Chapter 2 Move

Chapter two

Aria POV

I sat beside my mother, silence between us like a thick fog. The truck rumbled to a stop in front of the house that was supposed to be our new home. But to me, it was just a stranger's place.

The driver and my mother worked in tandem, unloading our luggage like they were choreographed. I stood frozen, my arms crossed, my eyes blazing with resentment.

My mother paid the driver, then turned to me, her eyes flashing with irritation. "Are you going to help me or just stand there?" she snapped.

I scoffed, the sound ripping from my throat like a challenge. I stomped towards the luggage, grabbing two bags and shoving them forward, my eyes never leaving my mother's face.

She strode ahead, her heels clicking on the pavement, and reached the front door. Her fingers flew across the keypad, the password a secret only she knew. The door swung open, revealing a life I didn't want to be a part of.

As I dropped the luggage in the living room, a voice halted me, and I turned to face a stranger around my age. "Who are you guys? And what are you bringing into our home?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

I locked eyes with my mother, who let out a dismissive snort. "Ethan, how are you?" she asked, her voice dripping with artificial warmth.

Ethan's expression transformed from confusion to shock as he descended the stairs. "Wait, aren't you...the one my father always brought around?" His eyes narrowed. "Why are you unpacking? Are you moving in with us?"

A chuckle escaped my lips as I watched the scene unfold. It seemed my so-called stepbrother had no idea about our impending arrival. The look on his face was priceless, a mix of shock, confusion, and annoyance. My mother's plan had clearly been kept under wraps, and I couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction.

My mother's words dropped like a bombshell. "Your dad proposed, and he asked me to move in today. I thought he told you about it already. And, moreover, our wedding is in a few days."

I felt a pang of shame on behalf of my mother. It seemed her fiancé had neglected to mention our arrival to his own son. The look on Ethan's face was a mix of shock, anger, and betrayal.

"What did you just say? My dad proposed?" Ethan's voice was laced with incredulity.

Before he could continue, Mr. Francis intervened, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Ethan's growing agitation. "I am sorry, Ethan. I wanted to tell you about it yesterday, but I got caught up with work. Please, pardon my manners."

Ethan's eyes narrowed, his voice rising. "Dad, how could you forget something like this? How can you tell me someone will be sharing our home with us without any notice? Just impromptu?" He shook his head, disgust etched on his face.

Mr. Francis placed a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder, his expression apologetic.

Mr. Francis's calm tone was a stark contrast to the tension in the room. "I'm sorry for not informing you earlier, Ethan, but I assure you that Valentina and her daughter are nice people. They'll keep you company."

As I watched the exchange, I couldn't help but notice the difference between Mr. Francis and my mother. He seemed genuinely concerned about his son's feelings, while my mother was more interested in imposing her will on me.

Ethan's response was laced with frustration. "I know I advised me to get myself a woman in case I went abroad, but not someone impromptu, and definitely not someone with a daughter."

My mother's face fell, and for a moment, I felt a pang of pity for her. But it was quickly replaced by the thought that she had brought this upon herself. And as for Ethan, I wasn't impressed. He seemed to have a bigger mouth than I did, and I wasn't sure I liked that.

Mr. Francis's gentle rebuke brought a hint of shame to Ethan's face. "Ethan, please be mindful of what you say. Nobody wishes to be a single mom. I also didn't plan to be a single dad, but your mother's death led me to this. We shouldn't look down on single moms like that; they never planned it that way."

The contrast between Mr. Francis's calm demeanor and Ethan's spoiled arrogance was striking. Ethan's response was laced with resignation. "Okay, fine. They're here. There's nothing we can do about it."

Mr. Francis's warm smile was a welcome change from the tension. He looked up at me, and I greeted him with a simple nod. "Hey Aria," he called, his smile faltering for a moment as he added, "welcome."

I detected a hint of insincerity behind his smile, and I chuckled inwardly. I guess my mother told him about my disapprove and how she force things on me. "I should get the other bags," I said, turning to leave, but Mr. Francis stopped me.

Mr. Francis's attempt at hospitality fell flat as I forced another smile. "Don't worry, the maids will do that," he said.

"Okay, thanks," I replied, my tone polite but distant.

Ethan seized the opportunity to escape. "I should be in my room," he said, already turning to leave.

But Mr. Francis intervened. "No, Ethan, Aria just arrived. You should keep her company and show her around the house, don't you think?"

Ethan's expression soured. "Did I have to do that?" he asked, clearly reluctant.

I jumped in, trying to deflect the awkwardness. "He really didn't have to. I can manage on my own. I'm used to doing things alone."

But Mr. Francis persisted. "You don't have to do everything alone anymore, Aria. You and Ethan should get along. I'm sure it will help you build a proper relationship as siblings."

My mother chimed in, her voice a bit too cheerful. "He's right, Aria. Let Ethan help you."

I wondered who had told them I needed all this. Didn't they realize I was perfectly capable of taking care of myself?

"Ethan I am leaving you to help her. I and Valentina will be on the room" he said.

As Mr. Francis and my mother walked away, hand in hand, Ethan's face twisted in disgust. "Gold diggers," he muttered.

I rolled my eyes. "I don't care if you like me or hate me. We can just stay out of each other's way. I didn't want this life, not like this. I wanted to work hard and make a good life for myself. So don't call me a gold digger."

Ethan sneered. "You've got a big mouth. If you're smart, you'll explore the house yourself. I'm not going to waste my time helping you."

I glared at him. "It's never your fault, right? Seems you know how to play the victim." He said.

My voice dropped to a warning. "If you keep talking to me like that, you'll regret it."