Together But Not Really

CHAPTER - 12

Noah's POV -

"Where are you manners Noah? How dare you talk to your mother like that! Apologise to her right at this very instant." my father commanded me and I have always respected him and never for once disobeyed him, like ever. Except this once.

I wasn't going to apologize to this woman.

Not in a million years.

"It's okay. I know how hard it must be for him to consider me his mother." I could literally feel sugar dripping from her sweet words but it was venom to me.

Because I knew she was pretending. She could fool my dad but not me. I was not naive, I could see her sharp fangs fawning upon us which were kept hidden from my father. But I don't blame my father either because the way this witch had worn facade and had always been acting as if she was the most humble and nicest person on the face of this earth could have anyone fooling.

No wonder why my father caught on to it. Even after my trying to warning him many times. But I only had words, no concrete evidence. No real proof of her witchcraft. That woman was always careful. Too careful that it was hard to show her real colours in front of my father. Even right now as she was sweetly smiling at me but I could see her mocking me in reality. As if she was challenging me. And it was only ticking me off even more.

"SHE IS NOT MY MOTHER DAD. SHE IS NOT." I yelled at the top of my lungs while controlling my urge as to not pull out my hair in anger, my fists tightly clenched. Only if I could punch her in the face I would have felt better.

"I know dear that I am your step mother. And I totally understand where you are coming from. Honey please don't scold him." The audacity of this woman. Every word coming out of her mouth was just adding fuel to my frustration. Deep breaths, I told myself.

Breath in.

Breath out.

One!

Two!

Three!

"Everything is fine." I muttered to myself hoping that these words would become real. Whenever I would lose my calm I would always do simple breathing exercise - inhale, exhale. And would count till three and it would work like some clockwork calming me down helping me retain my composer again. And so it did at the moment too.

I was feel a tiny bit better now. Sure the rage was still lingering in my blood but at least now I did not want to turn around the table and thrash the whole place. But I had lost my appetite now even with these fancy and possibly delicious dishes did not intrigue me no more. My mood was ruined and so without saying a single word anymore I just got up from the table and left the house.

"Sit down, Noah! Where are you going?" my dad's voice echoed behind me, but I tuned it out. I needed to escape, if only for a moment, from this luxurious yet oppressive environment that felt more like a gilded cage than a home.

I wanted peace.

I wanted to get away from this hell hole for now.

Which was kind of ironic because our place did not look anything like hell. If anyone would have to describe it with one word it would be - "Palace". A huge, gigantic and freaking beautiful PALACE. Like the ones you see in movies where rich billionaires live, where everything is extravagant and fancy.

Our home was the epitome of refined taste and prosperity, stood as a testament to the success of its owner. A shrewd and influential businessman that my father was. And he had gave his all blood, sweat and tears to built it. As one would cross the threshold, they would be enveloped in an aura of sophistication and elegance, where modern luxury seamlessly blended with timeless charm.

Upon entering, there foyer greeted with sleek marble flooring and tasteful artwork adorning the walls, hinting at the discerning eye of its inhabitants. A grand chandelier, crafted from contemporary materials, cast a soft, inviting glow, illuminating the space with understated opulence.

Throughout the house, clean lines and minimalist design elements exuded an air of contemporary sophistication. Expansive windows framed panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, offering glimpses of bustling streets and towering skyscrapers.

The living areas were furnished with designer pieces each selected by my mother and father after careful thoughts. The luxurious royal blue sofas and armchairs gave the royal look, while statement pieces such as abstract sculptures and avant-garde paintings added a touch of artistic flair.

In the dining room, a sleek table of polished wood played host to intimate gatherings and lavish dinner parties alike but well there were no more dinner parties that was a whole different thing that the dining area felt so empty like the rest of the house now. Even though the kitchen was adorned with fine china and sterling silverware that spoke to the refined palate of its inhabitants. A modernist chandelier suspended above cast a warm, inviting glow, setting the scene for memorable culinary experiences.

All and all it was a chef's dream come true, boasted state-of-the-art appliances and gleaming countertops, where culinary masterpieces were brought to life with precision and skill. A spacious island served as the centerpiece, a gathering place for family and friends to share laughter and good food. Barely any family shared dinner here let alone inviting friends.

Upstairs, the bedrooms offered havens of tranquility and comfort, each appointed with luxurious linens and sumptuous furnishings. Expansive closets housed designer wardrobes and coveted accessories, a testament to the impeccable taste of its occupants. But the bed seemed to be filled with horns providing no comfort at all.

Outside, the backyard oasis beckoned with its modern amenities and lush landscaping. A sleek swimming pool, surrounded by teak loungers and umbrellas, provided a refreshing escape from the heat of the day, while a meticulously manicured lawn offered ample space for outdoor entertaining and leisure.

In every corner of the house, from the sleek lines of its architecture to the carefully curated furnishings within, there was an unmistakable sense of luxury and elegance. It was not just a house, but a reflection of its owner's success and status, a sanctuary of modern luxury nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. But what a shame it wasn't a place called - "home". What remained was only concrete and cemented walls.

It seemed to have everything.

But despite all of this Noah felt suffocated at this place. A place which he actually once used to call home which was filled with warm memories of their family. Memories of his mother. Until their family had drifted apart. And this woman came it picture. A sicken feeling raised into his chest just at the mere thought of remembrance of the first time she had stepped into their home and made it a house. A place enclosed within walls, full of extraordinary and pricey stuff and everything.

But it was no more a home.

Just a shell, a place he crashed at nights after tiring days. That was all it was left to this once ever so important and precious place to. His chest tightened at the mere thought. The anger was creeping up into his body. And he was fuming. So I ran.

And ran.

In a tuxedo.

Not the most comfortable dress for running.

But.... still

Like a mad man I just ran. Not caring even about where I was headed to. With no destination in mind I ran endlessly, panting, heaving. I only wanted to exhaust my body and give my good for nothing thoughts a break. I did not want to think how that woman was mocking me at the dining table just a few minutes ago. After all why give this woman privilege of clouding my head, she would only think she won.

"Dammit! I am tired now." I huffed to myself finally stopping near a restaurant, sweat beads forming on my forehead as I was panting heaving while trying to catch my breath. My knees had given out my this point.

"YOU!!!" the loud scream had startled me to the core. And I nearly jumped on my feet.

"Why is this woman shouting for god sake. My ears will bleed." I groaned as I turned in the direction of the voice. It had come from the resturant. I saw a woman and a man. It looked like they were having some kind of quarrel or some s**t like that.

I was going to mind my own business but the voice was too familiar and even though the woman had her back to me still I felt like I had seen her. So walked into the restaurant on impulse listening to my instincts. And now that I was fairly close to her I finally recognized her voice.

"Alison?" I muttered to myself as I neared the woman with careful steps.

" I can't believe this asshole was my boyfriend! " I heard Alison mutter to herself as she stepped forward with intention to pull out that bimbo's hair and make her bald and strangle the guy to dead I presumed.

"Hey there!" I retorted with a smirk while trying hard to supress a chuckle. I slowly kept my hands around her waist and pulled her a little closer to myself and that's when her doe like eyes met mine.

I smiled at her and confusion in her eyes vanished as relief visibly washed over her expressions and her lips stretched into a smile showing off her pearly teeth as I mumbled to myself - "Let the show begin."