(Sierra's POV)
I never like goodbyes…..
Especially the kind that smell like expensive perfume and broken promises.
The car ride from our apartment to my mother's new husband's mansion felt endless. The tinted windows blurred the city into streaks of gold and grey, like the world outside was running from me.
My mother - Aveline Blackwood (now)- sat beside me, fingers twisting the diamond ring that had appeared on her hand just three weeks ago. It sparkled every time the streetlights hit it. Like it wanted me to remember how rich her new life had become.
And my father ? huh, Gabriele Valentino my father left us when I was only 8 . Still now I don't know why he left us neither my mother told me. I always crave for my father's love, despite of knowing that i won't ever get this.....
I starred out the window, my reflection overlapping the view. Wavy brown hair framing my face , lips pressed in annoyance , eyes too green to hide emotion. My reflection looked…. Tense like a stranger.
You can do this, Sie . Just a few months. Finish college. Stay calm. Stay low...
"Sweetheart," my mom said softly, "try not to look nervous. Nicolas is really excited to meet you."
I didn't reply. Nicolas Blackwood the famous businessman, owner of half city's luxury hotels. Charming, sophisticated and way too good at pretending his smile means something. And now he was my stepfather.
"Mom," I murmured, still starring outside, "I told you I didn't want to move."
She sighed, brushing my hair behind my ear like I was a child. "It's just a change Sierra. He's a good man, You'll see."
When the car stopped, I realized we'd pulled into something wasn't just a house-it was an empire. Black gates taller than my future. Martble driveways that gleamed like glass. The mansion rose from darkness like a secret, every window glowing with warm light.
My stomach twisted.
Then the front door opened.
And there he was.
Nicolas Blackwood
Tall, expensively dressed, early forties with silver threaded through dark hair. A smile that always got what it what it wanted.
"Sweetheart," he said warmly, stepping forward to kiss my mother's cheek. Then his shift gaze shifted sliding to me.
And it stopped. His eyes widened, surprised for a full, unguarded second.
Tss…
Did he expected me to be a ugly stepdaughter! Or am I too hot to handle!
Whatever!!!
"You must be Sierra," he said finally, voice low in a way that felt too gentle. "My god, you're…. you're breathtaking beautiful."
My back straightened, annoyance flashing in my eyes. Complements from strangers meant nothing to me- especially from I don't trust. That's how I am …
But I held it back and composed myself.
"Thanks," I replied shortly with a polite smile. The entire house, srry mansion screamed his money. But it wasn't the décor what caught my attention, it was the two sets of footsteps echoing behind us.
Then Nicolas said, "Come in. The boys are waiting to meet you."
The boys?!!!!!!
I nearly groaned….
Of course they were here. The so called perfect new FAMILY.
I followed my mother inside. Two figure stood waiting. The younger one stepped forward first.
Sebastian Blackwood
Smiling already before he even reached. "hi! I'm Sebastian!" he said brightly, offering a cheerful wave. He was cute, handsome, warm-looking, boyish. Honey-blond hair, soft brown eyes, dimples when he grinned. My god he is so cute.
I couldn't help it- I smile back a little.
But the elder one,
Stefano Blackwood
Lean, tall, built like someone who lived in the gym, but didn't have to brag it. Dark eyes, darker than middle night and far colder, as if it's holding storm. Jaw sharp. Lips so red and hot. His presence was magnetic and suffocating all at once.
He didn't smile.
He didn't greet me.
He didn't even turn his head properly.
He just gave me disgusting look as if I was an unpleasant thing he found on the bottom of his shoe.
My irritation sparked immediately.
So that's how it's going to be. But one thing I can't deny, he is so fucking hot, attractive, sexy and mafia type. Any girl will be wet glancing at him once.
'no, no, no Sie, this man is out of syllabus' I thought in my mind. But still so....
Sebastian nudge his brother's gently. "Stefano, meet Sierra, say hello?"
"Why?" he said flatly. "She's not staying long."
My jaw clenched.
Nicolas's cheerful mask cracked, just a little. "Stefano"
"What?" Stefano replied, finally dagging his eyes back to me. "She clearly doesn't want to be here. You can smell the attitude from the driveway."
He turned away as if he was bored, irritated and disgusted.
My face heated, nails dug into my palms -not with embarrassment. But with anger.
Nicolas try to fix the moment. "Ignore him. He's just... he always like that. You'll get used to it."
Get used to it? This man is getting on my nerves already.
Mom place a reassuring hand on my shoulder saying "He's just a little stressed. Big game coming up."
Huh, game. He can go to hell with his game. I don't like being judged by someone who doesn't even know me.
Nicolas clap his hands lightly. "Well! Let's get you both settled. I had the guest room redesigned for Sierra."
Guest room.
Not even Sierra's room. Not new daughter's room? And my mother was giving speech about his new husband giving me father's love. Huh,, ridiculous.
------------
Sebastian led the way up the stairs, chatting nonstop about the house, the college, their football team and the "insane" cafeteria portions.
But Stefano -
He stayed behind, leaning against the railing, arms crossed, glaring at my back. What's that asshole staring at my back? My ass..?
He has no right to stare at me or my ass like that, and yet.... My heart thud annoyingly.
Sebastian pushed open the door with a bright grin.
"This is yours".
I blink. The room was gorgeous. Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the garden, pale cream furniture, a huge bed draped in soft fabrics. A vanity. Shelves. Warm lighting.
"Wow, nice." i whisper before i could stop myself.
"You like it?" Sebastian ask me eagerly.
I nod slowly. "It's.... beautiful. "
"I helped pick the lamp!" he said proudly, pointing to a golden lamp shaped like a moon. "I thought it looked cool."
"Thank you." I said softly.
His smile grew even bigger.
Then a shadow filled the doorway. My heart started beating faster.
Stefano....
(To be continued....)