011

AVA 

I let out a breath the moment I arrived at the penthouse’s doorstep. My hand rested on the doorknob as I imagined my next move. 

Today wiped me out, and all I needed was to get a cold shower and hop into bed. 

All that faded when I twisted the knob.

“Huh?” My brows knitted as I twisted again, then again. 

Why wouldn't it open?

We never used to lock it. 

I was about to try again when it hit me—that brat must have locked it intentionally and purposely kept late at school.

Because what the hell is he doing in school by 5pm?!

A tired yawn escaped from my lips as I leaned on the frame. 

I didn’t know how long I had been standing, but my legs were aching so badly. 

Perhaps I’d return to Mira’s house? I picked up my phone to dial her number when the loud car horn stopped me. 

Finally, the asshole was back.

He picked the right spot to park, then he stepped out of the car, slamming the door.

He threw his right fingers around his bag strap as he walked towards me.

“For fuck's sake, where the hell have you—” 

He ignored my question and walked past me like I didn't exist.

I raised one brow, prepared to give him a piece of mind, but I stopped myself. There was no point. I had low energy and couldn't waste it on someone like him.

I watched silently as he took out the key and opened the door. He walked closer, and I followed behind, but he stretched his hand out.

I froze mid–step.

“You're not allowed in here.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I shot back. 

Did he always have to be difficult? 

He eyes met mine. “Where did you sleep last night?” 

“It’s none of your business, Caden.”

“You think you can just waltz in here whenever you feel like?”

I nodded. “I can. Now open the damn door. I’m so exhausted, and maybe later we can discuss giving me a spare key”

He scoffed. “That’s not happening, Ava. You should return to wherever you spent the night.” 

Goodness lord. 

I was too exhausted for this shit!  We stood there in silence, Caden refusing to open the door and me, tapping my legs furiously as I thought of what next to do. 

“You do know I’m an adult, right?” I spoke up. 

“And you’re aware this is my house, right?”

“No, it’s not!” I shouted. “It WAS your house; now you share it! So open the damn door, or I’m going to dip my hands in your pockets and help myself.”

A smug grin formed on his face. “I’d like to see you try.”

My hands moved without thinking, reaching for his pockets, but he was quick to hold them, pushing me to the wall. 

“Get away from me,” I spat, just as he pinned my hands with his.

Our faces were close, our bodies too, and I hated being in this position with him, because the only thing I could think of whenever he was this close was his LIPS.

“You have started sleeping around already?” He asked, tilting my chin up. “Because I know you don’t know anyone around, so where the—”

“Is everything alright?” A familiar voice sounded from behind.

We froze for a bit, and my eyes looked past Caden's shoulder until my eyes met who had spoken.

“Mom?”

My lips immediately stretched into a smile as I got out of Caden's grip, rushing to hug her before greeting Mr. Grant.

Caden scoffed, clearly not into the whole family thing.

“Good afternoon…” He greeted, his voice barely audible. 

Mr. Grant hummed, then returned his gaze to me.

“Are you okay, Ava?” His voice was filled with concern, and this was the perfect time to tell him all that has been happening. 

But I couldn’t.

I nodded. “Everything is fine, sir,”

He squinted his eyes as though he didn't believe me. “Was there a little commission earlier? The way you two were—”

“It’s really nothing, just sibling stuff,” I interrupted with an awkward chuckle. 

“Alright. Let's go in, shall we?” Mr. Grant responded. 

We all walked in with Caden following behind. His hands were clenched, veins popped up on his head, and he was unusually silent. 

As soon as we got to the sitting area, we had our seats, and the real questions began.

“We came to check on you both. How’s school going, Ava? I believe this accommodation has made things easier for you.”

Had it?

Because this jerk was a pain in my ass.

I nodded with a smile. “Very much, sir. Thank you so much.”

“You don’t need to thank me; I am your father now, and it's my duty to cater for you,” Grant added before glancing at my mom.

She stretched her lips in a smile, clearing her throat lowly as her eyes shifted to Caden, who looked like a volcano about to erupt.

“How's hockey and school going, Caden?” She asked. 

He didn’t even spare her a glance. “None of your business!” His tone was harsh, his words piercing into everyone.

I watched as Mom's perfect expression began to fade slowly.

But she continued. “I heard you ranked….”

“I said it’s none of your business!” 

“Caden!” Grant yelled, fisting his hands, but Mom held him by the shoulders.

“It's fine. Sometimes it's really difficult to adjust to these kinds of things. I'm sure he'll—”

“It's not taking Ava so long to adjust, is it, Diane?” Mr. Grant tried to make Mom see reasons, but she still wore a smile, trying to calm him down.

“How are the wedding plans going?” I asked, trying to divert their attention.

It worked. 

Soon, the mood became lively again with laughter, except for Caden.

“We actually have an announcement to make to you two,” 

My eyes widened as I watched how Mom leaned in, resting her head on Grant's shoulders.

Could it be she was…

“We're going on a one-week family vacation,” Grant announced.

I exhaled. At least my thoughts were invalid, but Caden wasn't having it. “Count me out,” he muttered.

“That’s not possible, son,” Grant replied calmly. “I think this would be a great time for us to bond and get to know each other more.”

“I’m not going,” Caden said again. 

“You are, son.”

“I have practice and a game.”

This back-and-forth between father and son was turning tense, and I knew it was only for a moment before it exploded into something else. 

Grant pulled out his phone. “I’ll call coach and tell—”

“No, you won’t!” Caden thundered. “Don’t you get it? I want nothing to do with this gathering, and I have that choice.”

Silence.

And that was only because Mom was holding Mr. Grant. He cleared his throat. “Because of your games, we can reschedule the trip to fit your schedule, and we all—”

“I’m not going! And my decision is final.” Caden stood to his feet. “I can't take this happy family bullshit anymore. You want to go for a vacation? Fine. But leave me the hell alone.”

He didn’t wait; he stormed off, ignoring his father’s calls, and then…a loud bang. 

I was confused, my eyes darting between Grant, who followed behind, and my mom, who had tears at the corner of her eyes.

She placed both palms on her eyes, sobbing.

A frown formed on my face as I rushed to her side. I was angry, but even more, I was curious. 

Why?

Why did he always have to act this way?