"What the hell," I thought, the words a silent scream inside my head.
( I had never imagined that the very mistake I'd been desperately trying to forget, the one who haunted my nightmares, would be the one Fate threw back in my face. Rylan was that mistake—the man now sitting calmly with my mother, my little sister, and my step-dad, my step-brother. God, what game are you playing?)
[My turbulent thoughts were suddenly interrupted by my mother's warm voice].
"Aira, Aira, come sweetie, sit with us!" Mom called, her voice full of simple, innocent happiness.
( I managed a slight nod, plastering a brittle, fake smile on my face. My legs felt like they were moving through thick water as I walked towards the long dining table. I pulled out the chair and sat down next to my sister. Her presence was the only anchor keeping me grounded in this nightmare).
[ My mom beamed, looking between me and Rylan, completely unaware of the volcano brewing beneath the table].
"Aira, meet Rylan. He is your step-brother," she announced, the simple words carrying the weight of a thousand secrets.
( I forced myself to look up. Across the dark wood of the table, Rylan Hayer sat. He wasn't smiling. His face was a mask of cold indifference, but his eyes—those striking eyes I hadn't forgotten since Greece—were locked onto mine. There was a raw, undeniable hatred burning in their depths).
( I managed a strained smile, then immediately lowered my gaze, fixated on the plate. I couldn't risk meeting his eyes. I didn't want to see his face, or worse, his emotions).
[The entire time, Mom and Richard spoke, their voices a muffled buzz around me. I kept taking small, pointless bites. The food tasted like ash—I couldn't feel any flavor because my whole focus was on Rylan. I wasn't looking at him, but I felt the heat of his gaze, and that was enough to shatter my patience].
( I abruptly stood up. The chair shrieked, scraping against the polished floor, and all conversation instantly stopped. Both Mom and Richard's attention snapped to me).
"W-what happened, sweetie? Do you need something?" Mom asked, her voice tight with worry.
( I still didn't look at her, but the concern in her tone was palpable. I just had to get out).
"M-Mom, I need to go. Good night," I muttered.
As I turned away, Mom's worried voice followed me. "Sweetheart, you haven't eaten properly. If you don't like the food, we can change it."
My back was still to the table. "Mom, I'm full. Thank you. Don't worry about me. Good night."
( I rushed towards the door—half-running, half-walking. I dared not turn around, knowing that if I did, my eyes would collide with Rylan's, and the fragile composure I held would break. The hallway felt miles long, but finally, I made it. I slammed the door shut, went straight to my bed, and flopped down).
{ I uried my face deep into the cushion.}
"God, what are you doing?" I whispered into the fabric. "Rylan... my brother. Why did you make him my brother? Why in this whole world does he have to be my step brother? Ahhhhh!"
( I flipped onto my back, staring up at the ceiling. Rylan. What was he thinking about me? In Greece, that one night, I truly believed it was just a one-night stand—a mistake we would both forget. Now we were both here, under the same roof. And out of nowhere, he was my step-brother. God, why)?
[ I pressed my hands against my temples. My brain felt utterly blank. I had no idea what to do next].
( Hours later)
( Sleep was impossible for me right now. I tossed and turned, my mind replaying Rylan's face and his proximity. And, as always happened when I was worried, my appetite returned with a vengeance. My stomach let out a loud, embarrassing growl. I finally sat up).
I sighed, "Why does my body demand food at this exact moment?"
( I hadn't eaten dinner, of course, because Rylan was sitting across from me. My stomach growled again, louder this time).
Enough is enough.
( I swung my legs to the side, stood up, and tiptoed toward the door, opening it just a fraction).
( The house was drowned in darkness. I listened carefully, but silence had descended upon this mansion. I began my journey downstairs, moving with painstaking care, taking light, measured steps—I didn't want to disturb anyone).
( Then, I heard a sound. I quickly hid behind a pillar and saw the maid heading toward her room. She had been working hard while everyone slept; now it was her turn to rest).
[Once her door clicked shut, I crept out again, searching desperately for the kitchen. No one had given me a tour; that's why I don't know where was a kitchen.I'd told Mom we could do it tomorrow. Now, I was left gently pulling on door handles, peering into rooms, wondering why this house had to be so unnecessarily large].
You know what they say: if you search for something with passion, you will eventually find it.
(Finally, a door yielded. I peeked inside, and my face instantly lit up. "The kitchen!" I silently cheered, thanking God).
( I rushed in. The space was a vision of lavish, dripping luxury—all sleek, modern surfaces, just like my oversized bedroom. I shook myself out of the momentary daze and focused on my target: the refrigerator. That was the only thing that mattered).
( I yanked open the refrigerator door, and my eyes widened in pure delight. It was a heaven of food: ice cream, fresh fruits, sandwich ingredients—everything a worried girl could crave. I started scanning for the perfect bite to silence the protests in my stomach).
( I spotted a perfect, crisp apple and was just about to take a bite when a low, smooth voice sliced through the silence).
"Hey, step-sister."
[ Rylan was there. He was leaning against the kitchen island, arms crossed over his chest, the black jeans hanging on his hips. His silhouette was sharp against the faint glow from the window].
When did he get here?
"What the f—"