A BABY FOR MY STEPBROTHER

"Okay, I'll let him know about it, I think he's busy at the moment," Brooklyn said over the phone, a small smile spreading over her lips as she hung up the call.

Her hands reached for the glass of wine she had been sipping for the past few minutes while scrolling through her contact list to dial his number.

It was still the same, – ringing without any response. Brooklyn heaved a disappointed sigh, her shoulders dropping as she placed her phone back on the table.

Zayne...

Thinking about him excited her. He was her first love, and after so many fantasies and years of being together, – they were finally getting married the next day.

It was supposed to be her bachelorette party, and her step-sister, Kimberly, was the one in charge of all the preparations.

She was supposed to meet up with Zayne at the restaurant by 5pm, and Kimberly by 6pm. But Kimberly had given an excuse that she had to pick up the outfits for her and the rest of the girls, while Zayne was unreachable and nowhere to be found.

Brooklyn checked her watch for the time – 7:24 p m, yet neither of them was meeting up with her. She planned to head home before going to the hotel where the party was being held, but for some reason, she felt compelled to stop over at her mother's house.

It came as a surprise to her when she found Zayne's car parked in front of the house. Brooklyn stepped out of her car, her hands reaching for her sunglasses to take them off. She realized that it wasn't a mistake at all, – that was indeed Zayne's car!

If Zayne was at her mother's, then why wasn't he picking up his calls? Was he busy? Or did it have something to do with the wedding?

"Mum?"

She called out to her mother, her eyes searching the entire place while walking into the living room. There wasn't a sight of her anywhere, and neither was Zayne.

"I wonder where they may be," murmuring, she threw her purse on the couch and was about to ascend the stairs when she saw the housekeeper coming out of the kitchen.

"Skyler. Where's mum?"

"She said she had a meeting," Skyler responded, her hands brushing the edges of the apron she had on, "She left about an hour ago."

Brooklyn nodded quietly, knowing how much of a workaholic her mother was. Sophia Moreno was a career woman who never took her work as a mere obligation.

"It's fine," Brooklyn said with a forced smile, heaving a sigh as she proceeded up the stairs, but remembering something that she had seen earlier, she turned around to ask Skyler, who was about to return to her duties.

"Is Zayne here? I saw his car parked outside,"

Skyler stiffened at the question, a look of hesitation suddenly etched on her face. She didn't say anything and kept fidgeting with her fingers. Brooklyn stared at her with her brows arched, waiting for a response.

"Skyler?"

"I– I need to get back to the kitchen ma'am, I– the oven must have turned off a few minutes ago,"

She didn't spend another second before running off, leaving Brooklyn standing there while dying of confusion.

'It was just Skyler being silly, or maybe it had to be a surprise she couldn't share,' that was her thought as she shrugged her shoulders and concerns off, her legs climbing up the stairs.

Brooklyn headed straight to her mother's room, trying to shower and have a change of outfit before heading to the hotel. She walked slowly, her hands typing a message on the group chat she created for her bachelorette party.

Everyone was responding except Kimberly. And to her surprise and disappointment, Kimberly still hadn't arrived at the hotel with the clothes she was supposed to pick up!

Brooklyn was already fuming. Kim hadn't shown up to meet her and still hadn't gone to the hotel. And the worst part was,- she still wasn't picking up!

She tried calling her again when her eyes caught something in the hallway – one of the guest rooms was open, and she could hear voices of people talking.

Curiosity grew within her. If her mother wasn't home, then who were the people talking in the room? Was it Zayne? Because although his car was outside, she hadn't seen him anywhere since she got inside.

Brooklyn walked past her mother's room, heading straight to where the voices were coming from. Her lips were curled into a smile as she thought of an imagination playing in her head: maybe it was Zayne planning a surprise for her.

She heard a female voice, and for a second, her heart skipped a beat in fear. What was another woman doing in the house? And when Zayne was in it? Or was she overthinking everything again?

Her eyes caught sight of the white stiletto heels that were placed at the door. She could tell whose shoes they were, – they were hers, until she had given them to Kimberly last spring.

So, it was Kimberly in the house? But with who? Was it Zayne?

Brooklyn heard the voices, they were clearer now. She matched one to be Kimberly's, and the other? Zayne...

Standing in front of the half-opened door, Brooklyn realized that it was indeed their voice, but they weren't just talking; they were moaning.

Soft moans...

'Wait. Were they having sex? In her mother's house?'

It had to be a mistake, and she wanted it to be a lie even though she could hear them clearly. Kimberly's voice was moaning his name, – and begging him to go harder while he kept grunting in ecstasy.

She felt her heart immediately jump into her mouth, and goosebumps grew all over her skin. It was a surprise after all, – her fiancée and stepsister had surprised her with their betrayal.

She raised her head slowly and diverted her eyes to the scene; Her naked step-sister was on top of Zayne, whose hands were firmly wrapped around her waist, aiding her bouncy movements on his manhood.

Brooklyn almost passed out at the sight, and couldn't find the tears that were forming in her eyes or the excitement she felt a few minutes ago. Everything had suddenly been replaced with shaky breaths, a failing heart, trembling hands, and quivering lips.

It took so much effort and strength for her not to cause a scene or collapse out of a broken heart. Her eyes were burning, but the fire destroyed her heart more as the sudden realization hit her right in the face.

Zayne was cheating on her with her stepsister. He was having sex with another woman just a day before their wedding, and to think they had both left her waiting for hours only to meet up secretly in each other's arms.

The tears came running freely, but not a single sound came out of her mouth except little, suppressed gasps. She had two options in her head; Confront them or walk away quietly.

Her feet stomped the floor as she descended the stairs, her tears falling harder than rain. Brooklyn rushed to the couch and hurriedly picked her purse up. Her mind wouldn't stop hurting her by replaying the scene of Zayne making love to Kimberly.

"Are you leaving? What– what happened to you?" Skyler asked out of concern, her Instincts already informed her about what had happened.

Brooklyn turned to her with red eyes that had tears streaming down her cheeks, "You knew about it, didn't you?"

"I– I'm sorry, I–"

"-It's not your fault," Brooklyn sniffed, interrupting and wiping her tears with the back of her palms, "Just don't tell anyone I was here, not even my mother,"

"Okay ma'am, but–"

Brooklyn didn't wait for her to complete whatever she had to say. Her feet had already carried her out of the house and all the way to her car.

Her hands gripped the steering wheel but it kept shaking, unable to hold it or even start the car with the keys. She felt so broken to the core, and it got worse when she kept receiving messages and calls about her bachelorette party that was supposed to have begun hours ago.

"Fuck everything!" She yelled, slamming her fists on the wheel, "Fuck the wedding, Fuck Zayne,"

She kept sobbing, her eyes already feeling swollen and itchy. Brooklyn tried her best to hold up, just so she could leave the premises before either of them found her.

'Drinks. Alcohol. Get wasted.'

That was all she could think of at the moment. She was going to drown herself in alcohol and try to forget about her heartache and misery.

Brooklyn pulled up at the hotel, her legs shaking in the platform heels she had on. She couldn't even walk properly; her heart was failing her, and her knees were getting numb.

"Can I get drinks around here?" She inquired from the first person she laid her eyes on – a muscular, tall guy with a blue T-shirt and plain pants on. He stood in the parking lot, next to his car with his hands typing aggressively on his phone.

"Sorry?" His voice was deep, husky, and damn attractive when he spoke, his eyes darting to her. For a moment, Brooklyn forgot all about the heartache and pain she was feeling.

"I'm supposed to be celebrating right now," she sobbed, bursting into another round of tears, "But, I can't even be happy for once in my life. Why does everything have to be so complicated?"

He arched his eyebrows in confusion, wondering what she was blabbing about and how he could be of help. She obviously seemed like a lady in distress, she kept sniffing her nostrils and lamenting about things he couldn't understand.

"Are you okay? Do you want to go somewhere?"

Brooklyn stared at him, her eyes scanning his whole body. She noticed a tattoo on his wrist, but couldn't see what it was clearly.

"Yes," she responded without thinking twice, "Just take me anywhere, I need to clear my head,"

He led the way inside the hotel, and to a suite he had paid for. Brooklyn threw herself on the bed the moment they got in, taking deep breaths and trying to numb her emotions.

"I need some drinks, please,"

He nodded, "Alright, I'll be right back. What do you care for?"

"Shots. Or anything with alcohol in it,"

He nodded again, turning on the lights before walking out.

Brooklyn saw a flash of the scene again in her head, and she tried not to think about it anymore, but it was hard. To make things worse, her phone started ringing and buzzing with messages, all from Zayne.

She hissed at his texts, and then turned her phone off. Tonight she was going to forget all about him and the wedding. All she was going to do was get high, wasted and have sex.

Sex...

The handsome stranger...

She had no idea who he was or what he did. But one thing was certain, she was going to give herself to him.

"I bought the drinks," his husky voice said to her as he returned, holding a few bottles with glasses, "I couldn't find–"

"- I want you to make love to me,"

He almost dropped the things he was holding as he stood there, watching her as she began to undress.

"Are– Are you okay?"

Was it an honest question of concern or an insult? Brooklyn didn't care, she had no idea what she was doing or if she had gone insane. Zayne's infidelity had broken her and this was her coping mechanism.

"Take off your clothes and make love to me," she ordered, getting up to her feet to help him undress, but he halted her with his hands immediately.

"Is that what you really want? For me to make love to you?'' It didn't sound like a question, it was more like a clarification, - a warning, trying to make her aware of what she was about to get into.

Brooklyn nodded without hesitation, her eyes giving him an innocent yet seductive look. She didn't care if what she wanted was wrong, she had been loyal to a man who had been sleeping with her step-sister secretly for 'God knows how long'.

"If we're going to have sex, then I'll be in charge of every single thing," his voice changed to a low, authoritative tone that made her almost melt to the ground. But, the moment she felt his hands on her skin, a tear ran down her legs.

"Now take off your clothes and spread your legs open for me on the bed,"

Brooklyn didn't hesitate. She was ready to be submissive to him for her desires and pleasure. With her seductive eyes staring deep into his dark, narrowed eyes, she took off every piece of clothing she had on.

Her bachelorette party was canceled. And her wedding? It didn't matter to her at that moment. All she wanted was to make passionate love to this stranger all night till the morning of her wedding...

"Where the hell have you been, Brooklyn?!"

That was the first thing Zayne yelled the moment he saw Brooklyn drive into the building, the tyres of her car screeching as she sped. It took a lot to refrain from hitting and knocking him down with her car.

The sight of Kimberly and Zayne brought back the scene of their betrayal and all she kept seeing was both of them in bed, moaning and making love as she stood watching them. Thinking about the whole thing broke her heart even more.

It was the day, – their wedding.

He was neatly dressed in his sleek, timeless charcoal gray tailored suit. A patterned tie and polished dress shoes that shone like a mirror. Brooklyn couldn't deny that he looked dashing and neat, – but his character was dirty and awful.

"Sis, I've been trying to reach you," Kimberly said, her hands holding up the bridesmaid dress she had on while standing next to their mother, who was busy talking on the phone.

"Brooklyn, where have you been?" Her mother rushed to ask her, her phone slightly moving away from her left ear. Scanning her daughter from head to toe, she added, "And why aren't you dressed yet?"

Brooklyn stepped out of her car, walking past her step-sister and Zayne, her eyes staring at everyone who was in her house: Her mother, Zayne, Kimberly, and other relatives.

She had forfeited going to the hotel, church, and even her mother's place just to drive straight home, but it turned out they were one step ahead of her and knew what she had in mind.

"There will be no wedding,"

All eyes flashed in her direction, huge and surprised as they stared at her like she had gone insane.

"What is the meaning of all these?" Zayne threw at her, walking closer to grab her wrist, "What do you mean by there'll be no wedding?"

She flinched her hands away, her eyes giving him a sharp look and fuming with the anger she was trying so hard to suppress. He had no right to touch her, not after touching and making love to another woman.

"Don't fucking touch me,"

"What on earth is wrong with you?" Sophia inquired sternly, finally dropping the phone call, "Why are you acting so strangely? Zayne has been trying to reach you all night, but you kept ignoring him. And now that you've shown up, you're giving him an attitude?"

Brooklyn felt her lips quivering and her emotions simmering. Her hands were shaking uncontrollably and her breath was becoming unstable. It wasn't just about Zayne and Kimberly's betrayal anymore, but what she had done last night, – she had sex with the stranger at the hotel.

"I'm– I'm calling off the wedding,"

Everyone gasped while exchanging looks and murmuring. Kimberly tried to touch her as she got close, but she slapped her hands away.

"Don't you dare touch me you backstabber,"

A hint of fear and surprise flashed through Kim's eyes, but she quickly replaced it with feigned innocence.

"Stop it, Brooke. You can't say such words about your sister,"

"Ohh, really?" She scorned, turning directly to face her sister's defender with gritted teeth, "Trying to protect your mistress, I see,"

"She is not my mistress,"

"Then why are you defending her?"

"Can someone just tell me what the hell is going on?!" Sophia screamed at the top of her lungs, unable to take the sight of them bickering and arguing, "We have a wedding to attend. The reception starts at 9am, and it's just five minutes left, but here we are, arguing and fighting over 'God knows what it is,"

Brooklyn heaved a distressed sigh, her lips burning as she struggled to break the news to her mother.

"Zayne and Kimberly are having an affair,"

The words came out forcefully. She was in denial and still wasn't ready to accept the fact that her boyfriend of ten years had been cheating on her with her sister.

"THAT is not true,"

"Yes, it is, Mum," She confirmed, glaring hard at both culprits who looked surprised that she had caught them, "They were at your house yesterday when I stopped by. I caught them having sex in one of your guest rooms,"

Kimberly shifted uncomfortably, her eyes exchanging looks with Zayne who was forcing himself to act normal and not suspicious.

"That damn Skyler," he grunted, sounding annoyed and casting blame, "She couldn't keep her loose mouth shut,"

"Keep Skyler away from this," Brooklyn reprimanded him with her fingers in his face, "She's not the reason you were caught,"

"You– You've got this whole thing wrong," Zayne tried to explain, his hands running through his beards and stuttering, "Kim and I, – we, we have nothing going on, believe me,"

"Maybe I believe you," Brooklyn uttered with a snort, folding her hands across her breasts, "What about the moans? Her voice moaning out your name and pleading with you to go on? What was that all about?"

"I–"

"- the wedding is not happening and that's final, We're done for good,"

Brooklyn reached for the engagement ring on her finger, trying to pull it off, but her mother's words halted her.

"The wedding must go on,"

She raised her head up in disbelief, trying to fathom the look in her mother's voice as she uttered those words. Hadn't she heard her? Didn't she hear about his infidelity? Or the fact that her 'favorite daughter' was having an affair with her husband-to-be?

"What are you saying, Mum?" Brooklyn cried out in frustration, feeling her eyes form with tears, "I can't marry him, not after I caught him cheating on me with Kim,"

Sophia Moreno walked closer to her daughter, her eyes stern and serious. With her facial expressions, Brooklyn knew her mother wasn't playing, even though she knew she wasn't going to give in.

"You must go on with the wedding," her voice sounded final and firm, "You either get married to him or I'll disown you for going against me,"

Brooklyn bit down her lips, the tears she had been holding back finally streaming down her cheeks. She knew her mother always loathed her and loved Kimberly more, but she didn't expect it to be this far.

Get married to Zayne or forfeit everything she'd ever owned and known. The choice was hers, and she knew exactly what her choice was.

"I'd rather die than get married to this cheating scumbag,"

Her mother twisted her lips at her, and before Brooklyn could take off her ring, Sophia had already hit her hard across the face.

"You ungrateful bastard!" She snarled, spitting in her face as Brooklyn held her stinging cheeks, "Get out of this house and never return. You cease to become my daughter henceforth,"

Staring in the background was Kimberly, her face shining with satisfaction and mockery. Just like always, she had gotten away with her actions, while Brooklyn was blamed and left to suffer.

And for the first time, Brooklyn was determined to show them that she could be everything and more than what they took her to be...

*

Alexander woke up with a jolt. The rays of sunlight shone directly into his eyes as his hands felt the bed, - empty. She was gone!

He hurriedly opened his eyes, his heart racing with fear, uncertainty, and worry. His eyes scanned the entire suite, but there was no sign of her anywhere.

Just as he was trying to uncover what was going on, he heard a knock on the door. Ushering the hotel worker in, he threw on his trousers.

"Sir, I just wanted to confirm if you're retaining the suite,"

He shook his head, trying to put on his shirt. "No, I was actually leaving,"

"Okay," he was about to leave when Alexander halted him with a question.

"The woman I came here with, the one who parked her car next to the club space, Have you seen her? Did you see her leave?"

"Yes, she left about two hours ago. I saw her while I was at the reception,"

Xander grunted in frustration, biting down his lips as he mumbled. He didn't even get the chance to know her name, or even collect her number. They had sex without even knowing who they were.

"Did she say anything? Or dropped something useful? Like her contact? Her name? Anything?"

"None sir. She left without saying a word,"

"Alright, thank you," he muttered disappointingly, knowing there was nothing else he could do. The worker nodded, walking out of the door and leaving Alexander to solve the mystery.

His phone rang a few minutes later as he was about to step out, - a phone call from his best friend.

"What's up, man? Couldn't reach you all night,"

Josh said over the phone, with Xander adjusting his collars.

"Yeah. I- I was busy,"

"Had a girl over, I'm sure,"

Xander chuckled, knowing he was caught.

"So, what's up? Why are you calling at this time?" He checked his watch for the time, "It's past 10 am, I thought you were the best man at the wedding you've been talking about for months."

"Yeah... about that," his tone sounded low and negative, alerting Xander that something bad might have happened, "The bride called off the wedding this morning,"

That was... awful, and heartbreaking. And he couldn't imagine what the groom must be going through at the moment.

"Oh... that's... terrible. What happened? Why did she call it off all of a sudden?"

"Long story. Want to stop over for some drinks? I've got lots of things to talk about,"

Xander wasn't sure if he wanted to go. After spending the night with the mystery woman, he couldn't find anything else to do than find her, especially after what he discovered last night...

"Sure... I- I also have something I'd like to share with you,"

"Sounds great. Meet me home then, I'll be there in ten minutes,"

"Alright,"

*

Brooklyn walked dejectedly through the crowd, her hands clutching the handle of her luggage tightly. This was it - a goodbye; she was leaving this city and everything she'd ever known.

Her mother had taken every single thing away from her including her last name. And she was thrown into the streets, left to fend for herself and find her grounds. It was hurtful because she was the one who had gotten hurt, betrayed, and triggered. But she was the one who had been left alone to face the suffering.

"May I see your boarding pass, please?" The voice of the female airline staff jolted Brooklyn back to reality. She forced a smile, searching inside her purse to retrieve it.

"Here you go,"

"Thank you," her eyes scanned the little document, and then she raised her head with a smile, "Travelling to Japan, I see. Vacation or relocation?"

Brooklyn hesitated for a while, sincerely wishing all that was happening was a dream that would last for a few minutes, days, or even months. But she had no idea how long everything was going to take.

"Hopefully, Vacation," she forced another smile, hoping she wouldn't be asked further questions. Fortunately, there were other passengers in line so she had to attend to them.

"Enjoy your trip. Hope you have a nice time,"

Brooklyn nodded, slowly walking forward to take her seat. A single discovery had ruined her life, and another single action had cost her everything.

Maybe she had no right to call off the wedding.

Maybe she had overreacted.

Maybe if she had proceeded with the wedding, she'd still have all the wealth and influence.

But, No.

Her family despised her enough to throw her out, and she was going to prove them otherwise. Zayne and Kimberly were going to regret ever crossing her, - she was going to make sure of it.

But, for now, all she had to do was leave the country and never return until she was fully settled and ready to get back at them.

Six years later...

LA...

Pulling down her sunglasses, she stared at the busy activities that were happening right in front of her.

There were so many families welcoming their loved ones right there at the airport; laughter and crying were heard, flowers and gifts flooded the air, as well as surprises and wedding engagements.

But nothing was happening for her, no friends, no relatives, - not a single soul to welcome her back, except...

"You need to stay next to me, Hazel,"

The little girl smiled, clearly excited to be back alongside her mother.

Brooklyn halted a cab, with the driver helping them carry their bags. She had no plans of coming back to LA, - but it was her mother's request.

She was back in the city - but as a whole different person than the one that left six years ago...

"Mummy, are we going to the beach?"

Brooklyn heaved a tired sigh, carefully helping her daughter into the car. Hazel was always curious and filled with questions, and she knew that wasn't the only thing she was going to ask, there was another one coming, the one she fought so hard to ignore-

"- Are we going to see Daddy?"

Yes, that one. That question had been on her lips for the past two years, and every time Hazel brought it up, Brooklyn couldn't find an answer.

"We're just going to rest for a while before doing whatever you want, okay?"

Hazel nodded reluctantly, her shoulders slumping. That wasn't enough to keep her totally quiet, but at least it would keep her shut for the next few minutes.

"Where's your destination, ma'am?"

Brooklyn realized that she hadn't informed him about their destination. The truth was, she didn't even know where they were going, but it was definitely not her mother's house.

"Just take me to any comfortable hotel. I need somewhere safe and secure,"

The last time she had said something like that, she had ended up in the arms of a stranger. Hopefully, history will definitely not repeat itself.

*

"I need to leave right now,"

Whitney frowned at his words, clearly annoyed that he was ditching her again...

"Why do you have to leave? I thought the meeting was by 6pm? It's just a few minutes past 2pm,"

Xander buttoned up his sleeves, his hands reaching for his watch on the table next to the bed.

"I have to prepare. You know how much my father hates tackiness,"

"I don't get it. What's so important about the meeting that needs you there? Can't he just give you the details over text or mail?" She pouted her lips, hating the fact that his father kept having him for impromptu meetings.

"That's Leonard Gray for you," he said with a chuckle, already dressed and ready to leave, "I sent you some money, hope it's enough for the days we spent together,"

Whitney bit down her lips in frustration. Xander still saw and took her as a 'call' girl, someone who was only there to warm his bed. She kept hoping he would take her seriously especially since she confessed her feelings to him.

"I don't want your money." She threw out, gritting her teeth, "I just want us to be in a happy and healthy relationship, that's all."

He huffed, picking up his phone from the table, "I'm not ready for a relationship right now, Whitney. I already told you-"

"- she's gone, remember?" She broke in, cutting him off the words she was already tired of hearing, "You don't even know who she is or if she's still alive. Why can't you just let go of the past and move on?"

Xander swallowed hard, the weight of her words hitting him. She was right about one thing,- she was gone. But, he never forgot about her, not even once for the past six years.

"I'll take my leave now." He said with his tone sounding hasty, "Bye, Whitney,"

*

"Gray view suites," Brooklyn drew the words slowly, the name striking a memory in her head.

This was it. This was the place. This was the same hotel she had given herself to a stranger only to discover she was carrying his child months later...

And now she was back.

"Is- is this the hotel?"

"Yes, ma'am," the driver confirmed, not knowing what was going through her mind, "This is one of the best and most secure hotels in the city, although it's a bit pricey."

She swallowed hard, memories of that night replaying in her head. Was she overthinking? Or was her mind telling her the truth about running into him here again?

It's been six years...

Six years of blaming herself and struggling not to give up all because of the decisions she made. She had gotten back every single penny she lost and still hasn't forgotten about Zayne and Kimberly's betrayal. She was going to get back at them no matter how long it took her.

"Mummy, I'm hungry,"

It took long enough. Hazel had been asleep all through the drive and had only woken up when they pulled up at the hotel.

"Don't worry, baby. We'll get food once we get inside, okay?"

Hazel nodded.

Brooklyn knew there was no way she could find somewhere else to go just because of a silly overthinking in her brain. She had put the past behind her and was only ready for new beginnings.

*

"Brooklyn will be here any minute," Sophia announced while taking a seat at the table and scrolling through her phone.

Zayne and Kimberly exchanged looks, with Kim rolling her eyes.

"Did you really have to call her here?" She scoffed, shifting in her chair, "I thought you disowned her,"

Sophia shot her a cold look, making her shudder slightly and keeping her mouth shut for the next few minutes.

"I have no idea why Xander is also running late," Leonard uttered with a hint of disappointment, "I told him to be here early,"

"I'm sure he's taking his time, honey. They'll be here soon,"

.

Xander walked in a few minutes later, his eyes catching sight of the little gathering with his father in the midst. Reluctantly, he walked towards the direction, plastering a forced smile on his face.

"You're late," his father's voice was stern and harsh, but nothing new to his ears.

"Yes. I had a meeting and the investors-,"

"-Take a seat," his father interrupted, cutting him off completely. Xander forced his words down his throat, trying so hard not to get offended by his father's remarks.

"It's so nice to see you," Sophia said to him with a smile, her hands reaching to his for a handshake, "I've heard so much about you,"

Xander smiled, - another forced one, "Same here,"

"Meet my daughter, Kimberly, and her fiancée, Zayne. My eldest daughter has been out of the country for years now, but she's on her way here,"

Xander nodded, not really caring about what she was saying. Kimberly shot him a smile while Zayne exchanged handshakes with him.

"Brooklyn is the only one we're waiting for, and I'm sure-''

"- I'm sorry, I'm late," A voice broke in, the sole of her heels making tapping noises, "Traffic was crazy, and-"

"- Brooklyn?" Sophia called with awe, unable to believe she was finally seeing her daughter after so many years, "Is that really you?"

Brooklyn ran her tongue over her lips, slowly taking off her jacket and handing it over to the server.

Kimberly's jaw hung in the air, and Zayne wouldn't stop staring. The Brooklyn standing in front of them was a different version of the one they knew years back.

Amid the whole emotional drama, Xander watched keenly, his eyes never leaving the stranger who had just walked in.

Those green eyes... soft pink lips... and brown hair that had gotten darker.,, she hadn't changed at all... it was her, the girl he had longed to see again.

"Hello, Brooklyn. It's so nice to meet you again,"

She shot her head up, her eyes darting directly to the voice who had called her name.

The voice... the familiarity... the face... the man...

The ghost of her past had returned, and was staring right into her eyes...

Brooklyn swallowed hard, feeling her knees go numb and unable to hold her anymore... it was happening... her overthinking had been proven right once again...

"Mummy?"

They had been so engrossed with each other that nobody saw the little girl she had walked in with. A girl who was the exact replica of her... Hazel.

"Did- did she just call you mummy?" Kimberly asked with surprise, her mouth refusing to close. All eyes turned to little Hazel, and they all exchanged looks and murmured under their breaths.

"Is that your daughter?"

"Are you married?"

"Is her father here in LA?"

Each and every one of them kept asking questions and eagerly waiting to know what was going on. Everyone including Xander.

"Yes. This is my daughter, Hazel," she announced, trying to sound normal and not disrupted while pulling out a chair for her and Hazel to sit, unluckily for her the only seat left was right next to Xander, "I hope you don't mind her joining us,"

Nobody said a word.

Everyone was too shocked and stunned to speak, and Brooklyn knew they were all trying to process every single thing that was happening.

"Not at all," Sophia finally spoke up, grinning at the little girl, "Hazel, was it? Come and sit next to your grandmother,"

Hazel looked at her mother for confirmation. Brooklyn, who was trying so hard not to pass out or make a wrong move, gave her daughter a nod to go ahead, earning a smile from the little girl as she scurried all the way to her grandmother.

Xander's eyes never left her, she could feel it. The tension in the room was palpable and heavy, but the one between them was worse.

She tried her best not to look in his direction, or directly into his eyes. But, it was the most difficult thing to do at the moment. She felt a surge of adrenaline when his hands mistakenly touched her skin, and she decided she was going to ignore him till the whole meeting was done for good.

Xander couldn't stop staring, his heart thumping with a mixture of excitement, relief, and sadness.

He was excited that their paths crossed again, relieved that she was still alive after disappearing into thin air, and sad that she hadn't come back single,- she was now a mother.

Another emotion grew within him, - anger.

Who was the man who had dared touch her? The father of her daughter? Who was the man who had already taken the spot he had been dreaming about?

Brooklyn tried to eat, but her hands were shaking. She had tried to let go of his thoughts for the past six years, forcing herself to move on. But here she was, sitting right next to him and with his whole focus on her. How could she possibly feel free? How long was she going to ignore him?

"We both called you all here because we have an announcement to make," Leonard finally spoke up after the drama had died down a little and after whispering with Sophia. Giving her a nod, he said, "You can go ahead,"

Sophia smiled broadly, carefully holding Hazel who was sitting on her lap, "Leo proposed to me a month ago,"

Loud gasps emanated from the table, and just when they were all trying to process the news, she broke the one that tore their spirits completely, "Leo and I,- we've decided to get married,"

Brooklyn's hands dropped the cutlery she was holding and started trembling. Xander's glass fell off his hands, crashing into the ground. Kimberly? She still had her jaw hung, and as for Zayne, - no one really cared about his reaction to the news.

Brooklyn's heart started racing as she caught a glimpse of her smiling daughter who had no idea what was going on. After years of dreaming, Hazel meets with her father. They are sitting across from each other, not knowing their relationship.

To make issues worse, they were going to be step-siblings! Imagine being a stepsister to the father of your child. Brooklyn felt like puking at the thoughts and realizations, knowing things had only gotten worse.

Xander's world came crashing like a pack of well-arranged cards. Getting married? Becoming step-siblings? After years of waiting to be reunited with her? No. It had to be the biggest joke of the century.

"Getting married?" Kimberly confirmed, "So you mean, we're all going to become one family?"

Sophia nodded, "Yes, darling. That is why we've called you all here together to get to know each other,"

Brooklyn stared directly into Xander's eyes for the first time in six years, and she saw the same look she had in her eyes.

It was never going to work being siblings. The relationship between them was more than an innocent, mutual one that needed no boundaries.

Especially not after what had happened between them and the result of that night sitting right next to them...