Chapter 3

“I’m sorry for my son’s behavior, Lianne. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him,” Mr. Salvador said apologetically.

“It’s fine. I understand,” my mom replied.

I cleared my throat and stood up. “I’m full too. I’ll go ahead,” I said, excusing myself before walking away and leaving them behind.

God, what did I do to deserve a family this messy?

I shook my head as I walked toward the garage. I can’t afford to be stressed since I have a shoot today. I tend to look awkward on camera when I am not in the mood.

The driver greeted me as soon as he saw me. I slumped into the backseat and slipped on my headphones.

I caught a glimpse of Franco, my driver, in the rearview mirror. He’s three years older than me. I’m twenty-two, while he’s already twenty-five. He’s the son of my mom’s childhood friend, which is why he was immediately hired when he applied for any job just to support himself financially. He is still studying. Since his mom passed away last year and his dad abandoned them long ago, he has no family left. Even their small business went bankrupt.

He’s handsome and tall. Honestly, he could be a model if he wanted to, but he doesn’t. I’ve even offered to refer him to my manager, but he’s turned it down every single time. I guess he’s not into that kind of attention.

“Your eyebrows are almost touching, Noah,” Franco’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

I shot him a glare. “Shut up.”

“Let me guess. This is about your brother again, am I right? You always get that look on your face whenever he’s on your mind. Honestly, you might as well just kill him in your thoughts,” he laughed.

“He is not my brother, Franco. You know that.” My voice was cold. “And no, I’m not thinking about him. I don’t waste time on disrespectful people.”

“If you say so.” He shrugged and let out a low chuckle. “So, what happened this time? Another fight in front of the whole family?”

“We are not a family, okay?” I said, already irritated. “But to answer your question, yeah, we fought. As if that’s something new.” I sighed. “Mom wants us to go on a family trip for five whole days. For what? As if that trip is going to help us turn into a family.”

I let out another frustrated sigh and leaned my head back against the seat.

“Why not give it a try? I’m not trying to meddle in your life, but I think you should fix your relationship with Kayden as soon as you possible. Whether you like it or not, there’s nothing you can really do now, especially since your mother is already married to Sir Clyden.”

“No fucking way!” I exclaimed.

I would rather die than accept being that man’s brother. We have already seen every part of our body and moaned each other’s name; then we’ll be brothers? No fucking way!

“Why? I still don’t get why you hate your stepbrother so much. I mean, come on, he’s actually hot. He’s got total daddy vibes.” He laughed.

I rolled my eyes at him. This damn gay guy. Franco and I have always been open about our sexual orientation. We’re both into men and women. But given how close we are, I still haven’t told him the little dirty secret between me and Kayden. I don’t think I’ll ever tell it to him, though. Not to him or anyone.

“Can you just shut up and drive?” I muttered, annoyed.

“Yes, Sir,” he replied sarcastically.