The car slowed as the tall iron gates creaked open, revealing a mansion that looked more like something out of a drama than real life.
Yumi's breath caught in her throat. Marble walls, glass windows that glittered in the sun, a garden so perfect it almost felt fake.
She clutched her bag tighter, her palms damp.
This is it. My new life. My new… family.
Her mother reached over, giving her hand a squeeze. "Yumi, remember—be polite. This is a chance for both of us."
The car stopped, and before Yumi could reply, the door was opened.
Her mother's new husband stood waiting with a warm smile. "Welcome, Yumi. I'm so glad you're here."
But Yumi barely heard him.
Her gaze had already shifted upward—toward the second-floor balcony.
And that's when she saw him.
A tall figure leaning against the railing, one hand in his pocket, the other resting lazily on the cold steel. His dark hair fell just enough to shadow sharp eyes that stared directly at her. There was no smile, no welcome—only an unreadable intensity that made her chest tighten.
Her stepbrother.
Kade.
Their eyes locked for barely a second, but it was enough to make the world tilt.
In that single glance, Yumi understood one thing—this house wasn't just going to change her life.
It was going to shatter it.
---
"Kade! Come down and greet them," his father's voice echoed up the grand staircase.
A pause. Then steady footsteps followed.
Yumi lifted her eyes just as he appeared. Tall, broad-shouldered, carrying himself with that casual arrogance of someone who never needed to prove himself. His dark eyes swept over her and her mother as though weighing what they were worth.
He didn't rush. He didn't smile. But when he reached the bottom step, he inclined his head ever so slightly. "Welcome," he said flatly. Not warm, not cold—just enough to count as a greeting.
His father smiled, clearly relieved. "This is my son, Kade. Final year in college, doing exceptionally well. I couldn't be prouder."
Her mother quickly added, her tone gentle but firm, "And this is my daughter, Yumi. She's starting her final year of high school. A bright girl. You'll see."
The air between them grew thick. Yumi bowed politely, murmuring, "It's nice to meet you…" Her voice felt too soft, almost swallowed by the marble walls.
His father clapped his hands together. "Kade, why don't you take your sister to her room? Show her around the house a little."
That's when it happened.
Kade's lips curved—not into a smile, but a smirk, sharp and unreadable. "Sister, huh?" he repeated, voice low with a mocking edge. His eyes flicked toward Yumi for a split second, holding hers long enough to make her chest tighten.
Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
Yumi stood frozen, her pulse quickening, her mother's hand gently pressing her back for comfort.
She didn't know if she should follow, call out, or simply stay where she was. But one thing was certain—
Nothing about the way he said sister felt simple.
---