MY STEPBROTHER'S OBSESSION

CHAPTER 4

SCARLETT

I grabbed my shorts and shoved the vibrator back in my drawer. Taking one last deep breath, I opened the door and stepped out, casually adjusting my shirt.

My mom was leaning against the wall beside my door, arms crossed, her eyes locked on me with an expression that screamed suspicious.

I swallowed, forcing a casual tone. "What?"

"Nothing," she said, raising an eyebrow.

But then, without another word, she slowly lifted her hand, wiggling her fingers in front of me.

That's when I saw it.

A diamond ring, sparkling under the hallway light.

"Mom… where did you get that?" I asked, my brow furrowing.

"Someone gave it to me," she shrugged.

I blinked, my gaze dropping to the placement of the ring. My breath hitched.

It was on her engagement finger.

"Wait, you're engaged?"

A small smirk played on her lips, like she was enjoying my shock.

"Maybe. Something like that," she teased.

"This isn't one of your little games, is it?" I scoffed, still struggling to believe it. My mom had a history of playing men like chess pieces, never letting anyone get too close. The idea of her committing to someone felt impossible.

"Relax. You'll meet him tomorrow. He's coming over for dinner," she said with a light laugh.

I stared at her, my stomach twisting with curiosity, and maybe a little dread.

,-

That night, I lay in bed, my mind still spinning from the unexpected announcement.

She was engaged.

I could hardly believe it. I pulled the covers over me, already planning to spill everything to Ivy the next day.

Morning came quickly, and right on time, Ivy pulled up in her car. She'd gotten it as a gift from her dad on her 18th birthday, and she never missed a chance to remind me how much she loved it.

"Get in, loser," she called, grinning as I slid into the passenger seat.

As soon as she pulled out of the driveway, I wasted no time.

"You won't believe what happened last night."

"Oh? Spill." Her eyes flicked to me, curious.

"Well… I ended up having s*x with Liam."

Ivy gasped, nearly hitting the brakes. "What?! I thought you were hesitant when I suggested him before! Tell me, how was it?"

"Disappointing. He couldn't even finish me properly," I sighed dramatically.

"Ugh, sorry girl," she said in a tone that sounded more like mockery than sympathy.

I hesitated, then dropped the real bombshell. "And you know the worst part? The entire time, I wasn't thinking about Liam. I was imagining Damien."

"Wait… Damien? Are you serious? Ew," her tone mixed surprise and disappointment. A thick silence filled the car before her voice came again. "I'm not trying to be judgmental, but you really need to stop fantasizing about Damien. He's only going to break your heart."

"I know," I said with a resigned sigh. But I wasn't done yet. "Oh, and one more thing. My mom is engaged."

"What?!" Ivy's jaw dropped.

I nodded. "You heard me. And the guy is coming over for dinner tonight."

"Okay, what the hell is going on with your life right now?" Ivy blinked at me, gripping the wheel tighter.

I let out a laugh, but deep down, I wasn't sure what was coming next.

,-

When we arrived at school, I walked into my classroom, but something immediately felt off.

My desk and chair were gone.

I also noticed that everyone was staring, some whispering to each other.

I walked up to Lily, one of my classmates, and crossed my arms. "Do you know where my desk is?"

She hesitated before answering. "Damien and his friends came in here and had a few of us carry them to the school field."

I groaned in frustration. Of course he did.

Without another word, I turned on my heel and stomped toward the field. The moment I got there, anger surged through me. Damien and his crew were gathered around my desk like it was some kind of trophy. Damien sat lazily on the tabletop, his legs crossed on the chair, a smug expression plastered on his face.

I didn't hesitate. I marched straight to him and shoved him off the desk.

He hit the ground, his clothes instantly covered in dirt. Carter, one of Damien's friends, lunged toward me, his hand raised, but Damien held up a hand, stopping him.

He didn't even look mad. Instead, he smirked up at me, brushing dust off his shirt.

"You're going to pay for that," he said smoothly.

A shiver ran down my spine, but I refused to show fear. Instead, I grabbed my desk and chair, turned around, and walked straight back to class.

The rest of the school day was filled with spiraling thoughts as Damien's threat kept replaying in my mind. I couldn't wait for it to be over.

,-

When the dismissal bell finally rang, Ivy dropped me off at home and I bid her goodbye. I headed to my room, changed into comfortable clothes, then went down to the kitchen to help my mom prepare dinner.

It was supposed to be an important night, her fiancé was coming over, and I still couldn't wrap my head around it.

By the time dinner was ready, we were both dressed and waiting. I sat in the living room, scrolling through my phone, waiting for Mom's mysterious fiancé to arrive.

The doorbell rang.

I jolted from the couch and walked over to open it.

My breath caught.

The man standing before me was ridiculously handsome, tall, sharp-jawed, effortlessly charming in his sleek suit. His presence was commanding, his piercing gaze studying me with curiosity.

Before I could say anything, my mom rushed over and pushed me aside, throwing her arms around him in a warm hug.

She turned back to me with a bright smile. "Scarlett, meet my fiancé, Donovan Cross."

"Nice to finally meet you, Scarlett," he said with a warm smile, then stepped aside slightly, revealing the person standing behind him.

My entire body froze.

Damien Cross.

He was dressed in an expensive suit, looking every bit the golden boy he pretended to be. His expression mirrored my shock for just a second before that infuriating smirk returned.

"This is my son, Damien. I heard you both go to the same school," Donovan said.

I forced a smile. "Yeah. We do."

My brain struggled to process what I was seeing.

Damien Cross. Here, in my house. About to become my stepbrother.

Before I could react, my mom gestured for us to move to the dining table. My legs felt heavy, but I forced myself forward.

Mom and Donovan sat across from each other, their hands intertwined as they talked softly. I kept my head down, focusing on my plate, but I could feel him.

Every time I dared to lift my gaze, my eyes locked with Damien's. He was watching me, staring with that infuriating smirk, as if he knew exactly what was running through my mind.

I swallowed hard, gripping my fork.

I cannot believe he's going to be my stepbrother.