FORBIDDEN STEP

Chapter three

I watched as the last of my boxes were fitted into the back of the truck. I couldn't believe that after spending almost my entire life in this house, I was leaving. Lucas had suggested that my mom and I move into his mansion in Miami to make the wedding preparations easier and to help us adjust to our new life together.

Although Miami was only a three-hour drive from Tampa, where I grew up, it felt like I was leaving my entire world behind.

This house holds a lot of memories. My mom and I watched movies together, the countless times my friends came over for sleepovers and study sessions... it was more than just a home. Every room, every corner, held a piece of our lives. I just couldn't bear the thought of leaving it all behind, of watching it slip away into memory.

I stepped into the house for the last time, my feet carrying me upstairs to my room . This room, my sanctuary, held every memory, every laugh, and every tear. I remembered the countless reading sessions, the daily daydreams, and the late-night conversations with my friends that had once filled these walls with joy and hope.

As I stood there, memories came flooding back. I thought back to just a few nights ago, when my friends and I had decided to have one last sleepover. We'd stayed up late, giggling and chatting, trying to make the most of our last night together in this house.

"Hey guys, let's play a game!" Savvy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Emily raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What type of game?"

Savvy grinned mischievously. "Truth or Dare, of course!"

Emily laughed, shaking her head. "Only if we keep it mild."

I chuckled, holding up her hands in mock defense. "I promise, no embarrassing dares."

Savannah Thompson (savvy), Emily Patel and I have been friends since childhood. We attend the same high school, Berkeley preparatory school.

Savvy is super active and goes out of her way for anything fun but Emily is more reserved and prefers being indoors.

The game began, with the girls and I taking turns drawing cards. Savvy's eyes gleamed with curiosity as she asked Emily, "So, what's the deal with you and Daniel? It seems you're getting very close with your seatmate. I could practically see the joy in ur face when the teacher assigned him to your seat .

Emily's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, laughing. "What about Daniel?"

I chimed in, a sly grin spreading across my face. "I thought you had a crush on him."

Emily's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Yeah, I do."

Savvy cheered, bouncing up and down. "It's not bad, though. He's a total cutie!"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Savvy, you're such a goofball."

Emily turned to me, her expression curious. "Ava, how's everything going with your mom's wedding preparations? How do you feel about it all?"

I shrugged, my eyes drifting downward. "I'm happy for my mom, but it's weird to think about...you know, having a stepdad."

Savvy nodded sympathetically. "I get it. But from what you've said, Lucas seems nice and is really into your mom."

I hesitated for a bit, my brow furrowing. "Yeah, I guess so. It's just...a lot to take in."

Emily chimed in, "And what about the son, Liam? You mentioned he has a son."

Flushed, I looked away, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, yeah, he does have a son, Liam. He seems...okay, I guess."

Savvy's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Just okay? What's he like?"

My eyes darted back to Savvy, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her voice. "I don't know, Savvy. I've only met him once. He's just...Liam."

Savvy's grin turned mischievous. "Is he cute?"

My eyes widened, and I looked taken aback. "No, he's not. He's...barely noticeable."

The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them, and I felt a strange pang in her chest. Why had I reacted so strongly?

The sound of the car's engine jolted me out of my thoughts. "Come on, let's go!" my mom called from outside.

"I'm coming!" I replied, taking one last look around before heading downstairs. I settled into the back seat of the car and gazed out the window as the driver pulled away, leaving our old house fading into the distance.

It took around five hours to reach the mansion, the heavy traffic on the road testing our patience. But as the car drove through the gates, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions: astonishment, shock, surprise, and excitement.

The mansion was like nothing I'd ever seen before. Its exteriors were mesmerizing, with a design and architecture that were truly superb.

My mom had mentioned that Lucas owned an architecture company, but seeing his work firsthand made me realize just how talented he was.

The attention to detail, the sleek lines, and the elegant curves all came together to create a breathtakingly beautiful home.

As we stepped out of the car, I couldn't help but gaze around in wonder.

The mansion's exterior was even more stunning up close, with intricate stone carvings and expansive windows that seemed to stretch on forever.

The perfectly trimmed lawn was dotted with vibrant flowers of every color, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air.

To one side of the house, a sparkling pool glimmered in the sunlight, its crystal-clear waters inviting me to take a dip. Lounge chairs and umbrellas were arranged around the pool's edge, creating a spot that seemed perfect for relaxation.

As we made our way towards the entrance, I noticed staff members moving discreetly about the property, tending to the gardens and ensuring everything was clean and tidy.

Their friendly smiles and nods made me feel welcome, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and gratitude at the prospect of calling this incredible place home.

The large wooden doors swung open, revealing a breathtaking hallway with a sweeping staircase and a stunning chandelier that shone with many colors .

I felt as though I'd stepped into a fairy tale, and I couldn't wait to explore every nook and cranny of this enchanted mansion.

My mom and I had always lived a simple life. We had everything we wanted and never lacked anything. Our little house in Tampa had been our haven, filled with love, laughter, and memories. But stepping into this mansion made me feel like there was a whole new world beyond the simple life I once knew.

As I gazed around at the opulent decor, the sparkling chandeliers, and the lavish furnishings, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. This was a life I had only ever seen in movies or read about in books. The sheer scale of the mansion, the attention to detail, and the luxury that surrounded me was overwhelming.

I thought back to our quiet nights in, our homemade dinners, and our family game nights. It was a simple, yet happy life. But now, as I stood in this grand mansion, I realized that there was so much more to life than what I had experienced.

As I continued to explore the mansion, my eyes wandered across the walls, taking in the various artwork and decorations. And then, I saw him. A portrait of Liam, Lucas's son, hung on the wall, capturing my attention.

At first, I thought it was just a painting, but as I looked closer, I realized it was a photograph. Liam's piercing blue eyes seemed to stare right through me, his chiseled features and strong jawline making him look like a model. His dark hair was messy, and his lips curled into a hint of a smile.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I gazed at the portrait. There was something about Liam's eyes that seemed to draw me in, making me feel like I was drowning in their depths.

As I stood there, lost in thought, I didn't notice anyone approaching me. But then, I heard a voice behind me. "You've found Liam's portrait".