Chapter 2 Two

Alexa POV

By the time I finally made it home, my legs ached and my head throbbed from the day's chaos. All I wanted was a shower and my bed. Instead, I opened the front door and froze.

Our living room looked like it had been turned upside down. Half the furniture was missing, and suitcases were stacked against the wall. My mom stood in the middle of it all, laughing as a man I didn't recognize helped her carry a heavy trunk toward the door.

"Mom? What's going on?" My voice came out sharper than I meant it to, my eyes flicking between the luggage and the stranger.

She turned, her face lighting up. "Oh, Alexa-you're home at the perfect time. Go grab your things. We're moving!"

"Moving?" I blinked, dropping my backpack by the door. "What do you mean, moving? Where? And why didn't you tell me before I left this morning?" Questions tumbled out too fast for me to stop them.

Her smile faltered just slightly, but she kept her voice cheerful. "I'll explain everything once we get there. Just trust me, okay?"

"That's not an answer." My arms crossed instinctively. "Where exactly is 'there,' Mom?"

She sighed, setting the trunk down and wiping her palms on her jeans. Finally, she motioned toward the couch, urging me to sit. I hesitated but sank onto the cushion, my pulse quickening.

"I should've told you sooner," she admitted, her expression softening. "But the truth is... I'm marrying someone new."

The words hit me like a slap.

"What?" My voice cracked. "Since when? Who? And why are you only telling me now?"

Her hands reached for mine, warm but trembling. "I didn't know how to explain it to you. Alexa, I know you still carry your father's loss heavily. I do too. I loved him more than anything."

"If you loved him that much, then why are you doing this?" I pulled my hands back, a sharp edge to my voice. "It feels like you're disrespecting his memory."

Her eyes filled, not with anger, but with a sorrow I couldn't ignore. "It's been almost nine years, sweetheart. Nine years of me raising you alone. Of pretending I was fine when I wasn't. I haven't let anyone close until now. This man... he makes me feel alive again."

The sincerity in her tone pierced through my defenses. She wasn't trying to erase my father-she was trying to find her own happiness. For the first time, I noticed how tired she looked, how much she had carried without complaint.

Maybe I shouldn't judge her so quickly.

I let out a long breath. "Alright, Mom. I still don't like it, but... I get it. You deserve to be happy too."

Relief washed over her face as she pulled me into a hug. "Thank you, baby. That means everything to me."

She pulled back, brushing my hair from my face like she used to when I was little. "Now, hurry upstairs and pack a bag. These men will help with the rest."

I nodded, standing to leave, but she stopped me again, her voice thick with emotion. "Alexa?"

"Yeah?"

Her hand pressed over her heart. "Thank you-for understanding. I love you."

My throat tightened. "I love you too, Mom."

By the time we arrived, night had already fallen, and the mansion rose before us like something out of a movie. It was enormous-three stories of white stone with tall glass windows that glowed warmly from within. Perfect hedges lined the driveway, and a fountain gurgled in the middle of the courtyard like we'd stumbled into another world entirely.

I stared out the car window, stunned. This wasn't just wealth. This was another level.

At the entrance, a man waited. His smile spread the moment he saw my mom, and he rushed forward to embrace her like she was the most precious thing he'd ever held.

"This is Alexa, my daughter," my mom said, her voice bright.

The man turned to me, his gaze kind, almost fatherly. "Your mother has told me so much about you." He extended his hand. "My name is Jackson."

I shook it carefully, struck by how gentle he seemed. His voice even reminded me of my dad's in a way that made my chest ache.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Jackson."

He chuckled softly. "Please-just Jackson." He turned back to my mom, brushing a kiss across her temple. "I'm glad you're finally here. Come, dinner is waiting."

I trailed behind them as we entered, my sneakers squeaking against polished marble floors. The interior was breathtaking-sweeping staircases, crystal chandeliers, hallways lined with art. Every inch screamed luxury.

What kind of life does this man live?

In the dining room, a long table gleamed with silver cutlery and steaming dishes. I barely had time to take it in before Jackson pulled out a chair for my mom.

We'd just started eating when a new voice entered the room.

"Glad to see you made it, son."

I turned, fork halfway to my mouth.

Baron.

My stomach dropped. He leaned against the doorway, his dark eyes flicking straight to mine.

No way.

"This is my son, Baron Jackson," Jackson announced proudly. "And soon, your stepbrother."

The word sliced through me. Stepbrother? My gaze locked with Baron's, neither of us willing to look away. His smirk from school was gone-replaced by something colder, sharper.

"Have you two met before?" Jackson asked, noting the tension.

"I'm not hungry," Baron said flatly, turning on his heel and walking out without another word.

An awkward silence fell over the table. Jackson sighed. "I'm sorry. Baron's... difficult. He hasn't accepted the idea of me remarrying."

I poked at my food, my appetite gone. Honestly, I couldn't blame him. I didn't want a stepfather either, and finding out my mysterious savior from the alley was now tied to me in this way? The universe had a twisted sense of humor.

"I'll talk to him," I blurted, pushing back my chair.

"Alexa-" My mom's voice was soft, worried.

I gave her a small smile. "Don't worry. We sit together at school. I'll try to smooth things over."

Before she could protest, I slipped out of the dining room.

The hallways stretched endlessly, and I had no idea where I was going. I followed instinct, listening for footsteps. When I finally rounded a corner, I didn't get the chance to call his name.

Baron moved so fast I barely saw him. One second I was walking, the next my back was pressed to the wall, his arm braced beside my head. His face hovered inches from mine, eyes hard.

"Let's get one thing straight," he said, his voice low and razor-sharp. "The fact that my father is marrying your mother doesn't make us family. I'll never accept you as my step-sibling."

His words cut deeper than I expected. I should've been angry, but instead there was this sting, like rejection I hadn't earned.

He released me abruptly, stepping back. Without another glance, he disappeared into a nearby room, the door slamming shut behind him.

I stood frozen, my heart pounding.

What had I just gotten myself into?