FORBIDDEN STEP

Chapter four

Turned around to see Lucas standing behind me, a warm smile on his face. Lucas was like an older version of Liam, with his black hair that had white streaks due to successful aging , his build was evidence that he spent his youthful days in the gym and his looks made me wonder if Lucas and Liam were specially blessed by God .

"Yes, I was just admiring it," I replied, feeling a little self-conscious about being caught staring at his son's portrait.

Lucas nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "He can be a pain in the butt sometimes but he's a great kid. He went back to college a few days after the dinner but will be back just in time for the wedding ".

I smiled politely, feeling a little nervous about meeting Liam again. Little did I know our next encounter would be a lot more…interesting.

Just then, my mom appeared at Lucas's side, slipping her arm through his. "Hey, sweetie, how's it going?" she asked, smiling at me.

I shrugged, feeling a little overwhelmed. "It's all just really...wow," I said, gesturing to the spectacular surroundings.

My mom laughed. "I know, right? It's a lot to take in."

Lucas smiled, putting his arm around my mom's shoulders. "We'll give you the grand tour soon," he promised. "But for now, why don't we get you settled into your new room?".

As the days passed, mom and I settled into our new lives in the mansion. We spent days exploring the vast estate, getting to know the staff, and watching the wedding preparations unfold.

One morning, I walked into the kitchen to find Tom, the chef, busy preparing breakfast. The sweet smell of cuisine filled the air, making my stomach growl with hunger.

"Good morning, Miss Ava!" he boomed, his Australian accent warm and welcoming. "What can I get for you today?"

"Just some toast and juice, please," I replied, smiling at Tom's infectious enthusiasm.

Tom expertly toasted some bread and poured me a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. "So, how's it going? Settling in okay?" he asked, handing me my breakfast.

I nodded, taking a bite of her toast. "Yeah, it's been great. Everyone's been really nice."

Tom beamed with pride. "We're a good team here. We all look out for each other."

Just then, Mrs. Jenkins, the housekeeper, walked into the kitchen. "Good morning, Tom! Good morning, Miss Ava!" she said, her British accent crisp and efficient.

"Good morning, Mrs. Jenkins," I replied, smiling at the housekeeper's warm smile.

Mrs. Jenkins began busily preparing the day's schedule, her eyes scanning the kitchen to ensure everything was in order. "Miss Ava, dear, I have sent someone to pick up the laundry as you requested, by evening we will have it back in your room as good as new"

Feeling grateful for Mrs. Jenkins' kindness, I nodded "Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins. That's really sweet of you."

As the day went on, I found herself growing more comfortable in the mansion. It took a while but I slowly started to recognize the staff members, learning their names and quirks.

Sophia, the event planner, arrived mid-morning, bursting with energy and ideas. "Okay, Michelle, we need to finalize the seating arrangements and the flowers," she said, her eyes shining with excitement.

Mom nodded, smiling at Sophia's infectious enthusiasm. "Let's do it! I want everything to be perfect for the wedding."

Mom already made it clear that she wanted a simple but happy wedding and Lucas would do anything for his soon to be wife.

I watched from the stairway as Sophia and mom pored over wedding magazines and discussed the perfect theme. I couldn't help but feel happy for my mom, who seemed to be glowing with happiness.

As the wedding preparations gained momentum, I found myself feeling more and more overwhelmed. I had found myself adjusting just right in .

There were so many details to consider, so many decisions to make concerning the wedding but Sophia seemed to have it under control , her expertise and experience guiding Mom and Lucas through the process.

One afternoon, I walked into the garden to find Sophia and Michelle discussing the decorations. "We'll hang flowers from the trees, and set up a beautiful archway for the ceremony," Sophia said, her eyes shining with excitement.

Mom nodded, smiling at Sophia's ideas. "I love it! It sounds perfect."Their collaboration resulted in a beautiful and elegant wedding design.

Being in the mansion made me realize that Lucas was the right person for mom, he always found ways to make her laugh and we were getting along just fine. But I felt awkward each time I remembered that in a few weeks I'd have to call him Dad instead of 'Mr Lucas' I originally called him.

After spending almost the whole day in my room, I decided to step out for some fresh air and take a look at the progress Sophia was making.

The garden was empty except the flowers and ribbons hanging about giving it a dreamy look. The workers were done working on it for the day and went inside to finish their other chores.

I wasn't paying attention as I walked into the garden, my mind fully focused on the decorations hanging about. I came crashing into someone sending me tumbling backwards, for support I pulled the person's arm causing the both of us to fall with me underneath and him above.

And then I saw them, those blue eyes beckoning on me , I felt his warm breath on my skin sending goosebumps round my body. His smooth curved lips so close that just raising my chin would bring them clashing into mine . His body'

s pressure exerted on mine, I froze on the spot.

Liam is back???