Chapter six: The new step brother

As I stepped out of the interview office, I spotted Lily approaching. Her eyes lit up with mischief and as if she was about to speak, but I didn’t slow down. I

I had no patience for whatever she wanted to say. Without acknowledging her, I turned in the opposite direction, quickening my steps until I was outside.

The moment I stepped out of the office, my phone rang again.

Mom.

I clenched my jaw, torn between ignoring it and knowing she wouldn’t stop until I picked up. With an exhausted sigh, I swiped to answer.

After this call, I can finally have her out of my life… again, until she needs something and calls.

“Finally,” her voice chirped, too sweet, too fake. “I was starting to think you would never pick up, sweetheart.”

I rolled my eyes, already regretting my decision. “What do you want?”

“Oh, Sophia, don’t be so cold. I have wonderful news! I’m getting married.”

I stopped walking. Married? Again?

I had lost count of how many times my mother had gotten married. Since my father left, there had been dozens of men in her life. I couldn't even remember the name of the last one.

“I know, shocking, isn’t it?” she giggled, as if she hadn’t just dropped a bomb on me. “He’s absolutely perfect. Filthy rich, darling. You’re going to love him.”

Translation: Maybe he’s widowed or divorced, showers her with gifts, has more money than God himself..Yes, my mother was that unscrupulous.

My stomach twisted. I wanted to tell her I didn’t care, that she could marry the entire billionaire’s club for all I cared, but I knew my mother, this wasn’t just about her happiness.

It was about appearances.

“I’m having a family dinner tomorrow to introduce everyone,” she continued. “And you, my dear, are expected to be there.”

I pressed my fingers against my temple. “Mom, I—”

“No excuses,” she interrupted, voice sharp. “I already sent a dress to your place. Don’t embarrass me by showing up in one of those cheap things you call clothes.”

Her words cut like they always did, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of reacting.

I wasn’t the sixteen-year-old girl she could put down with a few words. My mother was, without a doubt, a bitch. She didn’t even ask about my job interview. She was beyond selfish.

“Fine,” I said flatly.

“Wonderful! See you tomorrow, sweetheart.”

She hung up before I could change my mind.

By the time I got home, a sleek black package sat on my doorstep. I didn’t even have to open it to know what was inside.

When I finally peeled back the expensive wrapping, I let out a dry laugh.

Red.

A bold, scandalous red dress. The dress didn't look like something I would wear to a dinner. It looked like a stripper dress.

As if she was auctioning me out or something.

My mind flashed back to Ethan’s words earlier.

"Red suits you."

I shoved the memory aside. He didn’t matter. This dress didn’t matter.

Yet, as I ran my fingers over the rich, silky fabric, something twisted in my stomach.

I wasn’t dressing for him. I was doing this to survive another night with my mother.

That’s all.

***

The next evening, I stood before my mirror, smoothing out the dress that clung to my body like sin itself.

Red indeed suits me.

The neckline plunged just enough to make me self-conscious, the slit running high up my thigh. I looked... dangerous and sensual.

I straightened my hair, letting it fall sleek and smooth down my back. A touch of red on my lips, smoky eyes, a pair of heels I rarely wore.

I couldn't step out like that, so I wore a black coat that made me feel somewhat better about my outfit.

For once, I looked like someone who belonged in my mother’s world.

I hated it.

And yet, when I walked into the five-star restaurant, heads turned, trying to get a better view of me.

But still, I felt as if I was a mummy wrapped in my coat, so I removed it. And that was when I blended in with the environment.

The atmosphere screamed wealth, the scent of aged wine, the glint of diamond-studded watches. I barely stepped inside when a familiar presence washed over me.

No.

I turned my head, and there he was.

Ethan, my possible boss and almost one-night stand.

He was standing at the bar, a drink in hand, eyes already locked on me as if he had been waiting.

My breath hitched. What the hell was he doing here?

I stalked toward him, heels clicking against the floor.

"Are you stalking me?" I hissed under my breath, aware of the curious glances around us.

His smirk was pure arrogance. “You wish.”

"Then what are you doing here?"

He lifted his glass, taking a slow sip before replying. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Before I could demand an answer, a voice called my name.

I turned to see my mother waving me over, beaming with artificial warmth. My stomach sank.

I barely had time to process before she took my hand and led me toward the table.

And then I heard her next words.

"Darling, I want you to meet your new step brother… Ethan."

The world stopped. I didn't even know how to continue breathing, but my mother kept talking.

"Ethan, meet Sophia." My mother beamed, and I wanted to die of embarrassment.

"Step-sister," his sinister voice dripped with amusement. "How convenient.”

I looked at my mother, then at Ethan, whose smirk deepened with amusement.

Stepbrother.

No. No. No.

My heart pounded as I considered running, because this was a nightmare I had no idea how to wake up from.