CHAPTER ONE:The new city

“Lily! I’m talking to you! You better come back here right now!”

My mother’s voice pierced the calm evening air, sharp and desperate, but I didn’t stop, my sneakers hit the road in quiet defiance as I walked away from the house that didn’t feel like home I didn’t even know where I was going only that I needed to get away.

The wind brushed against my face, carrying the smell of wet earth and pine trees, everything here looked perfect too perfect..the roads were smooth, the houses tall and shining, and the air so clean it almost smelled fake. I missed the noise, the mess, the city lights… I missed home.

Cutie, my little brown dog, trotted beside me, her tiny paws pattering against the pavement, her tongue hung out, eyes drooping with exhaustion.

“Alright, girl,” I sighed, glancing around before spotting a low stone bench by the roadside. “Let’s rest for a bit.”

I sat down and leaned back, staring at the huge mansions across the street, their windows glowed like eyes watching me.

“Wow,” I murmured. “Seems like everyone here’s rich. Even their silence sounds expensive.”

Cutie gave a small bark as if agreeing. I rubbed her head and laughed weakly “I’m so tired,” I whispered, then louder “I’M FUCKING TIRED!” My voice echoed through the still night. “I just wish I could go back to my old city.”

I slumped forward, burying my face in my hands I didn’t realize I was talking to myself until Cutie barked again this time, sharp and alarmed.

My head snapped up. “Cutie? What is it?”

She was staring into the woods across the road, his fur bristling, I followed his gaze and froze.

A wolf stood there.

Not just any wolf a massive one, its eyes glowing faintly under the fading daylight, my breath caught in my throat… every instinct screamed run, but my body wouldn’t move.

Should I pretend I didn’t see it? Should I walk away slowly?

I was trapped in my thoughts when a scream shattered the air, it was a ladies voice.

I turned immediately, a few meters away, a man was dragging a girl, trying to snatch her bag while she kicked and struggled.

“Oh, hell no,” I muttered and sprinted toward them.

“Let her go!” I shouted, but the guy ignored me. Without thinking, I grabbed him by the collar and slammed him to the ground he tried to swing at me, but I ducked and drove my knee into his stomach, then punched him across the jaw. He grunted in pain, collapsing with a groan.

The girl’s bag hit the ground. I quickly picked it up and handed it to her.

“Here you dropped this,” I said, trying to catch my breath.

“T-thank you,” she stammered, her eyes wide with shock.

I smiled faintly. “No problem Just be careful next time.”

She nodded and ran off, still shaken.

“Come on, Cutie,” I called, turning to my dog. She was sniffing something on the ground. “What did you find now?”

When I looked closer, I realized it was an ID card.

“Gateway University,” I read aloud. “Linda Daniels.”

So that was her name. I slipped the card into my bag, planning to return it when I saw her again.

The sun had dipped below the horizon. The sky bled into shades of indigo, and a cool chill crept in. I started heading home, my phone buzzing in my pocket. I didn’t need to check who it was I already knew. Mom.

She was probably pacing around, worrying about me again.

Mom’s a good person kind, patient, sometimes too patient. But lately, she’s been different. Since she met Mr. Andrew, everything changed. We left our city, our friends, and everything familiar because she “needed a fresh start.”

For her, it was love.

For me, it felt like exile.

I sighed as I approached the estate gate. The security lights flickered on, scanning my face before the gates slid open with a mechanical hum. Fancy. Mr. Andrew had already registered me in their system.

I stepped through quickly, glancing behind me half expecting that wolf to still be there. But the road was empty.

When I entered the house, the first thing I saw was my mom arms folded, eyes blazing.

“Where have you been, Lily?” she snapped. “Do you have any idea what time it is?”

I stayed silent, staring at the floor.

“Since we moved here, all you do is mope around and complain,” she continued, her voice cracking slightly. “You think you’re the only one who had to sacrifice something? What about me, Lily? What about my happiness?”

Her words hit me hard. I wanted to say I understood. I wanted to tell her I was trying but I didn’t. Not yet.

Cutie whimpered softly, sensing the tension.

Mr. Andrew appeared from the hallway, followed by a girl about my age, her phone practically glued to her hand. She didn’t even glance up as she typed furiously.

“What’s going on here?” he asked.

“Nothing, hun,” Mom said quickly. “Just a misunderstanding.”

He smiled faintly. “Good. Because tonight’s important. I thought it’d be nice for the family to finally sit together and talk.”

The girl sighed dramatically, still scrolling through her phone.

“Kathryn,” Mr. Andrew said firmly, “put the phone away.”

She groaned. “Fine.”

He placed an arm around my mom. “Girls, as you both know, we’re a family now. Kate is your new mom, and Lily…”he turned to me“…this is Kathryn, my daughter.”

Kathryn finally looked up, her gaze cold. “Oh. So that’s her.”

I forced a small smile. “Hi.”

She scoffed. “Didn’t ask for introductions.”

“Kathryn !” Mr. Andrew scolded.

She shrugged. “Just being honest. I don’t need another mother, and I definitely don’t need a sister.”

The silence that followed was heavy. Mom’s smile faltered, and I looked away.

“I’m sorry, Kate,” Mr. Andrew muttered softly.

“It’s fine,” Mom said, though her voice trembled. “I was warned she might take time to adjust.”

I turned toward my room quietly, not wanting to make things worse.

The room was beautiful too beautiful. A queen-sized bed, glass walls, a massive wardrobe, even a small dining table by the window. Everything screamed luxury. Yet somehow, it still felt… empty.

Cutie had already jumped onto a small bed in the corner, curling up like it was his own.

I unpacked my things slowly, then stepped into the bathroom and my jaw dropped.

It was stunning. The bath was enclosed in glass, with soft lighting that glowed like candlelight. The walls shimmered faintly, and the scent of lavender floated in the air. I ran my fingers along the sink and whispered, “Wow.”

Mr. Andrew was definitely rich.

After setting up a warm bath with my favorite vanilla shower gel, I stayed under the water for almost an hour, trying to wash away my thoughts.

When I finally stepped out, I was completely naked and froze when I saw my mom standing by the door.

“Mom! How did you even get in?” I yelped, covering myself with my hands.

She tossed me a towel. “The door wasn’t locked. I knocked, but you didn’t answer, so I let myself in.”

I wrapped the towel tightly around me. “Seriously, Mom, boundaries!”

She gave a small laugh and shook her head. “You’re so dramatic.” Then her voice softened. “Lily… I know this isn’t easy for you. Leaving the city, moving in with strangers it’s a lot. But I need you to understand something. I didn’t plan to fall in love again. I didn’t even think I could. But Mr. Andrew… he makes me happy. And I think I deserve that.”

I bit my lip, staring at the floor. “I just—what about Dad?”

Her face darkened instantly. “Lily, stop. Don’t do this again.”

“Mom, I just—”

“No!” Her voice rose sharply. “It’s been eighteen years since he died! Eighteen, Lily! Don’t I have the right to move on?”

Tears glimmered in her eyes, and for a moment, I didn’t know what to say.

She turned toward the door. “Please… just try to understand.”

And then she was gone.

I just wanted to ask her about dads death day we already do every year,if we’ll still be doing it now she’s married.

I notice that Mum has already helped me pack some of my things neatly inside the wardrobe. I slip into my nightwear a pink mini gown trimmed with soft floral lace around the edges. It fits perfectly, showing off my curves. I actually love this one, it’s my favorite nightdress, a gift from Mum.

After folding and returning the remaining clothes on my bed to the wardrobe, I glance at cutie. She’s still sleeping peacefully. I lie back on the bed, my mind wandering as I think about how my life will turn out here in a new city.

A new city. A new beginning. My parents met in Abuja and got married there, and now here I am, hoping this particular city will be kind to me.

A sudden knock at the door interrupts my thoughts. I get up and walk to open it. A strange lady stands at the entrance.

“Miss Lily, your dinner is ready. Your parents would like you to join them right away,” she says politely before walking off.

Wow, they even have maids in this house? I whisper under my breath, a little surprised. Well, I guess I don’t have a choice.

I pull on my nightwear jacket, adjusting it to cover myself properly. The last thing I want is for Mum to give me that deadly look that says, ‘Do you want to seduce my husband?’ I smile faintly at the thought before leaving my room.

The dining hall is downstairs, just below my room. Mum and my stepdad’s bedroom is upstairs along with that bitch’s, of course. It’s easy to find the dining room, especially with the map in the hallway clearly showing every direction.

When I arrive, Mum, my stepdad, and that annoying girl are already seated. She notices me approaching and quickly drops her Apple tab on the chair beside her so I can’t sit there.

I simply smile and brush her shoulder lightly as I walk past, taking the seat next to Mum instead.

My stepdad rings a small bell beside him, and immediately, servants begin to bring in different dishes.

One bowl contains creamy pasta, another has fresh salad, and there’s a plate of chicken sauce, a bowl of fruits, and a bottle of chilled wine.

I’m already salivating when another bowl arrives this one filled with garnished beef and turkey. Then, to my shock, two men came in carrying tray of roasted, fully garnished grasscutter meat.

What the hell? Is this a party?

I almost say it to myself, but it slips out loud. My stepdad chuckles he actually looks handsome when he smiles while the bitch lets out a loud hiss. I ignore her; the food is more important right now.

“Lily, I know you must be very hungry. You can eat as much as you like,” Mr. Andrew says kindly.

“Okay, Dad,” I reply, smiling. The word Dad sounds surprisingly nice in my mouth. Somehow, it makes my resentment toward Justice fade a little maybe just thirty percent, but it’s something.

I really love food no, I mean, food loves me. I start eating with excitement, scooping up pasta and mixing it with the chicken sauce. Then I slice off a piece of the grasscutter meat. Everything tastes heavenly.

I glance at Mum,She’s barely eating just small bites of chicken and a few spoons of pasta. My stepdad notices, but he doesn’t comment.

That seems like something personal between them.

Suddenly, Kathryn stands up and walks out, leaving her food untouched. Not that I care.

“Come back here, we have something to discuss,” my stepdad calls after her.

“I’m tired, Dad. I have classes tomorrow,” Kathryn says, frowning.

“That’s exactly what I want to talk about,” Mr. Andrew replies calmly.

“Alright, Dad, I’m listening,” she says reluctantly.

“Lily will be joining you at the university. I’ve already processed her admission. You’ll both be going together tomorrow.”

“What? I’m better off going alone. I don’t need her tagging along! She can find her own way. I’m not her babysitter,” Kathryn snaps.

“I said both of you will go together,” Mr. Andrew says firmly. “The driver will pick you up by 7:30 a.m. You’re both in the same department.”

“What the fuck,” Kathryn mutters angrily before storming out.

“Lily,” my stepdad turns to me, his tone softening, “make sure you prepare your things for tomorrow. Your classes start at eight. Your department is psychology your mother mentioned that’s what you’ve always loved.”

“Yes, I do,” I reply with a smile. “My stomach is really full now. I’ll go and prepare for tomorrow. Goodnight, Dad.”

“I’ll send Fruits to you,” he says gently. “And don’t mind Kathryn’s attitude. She still misses her late mother.”

“I won’t, Dad. Goodnight,” I say quietly before walking out of the dining hall and heading back to my room.

I sat on the bed, silent. Maybe she was right. Maybe I was being unfair. But something about this place about Kathryn , about that wolf felt wrong.

As I lay down, the memory of those glowing eyes returned, burning into my mind.

I didn’t know it then