Forbidden Mate

Chapter One The wheels of my suitcase clattered against the polished marble floor, the sound echoing through the cavernous hallway like a reminder that I didn’t belong here. The house was too big, too perfect—gleaming chandeliers, sweeping staircases, walls lined with paintings that probably cost more than everything Mom and I had ever owned. “This is it,” Mom said, her smile soft but hopeful as she squeezed my hand. Her eyes glimmered the way they hadn’t in years, not since Dad left us. “Our new start.” I nodded, forcing my lips to curl into something resembling a smile. If she was happy, I had to be happy too. That was the rule. But unease settled heavy in my stomach as we turned the corner into the living room. And then I saw him. He was sprawled across the leather sofa like he owned the world, one arm draped lazily over the backrest. His dark hair was damp, clinging to his forehead as if he’d just stepped out of the shower. He tilted his head, eyes locking with mine, and his smirk widened. My heart stuttered. My pulse raced. I knew him. Everyone knew him. The most popular boy in school. The untouchable playboy. The one who had girls lining up just for the chance to be near him. And now… my stepbrother. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered before I could stop myself. His smirk deepened, sharp and knowing, like he’d heard every syllable. “Well, well. Looks like the new sister’s got a tongue.” His voice was velvet—smooth, dangerous, mocking. I gripped my suitcase handle tighter, heat rushing to my cheeks. Don’t engage. Don’t look at him. Stay invisible. But when his gaze swept over me, slow and deliberate, I realized one terrible truth. Staying invisible was impossible.