HER MOTHER'S HUSBAND

ENCHANTED

Two days had passed since the incident that left Vanessa spiraling. She had resolved to avoid Steve at all costs, though avoiding someone living under the same roof wasn’t exactly easy.

It felt like an enchantment had taken hold of her, pulling her toward Steve in ways she couldn’t explain as though she was charmed or drugged into falling for him. But the thoughts of her mother’s happiness and having her daughter crushing on her man would definitely not be an ideal thing.

She sat cross-legged on her bed, staring at her reflection in the mirror. “Was I meant to fight over a man with my mother? A man she loves? Am I really that selfish?” Her own voice made her cringe, but the questions kept coming.

“Why do I feel this... this madness? What if my mom had never met him first? Would this be wrong then?” Vanessa buried her face in her hands, trying to shake off the flood of questions.

“But he’s not my real dad,” she whispered, as though speaking it aloud might somehow make it true. “He’s just married to my mother. No DNA tests confirm he is my dad, he isn't my flesh, nor blood either.”

The more she tried to rationalize it, the worse it became…

It wasn’t just attraction…it was longing, raw and unrelenting. She s*****d her head lightly, hoping to knock some sense into herself. But her reflection stared back, unimpressed.

“You’re disgusting,” she told the mirror. “Stop looking at me like that!”

She stormed away, pacing back and forth like a trapped animal. “Maybe it’s just a crush,” she reasoned. “Maybe I can just... ignore it.” But deep down, Vanessa knew that wasn’t true.

Her heartbeat quickened every time Steve walked by the room. The sound of his voice sent a shiver down her spine, especially when he called out her name to tell her he was already home from work. She hated it and she loved it.

My mother who had been out and about would be thinking I had innocent thoughts just as my face looks. But I could turn out to be her worst nightmare. And I am starting to avoid this with all I have in me.

I can't be termed as the bad daughter and I hope she returns home before something worse happens.

But Will Steve be able to handle both mother and daughter?

What if I get too jealous if he happens to spend more time with my mum than me.

"Oh goddammit! I'm in a mess".

"How do I stop these feelings? I don't want to be a disgrace to my family or to myself"..

But then, I guess your heart chooses what it loves and I can’t help with who it fancies or can I?".. I kept trying to justify my feelings. But it still wasn't feeling right.

I was f*****g thirsty and I wished I don't bump into his chest this time.

To be honest, I might not get myself for some time.

Vanessa tiptoed out of her room, hoping to grab a quick drink without encountering him. She peeked around the corner like a burglar checking for cameras. Coast clear.

She slipped into the kitchen, but just as she opened the fridge, she froze.

There he was.

Steve stood by the counter, his back turned to her. He was wearing a red, skimpy pair of shorts that clung to his perfectly sculpted thighs. His broad shoulders flexed as he poured water into a glass, and when he tilted his head back to drink, his Adam’s apple moved in a way that was almost hypnotic.

Vanessa’s mouth went dry.

“Talk about bad timing,” she muttered under her breath.

Just as she tried to retreat, Steve turned around. Their eyes locked.

“Hey,” he said casually, leaning against the counter. His voice was smooth, deep, and impossibly self-assured.

Vanessa’s legs refused to move. Her mind screamed at her to leave, but her body had other plans.

“You okay?” Steve asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Fine,” she managed to squeak, though her voice betrayed her.

“Want some water?” He held up the glass, smirking slightly, as if he knew exactly what effect he had on her.

“No, thanks,” Vanessa stammered, backing toward the door. But just as she turned, her foot caught on the edge of the rug, sending her sprawling forward.

Steve was faster than she expected. In one fluid motion, he reached out and caught her, pulling her upright.

“Careful,” he murmured, his hand lingering on her waist for a moment too long.

Vanessa’s breath hitched. His touch was warm, firm, and maddeningly gentle. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks as she pulled away, muttering something incoherent.

“Thanks,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Steve’s eyes searched hers for a moment, and she felt like he could see right through her. Then he smiled. Just a small, knowing smile and stepped back.

“Anytime,” he said, his tone light, but his gaze lingering a little too long.

Vanessa grab a bottle of water and fled to her room, her heart pounding like a drum. She collapsed onto her bed, covering her face with a pillow.

“This is bad,” she groaned. “This is so, so bad.” she muttered as she gulped down the fluid to keep her mind in check and her tensed body calm.

The following day, Vanessa tried to act normal, but it was impossible. Every time she saw Steve, her stomach did somersaults. He, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed.

During breakfast, he walked into the kitchen shirtless, his abs gleaming like something out of a fitness magazine. Vanessa nearly choked on her toast.

“Morning,” he said, his voice smooth as honey.

“Morning,” she mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

“Sleep well?”

Vanessa nearly laughed at the absurdity of the question. Sleep? When her dreams were haunted by images of him? “Yeah. Fine,” she lied.

Steve leaned against the counter, watching her with an amused expression. “You seem... tense,” he remarked.

"As always", she said inaudibly..

“I’m fine,” Vanessa snapped, standing abruptly.

Steve’s smirk widened, and she realized he was enjoying this..her flustered state, her awkwardness. It was a game to him.

“I’ll be upstairs,” she said quickly, grabbing her plate and fleeing the kitchen.

"You always run away from me. I hope you don't fell one day and hit your head"..

Nessa didn’t flinch at those words.. All she wanted was to hide from him.