Love Hate Relationship With My Stepbrother

Alice's pov

I was dumbfounded when I saw the shining diamond ring on mum's finger. I was expecting this from her at some point, but it still feel sudden.

I guess she read my expression as panic.

"I know this might feel strange dear, I just want you to know, if you aren't ready for Elliott to be a part of our live he can wait." seeing as her excitement turned into worry, I couldn't help but feel guilty.

I know mum would do anything to make me happy. That, I'm extremely grateful for. The fact that she is still willing to put me first over her happiness again, gave me the assurance I need. No one out there can take my place from my mum's heart

" No mum, I'm so happy for you. This..." I pointed at the rock on her finger "is every girl dream."

******

The flight to New York was short. As I kept reciting what I would say to my soon to be brother on getting to their place. Mum said she would like for us to bond before we become a real family, I want nothing less that that.

Ever since I was little I always wanted a sibling. It's finally happening, and I'm thrilled.

On getting to their home it's nothing like I expected. Mom said it was a litt house on the streets but the compound is as big as the whole street back in London. Let's not just diverge to how the garden looks like. I would say it's heaven. The beautiful array of well trimmed flowers, the way the sun cast a glow on them is so beautiful.

"Wow" I whispered to myself as I gawked.

" I know right, Elliott always says his garden would give me more artistic inspiration, I guess he was right."

I was still ogling when I saw the mansion.

The place screamed old money, no doubt my mum has nice taste.

Her first husband, my dad was a wealthy entrepreneur, while her soon to be husband is from old money. Me on the other hand, haven't had a relationship that lasted up to two month. I need to start taking lessons from her.

A woman in her mid forties, who introduced herself as Hilda, and escorted us in. Their house could pass as a museum. The wooden furnitures matches, the antiques, and frames on the wall.

Unlike normal families that have their pictures on the wall these people keep expensive artistic works on the wall.

Eliott walked up to my mum, and gave her a chaste peck on the lips before announcing " it's nice to have you both here." he took my mum's hand in his as he kept asking about our flight.

I was still surveying the area when my eyes stumbled on him. His black wavy hair wasn't tamed, his sharp jaw could slice an ice, his grey eyes is dark.

He looks at me like he could see through my skin.

His black top fit perfectly on his body I could see his muscle bulging. He's so handsome and he would pass for something that could be presented at this museum too.

I was staring, I don't know how not to. He's a work of art.

All the girls must have the hots for him.

He walked down the stairs and his dad introduced him to my mum "Dear, meet Brian my son. Brian, Aurora my fiancée.." he used his hand to gesture between them"and her daughter Alice." He hugged my mum " nice meeting you Aurora."

He walked toward me, I thought he was also going to hug me, I reached out to him just for him to walk past me to the door. Mum and Elliott didn't notice it, and I could have sworn that he did it intentionally.

Few minutes later, Brian walked in.

I, Elliott and mum were discussing about school, why I choose art, and how it's being my dream to express my ideas through images to people."

On seeing Brian, all the liquid in my mouth got dried. I guess it's the way he carried himself effortlessly with pride, or the way his hair is always a mess, or his jaw, his muscles, his eyes, that eyes that definitely spoke volume.

I still had no words to say, but there I was gawking at my soon to be brother. He wasn't what I expected.

Elliot called out to him and he joined us in the living room.

Mum looked at Brian lovingly.

"Your dad says you are studying business."

"Yes, I'm in my finals" he took a seat opposite me.

"At 22 that's pretty fast. it shows you've been putting in lots of effort." Mum said, and then she felt the need to drag me into their conversation.

" Alice here is studying art she is in her second year."

He glanced at me.

"Yeah I know, Dad said she would be resuming at Vilemort next week. Arrangements have been made."

Mum smiled, as she leaned in on Elliott "your father description of you is so true. You speak so well."

He smiled, I know Brian isn't happy to have us here. It's the way he behaves, or the fake smile he gives.

Not everyone could see it, but I know that this boy is putting on a charade. I was still staring at him, to placate my ego I told myself I was studying him.

Mom and Elliott excused themselves, and I was left with my soon to be brother, who was glued to his phone. I didn't know why I felt the need to fill the air, it was just so weird.

"Thanks for making arrangements on my behalf"

His eyes was now on me, shiver ran down my spine, and my heart rate increased. I am not one that crave attention I guess that's why.

Since he kept staring at me like he didn't understand what I was thanking him for I inputted.

"for the arrangement you mad...e"

He stood up, and headed to the stairs. Then it got dawn on me. He understood me just fine.

I woke up to a text from mum.

"Elliot and I decided to take a trip to the Bahamas (Isn't he such a sweetheart). Brian would help you settle-in on Monday. Much love from mum😘"

I groaned as I slipped off from bed, took a long shower and put on a short flowery dress. My dark hair was tied in a messy bun as I headed downstairs.

I heard Brian's rich deep voice coming from a room as I got to the end of the stairs.

Curiosity won, and I followed the sound of his voice. He was in an office, the door is slightly ajar. I peeped inside using the door as a shield.

I was greeted with his gorgeous face, and well sculptured abs. He was shirtless with his back turned to me. Quickly, I torn my gaze as I stared at the ornaments in the room.

The authority in his voice, and his strides. Photographers would kill to have him model, and that's a fact.

His hair is disheveled either because it hasn't been trimmed, or cause of how he constantly run his hand through them.

My gazed returned to the room. A mahogany desk and chair at the center, a long black leather sofa at the side, array of books on the shelve the same color as the table opposite the sofa. The paintings on the wall give the place a little bit of life.

The grey color of the wall gives it out that this office belongs to him. It is the same color of his personality, and his eyes.

"Don't you dare. I'll kick you out, just as I brought you in into the business deal, you'll be dammed to think pleading would give you time." The threat in his voice disrupted my sightseeing as my focus was back on him.

He clenched his jaw "Kyle would come for the key tomorrow, start evacuating. I want you out."

He ended the call, and looked towards the door, then our eyes clashed. His face soften for a bit then hardened all over again. Even though my subconscious told me to walk away I couldn't bring my leg to move.

I was glued there staring at those grey eyes like he's some Greek god that I've chosen to worship religiously.

I struggled to find the right word to explain what I was doing spying on him. He started walking towards me without breaking eye contact.

As he got closer to the door my heart started doing 360 summersault in my rib cage. With each footstep it felt my heart would explode. I couldn't help but swallow

He got to the door pushed my head back with his index finger, and closed it.

I stood there for a second before I regained my senses.

I wall shamelessly to the kitchen to fix breakfast, put on my Favourite rom com series.

At interval I found myself looking towards his office, wondering whether he would eat, or not. I couldn't help but check the time repeatedly.

At 11:32 I heard the door open, I glued my eyes back to the TV. I still haven't recovered from whatever it is that happened in his room, and I'm not ready to embarrass myself further.

I couldn't concentrate on the movie knowing fully well that he's a few distance from me. For every utensils sound from the kitchen my ear stood erect.

He sat in the dinning to eat his sandwich, and I kept stealing glances at him as he ate his meal.

After eating, he stood up, and headed upstairs. I was still trying to concentrate on the movie when he came back took his key, and went out.

I got bored after binge watching movies, and decided to take a stroll. The weather is nice, and the breeze is soothing.

I remembered seeing a grocery shop around on my way to the mansion the day I, and mum landed at New York.

So I made my way there, it's always been a tradition of mine not to go to a new place empty handed. Which was why I bought a new pair of tie for Elliot. I couldn't get anything for Brian, because at the time I knew little about him.

Not that I know him well now, but if I'm to get him something I would definitely go with a white round neck, or blue. Something colorful. I think he has only black, as that's the only thing I've seen him wear ever since I came to this house.

On getting to the grocery shop I picked out everything I think I'll need to bake a cookie and went to the cashier.

She is a woman in her 60s with a few strand of white hair staining her golden brown hair which is styled like Whitney Houston. Her pocket glass is fixed as she reads a fashion magazine.

I placed everything I picked on the counter, she smiled at me.

"What a georgeous young lady we have here." She said as she put the magazine on the counter.

"Thank you, you look radiant yourself" I said smiling.

"Uh uh, don't flatter me, old age comes with a lot of wrinkles." She started sorting out my order.

She reminded me of my grandma from my mum's side, and how she'll say she isn't really beautiful so we all can keep showering her with compliments.

"I'm Alice.." she was done sorting so I collected the grocery bag "and I think you are really pretty, and stylish." I couldn't see her full outfit, but her red lipstick, and Jwelries gave her out. She is really putting effort.

"I'm Greta, I like you, you have eyes for good things ."

Like I said, exactly like my grandma.

"I would advice you get one of this" she pointed to the magazine on the counter "you know to understand your prospect." She winked and picked up the magazine.

She indulged me on what she was reading, I was mistaken. It wasn't fashion, It was some magazine about men and their personality.

You might be wondering while I'm listening attentively to what she is saying. It's because I'm waiting patiently for her to get to Brian's personality.

He's really weird, quiet, and I've not really met anyone like him. He acts way older than his age and barely reply when spoken to.

She got to the part that I've been expecting

"Broody, authoritative, smart-they are always distant, but mature. They don't know the right way to express their feelings. They might come off too harsh anytime they are losing control over their mind." She continue reading but I couldn't help but wonder.

Is he losing control over his mind?

How long has he been this mature?

I'm so intrigued by Brian. I'm always so curious about people, but with Brian it's pretty different.

I know his eyes has a story, one I don't think he'll share willingly, but there is no harm in being Persistent.

"I'm guessing your dad accompanied you to college on your first day?" I asked as he speed down the road.

I've been complaining about his driving habit ever since I entered his car, but it's to not avail. The stuck up man didn't even bother to look at me.

I've gotten to the conclusion that he's just like this. A brooder, and someone needs to fill the silence. Which is where I come in.

"You know when I started college in London it wasn't easy. Mum went to Hills college, grand ma, Glen went there too and even great grand ma, Kate . Literally every female from my mum's side attended Hills college." I paused to see if he is following.

This time I could read his expression. It's definitely irritation but I didn't mind, I continued talking anyway. The point is he's listening.

" I had to live up to every one's expectation. One wrong move and they would start making remarks like, 'we expected better from you', 'your mum was once here', 'she was well behaved'." I rolled my eyes "so imagine my joy when I found out we were moving."

"I made cookies for my soon to be roommates." I said as I brought out a container "this is for you" I stretch to put it on the backseat. He still didn't say anything.

"you know thank you would go a long way right?" This time around he glared at me. I took that as my cue to shut my mouth up.

The remaining ride to school was silent, instead of irritating him. Obviously, I was. I decided to look at the beautiful scenery outside the window.

Vilemort is located on an island. It's surounded by beautiful trees, flowers and a beach. There are few locals on this island. We passed by their identical houses. I couldn't help but feel jealous. They wake up every single day to this beautiful scenery, the sound of birds, and the beautiful sky.

Vilemort is way different from hills. It's bigger. The land encompasses wider width, length, and breath. It's like you are in a state, inside a state.

I'm very sure every one has a ride in this school, because the distance from the main gate to the administrative office took us seven minutes, even though Brian drives like a maniac.

It's nice seeing him say more than one word , and I would have love to keep the memory in a corner of my heart if he wasn't dishing out orders to the administrative staff.

As soon as he was done he made his way to the door. He looked back, saw me seated on the chair, shot me daggers with his eyes as he asked "you are coming or what?"

I know he's intimidating especially when he's all grumpy, but I refused to Let it show. I breathed in, picked my purse, and waved administrative assistant.

Who gave me an apologetic smile knowing fully well that Brian is a lot to deal with.

The ride was quiet till he got to my dorm "Get out."

I should have been shocked but I wasn't. "Are you always this grumpy?, it was nice riding with you too." I said as I got down.

I swear he could have breathed down fire or lasered me with his eyes with the way he looked at me.

I got to my room, opened the door with my card. The place is big enough to house six people without us having issues with movement, but based on what I heard this dorm is housing three people.

It has three sofa and a wide reading table that has been converted to a dining table.

"She's here" I heard a girl scream from her room, and two girls came out from their respective rooms at almost the same time.

The more bubbly one that I'm guessing screamed is petite, she has golden brown hair, she is the cute type of pretty with her long lashes, pink cheeks, and a lot of energy. She rushed up to help with my bags.

"I'm Leah, you smell so nice, and I love your dress, and your color choice." She clapped her hands. "you look so beautiful." She placed her both hand on her chest.

" lest I forget how where you able to book this room? I'm very sure Jane dad pulled strings to make sure we were just two even though she keeps denying it."

" I've told you he didn't do anything ." Jane said as she approached us.

Jane has a black long hair with purple stripes, she is tall, and have ocean blue eyes, the kind that feels like home.

"Leah, let her breath you are suffocating her with all your questions." She added.

"No" Leah said firmly as she looked at me "I'm not suffocating you now am I?"

"She won't want to hurt your feelings if you are, so let her settle in first."

"Hi I'm Jane." She stretched her hand towards me.

I took it and smile "I'm Alice"

Leah side hugged me "I'm Leah, and it's nice to meet you, I hope you speak well cause I can't house another person with Jane's personality."

Jane showed me to my room, I could still hear the both of them bickering about god knows what.

I lost track of time as I started arranging my room. A soft knock brought me out of my daze

"We are going for a party by 11:00, we thought it would be bad for us to leave you in on your first day with us. So we were wondering if you could come with us." Jane said

Leah stretched her two hands towards my face "before you say anything, we've though about cancelling, but Jane already told Zillion we were coming. If we cancel, that means he's going to come here, and they would start playing love right under our roof. Trust me it's not a sight you'll love to see."

Jane smiled sheepishly, and dragged Leah back to her side.

They were both waiting looking at me as if their fate is In their hands. Other than the fact that I loved that they thought of me. I've never really been invited to a party before.

Only if you want to count the gala, book club meeting, and gallery opening I've been invited to because of my mom's name.

"Yes I would love to come with you girls" I couldn't help but smile

"She is so cute," Leah gushed. "Didn't I tell you she would agree to come" She said as she sat on my bed, looking over her shoulder at Jane.

"So, we leave by 10:30, if it's okay with you." Jane added, walking towards my closet.

"Yeah sure." I beamed, not able to contain my excitement.

I have a feeling Vilemort is a good decision after all.