Love & Disobey

Chapter 1

"We're moving to Santa Monica" mum says and I nearly choke on my food. That was the last thing I wanted to hear. Moving to California, why?

"Why mum" I ask.

"Why" she says throwing the same question at me.

"Wha.....what about school? Exams is near" I say but that's not really the problem.

"There are better High Schools in Santa Monica compared to Leavenworth. And besides, I've informed your Principal, I have all your educational records. So there's nothing to worry about " she forced a smile.

"Look mum, we can't just abondon our home because you got married to a freaking man" I said. I couldn't stand this anymore. This house held all the memories I had with dad. How could she just get married after the demise of her husband? And doesn’t even bother to leave her matrimonial home.

"Watch your words young lady! I won't have you insulting my husband" she scolds me. "We're moving to Santa Monica tomorrow and that's final."

I drop my fork and walk to the kitchen and wash my plate.

"She's really got some guts" I hear mum say on my way upstairs. What's wrong with her? Why is she acting like this? She's not getting any younger but she behaves like a teenager. My mum was beautiful though, but I really hate her for getting married after my father's death.

She was a brave woman on her own, controls and rules her own world. She was a ' Club Queen' and she never cared to be f****d by random men in clubs or even at home. Yes, she went as far as that. Now, she got married to another man. Like the f**k! I couldn't believe it. Tears well up in my eyes as I remember my dad. He was always there for me, even when he had business to do.

He would attend all my primary school and middle school events while mum was busily engulfed in business and partying. I grew preferring my dad to my mum and there was no doubt.

☆☆☆☆☆

"Myrra,Myrra......" I hear mum saying in my sleep. She calls out my name banging on my door. I stretch my body as I sit on my bed. I yawn and rub my eyes.

"Get your ass up. I'm not listening to any of your excuses. Hurry up or else I'm leaving you here on your own" she half yells.

"Ugh" I groan. She would do me a favor if she left me all alone in this house. I really don't want to go. It hurts inside. I shower up and put on my pink hoodie with high waist jeans. I tie my hair in a high ponytail and look into the mirror satisfied with my look. I shove my phone in my pocket and put my headphone around my neck. I walk downstairs dragging my traveller. It's not all that heavy since I'm not a fan of fancy clothes.

My stomach growled with anticipation as I gazed at the spread before me. Fluffy pancakes, a towering yogurt parfait with granola and fresh berries, and a plate of perfectly cooked omelets filled with melted cheese and savory vegetables. My mouth watered at the sight, and my stomach rumbled louder, demanding to be fed. I couldn't wait to dig in and savor each delicious bite. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, teasing my senses and making my hunger even more unbearable. I was starving, and this breakfast feast was exactly what I needed.

Mum walked out of her room and she sat down as we dug into our food.

"You look beautiful " mum complimented after we were done with our food.

"You don't look bad yourself" I said and she smiled. Like this was the first time I had seen her smiling genuinely. She wore a strapless red fitting dress above her knees and wore a black overcoat to match her stilettos. Her hair fell on her shoulders and her makeup was breathtaking. No wonder men were always at her feet.

Mum handed the house key over to Senol, her driver. I think he would be looking after it for us. But I wonder why she didn't sell it or put it up for rent. We hopped into her Ferrari and drove to the airport. As the plane takes off, I put on my headphone and play Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' as I fell into a deep slumber.

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As we drove onto the sun-kissed streets of Santa Monica, I force a smile, trying to match mum's enthusiasm. To be honest, I'm not sure mum really cares about what I think or feel. She's always been a bit distant, and I often wonder if she's just going through the motions of being a parent. She's chattering on about how great it'll be to live here with her Louis, my step dad now, and I'm just nodding along, pretending to listen. The thought of moving here, leaving behind everything I know, feels overwhelming. But mum doesn't seem to notice or care about my concerns. She's too busy planning out our new life, like I'm just a minor detail.

I'm sad and frustrated. Why doesn't she ever ask me what I want? Why doesn't she seem to care about my feelings? I try to push the thoughts away, focusing on the scenery outside the window instead. Maybe this place will grow on me. But deep down, I know that no matter where we go, things won't change much. Mum will still be distant, and I'll still feel like I'm on my own.

As we pulled up to the house, I could see the welcoming decorations and balloons, courtesy of my stepdad, Louis. mum had warned me to be on my best behavior around him, to pretend like I was excited to be here and to make an effort to get along. So, I put on a fake smile and tried to look enthusiastic as we stepped inside. The house was nice, I'll give Louis that. It was cozy and well-decorated, with a warm atmosphere that felt... welcoming. But to me, it felt like a stranger's house, not like a home where I belonged. Louis greeted us with a big smile and a hug for mum, and then turned to me with an awkward pat on the back. "Hey, kiddo! Welcome to our new home!" he said, beaming. I forced a smile and a nod, trying to play along. Mum shot me a warning glance, reminding me to be nice, so I mumbled a quick "thanks" and tried to look interested in the tour of the house. But inside, I was seething.

Why did we have to move here? Why did she have to marry Louis? I missed my dad, and this whole situation felt like a betrayal. As Louis showed us around the house, pointing out the different rooms and features, I felt like an outsider, a guest in someone else's life. I knew I had to keep up the act, for mum's sake, but it was hard to pretend like everything was okay when it wasn't.

As Louis showed me my new room, I couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment towards him. I mean, who was this guy, anyway? My mum's new husband, sleeping in the same bed as her..... it was all just too much for me.

When he asked me if I liked the room, I shrugged and muttered a half-hearted "It's okay" under my breath. Louis's smile faltered for a moment, and I saw a flash of annoyance in his eyes before he pasted a forced grin back on his face.

"Hey, come on, kiddo," he said, trying to sound friendly. "I'm just trying to make you feel welcome here."

I rolled my eyes and let out a snarky comment under my breath, " Its Amyrra" I really hate him calling me kiddo. Louis's eyes narrowed slightly, and his smile seemed to grow more strained. He opened his mouth to say something, just then, my mum walked into the room, a bright smile on her face.

"Hey, guys! How's it going? Liking the room, sweetie?" she asked me, her eyes darting between Louis and me.

I shrugged again, still feeling a bit sulky. Louis's smile, though still a bit tight, seemed to relax a fraction upon seeing mum. She put her hand on his arm. "It's a big change for her, moving to a new place."

Louis nodded, his smile growing a bit more genuine. "Yeah, I get it. We'll make sure she feels at home here." But I could sense that he wasn't going to put up with my attitude forever. I just smiled weakly, feeling like I'd been caught misbehaving by mum. She gave me a warning look, telling me to behave. But I knew I'd only just begun to show my true feelings towards Louis.

As the door closed behind me, I breathed a sigh of relief and dove into unpacking. My room was a haven, a million times better than the drab space I'd left behind in Leavenworth. The lavender walls seemed to calm my frazzled nerves, and the plush carpet felt like a warm hug under my feet. I lost myself in the task of putting away my clothes and books. After what felt like an eternity, I made my way to the bathroom, craving the solace of a hot shower. The water cascaded down my skin, washing away the stress and anxiety of the day.

As I stepped out, I wrapped myself in a soft towel and began to dry my hair. I slipped into a sundress with vibrant flowers dancing across the fabric, feeling the lightweight material flutter around my legs. My hair was still damp, but I didn't bother with elaborate styling – a quick ponytail would do. The mirror reflected a relieved face. I took a deep breath, letting the calm of my room seep into my bones. I padded downstairs, my bare feet making barely a sound on the carpeted stairs. As I entered the dining room, I was greeted by the warm aroma of food and the soft glow of the evening lights. The table was set with a simple yet elegant setup, and my stomach growled in anticipation.

The spread before me was impressive – roasted chicken, steaming vegetables, and fluffy rice. My mouth watered at the sight, despite my earlier reservations. Mum and Louis were already seated, their faces expectant as they waited for me to join them.

As I took my seat, they exchanged a glance, but neither of them made a move to start eating. We sat there in silence for a moment, the only sound the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. I wondered if they were waiting for someone else to join us, perhaps a family member or friend. The silence stretched out, and I felt a growing sense of unease. Why weren't they eating? Were they waiting for someone? I glanced at mum, hoping to catch her eye, but she was studiously avoiding my gaze, her attention fixed on the doorway instead. Louis, too, seemed to be waiting for something – or someone.

"Hey fellas" someone bursted out in the room with full energy commanding our attention. As a smile played on their lips, I couldn't help but stare. He was handsome, with flawless skin that seemed to glow with a warm, golden undertone. His eyes sparkled with a bright, piercing intensity, a deep shade of brown that seemed to dance with amusement. His dark hair was messy and tousled, framing his chiseled features. He was tall and lean, with broad shoulders that seemed to fill the doorway. A smattering of dark hair on his forearms added a hint of masculinity to his athletic build.

Who was this charming young man, and what was his relationship to Louis?