

"Chill, don’t raise your blood pressure."

She looked ready to burst. "How did you even manage that?"

"I took a scholarship exam, passed, and got admitted. I couldn’t exactly turn it down."

"I’ll just call and tell them you cheated."

"Mum!" I exclaimed.

"Don’t ‘Mum’ me. You’ve made me move from one beautiful estate to another because of paparazzi."

She wasn’t wrong. The last house had to be sold when the press found out where we lived. Dad had us relocated to get away from the chaos.

"Come on, forgive and forget. Besides, I’m not going as me. I’ll be in disguise."

She eyed me suspiciously. "No clown costumes."

I perked up. "So, I can go?"

She nodded with a sigh. I squealed in excitement, hugging her tightly and showering her with kisses. My mom gives in too easily unlike my dad, so glad he's not here.

"I love you, Mom!"

She chuckled. "Fake love."

"Nope, it’s real."

"And I’m serious about the clown costume. Don’t even think about it."

I rolled my eyes—but the idea did sound tempting.