ELLE'S POV
Ever since the humiliating incident at Dave's party, it felt like I'd been living under Christian's shadow. Everywhere I went, he was there. Annoying! It was as if I had no space to breathe.
Tonight, my father was hosting an important dinner with his fiancée, Emma Filezia. I was never thrilled about the thought of having a stepmother. To me, the very word meant trouble. But this time, there was no escape. It was the official first meeting before their wedding.
Emma was a widow. Her husband, a former lieutenant colonel, had long since passed away. I'd seen her from a distance before—graceful, elegant, refined. But there was always something in her smile that kept me wary. And tonight, I'd be meeting her daughter for the very first time.
I stepped into the royal dining hall in a knee-length white dress. The room was vast, the long table adorned with candles and fresh flowers. Father sat at the head, radiating authority as always. I took the seat beside him.
A few minutes later, the doors opened. Emma entered with her usual graceful poise—accompanied by a girl about my age.
The moment I saw her face, my breath caught. Zara Hamish?!
My sworn enemy from summer camp.
Father smiled warmly. "Elle, Emma, please, have a seat."
Emma returned the smile politely. "Hi Elle, how are you?"
I forced a stiff smile. "I'm fine, Auntie."
Emma gestured to the girl beside her. "This is my daughter. Zara, say hello."
The girl bowed sweetly. "Zara. Zara Hamish."
I returned the introduction, cool and detached. "Quella Azura Hoult. But everyone calls me Elle."
Father's eyes flicked between us. "You two seem like you already know each other."
I nearly laughed bitterly. Of course, Dad. She's my nemesis. How could I ever forget?! But I stayed silent, masking my expression.
Throughout dinner, Zara acted like an angel. Gentle voice, soft laughter, always addressing my father with respect. Perfect. Flawless. But I knew the truth. I had seen the other side of Zara before—cunning, manipulative, ambitious. And now, in just seven days, she would officially become my stepsister. Ironic.
Ugh. Thank God the dinner finally ended. I left the hall with disgust churning inside me. Zara had played her part to perfection, winning my father's admiration, while I clenched my jaw in silence.
In a week, she'd be sitting at the same table as my stepsister. Infuriating!
The Next Morning
"Good morning, Miss. Your car is ready," Christian said in his usual flat tone.
I shot him a look. "Okay. Wait out front. I'll be down in a minute."
At campus, I immediately looked for Flora. She was already in class, waving the moment she saw my scowling face.
"Floooo, I'm so pissed!" I groaned, collapsing into the chair beside her.
Flora frowned. "What's wrong with you now? You look miserable."
I took a deep breath. "You know Zara, right?"
Flora's eyes flew wide. "Zara?? Zara Hamish?! Your enemy from summer camp?"
"Yeah. And guess what? In seven days, she'll officially be my STEPSISTER!" My voice rose.
Flora slapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh my God! Dark days are coming for you, Elle. I can feel it."
Before I could reply, the bell rang.
"Elle…" Flora nudged me, her eyes darting to the classroom door. "Look who just walked in."
I turned.
And my heart nearly stopped.
Shit. What is he doing here?!