LONDON'S RECKLESS FAULT

chapter 2

Chapter 2

The next morning, the sunrise reflected on my face. I knew it was morning, but one part of me refused to open my eyes. The thought sat heavily in my head, but I had no choice. Today was the day I was going to leave Manchester for good.

I gently got up and got ready. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the city I was about to leave. I saw Ava's smile and Jake's face. I lay on my bed with my eyes closed and, for a few seconds, forgot where I was supposed to be. Then reality hit me. London. I groaned and pulled the blanket over my head. Maybe if I stayed in bed long enough, it would all disappear.

“Sophia,” Mom's voice called. “It's time to go.” I gently picked myself up, thinking about all the memories I was about to leave behind. Throughout the flight, I didn’t say anything to Mom. I sat upright, already missing home. Finally, we arrived at Heathrow Airport. The moment I got off the plane, I saw it. London.

London was exactly how I expected it to be: big, crowded, and completely different from home. I suddenly noticed a black luxury car parked outside with two security guards waiting beside it. Mom gently grabbed my hand and led me toward the car.

For the first time in my life, I got to ride in a luxury car. The moment I stepped inside, I felt something new, something unexpected. The seats were soft and comfortable, and as the car drove off, I couldn't stop myself from staring at the city through the window.

It reminded me of home.

A few minutes later, the car entered the gates of a huge mansion. I was stunned. Mom gently smiled at me.

“We're here.”

“Here?” I whispered to myself.

The gate was tall and massive. It looked strong enough to withstand any storm. Then I saw a man standing at the front entrance of the mansion, staring directly at us. As the car finally stopped, Mom immediately got out and hugged him before kissing him.

That sight irritated my soul.

“Sophia, this is Richard. Richard, this is Sophia, my lovely daughter.”

I forced a small smile.

“Hey, Sophia,” Richard said. “It's finally an honor to meet you.” Even though anger burned inside me, I had no choice but to stay happy for Mom.

“Hey, Mr. Richard.”

“Just call me Richard instead.” I gently nodded. “Are you hungry?” he asked. “No,” I replied calmly. “We just want you to feel at home.” Home? Did he just say home? I looked around and noticed cameras surrounding the entire mansion.

“Shall we?”

Mom nodded.

Richard led us inside. My eyes immediately landed on the expensive marble floors and giant chandelier. Then I paused, crossing my arms while chewing my gum.

“So, where's the ballroom?” I looked at both Mom and Richard. Richard turned to me slowly. “There is no ballroom. It's just a house. Don't worry, you'll get used to it.”

Then he turned to one of the guards. “Felix, take Sophia to her room.” He ordered one of the security guards to show me my bedroom, and the guard nodded.

As I stepped into my room, everything felt unreal. A huge expensive bed, a walk-in wardrobe, and luxury lamps. I stared at it for a few seconds.

This wasn't the life I wanted.

I gently sat on the bed, feeling the warm mattress and soft duvet beneath me.

A knock interrupted me. It was Mom. She stepped inside. “I know you'll love it here.” She moved closer. “I know everything feels different and new, but look on the bright side. Look at your room. I did all this for both of us.”

I gently brushed my hair back.

“This doesn't feel like home, Mom. Everything is too big and expensive. This place is too big for me to live in.”

“Trust me, you'll soon love it here. And I'm not saying you should cut ties with Ava and Jake. No. And don't worry, they can come and visit anytime you want.”

I finally smiled, and this time it was genuine.

“Really?”

“Yes, Sophia.”

I immediately gave her a huge hug, and at least one problem had been solved. “Richard and I have somewhere to be. See you in a bit, sweetheart.”

She kissed my forehead before leaving.

A few minutes later, I got up from my bed and walked outside my room, exploring the mansion, my new home. I walked through every hallway and doorway. Everything seemed beautiful and perfectly arranged. I finally paused in the living room when my eyes drifted toward a heavy black door on the left side.

Curious, I walked toward it. When I pushed the door open, I found a private garage filled with luxury cars, motorcycles, and racing trophies. I slowly stepped inside, touching every car I could find.

“Planning on stealing one?” A voice echoed through the garage. I slowly turned around. A boy stood in the doorway with his hands shoved into his pockets, tall, annoyingly handsome, and very unimpressed.

“What? Stealing? I was just looking,” I replied.

“People usually ask before entering someone's garage.”

I crossed my arms. “Well, people usually introduce themselves before acting like a jerk.” He raised an eyebrow. “And people usually don't ask for introductions.” He shrugged. “But not to waste your time, I'm Alexander Blackwood. Your stepbrother, I guess.”

My eyes widened, but not enough for him to notice. Standing in front of me was the famous golden boy. He stretched out his hand for a handshake, but before I could take it, he pulled it back. I slowly lowered my hand.

“I'm Sophia.”

I turned my face away.

Great. Now we're introduced. His face was annoying. He was rude from the very beginning. Calling me a thief.

I started walking away, but before I could reach the doorway, he called after me. “Try not to get lost, Princess.” I stopped, slowly turned around, and walked back toward him. “What did you just call me?”

He grinned. “Princess.” And that grin was unbelievably irritating.

At that moment, I already hated him.