CHAPTER 5
1116 Words
SCARLETT
Dinner felt like a never-ending fever dream. I barely touched my food, poking at the mashed potatoes like they'd personally offended me. Meanwhile, Mom and Donovan were lost in their own little world, laughing, flirting, whispering like lovestruck teenagers.
Gross.
Damien sat across from me, completely unfazed. He looked so damn composed, cutting into his steak like he hadn't just destroyed my entire existence. Every now and then, his eyes would flick up to mine, and that infuriating smirk would return, like he knew something I didn't.
I wanted to throw my fork at his perfect face.
He'd chuckle under his breath or swipe his tongue across his bottom lip in a way that made my stomach twist. Not because I liked it, okay, maybe I did, but it was maddening.
"Everything okay, sweetheart?" my mom asked, breaking me out of my murderous daydream.
"Yeah. Just… full," I lied, forcing a smile.
I needed to get out of there before I completely lost it.
My mom, oblivious to the tension crackling across the table, laughed at something Donovan said and sipped her wine, her cheeks glowing with joy. I had never seen her like this before, soft, fluttery, almost… delicate.
It was honestly kind of weird.
Donovan clinked his glass gently. "Scarlett," he said, turning to me, "your mom and I have something to share."
Here it comes.
I looked up, feigning interest while trying not to let my mind spiral. I could feel Damien watching me, his fork dragging lazily across his plate.
"We've decided on a date for the wedding," Mom said, her smile widening.
"Two weeks from now," Donovan added proudly.
I blinked. "Two weeks?"
"Yes!" My mom squealed. "We didn't want to do anything big or flashy. Just a sweet ceremony with a few close friends and family."
Family.
The word dropped like a weight in my chest. I glanced at Damien, and just as expected, he was smirking.
"That's… fast," I muttered.
"Well, I think it's perfect," Damien said suddenly, his voice like velvet but laced with mockery. "It'll be nice having a little sister."
I choked on my water.
He knew what he was doing. The glint in his eyes said it all.
After dinner, Mom and Donovan disappeared into the living room, probably giggling like idiots. Damien stood slowly and adjusted his jacket.
I tried to head upstairs, but his voice stopped me.
"You've got something on your lip."
I froze. My hand flew up, but there was nothing there. I turned, narrowing my eyes at him. "No, I don't."
"Exactly." He grinned.
"You're an ass."
"And you've got a temper. Dangerous combo, stepsis."
My stomach twisted at the word. Stepsis.
"You better stay out of my way at school," I warned.
"Why would I? Watching you lose your cool is the highlight of my day."
I wanted to slap him. Instead, I turned and stomped up the stairs, slamming my door behind me.
This had to be a joke. Damien Cross, the same jerk who made my life miserable at school, was going to be living under the same roof, eating dinner at the same table, calling my mom "Mom."
How the hell did we get here?
I flopped onto my bed, grabbed my pillow, and screamed into it.
The next morning, I came downstairs and found Damien in the kitchen. I thought they'd gone home last night, but apparently not. He was casually sipping coffee like he owned the place, scrolling through his phone.
He didn't even look surprised to see me.
"Morning, sunshine," he said without looking up.
"Don't talk to me."
"Already breaking the step-sibling bond?" he teased.
I rolled my eyes and grabbed a banana from the counter. "You're not funny."
"Didn't say I was. Just irresistible."
I gagged and walked away.
Mom popped into the kitchen right on cue, heels clicking like she was late for a runway show while Donovan trailed behind her with his hands on her waist.
"Scarlett, be nice. We'll be a family soon."
I nearly choked on my banana. Family? My mom really had no idea what was going on between Damien and me at school.
Thank God for that.
I headed to my room, freshened up, changed into my school clothes, and walked outside. Ivy was waiting for me like always. I slid into the passenger seat, still in shock.
"Guess what?" I said, buckling in.
"If it's not about your mom's engagement or Damien again, I'm going to scream."
"It is about Damien."
Ivy groaned. "What now?"
"He's going to be my stepbrother."
She slammed the brakes. "I'm sorry, what?!"
"Yep. My mom is marrying his dad in two weeks."
Ivy stared at me like I'd grown a second head. "This is a telenovela. Your life is literally a trashy soap opera."
I buried my face in my hands. "I can't escape him, can I? He's everywhere."
She was still gaping at me as she pulled back onto the road. "Wait… so, like, you fantasized about him, and now he's your stepbrother? This is insane."
"Don't remind me," I groaned. "And the worst part? He knows. He's enjoying every second of it."
Ivy laughed before focusing back on the road.
At school, things only got worse. Damien strutted into the hallway like some kind of celebrity, and the girls couldn't stop fawning over him. Even the teachers seemed to swoon.
"Did you hear? Damien's dad just bought a new island," I heard someone say.
I rolled my eyes and headed to my locker to grab a few things.
"Aww, there she is," Damien's voice rang out loud enough for half the hallway to hear. "My darling little stepsis."
I turned, murder in my eyes.
He leaned against the locker next to mine, looking annoyingly good in that stupid shirt. Jaxon and his other goons were nearby, laughing like trained hyenas.
"You're enjoying this way too much," I hissed.
"Why wouldn't I? I mean, I torment you at school, and now I get to see your face at family dinners. It's like my birthday came early." He shrugged.
"You're disgusting."
"Hmm. You didn't seem to think so when you were picturing me in your little fantasy last night."
My mouth dropped open.
He leaned in, whispering, "You talk in your sleep, sweetheart."
I knew he was bluffing, but the smirk on his face made me question everything.
I shoved him away, but this time he didn't stumble. Instead, he caught my wrist.
"Careful, Scarlett," he murmured. "If you keep touching me like that, people might think you like it."
I yanked my hand away and stormed off, the sound of his laughter ringing in my ears.
- Writer
