IN LOVE WITH MY STEPSON

SASHA "My girl, you're freaking hot! Damn! You have everything going for you. How did you get this lucky?" Emily said as she got into the passenger seat and shut the door. I frowned, unsure where that was coming from. "Don't tell me you haven't heard what Daddy did this time," she continued, ignoring the look on my face. "I'm the only one allowed to call him that," I said with curiosity. "What has he done now?" "You are the new CEO, girlie! Check this out." She pulled out her phone, scrolled, and handed it over. There it was—my face, my name, headlines everywhere. I blinked at the screen. Just a few hours ago, I had been happily picking out outfits in my favorite boutique. How did the news spread so fast? "The latest CEO in town! Don’t tell me you’re not excited,” Emily said, tapping my leg and watching my reaction. “Wow,” I said with a shrug, then forced a smile that stretched wider than it should have. The news hit me hard. Not because I wasn’t capable, but because I didn’t expect it—at least not yet. I had only met Daddy eight months ago. He made me a manager after three months, and now, this? There were people who had worked in that company for years. People like Mr. McRenold, Mrs. Smith… even Emily, who had led the marketing department for five whole years without a promotion. And here I was, climbing the ladder like it had been placed just for me. "I'm so happy," I cooed with another forced smile. It was obvious I wasn’t being genuine, but Emily didn’t care. She danced along to the music playing from the car speakers, clearly more thrilled than I was. I couldn’t help but think — why me? Why now? We met one Friday night at a club. He was dancing like a man half his age, full of energy and charm. I walked over with a drink and complimented his moves. From that moment, Daddy made it his mission to spoil me. Lavish trips. Designer clothes. A lifestyle I never imagined. He gave me everything. I wasn’t born into luxury. My parents died when I was sixteen, and from then on, life had been one tough stretch of survival. Meeting Daddy felt like fate giving me a break, and I never took it for granted. Not once. But becoming CEO overnight? That was something else. As we arrived at the mansion, I noticed something on the floor—rose petals leading from the car park to the front door. My heart fluttered a little as I stepped out and followed them slowly, watching each petal like it carried a message. The moment I entered the living room, a warm aroma filled the air. Candlelight flickered across the room. I smiled, already knowing what was happening. "You old man, you always baffle me," I said playfully, wrapping my arms around him. I ran my fingers through his grey hair as he smiled and held my waist. "What are we celebrating today?" I asked, giving him a quick kiss. "Emily didn’t tell you?" he asked with a raised brow. "Oh, that..." I said casually, stepping away and moving toward the dining table to serve myself from the mouthwatering meal that greeted me. “You know I don’t deserve that position,” I said softly, picking up a plate. “Why not? You’re my woman, and you deserve everything good in life,” he replied without hesitation. “I retired last month. Appointing you was the best move for the company… and for our family.” I paused. The word “family” made my hand freeze mid-air. Was I really a part of that now? "And your son?" I asked as I looked into his eyes. He walked to the table and took a seat beside me. He held my hands gently. "I told you before—Williams has no interest in the company. He runs a fashion brand in Texas. Doesn’t use social media. Barely keeps in touch. He's always been an introvert." His words brought some relief. I wasn’t stepping on anyone’s toes. “Oh… okay,” I said. “But you’ve never shown me what he looks like,” I added. “I don’t even know his face. You should let him come home. I mean, it’s weird. I’m going to be his stepmom soon.” He sighed, then said, “Williams hasn’t been home in ten years… but he’ll be here tomorrow.” I dropped my glass in shock, the water splashing on my dress. "You’re joking," I said, grabbing a napkin. “No joke. I was going to surprise you, but it slipped.” My heart beat a little faster. I smiled and hugged him. I had imagined this moment for months—finally meeting the only person close to Daddy I hadn’t met. That night, I asked Daddy about Williams’s favorite meal and color. I wanted to make a good impression. At 6 a.m. sharp the next day, I was up, decorating the house with “Welcome Home” signs. I even gave his room a soft, warm touch. “I have to impress him,” I whispered as I cleaned, cooked, and fussed over every tiny detail. By noon, everything was set. “We’re home!” Daddy’s voice echoed from the sitting room. I quickly wiped my hands and picked up the tray of food I had prepared. My heart skipped a beat, but I kept smiling. Everything had to be perfect. Then I stepped into the room. The tray slipped from my hands and crashed to the floor. I stood frozen, staring at the man beside Daddy. He stared at me too—shocked. Silent. That jawline. That height. He hadn’t changed much. And neither had the way my heart reacted to his presence. “Baby, what’s wrong?” Daddy asked, confused. I couldn’t move. My chest tightened. My breath caught in my throat. The man whom I jilted a few years ago was Dad’s son. Was I dreaming?