My silly stepbrother

Chapter 1: New home

Aurora's POV:

I dragged my feet behind my mother, the luggage box scraping against the marble floor as we made our way to the giant gate.

I didn't get why I had to tag along to my mom's new home. But my persuasion fell on deaf ears, and I ended up being my mummy's little puppy.

Arriving at the gate, I dropped my heavy leather box in front of me, folding my arm to my chest as my mom pressed the doorbell.

Not long after, the iron gate opened, and a middle aged man appeared. Dessed in a tailored suit that accentuated his tall frame, paired with golden-rimmed glasses, and an air authority. His pleasant smile hinted that he was expecting us— likely the butler. He waved us in with a slight bow before locking the gate.

Awestruck, my eyes scanned the grand environment, my eyes wide in wonder. The compound was huge, with different decorative flowers lined on both sides of the expansive compound. An isle laid in between, stretching to the magnificent building that stood tall and proud before us.

The butler led us into the building, whose interior decoration and designs were more grand than the exterior.

The interior walls were adorned with delicate paintings and artworks, and the soft carpet was a deep plush black. The fragrance from the flowers gently wafted through the room with a soothing feeling, forcing me to sniffle in more.

But I only fantasized for a few seconds, before scoffing. I'm only here because of my mother, nothing more.

As a middle-aged man appeared from the stairs, he wrapped his arm around my mother's waist with a warm smile. “Thought you weren't coming today again,” he whispered, his voice low and soothing.

“Sorry for coming late,” she said apologetically, her eyes flickering to me with a wink. “It was my daughter that took most of the time while dressing up.”

With a pursed lip, I stood behind my mother, knowing she was the one who had taken forever to get ready, not me.

But for some reason, I just felt disconnected to this man, right from the beginning, when my mother introduced me to him over the phone. I had even forgotten his profession and everything about him right after I was told.

But since I didn't care about who my mom dated, as much as she was happy and fulfilled, I had to give in, because he was the one that brought my mom out of her shell.

It was after around a year after my father's demise that she finally pieced herself up, finding a new love. So I had to support her. Fully. Despite my own prejudice.

Seeing her daughter standing still behind her, Charlotte quickly pulled me closer, turning to Luke. I bowed slightly to the man. “My daughter, Aurora,” my mother introduced, her smile undiminished.

“What a beautiful daughter you've gotten,” Luke joked, stretching out his hand to me. I gave him a restrained handshake, quickly retracting my hand back.

My mother pinched my hips slightly, as she held Luke's hand, redirecting the conversation. "She's just not used to people, but she's actually nice and fun.." she explained.

"It's fine, she's just like my old self..” Luke replied softly. Charlotte heaved a sigh of relief at Luke's understanding.

“Let me introduce my son to you..” Luke said, looking up the stairs. "James, James, what's taking you so long?" Luke called out.

My pulse skipped a beat.

Please don't let it be him. I silently pleaded, my mind racing.

But my worst fear came true when a tall figure descended the stairs, in long, confident strides.

"What! " I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Three surprised gazes turned to me almost immediately.

My mother shrugged, asking me in a low voice. "What's wrong?"

"Mom, he's James. The coursemate I told you about.." I replied, unable to keep my voice low or firm.

James was also stunned, his gaze shifting between the three of us.

He took a last step down the stairs, standing beside his father with a questioning gaze.

Luke was the first to recover, and he cleared his throat, dragging James’ shoulder to stand in front of him. "Em..Now that we're all here, let me introduce my son, James. He's been looking forward to meeting you, Aurora..”

My gaze flickered to James. Expecting me? But James had a playful, innocent look on his face, and I had to look away, annoyed.

Charlotte quickly put on an embarrassed smile, tugging at my shirt to stop glaring.

James whispered some words into his father's ear, and his father's smile beamed more. “I see you two have already met. That's great!”

But seriously, I didn't find that great, not even for a bit. My course mate suddenly became my step brother, was that some funny joke or what?

My mother's eyes flickered to mine, a warning glint in their depth. She pulled me closer, her voice low and soothing. "So, Luke, where's our room?"

Luke slapped his head, "How forgetful of me. I was so absorbed that I forgot the basic etiquette."

"James, help with the luggages," Luke said, leading us up.

Shock still coursed through my veins, but when my mother pulled my shirt again, I had to absentmindedly follow her. I'd demand an explanation later. At least, I should give my mother a face.

As I passed by James, I briefly glanced at him before looking ahead, my feet carrying me up the stairs, and I muttered under my breath. “Shit.”

The words echoed in my mind: James. My step brother.

As we arrived at the hallway, Luke stopped in his steps, turning to me. "I'll take your mom to her room first," his gaze shifted to me, “Aurora, are you okay with James showing you to your room?” I nodded blankly, taking a step back.

My mother gave me a warm smile, half pleading and half warning, before she disappeared into the hallway in Luke's arms.

"Ah.." I sighed, resting my back against the wall in the hallway, expecting James. I closed my eyes, my mind reeling with thought. How could I possibly relate with James now?

James, my stepbrother? The thought felt surreal.

My mother was the only one invested in this mess. I'd move out soon, and James would remain a stranger.

Then I opened my eyes. James’ face was inches from mine, his lips curled into a sly smile. I recoiled, my pulse spiking.

I crossed my arms, my eyes narrowing as I glared at James. "What are you doing?" I snapped. "What do you think?" He asked with a soft smirk, tilting his head to the sides just like the other day.

But I wasn't entranced this time around, as I snatched my luggage away from his hand. "Your dad asked you to show me to my room.." I whispered.

"My dad?" He stared at me in confusion. I stared back, wondering what he meant by that question. "I mean, he is our dad now," he whispered into my ear. I took a step back, trying to create some distance.

James let out a soft whistle, a mischievous grin spreading across his face for me to follow him up to another flight of stairs.

I let out a sigh. "You've got no elevator?" I murmured, wondering why such a huge mansion could exist without an elevator.

Our house, as small as it was, even had one.

"It's broken," James' deep voice came from above.

I looked up in shock, wondering how he heard what I said. I climbed the stairs, cursing under my breath. "I'll move out of here soon. This is insane."