My Stepfather's Desire

Chapter 1

Hanzero Lior Randejas

Because of my constant pleading and desire to have a complete family, Grandpa was forced to marry my mom off to another man. I was still a child when Papa died, so I never experienced having a complete family.

And since I'm the only child and grandchild, they gave me everything I wanted. Mom married a man younger than her - if you looked at him, he seemed more like my older brother. He's only nine years older than me.

I was so happy because finally, I had a complete family. I was also grateful because the man my mom married seemed kind - or so I thought. He had tan skin and emotionless eyes, like a model who didn't need to do anything to capture your attention. Even when he wasn't doing anything, I could still find something about him to admire.

At first, he was so good to us. He would laugh and joke with me and Mom, but things eventually changed. After a few months, he started hitting my mother. I thought he'd never do that, especially since she was older than him - but I was wrong.

I couldn't do anything but stay quiet and lock myself inside my room whenever I'd hear the noise from the living room, their fights. I heard the sound of a vase breaking and my mother's screams. Whenever they fought, it was always Mom who shouted. As for him... his face stayed serious as he hurt her once she provoked him enough.

"Mommy, are you okay?" I asked, almost in tears, as I looked at her sitting on the big bed, tending to the wounds her husband had left.

"Go to your room, Hestia! Don't come in here unless I tell you to!" she yelled, not even looking at me - but I could feel the anger in her voice.

What did I do wrong?

Damn me! I was still asking if she was okay when it was clear she wasn't.

I stood there in front of her, and when she finally looked at me, I stepped back. I saw the pain and anger in her eyes. It was as if she wanted to yell and scold me again, like earlier, but she stopped herself.

She let out a deep breath.

"No matter what happens, Hestia... never, ever talk to your new father." Her cold voice made me quietly nod.

I didn't know what to do anymore whenever I heard them fighting. I wanted to check on her, but I couldn't. My new father always held his belt, and if I approached them, I was sure he would hit me with it too.

I was just 14 years old, and yet I was witnessing these things. Sometimes, I secretly watched them fight. I saw with my own eyes how my new father hurt my mother. I couldn't even hear what they were arguing about because of the loud crashing sounds around them.

"It's your first day of school, Hestia," Mom said cheerfully while the three of us sat at the dining table.

I thought everything was fine now - no more fighting.

I smiled widely and kept nodding because of how happy I was. The uniform was beautiful - my dream uniform. My new father had transferred me to a school better than my old one.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, I can't take you to school today. I have something to do, and your grandfather's calling me to their house," Mom said sadly.

I just smiled.

"It's okay, Mo-"

"I'll drive you there." A cold baritone voice cut through the dining room.

Mom and I both turned to look at my new father when he spoke. I still couldn't call him Daddy. I was scared he'd get mad - and besides, he was too young for that title.

His emotionless brown eyes met mine. He looked like an American, but I knew he was Filipino, with a mix of something else I didn't know.

"Be ready. I'll drive you," he said, then immediately looked away and went back to eating.

I glanced at Mom, who remained quiet, finishing her meal. She left soon after to see Grandpa. I quickly finished eating too since he was already done.

I stepped out of the house carrying my bag, approached the car, and opened the door. It was my first time riding in his car. The scent inside was intoxicating - his cologne must have lingered all over the vehicle.

He started the engine, and within minutes, we arrived in front of the school. I was about to step out when I heard his sharp clearing of the throat, making me turn to him.

He was looking at me with a faint smirk on his lips.

"Where's my kiss?"

I was stunned. His question felt so awkward.

"I'm your dad, Hestia. You should kiss me on the cheek before you go out." His voice was cold.

I felt a strange sensation run through my body when I heard the words 'Your dad'. I smiled awkwardly and hesitantly leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. His skin was so soft that my lips lingered a bit before I pulled away.

"I'll pick you up later," he said without looking at me.

I nodded even though he wasn't looking.

"Bye, d-dad." I quickly got out of the car and hurried inside the school.

I didn't know if it was right to call him Dad. I didn't really want to because he was only nine years older than me.

I was about to keep walking when I received a message from an unfamiliar number.

FROM: 0992*****

You're not allowed to have a boyfriend. This is Hanzero Lior - your new dad

I stared at that message for a few seconds. Hanzero Lior? So his full name is Hanzero Lior Randejas. Grandpa only introduced him to me as Lior Randejas when he said he was going to be my new dad.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and started walking again. I didn't know my way around this school, so it took me a while to find my room. Some students glanced at me as I passed by, and all I could do was lower my head in embarrassment.

I spent several minutes searching for my section until a girl approached and offered to help. She said she was one of the SSG officers and that's why she decided to assist me in finding my classroom.

"There." We stopped in front of a door. She pointed to the sign above it, and I read the section where I belonged.

"By the way, I'm Natasha Vilior." She held out her hand, so I shook it.

I smiled at her. "Hestia Reign Destaun."

When she left, I finally entered the room and looked for a seat. The other students were chatting with one another, and the room was filled with noise. It seemed like everyone already knew each other.

A lot happened that day. Every time a teacher came in, we had to introduce ourselves. I slowly started learning my way around, and I even made a friend. Thankfully, it wasn't as hard to fit in as I feared.

"Mommy?" I called out as I stepped inside the house.

I had just gotten home from school. Manang Helen came up to me.

"Your mommy's not home yet. She'll be back tomorrow," she said.

I pouted. Why tomorrow? I wasn't used to not having her around. Even if we didn't always talk much, I was used to seeing her every day.

I just nodded and went to my room to change. There wasn't much for me to do at home - no siblings, no neighbor friends. It was honestly boring here. Sometimes when I wanted to go out, Mommy wouldn't allow it, saying I was too young and something bad might happen to me. I knew she was just worried, but I still wanted to do whatever I wanted while I was still a kid.

Because when I grow up, I'd have so many responsibilities. I'd have to finish college, find a job, and eventually think about who I'm going to marry. Meaning - no more time to enjoy myself or have fun.

So for now, I'll just let Mommy decide things for my life. I believe, after all, that mothers know best.

A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Hestia, it's time to eat," I heard Manang call, so I got up from my bed.

"Coming!" I called back.

I quickly fixed myself up and stepped out. The moment I entered the kitchen, I froze when my eyes landed on the serious, emotionless stare of the man my mom married.

Up until now, I still didn't know what to call him. Maybe it's better if I just avoid calling him daddy altogether.

I took a deep breath and sat down in front of him. Turns out, he hadn't started eating yet - he was waiting for me. Which meant we'd be eating together now.

He picked up his utensils, so I started eating too. The room was painfully silent. Neither of us spoke, and the only sounds were the clinking of cutlery. It made me feel awkward, the tension in the air so thick I could feel his serious aura pressing in.

I couldn't stop myself from thinking of something to ask. I guess it wouldn't hurt to break the silence.

"Um..." he looked at me.

"What should I call you?"

If it was quiet a while ago, now it was deafening. He stared at me with that unreadable expression, making me regret speaking up. I could hear him sigh deeply and clear his throat.

"You can call me by my name... Zero." He took a sip of water and looked at me again.

"But I think it's better if you call me Daddy Zero."

The room went silent again. We just stared at each other.

"Daddy Zero, huh." I muttered teasingly, then quickly looked away, embarrassed.

To Be Continued...