In Love With My Stepdad

Leona's POV...

" Dad! Do you have to leave us? Please stay. I love you so much. I can't live without you too!"

When I cried out loud with my broken heart in the court. My Dad held my hands and pecked on them as he used to do before he left for business trips.

But on that day, it was his last kiss before separating from our small sweet family.

Yeah... To me... It was a happy sweet home. I didn't understand what sadness was. A beautiful mother, a handsome Dad, and a great society where I grew up.

But on that day, My Das left lots of kisses and told me...

" One day, you will understand why Dad had to leave. Until then, please grow up as best as you can. If you need Dad's help. Dad will be there anytime for you!"

On that day, I couldn't wait to become a grown-up girl and learn about the reason for his leaving.

But till today, I have learned one thing. Dad has done a great thing by leaving Mom. And I don't have any remorse for thinking this way. If I was in his place, I would have left her as well. She doesn't fill the category of the wife, not even a lover who should be cherished.

Right now,

I have been watching my mother's new look. She has been busy with herself, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Recently, thanks to modern procedures and plastic surgeries, she looked younger than me.

When she forces me to go with her out, people think she is my younger sister and she seems to be proud of that comment.

Well, I don't have any kind of reason to mind it. She always has been like this. A woman who is unable to accept her aging and cowardly scared of nature's miracle.

But, one thing I hated. She never treats me as her daughter. She forbid me to call her Mom because it will embarrass her.

" Leona! Make me a glass of Detox Juice. You bought cucumber and lemon, right?"

That's it. I think she gave me birth because she was aware that everyone would leave her because of her arrogance and selfishness but her daughter.

" OK! Mom!" I sighed, putting the kitchen apron on.

" I told you! Don't dare to call me Mom."

" OK. Whatever. What do you want to eat tonight?"

Since I know my duties in this house. I don't want to make things difficult for me as well.

I have just reached my 18th birthday. It's way too long for me to move out. Once I can get a suitable part-time job around my school, I will move out. This is my plan for the future.

" Don't need to cook today. We are eating out!"

" What? Why again?" I asked since there have lots of fresh veggies that I bought today. I thought I would make something healthy but tasty for dinner.

" What do you mean why again? Of course. To meet your new uncle. I have found my soulmate!"

She smirked walking towards me and grabbing a piece of cucumber that I just slided.

" Again? You said you were going to date another one from your last Date."

" No. Sweetheart. This time. I will directly marry him. He is single. Didn't marry before. A billionaire has a chain of commercial hotels and international businesses. A fortune for us!"

" It's not possible, right? Why would he Marry you? Mom. He deserves better!"

Well, I spoke my mind again and in response, a slap across my face fell. I know that every time I open my mouth. I ruin my face.

" Look at yourself and your mouth. He deserves better? He should be happy to have such a beautiful woman like me." She growled at me.

But to be honest, I don't think I like my mother. She is an unreasonably greedy and wicked person. She is a manipulative and deceiving person. Not me, who wishes to get a mother like her. I miss my Dad. But I don't call him either. I heard he married once again and have a son who is ten years younger than me. I don't want to destroy their happiness.

I am pretty sure she introduced herself as a virgin with no bad past. When I am the proof of her entire life of lies.

But why did she tell me not to cook? If she doesn't want to eat here tonight,‌ I will cook for myself.

" Here!"

I closed my eyes when I felt a heavy dress fall on my face. She threw it on my face with purpose. Hah!! Have you ever seen a mother becoming so self-centered and doubtful of her daughter's beauty?

My mother hates how my skin looks flawless. She doesn't want to accept the fact that I am only eighteen to get compared to the skin of a 40-year-old lady.

" Wear this for tonight's dinner. Behave and introduce yourself as my niece. No. You better not talk. I will say what I need to say. You just nod if he asks something. Did you get it?"

" Why me? You never took me to your all Blind Dates. Why today?"

" This is not a blind date. We have already discussed our marriage. We are going to get married tomorrow. Tonight, I will introduce you."

"You are getting married!"

I screamed. I didn't believe it when she said she will marry him. I thought she would suck the money until she can and leave him. But marrying him, she is serious.

"Why are you screaming? Finish your work and get ready. I need to get ready for my special night. I wonder what kind of diamonds he will gift me today!" She daydreams again. This a perfect definition of gold-diggers.

Now I feel pity for the guy who is going to marry this fake woman, my mother. But I also felt relieved thinking, those guys who were on the line next to him, have survived bankruptcy.

At evening...

She put makeup on my face since I don't have any cosmetics. My Mom's dialogue, " You should keep your skin clean. There does no need to apply makeup on your face!"

And, I accepted. I don't know how to do makeup. So I didn't bother. I don't go out that much. The local high school where I am studying doesn't allow makeup. So, I am comfortable with everything.

.......

Our Car stopped in front of a beautiful restaurant. The exquisite restaurant is too much for someone like us, a typical middle-class family. Well, my mother has money for her Botox, and other things I don't know their names but eating in a five-star restaurant is kinda of dream for me.

Additionally, I didn't get surprised since my Mom is with me. She can even seduce the owner of the restaurant to get VIP service.

Anyway, Walking in mom's high heels, I am feeling like I am flying. Every time I step on the dress that My mom lent me, she gives me a death glare and signaled me to walk properly.

But Dear mother, my legs are not made of steel that I will stay still and walk in balance. You just stood me up on sharp bamboo.

I wish I had such perfect legs to wear heels.

Who cares, Whatever, literally complaining everything about my mother to myself, I followed her inside. I was watching the interior design. And not knowing, that I have my lips parted away like Puff fish.

So, I got another slap right on my mouth from my mother, who is a perfectionist. " He is here. So, keep your posture perfect."

I touched my mouth when she slapped me. She has washed her hand, right? I don't know since she sometimes uses cream on her hands, what if her prince charming kiss on her hand? She must be prepared for every chance. I'm telling you she is crazy. LOL

I walked towards the table from where I could see a tall figure waiting for us. Even the sight of his back is telling me how handsome he would be.

The back is Broad and perfect. Like an athlete and bodybuilder. Straightening my back with slow steps as my Mom suggested, I walked forward following her silently.

" Hi, Vasquez! Thanks for waiting!"

Wow... Just Wow... I was too shocked to react when I heard a soft, warm, and cute voice that came from my tyrant mother. Did she just use a new tone to talk to him?

And, while processing, editing, and auto-toning my mom's voice and creating an entirely new song inside my mind, my eyes went to the person who was silently sitting at the table.

At that time, I swear to God, my time had stopped. And, the brain that was cooking an oddly stupid song in, suddenly stopped functioning.

His eyelashes were long thick and kinda Brown. His tiny beard full face with his deep blue eyes, everything looked so perfect in his side profile.

When he looked up at my mother, his Adam's apple just plopped down underneath the skin, the perfectly done hair with a fainted scent of cologne, I don't know. How to express the moment that I felt for the first time?

And, He is perfect. As perfect as I always dreamed of whenever I watch movies.

But, while losing myself in his pure handsomeness, I didn't realize my mother had been calling my name. And top of everything, the perfect handsome man was staring at me with his blank face.

"Leona! You should sit down. Sweetheart. Say Hello to your Uncle!" she said calmly. But I know she was killing me in her heart repeatedly.

And, to me, when I realized that he watched me how I was staring at him like a pervert woman.

It's feeling like a secondhand embarrassment. I should have dug a grave and said goodbye to the world.

"Hello!" I greeted in a low tone as my mother ordered. I don't want to die soon.

"I have talked about her. She is my niece, Leona Belle. My sister died after giving birth to her and her father abandoned her as well. So I have been raising her alone!"

What did she just say? Everyone was alright. But my Dad abandoning me? How could she?

I kept my fake smile on, but I wanted to throw a tantrum and destroy Her happiness. But I couldn't.

I felt sad and stayed silent.

"Vasquez! I don't want to hide anything from you. Since I have been trying to raise her all alone. I became a mother figure to her. She has nobody to rely on "

"She can stay with us. It doesn't matter!"

Finally, My thought of hatred towards my mother for lying drove me to the man. His deep, hoarse, and cold voice was so nice. To perfect his personality.

But Judging by his expressionless eyes, aimlessly staring outside and didn't even take a glance at us. I'm pretty sure.

He is a RED FLAG for my mother. He doesn't care about it. But How did they finalize the wedding tomorrow?

"Vasquez! Tomorrow is our wedding. Shall we have a small talk all alone? Leona can wait for us"

She tried to hold his hand but wow to this perfect handsome man.

He dodged it flawlessly.

"We are done talking. My father took the decision. I am fine with it!"

Ohho~~

Mr. Handsome is a Daddy's boy. He is obedient. No wonder he is marrying My mother.

"OK. Let's have dinner first. What do you want to eat?" She asked him again shamelessly. I am pretty sure she is ready to kiss his shoes to marry him.

"Which class are you in?"

I looked up when he asked me in a cold tone. I didn't know why but immediately I felt a death glare from my mother.

"She is in grade twelve. Soon, she will take the entrance exam!"

Thankfully, she did a good job this time, talking about me, without letting me talk.

Or I would have choked twice and Boom. In heaven.

He is gorgeous. And, Rich people are always gorgeous. Hehe~

"She will be transferred to our private international school. Is it okay?"

Wow. He has already planned to transfer me somewhere. Is it really happening to me?

I always wanted to study somewhere great and run away from home. So that I can live an independent life.

I think I like my stepfather. Who cares if he is too young to be my father? Long live my stepfather.

LOL. We don't share any relationship. Since I am nobody but my Mom's niece here. However, is my mother truly marrying him?

Or is it just a show?

God bless me and my endurance to keep watching the shameless mother of mine and not-to-bother handsome, cold, and grumpy rich guy.

For twenty minutes, we are having dinner. Within the moment, my mother had tried everything to touch her soon-to-be billionaire husband.

But you know, as I said before, he is a total red flag for my mother which she deserves. He, like a perfect dodger, dodges her every single shameless act.

Man! You deserve to be called Master than Uncle. Unfortunately, I am not allowed.

" Leona, Right?"

Damn! Don't talk to me, My Dear step! Your cold tone suddenly changing into something normal for me, can bring a very painful death for me. Your soon-to-be wife hates me for looking more beautiful than her already. Hahhh~

" Yes! Uncle!"

I said stealing another glance at my mother who is fuming anger. I can see the dagger in her eyes

"How long have you been with your Aunt?"

Is he trying to know about my mother? What should I do?

I looked at my mother to get a signal to reply. But she didn't make any.

" Since I was Born. I guess! I don't remember!" I laughed awkwardly.

I need urgent oxygen. Her death glare at me is making me nervous.

" I see. You did well, Ms. Veronica!"

WTF!!!!!

Who is Veronica?

I turned following his cold gaze at her, my mother whose face is red. Veronica? Did she even lie to him about her real identity?

What the hell is going on?

" It's nothing. Don't flatter me! Vasquez! She was tiny when she was born. I couldn't help but feel heartbroken. Now, I am proud of her, she looks beautiful "

Gross! I am fcking grossed out by her. How could a person- Truly never mind!

" Don't you miss your mother?" He asked me again. What the hell is wrong with you, My dear stepfather? You should concentrate on my mother, not me.

" I don't!"

I said, with a blank face. Of course, I will never miss her.

" Why?"

" Not everyone can be a mother. Probably!" I replied glancing at my mother. She knows who I am referring to. But she doesn't care. I said the same thing to my class teacher before. And she declared that doesn't bother her. She will be happy as long as she can get rid of me.

" But your Aunt said that your mother died. Death isn't something -"

" Uncle! You should concern about my aunt, right now. Please have a good dinner. I gotta go. Call me if you return home, Aunt!" I left the restaurant without caring about Mom's opinion anymore.

I know why, but I felt kinda upset. I will be lying if I say that I never loved my mother. I did. I still do care and wish her the best.

But it somehow triggers my emotions. The lady who is sitting in front of the young handsome man used to be my mother.

A mother who I loved more than anything. That's why I stupidly chose her on the court, not my father.

But she changed right after we moved to this city. A new human who looked like my mother. But she wasn't my mother.

I regretted choosing her over Dad, despite Dad begging me to choose him and live with him.

What could I ever do? A six years old girl, who was living with her young mother, Dad spending most of the time abroad for his business.

I was fond of her and thought my world would stop if I can't stay with my mom.

I cried, but I hated when Dad said he would leave separately. I blamed him for abandoning us. But later, I realized, why my Dad used to stay abroad. Why did he sleep in my room, on the floor whenever he returned? And why he cried embracing me at night, hiding his deepest pain.

And, the more days passed, the more I learned, my Dad had a toxic relationship in which he gave his everything but never got any return.

Mom was a gold-digger who manipulated Dad. I could see that when I started realizing everything.

Anyway, Right now, in the entire city, I felt nothing but hopeless and lonely. She is right. I have no place to go except for her.

Whenever I look at the street, there will be lots of families who are enjoying their lives happily. Kids holding their parents' hand pass by, and go to have a family dinner.

I don't have such kind of luck. It's heartbreaking but I think I am fine. At least I am alive.

Sigh~ I think I will have a terrible night. Another Night to watch the movie to forget about the pain.

After deciding, I grabbed my heels and walked down the street, let's Walk around first.

But at that moment, my phone chirped. Maybe my mother. She will throw a few fists for showing my attitude there.

However, when my eyes go on the phone screen. I know, my night will be perfect.

" Yo, Girl!"

" Leona! Where the hell are you? I am trying to reach you but my calls are declining!"

Hhh~ My bestie, Opelia Shark, Like her surname, she is literally a shark who can eat you alive with her words.

" What happened? I was with Aunt!"

Well, Everyone knows I don't have any parents except for a hot Aunt.

" Sheldon and Claire are waiting for you. Did you forget about our sleepover?"

Fck! No. I totally forgot about it. Damn, my brain.

" No. I am on my way. Just wait a second!"

Holding my dress, I ran with all my might to reach the destination. Thankfully, the restaurant isn't far from Bellow Street where Opelia lives with her parents.

But...

At that time, I didn't know that, I would face something terrible. At least from my friends.

As I reached there, I noticed Opelia, Sheldon, and Claire were talking about something fun. And I had the guess, they were talking about me.

I silently entered, not alerting them.

" Just keep it low. We can't let anyone find out about it until she takes it. OK?" Opelia suggested. I had my heart in my throat, I had a hard time understanding why my bestie would do something against me.

With fear, I knocked on the door. They looked startled but soon, changed their face and smiled as if nothing happened.

I thought they would prick my drink or something. Since I have watched lots of dramas. There have lots of chances to get betrayed.

Although, deep inside, I wanted to make it believe that they would prank me with something funnier.

But somehow, it felt terrifying.

" Bitch! We were dying. How long it took you to come here? And what's with this dress-up? You look hot!"

Claire grinned, touching the dress. " This dress is beautiful. Lend me once you are done!"

They acted like they usually do. I had a feeling that they would do some prank. Although, I hated pranks more than anything in the world. I am afraid of getting mentally hurt not physically.

We started talking, making fun of each other like nothing was going to happen. I kept an eye on them to see if they would do anything with me.

But, in the end, I almost gave up on the thought that they would do something wrong with me. Nothing was going to happen. Until I found Sheldon getting a phone call.

He walked on the balcony, Claire excused herself to use the washroom and Opelia went to bring the juice.

I kept sitting. But the dress made me feel terrible. That's why I thought I should change it into something comfortable.

I often crash here to get some sleep when I get tired. So Opelia's parents didn't mind bringing another set of Pajamas.

I walked in, changed, and again walked out. But my eyebrows knitted when I noticed Claire, and Opelia were whispering themselves.

I approached not minding much until I heard their conversation...

" Sheldon said he would be here soon. The drug is strong enough to make us feel ecstasy for days." Claire grinned as if she was hoping for something.

But Drug? How could they?

" Shut up. We can't take it first. We need to see what kind of side effects can affect her. Let Leona use it first. Then us!"

So, They are planning to use drugs on me? They are trying to drug me?

My head spun, I hurriedly grabbed my dress and heels and packed them in a plastic bag that was in the corner of the table while attempting to walk out until Sheldon stopped me.

" Where are you going? Leona!" Sheldon placed his phone in his pocket and raised his eyebrows. He didn't move from his spot as if he read the trouble in my face.

I didn't know what I should do. I felt like I was being trapped.

" I need to go. My aunt called me right now!"

I hope they buy it.

But No...

Right now,

I am standing like a horrified kid, wanting to escape from this hell. My vision is getting blurry. I promised Dad, I would be a good daughter who would do nothing illegal.

" What's going on?" Claire and Opelia walked out right after. They are staring at me like I have done something wrong.

" Where are you going?" Opelia asked the same, approaching me with the glass of orange juice.

" Aunt called... I need to go as soon as possible. She will kill me. You know her!" I am trying my best to keep calm but showing that my real concern is my aunt's phone call.

" Don't worry. She won't call. I will call her later. Stay. We are going to sleep over!" Claire said approaching me, her eyes are on me, with zero reflection of guilty of lying to me and deceiving me. They're literally my best friends who I adore and love.

" Please try to understand me. You know her!" I begged, my voice cracking with the lump inside my throat.

" Leona! Do whatever we say. Don't!" Sheldon growled. His steps are getting close to me.

" You guys are scaring me. I will join next time. She will kill me! I can just leave and meet you at school. So..."

God! Please help me! I beg you. Please! Let me escape from this. Please, Please!!

I inhale. At this moment, all I need to do is stay calm and use my lazy brain. I know I am stupid and have a low IQ but I love my life more than anything. I have to meet my Dad, with the best profile as his daughter.

" You promised us. You can't leave. Leona! So, Do whatever we want. Or you know -"

When I turn to my Dearest Bestie, Opelia, I can't recognize her. That wicked smile, that eyes which are deceiving, and that intention in her expression, are creeping me out.

Like I felt when I realized my mother was nothing, not an innocent flower but a heartless woman who only loves money.

And, I realize. Right now, I have lost my another family. My bestie who I trusted more than myself. I trusted her every word. Blindly and lovingly.

She is not the girl I know anymore and I will definitely break your hearts by destroying your plan.

I looked behind Opelia, the backyard door which is connected to Opelia's house kitchen is open.

Since I always came here. I know every route to leave the house. Sometimes, Opelia and I used to play Zombies to escape from each other.

Since it's dark outside. Nothing can stop me. After all, I am the gold medal winner who wins with the title of Best sprinter in our school.

So, What I should do is...

" Fuck you, Opelia, and your friends. From now on, you are nobody to me. Screw you!"

I pushed her too hard, on Sheldon. Because Sheldon is a boy. Although I can run faster than him. But I don't want to take the risk of being blocked by his long legs and hands.

I can deal with Claire. That bitch is a spoiled brat who doesn't even know how to hold a jug of water.

"Bye!!! Bye!!! Bitches. Do drug. I will definitely send best wishes to your parents. Remind you, I have your parents' contact information!"

I run, run like a cheetah, gulping the air in like I am sucking air in a balloon, and step out of the fence within a second.

Claire seems to try to follow me. But she looked disappointed and enraged. When I showed my middle finger to her.

" Go! Fck yourself. Stinky Junkie!"

" LEONA! IF YOU DARE TO SAY ANYTHING TO MY PARENTS. IT'S.. I WILL KILL YOU!"

Son of..... I can hear her scream. LOL. She doesn't know that I don't care about my life. It always has been a curse on me. But I don't like when anyone wants to play with my life. I fcking hate this.

As I run, thinking, I am safe.

I slowed down. But, My entire heart jumped up when I realized, I forgot that Sheldon is nothing but a son of a businessman. He has more power to do anything whatever he likes.

Fck my luck! Am I really going to die soon? He is literally driving the car towards me. How did he know that I would take this road?

I am running, jumping fence to another fence, passing the neighbors, within darkness. Yet, The car didn't leave me alone. Did they put a tracker on me or something? My soul is already at its peak.

But At this moment, The sole of my feet are giving up. The pain down there is like a piercing needle. My breath is getting heavier. I feel my body is going to break up into pieces.

I look forward, my head is spinning, and I cough with a dry throat as I stop. Every inch of my body is trembling. Anytime, I will collapse. It's heartbreaking and unfortunate.

Seems like I am not going to meet my Dad. I wish I could say sorry to him for once.

I really love you, Dad. And I will miss you in heaven.

To get on my knees, I bend. I can hear the car scratching sound behind me. I give up. It's better that I am dying soon. Maybe, I can feel at peace for once in my lifetime.

But, I feel thirsty. So much thirsty. It is increasing with every heavy and resounding heartbeat that hits the walls of my heart. The throbbing pain inside my head makes me unable to stay still.

"Just kill me!" I whisper under my breath. I am really tired. Fking tired.

I couldn't control my body anymore. It collapses. But before closing my eyes, I can see a pair of legs approaching me with fast steps.

Sheldon found me. So, I am going to die to keep his little dirty secret unfolding.

Did I die? I don't feel pain though. But it's Dark. Where am I? Heaven? Maybe under the grave. I don't think they will leave a trace of me. Or the Police will find out.

But... I thought death is painful. Seems like It's nothing. Will Mom cry for once if she can't find me? Is she trying to find me? Probably not. She won't bother if I go missing for years. After all, I am nothing but a problem.

Never mind - Nothing works well in my life. It's better now. I feel better. I wish I could meet Dad for once. No~ It's fine though. I will wait until he dies.

How many years do I have to wait? I'm now 18, Dad is 42, People probably live for 60 or 70. Then if I calculate the age that is left to die. How many years do I have to wait? I, 2, 3...

Fck you, Mathematics. You are not my thing. I wonder which idiot brought the math for students. Why need to burn all brain cells just to count some numbers? Shhh. I am frustrated.

Wait! I was supposed not to be frustrated in heaven. But Look, I am surely frustrated. Is it heaven or hell?

" It's my house! You are finally awake!"

Hah~ Huh~ Hmm~

" Did my mom's husband die too? I was expecting my real father to visit me in heaven. Why are you here? Mr. Uncle?"

He is here. Wow. In casual uniform, the T-shirt on him makes him more handsome and breathtaking.

" How did you die Uncle? A car accident or you choked on your food?"

I asked, tilting my head but all I got is his laughter.

Wow, He - He looks crazily handsome. Like those handsome male protagonists of the Turkey Drama Series. Hot! So Sexy man!

" Little Lady! You aren't Dead neither is Young Master. He saved you!"

My eyes follow the voice which came from my right side. A middle-aged woman with black and white garments is smiling at me.

She looks like those maids in Rich people's houses. Wow. A world of drama. Wait! Wait! This is not the time for thinking about drama.

Am I really not Dead?

" How are you feeling?" She asked, smiling at me with a gentle gaze. How beautiful she looks when she smiles.

" I am fine, Ma'am!" I responded, watching her soft and gentle expression on her face.

" Then, Little Lady should get up and freshen up. Young Master is waiting for you to have breakfast!"

" Young Master?" I turned towards my soon-to-be stepfather who is standing next to my bed with an aloof face. But his eyes are on me, watching with his piercing gaze.

" Get ready! I will call your Auntie here. Last night she was pretty drunk and didn't receive calls!"

" No! No!" Damn! She can't know about it or she will blame me for everything.

" Why?" He raised his eyebrows, looking at me with suspension.

" I don't want to trouble her. She is already taking care of me nonstop. I don't want to make her worry!" I lied. She won't care if I die too. She already stopped caring about me for good.

" OK! Then, I need to know who they are."

" Who?" I don't understand his words.

" Those people who tried to attack you? How do you know them?"

I almost forgot about it. He reminded it. My body felt the chills when he mentioned that.

To be honest, I think I can't think about it. My heart is empty. Opelia, Claire, and Sheldon are my best friends. But they became my family too. The matters that I couldn't able to share with my mother, I could do with them.

But seeing that they're no less than my mother, Now I don't know who to trust.

With an empty and lonely gaze, I looked at him, my stepfather. Even from a distance, I can feel the unapproachable Aura around him.

Seems like there has no one in my life who I can call family.

" Leona! I asked you who they are!"

I gasped not actually believing that he is serious about knowing who attacked me. Since he doesn't care about my Mom. I thought he would think of me as someone outsider.

" Someone who I believed as my family!"

" No gangster can be your family! What kind of people do you think you are being friends with?"

I looked at him. Quite a surprise. I can distinctively hear his voice. He is showing some kind of audacity. He is serious and wants to know the end.

" They're my best friends' bodyguards. They wanted to capture me because I ran away from the house!" I answered honestly. There has nothing to hide.

" Your friends? Why would you -"

" To drug me, OK? They told me that we would hang out tonight. I thought it would be the usual sleepover like we always do. But yesterday, they bought drugs. Wanted to apply to myself first to see if there have any side effects. I learned about it and ran away!"

I felt pressured. I know nobody will believe me. Which friends do drugs at this age? I know he won't trust me either. Tsk.

" Did you take any -?"

" Fck No. I hate this. I promised Dad that I will be a good girl. I will never take drugs, do tattoos, or something which my Dad will hate!" I yelled. This man isn't trying to understand my words.

Why would I run away if I needed to do drugs? Crazy!

" OK! Take some rest. Your room is with Madam Vina! She will help you take a bath and dress up. Come downstairs after getting ready!"

Does he believe me? He isn't going to criticize me and try to think something weird about me right? I hope he doesn't. I don't want people talking something shits about me. I am scared of people's glances which never felt better.

" Master is worried about you, Little Lady! Don't worry. He will investigate this matter as soon as possible. You will be fine!"

Madam Vina, She has a good name. I nodded with silent sadness. Hopefully, I wish he wouldn't let my mother know. Nothing is scarier and heartbreaking than watching my mother believe another person, not me. She will place a few slaps on my face if she learns about it.

......

Madam Vina let me wear a beautiful dress. I don't know how the dress fitted well but I love it. The purple color brightens my mood.

However, When she places the heels in front of me. I realized I can't wear it. My soles are still wounded.

" Auntie! I can't walk properly. Can I get a pair of slippers?" I requested.

In this luxurious house, everything about me looks funnier. Maybe I do look like an idiot who doesn't suit here.

But unlikely, It feels nothing special. Like a big house, lonely porch, abandoned fallen afternoon. I love people. People around the house, their chattering around the house, make the house lively.

The community, I grew up in, was like that. From Grandparents to kids, They were happy around us. There had no jealousy. Like a family where they would share everything whatever they could afford. In the morning, I walked up with Grandpa's calling for bringing the fresh veggies from our neighbor's field. Another grandma would bring fresh milk or cheese.

I loved it. But here, I don't know anyone. Even I don't recognize my mother anymore.

" Why are you wearing slippers?"

I looked at Vasquez, my soon-to-be stepfather who is scanning me. Damn! Why am I feeling like I will have to live under the control of this bloody cold man?

" Little Lady's feet aren't healed yet. She can't wear shoes now!" Vina saved me by explaining.

" OK! Sit down. "

I silently sit a little far away from him. His eyes followed me, just can feel it. Seems like he didn't actually like it. I can see the annoyed frown on his face. Or he doesn't like me. Is he thinking of me as a burden already?

" Well! Uncle!" I feel weird whenever I call him Uncle. He will be probably, 26 or 27 years old. That's crazy but I have nothing to do.

" Hmm?" He hummed indifferently.

" Don't worry about me after marrying my auntie. I am planning to move out. So I won't disturb your family."

I thought he would just stay silent shrugging. But his eyes darkened as if I said something taboo and I made a mistake.

" Why would you move out? Also, I have already promised your auntie that you would live here. I don't care what you want. But you can't live without my permission!"

" What? That's ridiculous. You can't just control me?"

" There have no such a thing as controlling. You have to finish your graduation to move out. I need a bachelor's degree!"

" Wow. You are talking like you are my real father or what. "

" I never said I can't be. Don't do anything reckless and concentrate on your study. Don't forget, I am your legal guardian now!"

I hate his supremacy over my life. Fck you!

" You are yet to be my guardian. Mr. Vasquez! I hate you!"

Oops! Screw me! Why did I say that? Ughh!!

I tried to glance at him but his eyes are on me, literally glaring at me deadly. I should dig my grave.

" Madam Vina!"

" Yes? Young Master!"

" Bring the file that I gave you in the morning!"

" Yes! Young Master!"

What files? Did he buy me like Mafia buying someone? Hell no. Mr. You are going to marry my mother not buying me! Please God save me.

" Here. Read them!"

I shut my eyes when he threw the files in front of me.

" What is it?"

" Just read!"

Hump! Son of bubblegum! Why are you showing your audacity on me?

I open the file with shaky hands. He is stupid CEO with overbearing Power. I hate him.

" Admission requirement papers? For me!"

" Yes."

Wow. I know my face is trying to explode with happiness. But my eyes stuck onto another paper.

" What the hell? Did she sign it? She gave all the rights to you to be my guardian?"

Mom! How could you give your daughter to another man? How can you be sure that you won't get divorced?

I am unwanted! Seems like, nobody wants me.

I want to cry. How could she? All of those years, I am the one who secretly does part-time jobs to provide my tuition fees and my food. She never paid a single penny for me. But she holds the right to be my guardian.

She can be worst yet she is my mother. I didn't want to leave her soon. But now I am regretting it. How could she -?

I didn't know when I started crying. My heart hurts seeing that I am not wanted anymore. She doesn't love me truly.

But I burst into tears when Madam Vina wiped my face.

" She abandoned me. She doesn't want me anymore!" I wailed but soon I flushed when he said something.

" Idiot! She didn't abandon you but she made me your real guardian to provide your tuition fee and other necessary. Read properly before start crying. Silly!"

It is real. The fck! I thought she has disowned me. Huh! What an embarrassment!

" I am not silly. It's the same. Hump!"

" Just accept that you have no brain."

" Hey! Who are you to say me this?"

" Your legal Guardian!"

Hell. He grinned proudly as if he has owned a lottery. What a life I got!!

" Now! Get ready before your Aunt know that you almost died!"

" OK!" I pout, concentrating on the breakfast. Wow. The food is heavenly. I never got to eat such delicious food.

" Auntie! You are a great cook!" I said smiling brightly. Food is my life.

" Thank you! Do you need more?"

"No. I am stuffed. I can't eat more!"

She smiled genuinely before holding the Juice in front of me...

" You are so skinny. You should eat more." She said.

" Haha! I will try!" Is it real? I don't know why I feel like these people are warm. Auntie Vina reminds me of a grandma who always brought breakfast for me whenever my mom was away from home.

This grumpy, aloof Vazquez is like a Lion, his every single word is calculative yet he doesn't forget to insult me with a poker face. But he should have looked like a squirrel.

However, Why do I start liking them? They look like a real family.