A Human Mate; A slayed Christmas Wish

Chapter1.

I awoke to a blinding light streaming into my eyes, the brightness causing me to squint in confusion. Paramedics surrounded me—one diligently checking my blood pressure, while another shone a flashlight into my eyes, assessing my responsiveness. My vision was still blurred, yet I could make out the silhouette of my father standing at a distance. As I regain my vision I can now see worry etched deeply into his features. Beside him, my stepmother's Aura irritation was evident; her eyes rolled disdainfully in my direction.

I found myself in the bustling accident and emergency room of the arena. “Tonight could have been perfect, but Miss I-So-Pretty had to ruin it,” she chastised my father, her voice sharp with resentment. I couldn’t believe that they were bickering over me again.

She always believed I thrived on too much attention. It was painfully clear that she viewed me as an outsider, the intruder who had unwittingly stolen the spotlight from her own daughter.

Dad had chosen me to be the face of his multimillion dollar fashion designing company, a decision that I knew my stepmother resented deeply. She was never fully satisfied with any of my father’s decisions especially if I was involved, or if I appeared to be outshining her daughter.

She was my father’s secret mistress now wife, claiming all of his possessions while sulking in the shadow of my success. Meanwhile, her daughter, Courtney, my half sister, lived a life of opulence—driving luxury cars, basking in the finest schools, and hosting extravagant parties, all without lifting a single finger to earn a living. Her mother ensured she lived a soft life. I, in contrast, had to labor tirelessly for everything that I had.

After the paramedics finished their assessment and exited, Dad approached, his expression tinged with displeasure as Aura clung to one of his arms.

“Sweedie, the doctors said your blood pressure is a bit high. I think you’re taking on too much. You need to rest. I was thinking perhaps you should consider taking your vacation? With the holidays coming up, you could visit your mother in Venice,” he suggested, his tone earnest yet gentle.

“Yes my dear heart, your father is right. You’re stressed. We’re sending you on a two-week vacation, all expenses paid,” Aura chimed in, a smug smile creeping across her face.

“I can’t go. I need to model and assist with Dad’s upcoming business ventures. We're launching a new magazine. I can't leave now," I insisted.

I held one of the most important position in the company and I hated the idea of faltering. I must stand up for my responsibilities. I thought.

“Sweetheart, forget about all that. Your mother probably misses you. It would be lovely for you to spend Christmas with her,” Dad implored gently.

“And while you're away, Courtney will fill your spot. Business can continue as usual without you,” Aura interjected, her satisfaction over the roof.

It dawned on me—this had been her plan all along. She wanted to eliminate me so her daughter could seize my spotlight. Yet, a part of me acknowledged they were right; a vacation could do me good. With all the unspoken chaos that was happening with my love life, and I did miss Mom. Years had passed since I last saw her.

“Okay, I’ll accept your offer. But only for two weeks. When I return, I want to be back on the runway, still as the face of the company,” I pleaded, hoping to salvage my position.

“Darling, don’t worry about anything. Just focus on the amount of fun you will be having in a few days! I'll book your flight right away!” Her voice was beyond ecstatic. I could tell she was laying a trap out for me but I was willing to chance it.

“You’ll leave tomorrow night. Take the day tomorrow to pack your things,” Aura said enthusiastically, clearly reveling in the thought of my absence.

*******

The image of Courtney’s engagement ring portraying Corey’s betrayal played repeatedly on my mind. It weighed heavily on my heart, and I was spiraling into despair.

As I packed my suitcase for my flight to Venice, Courtney barged into my room uninvited.

“I told you so,” her irritating voice taunted as she strolled in confidently. “Everything, even your spotlight, will be mine.” She smirked, and I felt the irritation boiling within me.

I rolled my eyes and tried to ignore her.

“Dad is sending you away. What kind of loving father sends his beloved daughter off during Christmas?” she taunted, pushing deeper.

I remained silent, not giving her the satisfaction of a reaction.

“Last night before kissing Corey off at the airport, We had the most amazing time of our live. Right after he asked me to marry him. Things got really steamy! He was smoking hot. It was like he got turned on by just looking at his future wife. I mean he kissed me from my face all the way to my toes. I must admit he sure knows how to f*ck,” she bit into her lips, extending her hand to flaunt her ring.

“Congratulations,” I muttered under my breath, attempting to suppress my resentment.

“Thank you,” she replied as if I had genuinely complimented her. I rolled my eyes once more.

“Maybe you’ll find a little sugar daddy while you’re in Venice.. Oops—almost forgot! You’re still a virgin, waiting for Mr. Right. That little kitty of yours might just die before you find him,” she continued, relentless in her verbal blows.

“What do you want, Courtney?” I asked, irritation breaking through my composure.

“You have nothing to offer me right now. I have your man, your spotlight, your dad, and all the money. What could you possibly give me?” she sneered, a smug sense of victory in her tone.

“Then please leave my room,” I said, attempting to maintain my calm.

“Fine!” she spat, willfully knocking over my cherished ornament. It shattered into a myriad of pieces, igniting a surge of anger within me. I balled my fists and took deep breaths, struggling to contain my emotions.

“Stupid btch!” I shouted as she left, her shoulders held high in triumph.

What had I ever done to deserve her cruel behavior? That ornament had been a precious gift from my mom, a symbol of love on the day Dad won full custody. I knelt to gather the broken pieces, a tear escaping as I mourned the loss of yet another special part of me. I place the pieces in a bag and rested it in my suitcase.

With only a few hours left before my flight, Dad came by my room to wish me a safe journey. Concern clouded his expression as he handed me a brown envelope.

“Take this with you. If anything happens to me while you’re on vacation, I want you to call the number inside the package. It contains everything you’ll need,” Dad said, his voice laced with a tension I didn’t fully understand.

His words puzzled me. Was he anticipating something? Did he believe his life could be in danger while I was away? What could possibly be inside this package?

I took the envelope and carefully sealed it in my suitcase, an uneasy feeling settling in my stomach.

“Please let your mother know I will always love her,” he said, pressing a gentle kiss on my forehead, leaving me to ponder the weight of his words.