Forbidden romance: mated to my step brother

A racing heart

Clarabell's POV

Dear diary, "Well, my birthday was a blast even though I barely remember who the party was organized for because it seemed like Ron's business colleagues were getting together," I wrote.

The very thought of Ryan being my mate was utterly unbearable and I refused to accept the fate that had been thrust upon me. I'd rather live alone than live with him all my life as my mate. Well, you can't judge me, he's a very terrible person and I don't even know if he's capable of love. Ryan's callous demeanor and chiseled features, though undeniably handsome, failed to stare any romantic notions within me, only invoking feelings of resentment.

He has only caused me pain and made me regret coming here. The few days I've known him for are nothing to write home about. I don't know if I heard clearly or maybe fate was playing tricks on me.

As I wrote more words, I sipped my juice. My heart sank immediately when I remembered the word MATE from the night before. My palms got sweaty and I didn't know what to do, I just cleaned my hands and continued writing. While my mom's happiness here is genuinely all that matters to me, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss about Ron, despite her evident joy.

I don't know if it's his aura or maybe it's because of how quickly he wants to get married to my mom. I took a quick break from writing, my mind wandering back to Ryan and how he bullied me on my first day at school. I clenched my teeth with anger, I hated him so much that thinking of him ruined my whole day. Well, I guess it's time to take a break from cherry, that's what I call my dairy.

I let out a delighted squeal…. Life seems sweeter when you've things off your chest and into your diary. I was scrolling through my phone when Mom knocked on my door. I immediately hid Cherry under the bed. "There's no way I'm letting her get a hold of my dairy."

"Hey my beautiful princess, I got you a pizza," she said beaming with excitement. "You didn't dress up like this to get me pizza, did you?"

Well, darling, you remember I had to reschedule my date with Ron cause I wanted to introduce you to your brother… "That arrogant tyrant with no regard for decency" I cursed under my nose.

"Do you want to share anything with me?" She asked still maintaining her pretty smile that warmed my heart.

"It's nothing at all", I lied. I couldn't possibly tell her about my first experience with my stepbrother neither could I tell her about the second experience so I fabricated a different story. "I miss home" I lied. Well, it wasn't a lie but that wasn't what I wanted to say.

"Is everything okay sweetie?" Mom asked with a distressed expression.

Forcing a smile, "Yeah, Mom, I'm fine. Just missing home".

So tell me Mom, where is he taking you to? I asked to change the mood in the room and draw her attention from me.

Well, he said it was a surprise but he specified that I look elegant.

"I'm sure he wants to introduce you to more of his business partners to show off," I said in a low tone then scoffed. No darling, it's a private dinner date, I don't know where or what he has planned. Mom replied letting me know she heard me crystal clear.

"I sure hope it's not a wedding" I teased. Mom gave a dissatisfied look so I had to switch things up and lift her mood.

"You look breathtakingly beautiful did I add?? And this dress… hmm.. oh my days, I don't think I've seen anything that screams elegance than this. Ron is lucky to have you and should be willing to kiss your feet or lay a red carpet for you to walk on". To boost her spirit and divert attention, I lavished her with praise, acknowledging her blossoming relationship.

My mom was one you could easily woo with compliments so it didn't take me long to change the topic. "I took so long to conclude on what to wear and did I tell you how hard it was for me to style my hair….. goodness…." She didn't finish her statement before her phone rang. She looked at me with a smile… I immediately knew it was Ron. I smiled back "Go have fun, Mom, you deserve it! Bring me some takeout, okay?" I yelled as she walked out of my room. "I'll try sweetie, love you", she answered.

"And oh, your brother will be here soon, you both should have a good time together," she said walking out of my room.

"Wait, what????? Is this some kind of ambush??" I cried in frustration with my heart racing.

Later the evening **

As my mom left my room I felt a kind of tension run through my body. I guess I could say I was anxious because I didn't know what to expect from her husband-to-be surprise dinner date. I took one last glance at her outfit before she left. "Ron is an absolute sweetheart and a gentleman, he even sent his driver to come pick her up.". I said with a giggle.

I just wanted to keep seeing my mom's face light up with joy. Dad did an undeniably miserable and unforgiving thing by leaving us but it's all over now. She's happier, I just hope this one doesn't leave.

My phone buzzed, breaking the silence. Mom's text: "Hey, sweetie, just checking in. Have a good day?"

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. "Yeah, Mom. Just relaxing. Hope you're having fun..?"

The exchange was brief, but her concern was evident. I knew I had to keep my emotions in check, for her sake. I decided to get more food that I ate while seeing my favorite show.

Laying on the bed, I flung my legs around in boredom…" This is a mansion I live in but I've barely explored, what could go worse than a little walk"? I asked as I got up from the bed.

I decided to take a little walk around the neighborhood and maybe get familiar with my surroundings. I was more of a Jort person so I just slipped into one, wore my hoodie, picked my headphones, and made my way out.

The night air was enchanting, It was Dad's favorite time. I stared into the sky like I was hoping the subtle voice I heard would speak again and ease me of the unending burden it had placed upon me. I continued my stroll through the garden with my favorite playlist on repeat. As I walked through the garden, the cool evening air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, but their pungent smell quickly brought me back to reality.

I walked a longer distance having multiple conversations with myself and asking rhetorical questions. I paused, "was Ryan thinking about this as much as I was, or was he probably being nonchalant about it"? The thought of wanting to know what he was thinking sent a tingling sensation through my body.

I continued my stroll, seeking to clear my mind of the unsettled thoughts.

It was getting late and I was getting exhausted, I decided it was time to get back into the house before mom would start getting worried.

I got to my room and I decided to play dress up to ease my mind and lift my spirit.

I tried a few fits but I didn't feel as energetic and excited as I'd be on a regular day. I took the clothes off and went into the washroom. I sprinkled some water on my face and had a little peep talk with myself…. "You can't let any of this weigh you down!! You're the bold, intelligent, daring girl everyone knows. You're not a weakling". My self-affirmation lifted my spirit and for a moment, my worries seemed to dissipate.

As night fell, my thoughts returned to Ryan. How could I escape this fate? The weight of our complicated bond hung heavy, refusing to lift.

I tossed around on my bed finding it hard to sleep.

The inquisitive tingle struck again so I decided to explore the house, I'd not explored all the treasures this mansion could contain. I walked stealthily through the walkway until I got to a door that looked fascinating, not entirely welcoming but I was interested in seeing what was inside so I walked in. Immediately I opened the door, my eyes widened. The room was beautiful, it had some sort of dark energy that was aesthetically pleasing, well-layered LED lights, and the shelves and wardrobe were properly arranged.

I started getting jealous cause my room wasn't designed this way. I started looking through some stuff and I figured it was Ryan's room.

I immediately went sour and wanted to leave the room. Getting to the door I paused…… "But what if he has something that could tip me off on his opinion on the subject at hand" I questioned. I found myself scouting the entire room and finding nothing.

I groaned in anger as I sat on his bed in defeat. "I found nothing relevant and I'm still not sleepy, I should look for something that would entertain me as a reward for this huge step," I said smiling sheepishly as I eye-searched through the room.

I found a couple of books but I wasn't entirely a hard-copy reader, I'd prefer e-books cause they feel better. I explored the room like I owned it and it was fun. There was some kind of peace I felt knowing Ryan wasn't at home or so I thought…..

I kept going through as many things as I could and I saw a picture of him and a lady I'd never seen.

I was interested in finding out who she was to him because of the striking resemblance between the both of them. I dropped his picture and decided to explore his wardrobe…. My jaw dropped immediately when I opened the wardrobe.

His entire wardrobe was screaming luxury.

"How can someone with refined taste be so malicious"? I questioned like I was expecting an answer.

I decided to try a few outfits. I stood stunned, astonishment washing over me cause it was rare to find men with such high-class fashion. The pants I tried were visibly larger and longer than my legs so I took them off.

Losing track of time, I got lost trying more fits I didn't notice the figure standing against the door….

I tried out a shirt that gave an enticing view of my body shape, stared at myself in the full-length mirror, and did a little dance out of excitement. "I'm automatically owning this shirt, we're siblings so of course we'll share our stuff" I confidently said to my reflection.

I was walking out of the room

when I bumped into a figure by the door. I slowly lifted my head with my heart racing like I just ended a marathon ….