In Love With My Step Brother

The waiter smiled and said, "Ma'am, your coffee." I glanced up, returning the smile, and replied, "Thanks." As he placed it on the table and departed, I sighed, taking in a deep breath. Glancing around, New York seemed frozen in time since my last visit. I arrived precisely at 11 am, and it had been over two years since I left. Everything looked unchanged. Memories flooded back – both the good and the painful. New York held stories of love, heartache, and moments I wished to forget. But today, I chose to focus on the beautiful memories, even though the ugly ones had left scars that seemed indelible. Unexpectedly, I found myself back here sooner than I thought. The reason? My mom was getting remarried after two decades – yes, a whole twenty years. Surprisingly, she still looked stunning; trust me, the years hadn't dulled her beauty. My father passed away when I was just two years old, leaving me with faint memories. As the only child, loneliness became a constant companion. My mom, though, she was my everything. She sacrificed love, even her own, for my sake. Now, she had found love again, even if I couldn't and it genuinely brought joy to my heart. I had moved on from my past but the injury was just too deep and didn't seem to heal. I removed my dark shades, stirring my coffee. I needed the warmth, especially in the chilly New York weather, as I waited for my cab. I took another sip of my coffee, I enjoyed the warmth it brought me. Just then, my phone chimed, signaling the arrival of my cab. I grabbed my shades, slipped them on, and stood up, my mini box trailing close behind. I didn't pack much; everything I needed could be found here in the city. Suddenly, a voice called my name from behind – "Hazel?" Shocked, I halted and turned around. No way! It was Ivy. I wasn't expecting anyone to meet me at the airport. I took a deep breath, needing a moment to process. How on earth did she recognize me wrapped up in my coat? "Oh my God!! Hazel!!!" Ivy exclaimed, and I forced a smile. It had been two years since we last saw each other, but we exchanged a few words on Snapchat. She rushed towards me, hugging me tightly. "I missed you, best friend." Best friend? The irony almost made me laugh. Ivy was no other than a betrayed, jealous, wretch – yes, that's what she was to me. Although, she wasn't entirely wrong; we used to be best friends until everything changed when she got pregnant for my ex fiance, Jasper. You know talking about sad memories back here in New York? This was one of them. Jasper And I were meant to get married in exactly two weeks time, two weeks!!! He was my college sweetheart and we were the perfect couple, envied by everyone. Then, out of nowhere, my supposed best friend, Ivy, dropped the bomb of her pregnancy. I hadn't seen them since. "It's been long. What brought you back to New York?" Ivy asked me. Was she really expecting a life update from me? I cleared my throat, hesitating. "Uhm..." Before I could respond, she cut in, "Wait... Jasper told you?" Lost, I stood there. Two years had passed without a word from Jasper; I hadn't laid eyes on him since leaving New York. "Jasper? N...no," I stammered, trying to appear unaffected. I had moved on, or so I told myself. Ivy continued, "Oh... I thought you were here for our daughter's birthday." Her words felt like a jab, Ivy trying to get under my skin. "Oh... I uhm... I wasn't aware," I replied, attempting to keep my composure. Ivy insisted, "Come on, you have to be there." It felt like she was playing some twisted game, she was definitely insane. What annoyed me the most was her acting like nothing happened. I wasn't about to show her I was affected; that's exactly what she wanted. Taking a deep breath, I said, "I'm sorry, Ivy, but I don't think I'll be able to make it." "Why not, Hazel?" Ivy responded. "It's been a long time, and a few of our college friends will be there. We could all catch up." I wasn't ready to face anyone, still embarrassed from what happened two years ago. Imagine being engaged to the love of your life, only to be replaced on the wedding day by your best friend. I called off the wedding instantly upon discovering Jasper's betrayal. But, to my shock, the wedding wasn't off; Ivy happily took my place that very day since she was pregnant for him. Lost in thoughts, Ivy noticed and tapped me. "Hazel, are you okay?" I snapped back to reality, saying, "Yeah, I was just uhm..." "Are you still angry about what happened two years ago?" Ivy interrupted. I wasn't angry anymore, but I didn't want her near me. "Of course not," I replied, "it's been two years, honey, and we all have our lives sorted out now." I wanted her to know I wouldn't be intimidated by her or her seemingly perfect family with Jasper. I could see the pretentious smile on Ivy's face, expecting a reaction from me. Hell no! I wasn't the same Hazel from two years ago. "So, how was your stay in Oxford?" Ivy inquired. "Rumors had it that you're done with your masters." I smirked, happy she heard the rumors. "Yes, darling. Masters done and dusted." Ivy cooed, "Awwwwn... That's nice. You know, me and Jasper agreed not to do ours for now. We just want to focus on our family." I didn't understand why she felt the need to share that with me; it wasn't my business. "That's nice," I replied. "I really need to get going." "Wait, wait," Ivy insisted. I didn't get your contact. Seems you just blocked everyone off." I cleared my throat, "work and school, darling. I've just been busy." Reluctantly, I took her phone, dialed in my current number. "I'll save this now. Seems you're in a hurry," she remarked. "Yes, my mom will finally tie the knot tomorrow," I shared. Ivy exclaimed, "Oh my God!! I'm happy Ma'am Aurora finally found love after all these years." I smiled, "Yes, I'm happy for her too." Then Ivy asked, "So what about you? What's taking you so long? Don't tell me you've not found another lover." Shit! That hit really hard. And you know the most annoying part? I couldn't even hide it in my countenance. I finally gave her what she had been looking for. "Uhm... I... I should probably leave. My cab is waiting for me," I stammered, quickly rolling my bag away. As I left, I could hear her saying, "I'll text you the address, darling. We'll be so happy to have you there!!!" Bitterly mouthing to myself, I walked like I was being chased to my cab, muttering, "Go to hell, you mother fucker!!"