365 Nights, Two Stepbrothers, One Me.

Lila Sinclair's POV

I stood in front of the gates of the Blackwood mansion with my suitcase beside me, looking like a rejected airport passenger who had taken a wrong turn into rich people's territory.

The gates were tall black iron, twisted into fancy patterns that probably cost more than my entire university education.

Then there was the mansion itself.

Good Lord.

The place rose in the distance like something built for kings, billionaires, or people who had never worried about transport fare a day in their lives.

It was beautiful. It was intimidating. It was the kind of house where you'd be scared to sneeze too loudly.

For a second, I just stood there, fingers curling around the strap of my bag, wondering how the hell my life had flipped this fast.

Just last week, I was in a tiny one-room apartment, celebrating the fact that I had finally graduated college with the certificate my mother had killed herself working for me to have. And now, she was gone.

No...not gone. Imprisoned.

A life sentence. Murder and theft. Words so heavy they didn't even sound like her. But the government didn't care about explanations. They didn't care that my mother, my best friend, had only done what she did to make sure I had the kind of life she never could. They only cared about punishment.

So here I was, standing in front of the mansion of her ex-lover. Mr. Blackwood. A man I'd never met in my life, but who somehow agreed to take me in, adopt me, and drag me across borders into a world I never asked for.

I was still drowning in those thoughts when the sleek black car rolled up the driveway and stopped in front of me. The door opened and Mr. Blackwood himself stepped out, tall and sharp in his gray suit, his salt and pepper hair slicked back like he'd just walked out of a magazine. He didn't look like someone my mom would've once loved. He looked... untouchable.

"Lila," he said warmly, his deep voice pulling me out of my daze. He walked over and rested a hand lightly on my shoulder. "Look at who's grown big," he teased and gave out a calm smile. "You'll be fine here. I promise."

Fine. The word stung. I couldn't even remember the last time I had been fine.

I nodded anyway, forcing a polite smile. "Thank you, sir, my mum said a lot about you and I appreciate your kind heart."

"Sir? feel totally free to call me Dad please, I would kill to have a girl child." he laughed as I joined in.

The servants came forward, lifting my bags with a kind of speed and grace that almost made me feel invisible. As we started walking up the driveway, I blurted out the question that had been buzzing in my head all day.

"Um... earlier with the lawyer," I asked softly. "What exactly did he mean about my adoption being temporary?"

Mr. Blackwood sighed, as though he'd been expecting me to ask. "They'll process the papers for just one year. After that, you'll either need to give up your citizenship certificate through birth or... marriage."

I stopped in my tracks. "Marriage?" My voice cracked on the word.

He turned, his expression calm, almost too calm. "Yes. By then, you'll need to either marry here or find another legal route. It's the simplest solution."

I blinked at him. "I'm 23 Sir...Dad... I don't even know how to be someone's wife."

For the first time, he smiled, a small amused twitch of his lips. "You'll figure it out, My princess. There are plenty of handsome men in the city. Besides, I promised your mother I'd keep you safe. You're young, you have options. Take your time. Consider my sons also," he paused and winked at me. "Marry for the certificate, then later... follow your heart. Divorce if you must."

My mouth fell open. "You're joking, right? Omg, I can't even access what's going on right now."

"I never joke," he said smoothly. "But I do keep my promises." He patted my shoulder again before leading me toward the doors. "Don't worry. My sons are a catch. Every girl in this city wants them, and I'm here for you, not as a helper but as a Dad... I'm here to fill up every space."

I frowned, heat rising in my chest. Did I look like the type of girl who gets dolled up with words of affirmation ?

***

The giant oak doors opened, and before I could even roll my eyes properly, the loud chorus of voices and clapping filled my ears. "WELCOME, LILA SINCLAIR!"

The grand entryway was decorated like something out of a fairytale. Silver and purple balloons floated to the ceiling. And right in the center, across the wall, in bold golden letters, was written: Welcome to the Blackwood Mansion, Lila Sinclair.

My jaw dropped. "Oh my God..."

The maids and butlers lined up in neat rows, clapping and smiling as if I was some sort of princess walking into her coronation. Someone even rolled out a small cake, complete with candles.

I laughed nervously, shaking my head. "This feels like my birthday party. I....i...speechless."

"Then make a wish," one of the maids encouraged.

I blew out the candles, my heart swelling with a mixture of confusion and warmth I didn't want to admit to. For a second, it almost felt like maybe, just maybe, things could be okay.

"Dad, can I walk around?" I asked, not sure if those words came out appropriately.

"Feel free, Princess. This is your mansion." he said aloud patting my shoulders.

I smiled and nodded walking up the stairs as one of the younger maids, Clara, offered to show me to my room.

The first door we passed had a polished gold plaque: Damien Blackwood Hall.

The second one: Ethan Blackwood Hall.

I arched a brow. "Do they really need their names on their doors?"

Clara scratched her head nervously. "Well, technically... this next one is yours." She stopped in front of the door right between theirs.

I frowned. "Wait. My room is between their rooms?"

"Yes," she said quickly. "There are only three master bedrooms on this floor. It made sense."

Made sense to who? Still, she pushed open the door and stepped aside for me to walk in.

I froze.

The room was drenched in shades of purple, walls painted lavender, curtains a deep royal violet, and even the duvet cover a soft lilac.

On the desk sat a neat stack of books I loved, my favorite snacks lined up as if someone had been stalking my grocery lists.

And then I saw it, on the wall above the bed, a huge poster of Lil Tjay, my ultimate celebrity crush.

I actually screamed in excitement. "Oh my God, oh my God! Lil fucking Tjayyyyy..how did you guys know, y'all been stalking me?!"

Clara giggled. "We got everything from your mother. She told us about all your favorites."

I sat on the bed, hugging one of the fluffy pillows. My chest tightened. For a moment, I could almost hear my mom's voice in the room, teasing me about being dramatic over a celebrity.

"Are... are the sons here?" I asked, trying to shake off the ache.

"No, miss...Sir Damien is away at a business event, and Sir Ethan returns tomorrow. You'll meet them soon enough."

Soon enough. My stomach twisted.

Clara excused herself, and I flopped back on the bed, staring at the chandelier above. My nerves were screaming, so I did what I always did...I practiced.

"Okay," I muttered, sitting up. "Imagine Ethan is hot. Too hot to handle. What do I say? Um... 'Hey, Ethan.'" I cringed at my own voice. "No, too casual. Rich people don't use hey, do they? They probably say things like... greetings." I groaned. "Ugh. I sound like a butler."

With a dramatic sigh, I grabbed my phone and Facetime JoJo.

He popped onto the screen instantly, his dyed-pink bangs falling into his eyes. "Girl! Are you on the boys' bed already?"

I gasped. "JoJo! What the hell!!! seven hours ago I was on a flight, now you think I'm in somebody's sheets? You have the IQ of a teaspoon."

He cackled. "I'm just saying. Mansion. Rich boys. One plus one equals.."

"Equals shut up," I cut in, rolling my eyes but smiling.

We laughed, and I started spilling everything about the mansion, the ridiculous welcome party, the insane marriage talk. "And now I'm low-key panicking," I admitted. "What if they're too hot and arrogant? What if I embarrass myself? What if they hate me? What if i look too um...too poor, local huhh."

JoJo leaned closer to the screen. "Girl, listen. You are gorgeous, I mean fucking gorgeous.. all you gotta do is some makeover, roll your hair, wear something feminine for once and sway those bubbly ass like your mama taught ya."

I groaned. "You know I can't even roll my hair."

"That's why you got maids now. Use them!"

Before I could clap back, I heard footsteps. "JoJo, I gotta go." I hung up quickly.

The door opened and Clara, the maid I clearly got fond of, entered with armfuls of shopping bags.

"Um, wrong room?" I said, pointing.

She smiled. "No, miss. These are yours. New clothes, shoes, accessories. Everything for your new lifestyle."

I blinked. "My new... what? what the heck, know nothing about fashion, I'm a regular girl cmon."

She laughed lightly. "Don't worry. You'll learn. I've been assigned as your personal maid. I'll help you with everything. Now go freshen up, and I'll make you perfect for your new world."

My jaw dropped. Perfect for my new world. The words sent shivers down my spine.

The second she left, I collapsed back on the bed, buried my face in the pillow, and screamed.

"you are head bow cooked, Lila!"

Lila Sinclair's POV

I turned a little to the left, then back to the right, staring at my reflection in the floor-length mirror. My long dark hair tumbled down my shoulders, still damp from my quick shower, while the white sundress clung to my curves in a way I wasn't sure was too much. I pouted at my reflection, then lifted my phone closer to my face where JoJo's grin filled the screen.

"What do you think?" I asked, stepping back so he could see the full fit. "Cute or trying too hard?"

JoJo squinted exaggeratedly, making me laugh.

"Hmm... cute, yeah, but you're definitely trying too hard. You look like you're about to attend your own engagement brunch."

I gasped dramatically. "Rude! This is my first full day in this mansion, Jo. I can't look homeless."

He smirked. "You'd look hot in a potato sack and you know it. But seriously, babe, maybe go with the denim shorts and that little top I like. You don't wanna look like you're waiting for daddy to introduce you to a billionaire husband."

I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway, tugging at the hem of my sundress. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one who has to live here for the next year. I need to make an impression. A good one."

JoJo tilted his head, his tone softening. "Lila, you'll make an impression just by breathing. These people are not ready for you."

That made me laugh, and I spun slowly, still checking myself out. The mansion was quiet, too quiet, and my nerves were buzzing.

"So shorts?" I asked, pausing mid-spin.

"Yes. With that black crop top. Show a little skin. Remind them you're not just some scared little girl they dragged in here."

I was about to reply when a sharp sound cut through the silence, the unmistakable shatter of glass. My head snapped toward the hallway.

"What the hell was that?" I whispered.

JoJo frowned. "Maybe the maid dropped something?"

I shook my head quickly. "No. Clara told me all the staff left for their summer vacation this morning. It's just me here. Well, and..." My stomach tightened. "...them."

JoJo raised a brow. "Lila..."

"Shh." I pressed a finger to my lips instinctively, tiptoeing to the door. My phone wobbled in my hand as I whispered, "I swear I heard something. I'm checking."

He groaned. "Or maybe don't go toward the creepy sound like every dumb girl in a horror movie?"

I ignored him and walked down the next room where the sound came from, It was Ethan's room. I paused. "Uh, Jo, do you think I should...uh...go in?"

"Hey, don't ask me that dumb ass question, I heard nothing." JoJo voiced out his face popping out.

I pushed the door open, stepping into the dim hallway. "See?" I whispered into the phone. "Nobody's here."

And then..

The bathroom door across the hall swung open.

Steam rolled out, followed by a tall figure with a towel slung dangerously low on his hips. My heart stuttered in my chest. He was wet, water dripping from tousled brown hair onto a chest that looked sculpted from sin itself. Muscles carved and lean, abs glistening with droplets that slid down and disappeared beneath that thin white towel.

I froze.

He froze.

And then those honey-brown eyes lifted, locking right onto mine.

"Who's that?" he asked smoothly, nodding toward the phone in my hand.

My throat went dry. Without thinking, I stabbed the screen and ended the FaceTime call with JoJo, cutting him off before he could say a word. The silence that followed was deafening.

Now it was just me and... him.

He arched a brow, a slow smile tugging at his lips. "Well, you're definitely not a maid. So..." He took a step closer, voice teasing. "...are you the new wife-to-be my father brought home for Damien?"

Heat flared in my cheeks. "Excuse me?"

He chuckled, the sound low and warm. "Relax, princess. I'm kidding. Kind of." He leaned against the doorframe, unbothered that his towel barely covered him. "So what's your name?"

I swallowed, forcing my voice steady. "Lila. I'm... I'm your father's adopted daughter. he told you right?"

His smile widened, flashing perfect teeth. "Adopted daughter. Mmm... I don't recall him ever saying such but I think that explains why I've never seen you before. Ethan Blackwood." He gave a small bow of his head, his damp hair falling into his eyes in the sexiest way. "Second son. The hottest and sexiest, depending on who you ask."

Despite myself, I laughed. "And what does that mean?"

"It means I'm not Damien." He winked. "Trust me, you'll get it when you meet him."

The way he said Damien's name made me curious and nervous all at once. I shifted my weight, trying not to stare too hard at the water sliding down Ethan's chest. "You scared the hell out of me."

"Sorry about the glass." He lifted his hand, revealing the remains of a broken tumbler still on the counter behind him. "Slipped when I grabbed it. My bad. Didn't mean to freak you out."

Something about the ease in his tone, the way he carried himself half-naked like it was nothing, made me relax without realizing it.

"So," he said, tilting his head, eyes scanning me from head to toe in a way that made my skin burn. "First day, huh? Should I call you Lila...no Lil baby or Sis?"

I chuckled. "I think I would go with Lil baby, God forbid a girl loves Lil tjay."

I shrugged as he gave me a kick. "The way you kiss me while I'm stroking deep insida ya, I swear you ride me so good."

"That pussy blew me away, I've been thinking about your smile." I kept on singing along as we both snapped our fingers.

"No no no...I'm fucking bare down here, don't get me on." We both laughed out loud and for some reasons, talking to him felt safe. He was so free and jovial.

"So, tell me. How's mansion life treating you?"

I let out a nervous laugh. "Intimidating."

"Don't be intimidated. You'll get used to it. This place can feel... cold sometimes." His gaze softened, and suddenly he looked less like a cocky stranger and more like someone genuinely trying to make me comfortable. "But you've got me now."

"Got you?" I raised a brow, unable to help the smile tugging at my lips.

"Yeah. Tour guide. Partner-in-crime. Confidant. Whatever you need." He shrugged, casual and charming. "Trust me, Lila. You're gonna want someone on your side in this house."

I opened my mouth to reply, but the heavy sound of footsteps cut me off. We both turned as Mr. Harrington entered the hallway, his smile warm and fatherly as his eyes landed on me.

"There you are," he said kindly, gesturing for me to come closer. "Ethan, I see you've already met Lila."

"Met?" Ethan smirked, glancing at me. "We've practically bonded."

My cheeks flamed as Mr. Harrington chuckled. "Well, Lila, this is my son Ethan. And Ethan, this is Lila.... the daughter I told you and Damien about."

Ethan looked at me again, eyes glinting. "Daughter, huh? Guess I'll have to behave then."

Mr. Harrington gave him a knowing look but kept smiling. "She's family now, Ethan. Make her feel at home."

Ethan pressed a hand over his chest, mock serious. "Don't worry, Dad. I've got this covered." Then, lower, just for me, "Welcome to the mansion, princess."

"Thank youuuu..." I blushed, as we laughed out.

And in that moment, I couldn't tell if I felt more relieved... or in danger.

Ethan Blackwood's POV

"Can you let me spend at least one damn day at home before blowing up my phone?" I groaned, holding the phone to my ear as I sprawled across my bed, one hand tugging lazily at my damp hair.

On the other end, Jared's laugh was smug. "Bro, stop pretending like you don't miss me. You're literally sitting in that mansion bored out of your mind."

"Correction," I smirked, "I was sitting bored out of my mind. Now I've got a new housemate. Way more entertaining than your ugly face popping up on FaceTime."

"Ahhh, the infamous adopted sister your dad was talking about." Jared dragged the words. "So what's she like? Cute? Boring? Trouble?"

I chuckled low. "Definitely not boring. Trouble? Maybe. Cute?" My lips tilted as the image of Lila in that silk robe from earlier flickered through my mind. The way she bit her lip nervously, the way her laugh had slipped out like it didn't belong to a stranger... "Yeah, she's cute."

"Don't 'yeah' me, Ethan. Cute how? Like..you'd ruin your life'cute, or just pat on the head' cute?"

"Shut up." I threw a pillow across the room even though he couldn't see it. "She's off-limits."

"Mmhm. That didn't sound convincing." Jared whistled. "Anyway, stop dodging me. Tonight. You're coming."

"Not happening." I leaned back, arms behind my head. "I'm not in the mood for your wild parties, man."

"It's not my party," Jared corrected. "It's Stephanie's birthday."

I stilled. "Stephanie?"

"Yeah." He chuckled knowingly. "Your ex. Ring a bell?"

I rolled my eyes. "That's exactly why I'm not going. Why the hell would I put myself in the same room as her and her perfect little circle of designer demons?"

"Because, my guy," Jared's tone dropped, "you need to show her you've moved on. She's already parading that new boyfriend of hers like some trophy. You think she won't rub it in your face if you skip tonight?"

I clenched my jaw, thinking of Stephanie's smug smirk. Jared wasn't wrong. The last thing I wanted was for her to think she'd broken me.

"Fine," I exhaled, dragging my hand over my face. "I'll go. But I swear if I regret this..."

"You won't," Jared cut in, victorious. "Just bring that charm of yours and..hell, bring your new sister. That'll shut Stephanie right up."

I rose up. "Hmm,, that's a blast idea you got there."

"I'm the highest in the room." he shrugged.

"Shut up," I said again, but this time I was grinning. "I'll figure something out."

By the time I hung up, my mind was already spinning with possibilities.

***

I found myself standing outside Lila's room, knocking twice before pushing the door slightly open.

She peeked out, wide eyed, her hair falling in loose waves around her face. "Ethan?"

"Don't look so surprised," I teased, stepping inside like I owned the place. My eyes swept over her room. "Wow. Dad really went all out, huh? Looks like a damn hotel suite."

Lila rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yeah, it's... something."

I flopped onto the armchair like I belonged there. "So. Big plans tonight?"

She shook her head. "Just figuring out how not to get lost in this giant house."

"Perfect." I leaned forward, grinning. "Then you're coming with me."

Her brows knitted. "Coming where?"

"To a party." I spread my arms like it was obvious. "My ex's birthday party, actually."

Her jaw dropped. "Wait...your ex? And you want me to come?"

I smirked. "Exactly. I need her to see me with someone else. Someone gorgeous. Someone who'll make her choke on her champagne when she realizes she lost me."

Lila laughed, that soft, melodic laugh that made something tug in my chest. "And you think I'm the person for that job?"

"You're perfect for it." I winked. "Besides, it's not about you. It's about me winning."

She folded her arms, biting her lip like she was thinking. "Okay... but, uh, I have no idea what to wear. Or how to even act at some fancy party like that."

"Lucky for you," I stood up dramatically, "I'm a goddamn fashionista."

"Oh, really?" she teased. "I thought you were just a rich boy with good cheekbones."

"Both can be true," I grinned. "Now, stand up. We're raiding your closet."

I opened the wardrobe and whistled. "Damn. Dad really does spoil you already." My hands skimmed over silks, velvets, lace. "But we need something that screams eat your heart out, Stephanie."

Lila hovered by the bed nervously. "I don't even know what that means."

"It means," I said, pulling out a sleek black dress that looked like it was made for sin, "this one."

Her eyes widened. "That's... kind of short."

"Exactly." I tossed it at her. "Trust me."

She disappeared into the bathroom, and I leaned against the doorframe, smirking to myself.

When she stepped out, I swear my breath stalled. The dress hugged every curve, the fabric slipping against her skin like it had been sewn on her body.

I blinked, then forced a grin. "Okay, wow. Remind me never to underestimate you again."

Her cheeks flushed. "Stop staring."

"Not possible." I circled her, tugging lightly at the strap to adjust it. "Needs a little fixing." My fingers brushed her bare shoulder, lingering longer than necessary. Her skin was warm, soft.

I moved to her hair next. "Let it down."

She shook it free, and I ran my fingers through it, tousling it slightly. "There. Now you look like you didn't even try, which is the whole point. Sexy, effortless, lethal."

Lila laughed nervously, twisting to look at the mirror. "I look... different."

"You look perfect," I said before I could stop myself.

Our eyes met in the mirror, and for a second, the air shifted. My chest tightened, my pulse kicking up.

She smiled shyly, breaking the moment. "You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously good at this," I corrected quickly, pulling back with a grin. "Now, twirl for me."

She did, laughing as the hem flared around her thighs. I let my gaze trail over her once more, unapologetic.

"Damn, Stephanie's not ready," I murmured, shaking my head.

When she stopped, I pulled her into a playful hug. She fit against me softer than I expected, her laugh muffled against my chest. My hand lingered at her waist a beat too long before I let go.

"See?" I said lightly, covering the tension building in my gut. "We make a great team."