Love so Wrong: Falling for My Stepbrother

4-MY STEPBROTHER

JENNIFER

One week later...

One week had passed since my encounter with Luca, and I found myself still grappling with understanding the enigmatic persona he portrayed. At times, he came across as a jerk, while on other occasions, he wore a cold and distant demeanour that left me perplexed. During these moments, he seemed to effortlessly ignore the presence of everyone around him. Frankly, I couldn't be bothered, as I had no desire to engage with him after the incident in class. I made it a point to steer clear of him whenever possible.

My roommate, Tamara, was slowly coming to terms with our situation. Financial constraints had led us to share a dorm room since neither of us could afford off-campus living. So, the only option was an unspoken truce, and though we coexisted, we kept our distance. Tamara's cousin, Sandy, frequently visited us, eager to foster a sense of friendship. She encouraged us to go to the library, study together, and even shop for groceries as a trio. While I wasn't particularly inclined towards forming close bonds, I allowed Sandy to stay close because she was a valuable source of academic assistance, since I had missed a lot from the class.

As Sandy and I strolled back to the dormitory from the library, our arms laden with books, a swarm of giggling girls streamed past us, ready for a night of partying. Sandy had often extended invitations to me for these college parties, but I consistently declined. My reasons were twofold: firstly, I lacked appropriate party attire, and secondly, I needed to make up for the academic ground I had lost during the period I couldn't afford to attend college.

"So, what are your plans for tomorrow?" Sandy inquired just as my phone buzzed with an incoming call.

I fished my phone from my pocket and glanced at the screen. It was Mom calling, and I excused myself from Sandy to take the call. Speaking to Mom was always a comfort, as she was the one person I felt comfortable confiding in.

"Hey, Mom," I greeted.

"Oh, sweetie. How are you doing? How's college treating you?" Mom's voice carried genuine concern.

"I'm doing okay here. How about you?" I inquired, hoping for a positive response, perhaps news of her securing a job and moving away from the previous lifestyle of her cycle of unhealthy relationships with men.

"Well, honey, that's actually why I called."

I sighed and rolled my eyes, even though she couldn't see me. I had a pretty good idea of what was coming next. It would either be a tale of how she had helped an overly inebriated man get home and ended up in bed with him or how she had spotted an irresistible dress at a*****e and borrowed money from my tuition fund to purchase it, insisting she couldn't pass up the opportunity.

"What's it this time?" I asked with a hint of resignation.

"I'm getting married!" she squealed.

I was momentarily rendered speechless by the unexpected news, mentally shrugging it off as a joke.

"Jenny? Are you there?"

"Uh, yeah, Mom, I'm here. Are you kidding?" I finally managed to respond.

"No, honey. Do you remember the charming stranger who paid your tuition? Well, we crossed paths again, and things got serious. He proposed, and I said yes."

"And you're just telling me now?"

"Because he proposed recently, sweetie. I know it's sudden, but I'm head over heels in love with him. I've never felt this way before."

I hadn't ever discussed the concept of marriage with Mom, so I didn't know her stance on it. But this was the first time she had mentioned considering marrying someone.

"Wow," I exhaled. "I don't know what to say. I suppose I'm happy." I wasn't genuinely happy; it had always been just Mom and me, and now, it felt like someone was coming between us. However, I couldn't deny her the happiness she seemed to have found. She sounded genuinely thrilled, so I didn't want to dampen her spirits.

"You'll be charmed when you meet him, honey."

"Oh."

"And, before I forget, I'll be moving in with him tomorrow."

"What?" I blurted out a bit too loudly, attracting the attention of a few nearby students. "You've only just met this man, when was this?"

"I know, honey, but we both feel strongly about each other. Listen, dear. He wants to formally introduce us to his son."

"Us?"

"Yes, honey. So, I'll come to pick you up this weekend. Once you and your future stepbrother get to know each other, we can set a date for the wedding."

"Mom, this all feels too sudden. Don't I need some time to process this? To come to terms with it?"

"I understand it's abrupt, honey. But think of it from the positive side. He'll become your father, and you won't have to worry about college tuition anymore. Think of all the fees you'd have to pay."

***

That's how I found myself being whisked away to Berry Island that weekend. Mom had driven to my college to pick me up. Berry Island was an enclave for the country's wealthiest, conveniently located just a few kilometres from CSU, ensuring I wouldn't have trouble returning to campus on Monday.

I stood in awe, gazing up at the imposing mansion before me. Nestled in a serene neighbourhood, it exuded sophistication with its contrasting matte grey and deep mahogany facade. Mom joined me, sharing in my admiration for the house.

"You'll like it here, honey. I promise."

Marco, as Mom had referred to him, was absent upon our arrival. However, the cook had prepared dinner and left before we got there. We were scheduled to have formal introductions over dinner, and my nerves were already getting the best of me. Mom took it upon herself to settle me into my new surroundings before dinner. We entered one of the two adjacent rooms in the hallway. It was a spacious room painted in white with accents of rich gold. An opulent chandelier adorned with sparkling crystals hung above the king-size bed at the centre, adorned with pristine white sheets and a taupe coverlet. A large mahogany wardrobe, a white dressing table, and a door leading to the bathroom completed the room. This room was larger than the entire house we had up in town.

"Am I sharing this room with you?" I asked, incredulous.

"No, honey. This is your room. You have it all to yourself." My jaw hit the floor after that revelation. I stared at Mom, bewildered. She smiled at me. "I'll give you a tour later, but we should get ready for dinner."

After freshening up, I helped Mom set the table. My anxiety continued to mount. At least, this time, the stranger didn't come to our house. I knew little about this man, and I couldn't help but worry about his character. I hoped Mom had chosen a responsible partner this time.

Marco was a handsome man despite his age. He had the appearance of a superstar, and indeed, he was a former NFL's best player. His charming smile had an oddly soothing effect on me, and he carried himself with grace and eloquence. His Italian accent added to his allure. His son was yet to arrive, and he kept glancing at his wristwatch and dialling a number in his phone.

"Forgive me for starving you ladies till now, shall we begin dinner?" he asked with a charming smile. "My boy's running a little late."

Mom nodded enthusiastically and started to dish out the food. I stared at Mom being so vibrant and at peace and knew I just had to approve of this union.

"So, Jennifer, you attend CSU?" Marco inquired, striking up a conversation.

"Yes," I replied, attempting to maintain a cheerful demeanour. The food looked absolutely delicious, and I couldn't wait to dig in. "I really appreciate your help in making it possible." This was a momentous occasion, and I wanted to make a good impression. Besides, the aroma wafting from the dishes was mouthwatering, and I couldn't remember the last time I had indulged in such delectable fare.

Marco waved off my gratitude. "That's what families do, right? Your mother has already told me how brilliant you are. It's quite impressive."

Mom beamed with pride as if she were the one being complimented. I took my first bite and savoured the flavours. Just as I was about to fully immerse myself in the meal, the front door opened, and I heard footsteps in the living room.

"Hey, Luca, over here!" Marco called out, then turned to us. "That's my son."

My spoon froze mid-air at the mention of the name Luca. Did he just say, Luca? Was he calling for Luca Ferrari? I realized that I hadn't yet asked Mom about Marco's last name. I hoped against hope that it wasn't Luca Ferrari. Just as I was about to inquire about Marco's surname, the Luca I dreaded made his entrance. His eyes scanned the dining table with a cold detachment until they settled on me. My heart leapt into my throat. Luca f*cking Ferrari, the very same Luca I knew from before, was going to be my stepbrother?!