CHAPTER 1

Malia POV

"Mum! Why would you even say that?" My eyes were raw and swollen as tears dropped down like a fountain. My mind was racing as my world fell apart.

Mum's eyes were devoid of emotion. "You know it's the truth, you can either accept it or you can keep suffering."

I just sat there on the sofa, a numbness spreading through my veins as her words cut through the air.

Her voice was tinged with irritation as she examined herself in the mirror. "You don't do anything besides locking yourself in your airtight room reading. No parties, no fun game nights... Nothing!"

She huffed and rolled her eyes. "All you wear is an old blue sweater under your already long-sleeved uniform, donning a baggy and oversized gown. Why won't you get ditched? Don't you see how other girls your age dress? How classy do they look? I am pushing my 40s, and I still have more fun than you."

I didn't want to be a nerd though. A loser like everyone thinks I am.

I wanted only one thing from Prom night. To let everyone finally see that the girl who they all looked at as the poor nerd who had no friends could go on a date with the hottest boy in school.

But here I was, rubbing the musty tears off my face as my make-up smeared off layer by layer.

Damn! I didn't even like makeup.

My eyes were red and puffy from crying. I had been trying to hold it together but I guess Mum's words were the final dagger that pierced my already broken heart.

She maintained a blank face as she applied the finishing touches to her make-up.

"Come on, zip me up!" Her voice was sharp with a hint of displeasure.

I dragged my feet, walking over to my mum with tears forming a cloud in my eyes and I half-heartedly zipped her up.

"I will be back tomorrow morning," her heels clicking on the floor as she strode away coldly.

Where was she going though? Since my Dad ghosted her only a year into her marriage, she had taken up a whole different personality. Mum would always bring in different men home, most of them younger than her.

I would cringe each time at how easily she allowed these men to have access to her. Let's not even go to the number of times I had seen used condoms littered in her car or how those loud irritating noises from her fu***ng other guys made me cringe heavily as they fell on my ears.

But this time she was probably right. Urghh! I hate to admit it tho.

Being ditched tonight would change the fake for me. How could it not?

*****

One week later...

I stretched lazily as the smell of fresh pancakes and fresh fruit filled the air. My body was still very cozy from last night's sleep.

I rolled out of bed lazily, blinking the sleep off my eyes as I walked towards the kitchen. Mum was making pancakes - freshly baked ones with blueberries on top of them.

Without saying a word to Mum, my mind quickly drifted to what was the reason for the occasion.

Mum was having her new fiancé come over today.

I was also going to have a step-father and a Half brother. The thought of it made my chest heavy. It's not like I have a choice anyway, and if having a husband would make her stop bringing different men home, then I'm all for it.

The idea of having a Half brother irked me though. I never liked sharing my personal space with anyone. I have to clear out some of my stuff from my spare room to make space for him.

Mum handed over a plate of bacon to me, her palms sweaty. "Pass this over to the table for me." Her face was bright as her excitement coursed through my veins as if it had transferred to me.

"Remember to be welcoming. You are meeting your new family."

She had finally found love, I should be happy for her.

The sound of a car rolling into the driveway made its way to our ears.

I quickly rushed over to the door, her body vibrating with energy, while I walked over to the window, adjusting the curtains to get a better view of the man who was going to be my stepdad.

I snapped my head sideways and moved the curtains to get a clear view.

Damn!

Mum hit a landmark with this one.

He stepped out of his sleek black sports car majestically, taking a proud look at the surroundings.

He was probably in his mid-forties. He looked so strong and masculine, his muscles flexing beneath his well-tailored suit. It was obvious that he worked out frequently. His face was clean-shaven, with a strong jawline that enhanced his poise. He had strong straight legs and a neatly trimmed beard. His height was impressive - a towering iron god.

A satisfactory smile followed as he took in all the sights of the surroundings. His smile was warm, giving you the idea of a nice and easygoing person.

Not bad for a step-dad. He seems quite rich too.

Mum's cheek flushed with happiness, and she rushed to hug him, and they shared a few perky kisses.

I went outside after my mum to welcome him and help with his suitcase but my eyes wandered towards another figure making his way out of the car.

My breathing slowed down and my gaze was stuck to the figure.

This seems very familiar.

The shape of his head through the tinted glass sent my brain spiking.

He finally hobbled out of the car.

I felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through my spine and I let out a shallow gasp. My heart was pounding heavily in my chest. I was rooted to the spot as my gaze landed on his.

My goodness!

Fucking Maverick Sinclair!

The same guy who ditched me on Prom Night.