Attracted To My Stepbrother: Forbidden Romance

Nora's POV “Nora, get yourself up from that bed and get dressed quickly. You know we have a flight to catch, so we don’t have much time by our side,” my mum’s urgent voice rang out from behind the door. My eyes rolled open, though I was still feeling sleepy. I sat on my bed and let out a yawn, stretching my body. This was already getting annoying. I’d tried everything to convince my mum not to move out of this town, but she wouldn’t listen. Always brushing my words off like I was making noise in her ears. Anyways, I knew there was nothing I could do about it. Love was written all over her face. She wants nothing else than to be with her new husband, so annoying! I let out a deep sigh, stood from my bed and dragged myself into the bathroom for a quick shower. Afterward, I got dressed, packed my clothes into my suitcase, and zipped it close. I was about to step out the door with my suitcase when I caught sight of myself in the mirror, though my appearance was stunning but deep within me I felt angry and at the same time sad. “It's unbelievable she’s actually forcing me to live under the same roof with that annoying jerkass boyfriend of hers,” I sighed deeply, narrowed my eyes at my reflection as I felt repulsed. letting out a sharp breath, i finally stepped out of the door then locked it. Derick—the man who had so proudly introduced himself to me as my stepfather the last time we saw was nothing more than a fat, obnoxious, chain-smoking slob. God, I hated him, hated every single thing about him, from his appearance and the way he speaks. I didn’t even know what my mum saw in him that got her attracted to him in the first place. After fifteen years of being a single mother, this was who she settled for? They got married, and of course, it was “only right” for her to move into his house as his wife, and the worst part of it all, was that I had to tag along. I wasn’t in support of it. Not at all. I even suggested I get my own apartment instead of moving with them, but my Mum refused. Stating that, I was all she had, and she needed me by her side. “Nora, you’re taking too long! We might miss our flight. Get over here!” my mum yelled from the car. The taxi man was already getting impatient as he waited for I think close to twenty minutes. “Yes, Mum! Give me a second!” I called back, rolling my eyes. Finally I was done with what was holding me back then I got into the taxi and sat close to my mum. And just then, the driver started the engine, and so the car sped down the highway. I stared out the window and Somewhere deep inside me, I felt a strange ache—like I might actually miss this town, even if the people here sucked. At least here was more familiar than moving to a place I didn’t know… and worse, living in a house that wasn’t mine, but my stepdad’s. The frustration was already simmering under my skin, and I can see myself getting uncomfortable already. “Nora,” my mum called out gently. I didn’t turn, acting like I didn't hear her, my gaze still fixed outside the window as my shoulders relaxed on the soft car seat. My mum, gasp. “I know you’re not happy about everything entirely, from us moving into a new home and from this town as well… but this is our chance to build a family,” she said softly. I finally turned my head toward her, but my face was contorted with anger. “Family, huh? So marrying some fat-bellied, ugly fool counts as family? Or are you just desperate for someone to warm your bed?” I snapped angrily, my voice laced with anger. “Nora! Watch your language! I won’t tolerate disrespect!” my mum barked back. I snapped my gaze away, but then I felt her hand gently touch my shoulder. “Nora… you are my family. You know how much I love you, right? Derick is a good man. His appearance shouldn’t matter. And besides, you know I couldn’t leave you alone in Atlanta. You’re everything to me. That’s why I want you to come with me.” Her voice softened as she smiled at me. I looked down, sighing. She really was the sweetest mom anyone could ask for. And yet… deep inside, I feared our bond would fade once we started living in Derick’s house. That fear was the real reason I didn’t want to follow her, or perhaps wasn't in approval of us moving to his place. I slowly raised my head. “Promise me you’ll always love me… even after we move into Derick’s house,” I demanded, my hands folded against my chest as I stared for an answer. My mum leaned closer until our foreheads touched. “I promise you my love. I will always love you. Nothing in this world could ever change that,” she whispered before pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. At least that alone softens my heart and gives me a little glimpse of relief. A little while later, the taxi came to a stop. “Ma’am, we’ve reached your destination,” the driver announced. “Oh, that was fast,” my mom chuckled. We stepped out of the car with my suitcase, and I nearly toppled over. The weight of my suitcase was killing me, it's so heavy and unbearable, wondering how I could cope with it throughout the journey. “Oh, my dear… I told you it wasn’t necessary to pack all your clothes. There are interesting stores in Chicago where I could get you plenty of new ones, but you refuse to listen, now look who is struggling with the luggage’s,” my mom teased jokingly with a soft laugh. She only had a single suitcase, while I dragged around three. It was obvious she was right about the luggages, but I love my old stylish clothes. After checking in and going through all the travel formalities, we finally boarded the plane. And—oh gosh—I had to admit, I surprised myself. I couldn’t believe I’d managed to carry all those heavy boxes throughout the entire process without collapsing.