Chapter 2

"She is absolutely impossible, Alexander. I don't know what else to do about that stubborn attitude of hers,” Mother complained from the living room.

I stopped in the hallway after quietly closing the front door behind me. It was already late at night. I had just returned from spending time with some of my old friends. Instead of heading straight upstairs, I froze behind a pillar when I heard my name. Mother looked distressed, while Alexander sat calmly on the sofa with a cup of tea in his hand.

“Just got home, Selena? Do you know what time it is?” Alexander interrupted suddenly, his gaze immediately locking onto me as I stepped into view.

I walked into the living room lazily, crossing my arms over my chest.

“You're not blind. There's a clock on the wall. Why don't you look and see what time it is yourself?”

“Selena, where have you been, sweetheart? Why are you only getting home at this hour?” Mother asked, clearly worried.

“That's none of your business. You should focus on your new husband instead. And remind him to stay out of my affairs.”

“It’s already past midnight, and this is my house. That makes it my business,” Alexander said calmly, yet firmly.

I scoffed and glared at him with undisguised dislike. I hated it whenever he tried to control or criticize anything I did in this house.

Mother let out a long sigh as she watched our small argument unfold. She rose from her seat, walked over to me, and gently held both my arms.

“Selena, thank goodness you're home. I wanted to tell you something,” she said, looking at me anxiously. “Tomorrow morning, I have to leave town early to deal with an urgent matter at one of our branch offices. I'll probably be gone for about a week.”

I slowly removed her hands from my arms.

“A week?”

“Yes. And while I'm away, I'm leaving you entirely under Alexander's supervision. Please, listen to what he says,” Mother continued hopefully.

I let out a sarcastic laugh, unable to believe what I had just heard. I glanced at Alexander, who remained seated, quietly watching me.

“Why do you have to be the one going through all that trouble?” I asked mockingly. “Why doesn't your beloved husband go take care of it? Isn't he the all-capable head of this family?”

Mother's face instantly flushed red at my question. She looked terribly embarrassed in front of Alexander.

“Selena, watch your mouth,” Mother whispered warningly. “Alexander has to stay at headquarters this week. Several major clients are coming in from overseas, and he's the one overseeing everything. He can't leave.”

“Oh, so his business is much more important than yours,” I shot back.

“That's enough, Margaret. It's fine,” Alexander interrupted suddenly. He rose from the sofa and slipped one hand into his pocket. “You should get some rest before your flight tomorrow morning.”

Mother nodded, then turned back to me.

“Once I'm out of town, I want you to come downstairs for dinner every evening. Even if I'm not here, the two of you need to start learning how to eat together as a family.”

I didn't respond. Instead, I turned around and headed straight for my bedroom upstairs, leaving both of them behind without another word.

The following evening, the house felt much quieter after Mother's departure earlier that morning. It was the first night I was truly alone in this enormous house with my stepfather.

I had spent the afternoon getting ready in my room. I was wearing a short black evening dress, and my makeup was flawless. I had already made plans to meet up with my friends again at a nightclub.

At exactly seven o'clock, I came downstairs. A small purse hung from my shoulder, and my car keys rested in my hand. I walked quickly, hoping to pass the dining room without running into anyone.

But my steps faltered.

As I passed the dining room corridor, I saw Alexander already seated alone at the head of the table. An elaborate dinner had been laid out before him.

I quickened my pace, intending to walk straight to the front door without greeting him or asking permission.

“Sit down and eat first, Selena.”

Alexander's deep voice suddenly shattered the silence. It sounded less like a suggestion and more like an absolute command.

I let out a heavy sigh before turning around to glare at him from beside the dining room pillar.

“I'm not hungry. I'm leaving now,” I replied immediately.

Alexander carefully set his fork and spoon down on his plate. The soft clink echoed clearly through the quiet dining room. He leaned forward, resting both arms on the table, and fixed me with a sharp, unwavering stare.

His dark eyes seemed to lock onto my every movement.

At that exact moment, something strange stirred inside my chest. My heart suddenly pounded so hard it made my throat go dry. I even felt a wave of nervousness wash over me as he looked at me like that.

I didn't understand this unfamiliar feeling at all, and that only irritated me more because I hated feeling intimidated by him.

“You didn't even intend to ask for my permission before walking out that door,” Alexander said in a calm but pressuring tone.

“I don't need anyone's permission to go wherever I want,” I shot back defiantly, trying to hide the sudden nervousness creeping through me. “And I have no intention of sitting at the same table as you.”

Alexander showed no sign of anger at my words. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, folded his arms across his chest, and continued staring at me.

“Don't come home too late tonight,” he said, ignoring my refusal to join him for dinner. “I'll have a few bodyguards accompany you. They'll make sure you're safe while you're out.”

I scoffed in amusement.

“Bodyguards? You want to send people to watch me?” I asked with a dismissive smile. “Don't even think about it. I'm not a prisoner who needs to be followed everywhere.”

“It's for your safety, Selena. This city isn't the same as the place you used to live,” Alexander replied flatly.

“I can take care of myself just fine. I don't need spies on your payroll trailing me around,” I rolled my eyes, then immediately turned and strode out of the dining room toward the front entrance, my frustration boiling over.

I crossed the spacious living room and gripped the handle of the massive front door, preparing to open it. But the sound of heavy, measured footsteps quickly approached from the hallway behind me.

I paused, then turned around when I realized Alexander was already standing only a few steps away.

“Don't stay out too late,” Alexander called after me as I headed out.

I stopped at the threshold, the door half open. Looking at his cold expression beneath the hallway lights, I curved my lips into the most sarcastic smile I could manage.

“You are not my father,” I said.