My Ruthless Stepbrother

The beautiful Anya smiles and blushes. "Irryn, can you tell me where Zack is?"

She's from the College of Nursing. One of the top students comes from the medicine department. She has short curly hair that reaches only up to her shoulder top, is very suitable, and looks so fashionable.

She has a skinny body, just like mine, but the only thing that differentiates me from her is that I ain't as tall as she is, maybe because of our 3-year age gap. She is three years older than I am. Another thing, she isn't as pale as I am, doesn't make her any less beautiful. She's still as beautiful as ever, and I wouldn't wonder why my stepbrother Zack adores her from head to toe and the other guys on the campus.

Anya has a light touch of makeup on her face, and it suits her so well. She looks even lovelier when her cheeks blush, and that puts an emphasis on her petty makeup. It's very unlikely to me because I don't do makeup since I am still a kid who is just starting to be a teenager. I'm just in Senior High School, so I don't feel the need to put it on.

"There." I pointed out the Fashion Designing Department

She looks at the building, and then then her eyes are back at me. "In a Fashion Designing building? What would he do there?"

I shrugged my shoulder. "I don't know, Anya."

I am in my 12th grade as a senior high schooler at St. Alonzo University, which offers both Junior and Senior High school programs to college courses; that's why even if I'm still in senior high, we get to be able to go to the college buildings.

"Can you go with me and help me find where your stepbrother is?"

I hesitated this time. Rocio Zackarius Lamont or simply Zack wouldn't want to see me that's why I always try to avoid crossing paths with him, especially when we are here at the school. He has already ruthlessly warned me not always to explore the grounds of the campus and instead just stay where I should belong--in the classroom. I should know my place. He gets annoyed every time he sees me.

"Uhm, Anya, I can't-"

"Please, Irryn?"

"But, Anya-"

"Please?" She uses her puppy eyes to persuade me until I say yes.

I breathed deeply before finally giving up. As if I have a choice! If I knew, she wouldn't stop until she successfully made me agree. "Fine."

"Thank you, my future sis!" She was happy and overwhelmed that she hugged me-a sisterly kind of gentle hug.

I smiled in silent sadness deep inside. I felt glad that she was joyful, but I was secretly sad because although she and my stepbrother were not yet officially in a relationship, she was already considering me her future sister.

It's so obvious how she likes and loves my stepbrother, who, I guess, has never shown her any ruthlessness or cruelty since he always shows her kindness-very opposite of the bad behavior he is showing to me every day.

We started walking to the Fashion Designing Department.

"Uhm, can't you just call or text him, Anya?" I asked in the middle of our walk.

"Well, I called him many times earlier, Ryn, but I couldn't reach him. It seems like his phone was turned off all this time. He's not also responding to my text messages, and this is why I decided to see him instead personally. The truth is, we have to talk right now because I have some important matter to tell him..."

I looked at her straightly. I couldn't contain the fear that was starting to rise in my heart. "What are you going to tell him, Anya?"

I could attest she was blushing all over again. "I am planning to make our relationship finally official from this day on."

It seemed like my world had come crashing down since I'd finally heard from her about things I'd been afraid to hear for about a long time. I was very jealous and insecure of her!

For almost half a year, Zack has been pursuing Anya, and he always has been so patient with his love for her. I've witnessed his adoration for her since months ago. The likeness in his eyes every time he's staring at her. And now, the time has finally come for their relationship to become an official one. They're gonna be a couple.

Anya, excited, continued walking and I shrugged my shoulders as I followed her. I did my best to contain my tears and not fall because I didn't want her to know that I was actually affected and miserable and that within the day she may become my stepbrother's girlfriend.

"I opened this up just to you as of the moment, Ryn, so stay quiet about it for a while, okay? Unless Zack and I have talked and agreed to make us public."

I couldn't do anything but just nod.

Describing Anya, she is tall. As tall as Zack's height. It may be because of their similarities in age. They're both third years in college, but she's taking a Nursing course while he's in Engineering. They're both top students from their respective departments making almost everybody admire them. They're really match-made in heaven.

There are times I get to be so insecure with women who are already fully grown up and very beautiful because of the curves of their bodies that scream perfection. They are an almost complete package, and one of them is, of course, Anya. Why I wasn't born their age? I am so wishing I could also grow up immediately and look as wonderful as Anya!

"You know, I really like Zack, Irryn. He's very sweet and caring..." Anya dearly affirmed.

Yes, I am aware of it. I noticed Zack's sweet actions when he was bringing Anya into our home. He'd even introduced her to our family, and he was overjoyed to be able to do so in front of our parents.

When I happen to cross paths with them here at our school, I can always tell how much he cares for her.

Those are the things that my stepbrother deprived me of. If he's so sweet to this girl, he's nasty and cruel to me. I'm not sure why, but he's never treated me like his sister since he first laid eyes on me and brought me into his life. Unlike his biological brother and sister, the two treat me as if I were their real sibling. Zack is simply strange and tough on me. Every time we meet paths, whether at home or school, he seems to feel irritated and as if I ruined his day. He's always making me feel like my existence in this world is the most critical error ever made in history.

"So, do you ship me for your brother?" Anya grinned.

I faked a smile and nodded. "Of course! You two are suitable for each other."

"Really? Thank you, my sister!"

I glanced at her when we were finally inside the building of the Fashion Designing Department.

She is not only attractive, but she is also fashionable with her daily uniform and shining black shoes combined with a branded bag on her side shoulder. Unlike my style, I'm dressed in a high school uniform, tie, black shoes, and white socks, complemented with a plain white sling bag.

"Hi, Anya!"

She has been greeted by people even in this department. She's so well-known and appreciated by so many.

She smiled and waved like a lovely beauty queen at each one of them. "Hi."

I'm sure she's gotten some admiring glances, but I've always gotten raised eyebrows. They appear to wonder how a high schooler may roam freely around their building. I'm beginning to feel degraded and embarrassed.

"Hi, little pretty girl!"

I looked at the college boys who were grinning as they called me 'pretty'.

"What's your name, beautiful girl?"

Anya shares comfortable laughter with these boys and it seems she could really easily get along with anyone. She appears to be on good terms even with people she doesn't really entirely know.

"Hey, silly guys! This is my sister and her name's Irryn."

"Whoa! Really? You actually have a sister, Anya?" They were quite amused.

"Yes! But I won't let you, guys, bug her. She's still so young! Anyway, have you seen Zack?"

One of the guys wondered, "Zack who?"

"Zack Lamont of the Engineering department! My suitor!"

"Oh, yes that Zack. We've seen him entering that room in the corner since earlier." They pointed to the last room in the corner.

She smiled at them in thankfulness."Thanks!"

No wonder why Zack is head over heels for this girl. She has not only a good face but she is also cool and friendly. A people person type.

As we get closer to the room where Zack is, I notice that my heart is beating really strangely, and I can't figure out why. A bad thing is bound to happen today. Perhaps I finally understood why I felt such dread. Given that he is already in a committed relationship, I must face the reality of letting him go.

My stepbrother is the little secret I keep in my young heart. I have romantic feelings for him. I have no idea when it began, how it happened, or why I adore him. He has always been extremely arrogant to me. He makes it clear that he despises the idea of having me as a stepsister and is perpetually angered by my presence. My betraying heart, however, can't help but solely have feelings for him. Instead of being disheartened by the depths of despair, he is showing me, and I plunged blindly into the madness of loving someone like him.

"Zack? What are you doing?!"

When I understood that Anya and I had located the room where we could see Zack, my eyes immediately went in that direction and I heard her voice grow louder. When I caught him in the act of cheating on Anya with some random chick, I couldn't believe it! They were even in the act of kissing and flirting!

Just a while ago, I was self-pitying because of the hopeless love I felt for him, and I wasn't able to notice we were already in front of the room.

Zack pushed away the girl he was with, and the two of them ceased what they were doing.

"Anya, let me explain..." He was so sorry and regretful when he spoke to her.

"Explain?" When Anya approached him, she slapped him so hard in the face that I almost shut my eyes. "What exactly are you going to explain, huh? Already you've been caught red-handed! You are obviously being unfaithful to me!"

"No." Zack denied, miserable and begging. "No, Anya, please listen to me."

"There's nothing we can possibly discuss! I can't stand you because you're a cheating beast." To dry her eyes, Anya wiped away her tears. "You've made me look like such an idiot, and for that I hate you. Because of your cruel deception, I almost believed that you loved me from the beginning."

"Anya!"

Anya ran, without even seeing that she had clobbered me in the shoulder. She was sobbing uncontrollably. While chasing after Anya, Zack didn't even see that he had bumped into me, too.

"Anya!"

I followed them.

The second floor's quietness was particularly loud. There was peace and calm in each of the empty classrooms. Zack extended his hand to Anya and took a comforting hold of her arm.

"Wait, Anya! Please!" He was starting to cry for her.

Instead of listening to him, Anya slapped him across the face again. In astonishment at what I was seeing, I covered my mouth with my palm. He stopped chasing her after that.

He was lost and frustrated, but when he finally noticed me, his face darkened. Every time he looks at me, he becomes darker than normal. I'm becoming frightened. The most terrifying aspect of him is when he becomes enraged and loses control. I noticed how his jaw tensed and his hands formed fists.

His eyes are so menacing they might easily kill me. There's so much rage in his heart right now. As soon as he comes close to me, I know I'm completely doomed!

With a heart beating so fast, I shook my head at him. "Zack..."

"This is all your fault, Irryn!" His voice was low but it was screaming danger.

I felt my legs turn to jelly. I'm so afraid of him.

I took a step back as he approached me. He took another step forward and savagely gripped my arm without mercy. I felt myself being drawn inexorably close to him.

"Wow, you really thought these out! You have accomplished your goal of separating me from Anya. How do you feel right now? Do you feel good?" He asked me the question with a nasty tone and clear animosity in his voice.

I cried and shook my head. "Zack, no. Believe me, I didn't know that-"

"Liar!" he screamed so hard that I felt it echoed throughout the whole building.

In shock, I slammed my eyes shut. The hallways are dark, and the doors to the empty classrooms are locked. There are no other people on this floor, and I don't know whether to be relieved or terrified by that fact. If he were to do something awful to me, I would have no one to turn to for help.

"I'm obviously miserable and in a great deal of pain. Are you satisfied now? Are you happy, my beloved stepsister?"

"No way, Zack. No." I shivered, pleading with him not to hurt me.

"I'm not going to let you be generally happy! I'm not going to let this opportunity pass me by! I'm not going to let you get away with ruining my life! If I'm unhappy, you should be wretched in my hands!"

He forcefully released me, but he eyed me with lust from head to toe.

I've never felt so scared in my entire life! Oh, please! "Zack-"

I was going to take a step back to flee, but he wouldn't let me. He grabbed my arm again and took me into an open and undisturbed area.

"What are going to do, Zack? Please don't hurt me!"

My sobs and pleading were in vain because he didn't hear me. He shoved me inside a secluded and gloomy comfort room. I managed to keep my hand on the sink or else I'd tumble to the floor.

When he shut the comfort room's door, I became increasingly anxious.

"What are you doing, Zack? Please, please, Zack! Stop right now!"

He pretended that he hadn't heard anything. He got so close to me that he smirked evilly. His eyes were filled with contempt.

"Zack, don't! Ah!" I shrieked even louder when one strong move, he was able to carry me and put me to sit into the sink.

"Is this what you're looking for? Making me unhappy means making you rather more miserable!"

He sucked my lips furiously. He attacked me so hard and cruelly that I couldn't breathe and I could already taste bitter blood gushing from my smashed lips. He was ripping on my lips like there was no tomorrow!

"Zack, no! Please, stop! Don't do this, please! I am begging you, Zack!" I pleaded, but he seemed deaf and couldn't hear me.

I tried to push him by punching him in his chest, but he was a hundred times stronger than I am! I'm so frail that I couldn't compete with his overwhelming strength! He is as tough as a stone heart.

I couldn't help but breathe heavily as his lips went down my neck. He was hot, and my inexperienced body was reacting to it. His hands caressed the sore spots on my body. He stroked my breasts with one hand and my legs with the other, dragging my skirt up.

"No! Stop!" I'm constantly pleading and sobbing. For the time being, these are my only options for persuading him to stop what he is doing to me!

I was crying as I stared at our reflection in the life-sized mirror. We're both dressed in our school uniforms. He is in the center of my thighs. My legs are spread and he is kissing me hard and punishingly.

I didn't know what else to do but cry. He's obviously going to violate me!

"IRRYN, isn't this your last week of school and vacation nearly approaching?"

I nodded at my mother's question as I entered our yard and met her on our small terrace.

"Yes, mom," I politely answered after sitting in the chair with my backpack removed.

I just came home from school as classes had been done.

What mom said was true. It is now Wednesday in the last week of March and we have two days left to go to school before summer vacation.

"My dear, we're going to General Santos City next week for a vacation."

"Really, mom?" I exclaimed, full of enthusiasm and excitement, "Are we going to Gensan for a vacation?"

Mom smiled. "Yes, dear but..."

Her next words sounded hesitant. She appeared to have something to say or confess to me, but she was doubtful.

"But what, mom?"

"We will be staying there for good and not be returning in this house anymore."

I was taken aback. "Huh? Why, mother?"

"I have something to tell you..."

I was nervous... but I was ready to listen.

"I am listejning, mom."

"It's been three years since your father passed away, Ryn..." She was treading cautiously and gently as she introduced a sensitive topic.

I nodded slowly. "Yes, mom."

"And you knew how much I missed him when he left, didn't you? Because I love your father, Irryn..." Her voice almost broke into tears.

I was still intrigued. When we talked about dad, I couldn't help but feel sad for her because she was so emotional over him.

"I know that."

"Dear, after three years of suffering and mourning, isn't it time for us to make a change in our lives? I'm not saying we'll ever forget your father. But I believe we have to go on and move forward with our lives..."

"Mom, I've accepted it for quite some time. What I'm concerned about is you and how you feel for the past years since he left us."

"I accepted it too, my dear. Now that I know you have accepted, you probably won't be upset when I tell you that..."

"That what, mom?"

She couldn't seem the right words to say.

"Mom, please tell me directly what you want to say. Get straight to the point and please don't torture me!"

"Ah, sweetheart, the truth is that I intend to remarry..."

I was caught off guard and did not immediately respond. I knew my mother had something to say because of her actions, but I had no idea it was about her getting married again.

She quickly smoothed herself out and said, "Ah, that is if it's alright with you, Ryn, and if you approve it, but if you don't want me to get married again, then I'll accept your decision, my lovely daughter."

I quickly shook my head and held her hand tenderly. "I'm just shocked, mom, but I didn't say that I won't let you."

She stared at me for a long moment. "You mean-"

I cheerfully smiled and nodded. "If that's what makes you happy, why would I even stop you? After all, you've been the best mother to me ever even after dad was gone."

That is true. My mother never abandoned me, even after my father died. Despite her grief and the agony of losing a loved one, mom made me feel that even if she didn't have my father, she would still love and support me. Despite her loneliness, she never made me feel alone.

"Irryn my dear..." She was in tears of joy.

I nodded as I smiled, giving her my wholehearted approval. "It's time for you to be happy again, mom, and I will never deprive you of the happiness of being in love for the second time around."

If remarrying makes her happy, I will never argue against it. After all, mom deserves to be happy again after the sadness of losing my father while still being a wonderful mother to me and doing all of her responsibilities to ensure we are both well.

"My only condition is, tell me now who you intend to marry, mom. Where did you meet him, where did you first meet him, where is he working, and what kind of person he is? I want to make sure that this lucky man is a good person and he's worthy of your love."

Mom affirmed with a smile and a nod. "Don't worry, dear. I'm sure Alanson is a good person..."

"Alanson's his name?"

"Yes, Irryn. Alanson Ciar Lamont. He is also a widower with children from his deceased wife."

As the name sounds, I could conclude that the man may have a high social status.

"Last year, I met him for the first time in the textile factory in Ryn. It was the first time I had ever seen him, and the first time Alanson and I had met..."

I nodded to mom, listening well to her story and wanting her to continue.

She's a tailor. One of the best seamstresses here at a branch of a garment factory in our barrio-Sta. Cruz.

"From that day on, we got to get along with each other so well that we both realized we fell in love. I could always see him and he would always want to make any move to talk to me and be with me."

I chuckled. "So, your workplace was your meeting and at the same time your dating place, huh?"

She grinned, blooming and overwhelmed by the love she was getting from her boyfriend and by the acceptance of her daughter to her newfound relationship. "Exactly. When I visited the factory branch in the city, he was always there to receive export orders for his own clothing business."

Thus, my prediction was right. That the man she has her eye on right now has a good social standing. I have never had any issue with a wealthy person and I'm not even interested in their wealth. What makes me worry is the thought that we have a different life status from them. We only make a living from mom's small income in sewing and that's just enough to finance my public secondary school education and our daily living expenses.

I don't want to pass judgment because I haven't met this family yet, but I can't help but worry that our social and economic differences will be a huge obstacle in the relationship between Mom and Alanson.

"Forgive me, Irryn, if I did not tell you right away."

"I understand, mom," I answered immediately. I'm not mad or anything.

I understood that she was just afraid that I might get mad so she couldn't tell me about it right away. She thought I couldn't accept it and wouldn't let her love another man after my late father. I knew that she would always consider what I feel about her choices and decisions.

Being a kind mother is another reason I have why I also want her to be happy even if it means having her marry another man in her life.

"I admit that Alanson is somehow rich, my dear. He has three different big businesses but my love for him hasn't anything to do with his wealth, businesses, or properties. I want to be with him because I always care about you. I want someone who can help me take good care of you more and provide for your needs, especially two years from now when you are about to attend college."

"Oh, mom!" I hugged my mother. How she loves me so that even if she decides for her happiness, she still thinks of me. "Don't worry about me. I'll be alright. I'll be in grade 11 this coming June and I can manage myself. All you have to worry about is yourself, mom. Are you really sure of this new love of yours and you promise you will be happy with Alanson, mom? "

She nodded. "Yes, dear. I'm sure that I love Alanson and he loves me too. It's with him that I have found love after the love your late father gave me."

I couldn't deny how beautiful my mother is. She has the same pale skin tone as mine, and even in her early forties, there are still some men out there trying to hit her after my father passed away, but no one among them ever looked her in the eyes the way she looked at my father before. Alanson is blessed to be one of the million suitors to whom she has recommitted her love. He must be exceptionally lucky.

"You mentioned that they somehow have a high status in Alta Sociedad. My only concern is, maybe, his family won't easily accept us because our poor living is way different from theirs?"

"Don't worry, honey." My mother gave my hand a comforting squeeze, assuring me that my fears would never come true. "Alanson has a good heart. His children must be just like him. If he solely cared about money, he never would have paid any attention to me. If he is simply concerned about money, he will not make the effort to learn more about me and pursue a relationship with me."

I nodded. Mom had a point. If Alanson exclusively dates women who are at the same social level as them, he would never lay eyes on her.

My last two days of school were over and as discussed, the next week after it, my mom and I went to General Santos City.

After we arrived at the bus terminal, there was immediately a red car that came to fetch us.

The car's driver enquired, "Are you Fidelia Rosabelle and Irryn Rosabell?"

Maybe he is Alanson's family's designated driver. He looks elderly enough to have served the family for a long time.

Mom nodded. "Yes, we are."

"Good day to you, both. I am Pako, the family driver of sir Alanson Lamont. I have been tasked to fetch you today to drive you to sir Alanson's resort. Let's go and they're waiting for you two."

Mom nodded and let the old man carry our items of baggage.

The trip was quiet. An hour later, I could see the seasides with the remote roads we were passing by and the vast expanse of seas as well as various beautiful resorts.

I couldn't help but be amazed and delighted. I hadn't been to the beach in quite some time. I was in kindergarten at the time and went with my parents. If I recall correctly, that was our school field trip. That was my first and only visit to a beach resort. It has always been preferable to save for my schooling rather than to use the money for travel.

I couldn't believe we could go to the beach today. I couldn't stop myself from becoming excited by the touch of seawater on my skin!

"Since when did Alanson and his children arrive here, Pako?" mom asked the driver.

"It was just last Saturday, ma'am when summer break from Miss Rhian and Sir Zack's school began."

"Rhian and Zack? Are they Mr. Alanson's children?" I asked, out of curiosity.

"Yes, ma'am. They are."

"So, he has two children?" I continued.

"There are three, actually. Miss Rhian, sir Zack, and sir Ryle. But the latter is now in charge of managing their family resort. The two are still studying."

"Ah, two sons and one daughter?"

"Yes. Sir Rylan is the eldest son or better known as Ryle, then sir Zack is the second and Miss Rhian is the youngest."

"Are they kind?"

I could see from the mirror that the aged driver smiled. "Yes, they are, especially sir Ryle and miss Rhian."

"How about the second son?"

I could sense hesitation on his face with my last question. So, the second one isn't kindhearted?

"SIR Zack is kind, too. It's just that he has a rebellious side and always seems to be angry. He has a high temper but he has a good heart. Surely, you will have no trouble being with them."

As we pulled up to the Lamont Resort's front entrance, I found myself speechless.

The car stopped at the parking area and Pako led us the way.

"Come straight in and sir Alanson Lamont is waiting for you both."

Mom nodded. "Thank you very much, Pako."

Mom and I entered. I couldn't help but be impressed by the scenery we drove through. The resort is spacious and well-kept. There are two large vintage ancestral houses, one with cabins, and a large hotel.

Finally, I could see the sea and hear its forceful waves, which appeared to entice my eagerness and longing to feel its salty water all over my body.

We could already see a few people waiting for us at the cottage not far away. A man who appears to be the same age as my mom, a man in his mid-twenties, and a girl who appears to be a few years younger than I am. They are probably the Lamont family.

Mom's boyfriend approached us and welcomed us with hospitality. She smiled as brightly as his.

"Fidelia, you're finally here." Happiness is evident in the man's voice.

"Yes, Alanson. Did we make you wait so long?"

"Not at all. You just arrived on time and we are currently preparing roasted seafood for our lunch," he replied and then he looked at me. "This must be your daughter, Fidelia?"

"Yes, Alanson. This is my only child-Irryn. Ryn, this is your uncle Alanson." Mom introduced us.

"Hello, hija. Nice meeting you," he greeted me cordially.

I smiled and nodded politely. "Hello, uncle. Nice meeting you, too."

"I'll introduce you to my children. I'm sure you'll easily get well along with them."

He led us to the cottage where his children were waiting for us. The guy in his mid-twenties was busy with the grills while the young girl was playing in the white sand of the beach.

"Kids, our guests are here. Come here and I'll introduce you to your auntie and your future stepsibling."

The two smiled with affability on us. They almost look like twins. A boy version and a girl version who looked the same. But anyway, I remember Pako said that uncle Alanson has three children? So, where's the other one now?

"Daddy, is she going to be my sister?" inquired the young girl.

"Yes, my child." Uncle Alanson nodded and chatted with his only daughter. "This is Irryn. From now on, I want you to call her your 'sister' and treat her the way you treat your older siblings, okay?"

"Okay, daddy!" Rhian answered hyperly and turned a sisterly hello to me. "Hi, Irryn! It's nice meeting you! Can we be playmates from now on? I want us to be really good sisters!"

Uncle Alanson and his eldest son exchanged heartfelt smiles. They were obviously pleased. I was feeling glad, as well.

I bowed down to level at Rhian's face. "Sure. Why not!"

"Yeah hey!"

"Enough, Rhian Agatha! Don't ever abuse your sister Irryn because she's kind!" Uncle Alanson joked around and he turned to me again. "This is my eldest son, Ryn. Rylan Luz or better known as Ryle. Ryle, this is Irryn and she will be your new sister."

The young man in his mid-twenties beamed at me, as genuine and bright as his little sister's, and extended his hand. "Hello there, Ryn. I'm hoping we'll get along splendidly!"

I accepted his hand. "Hello. Me too. I'm wishing to bond with you, my new siblings."

Uncle Alanson then introduced my mother to his children. They, like me, greeted mom in a nice, cool, and warm way.

"Uhm, Alanson... didn't you say you have three children?" My mother spoke warily. "Where is the other one?"

I saw how uncle Alanson's jaw clenched. In anger? I wasn't so sure. Why would he be angry when it comes to his child who wasn't even seem to be around today?

"He's also here. He's in his room at the resthouse. He doesn't want to go down."

"Oh, why is that so?"

"He's stubborn and defiant. He doesn't listen to me." Uncle Alanson's face was etched with anger and anguish.

I am suddenly saddened about what he said. While his oldest and his youngest children are both kind and easy-going, there's his second one who, according to him, is rebellious and disobedient. The one I have never seen yet and if I am not mistaken his name's Zack, just like Pako said when we were driving earlier...

Now, I'm wondering why he is stubborn and rebellious...

I feel like it will be easy for me and for mom to bond with uncle Alanson's two children, with Rhian and Ryle. These two are obviously light but Zack Lamont? Unfortunately, I am unable to comment further at this time, but based on uncle's description, he seems to be quite dangerous. There's no way I can stop worrying about it. Is it possible that he wouldn't want my mom and I to be a part of his family? What if he will not accept us?

"Come here, my sister! Join me make the white castle!"

I was astounded whenRhian had brought me into the sand at the beach's edge.

I gladly let her hold my hand and led me to her play area. I even heard the gentle laughter of my mom, of uncle Alanson and Ryle while watching us bond together.

We sat in the white sand and I helped Rhian assemble her little castle. I couldn't help but rejoice because I had to admit that I had been hoping for this once in my life-to have a sister to play with. And now, my dream was coming true. I felt like I have known them for ages and bonded with them since a long time.

I'm hoping to get the opportunity to bond with my other stepsibling, too. The one I haven't seen yet.

As I glanced at our cottage, I saw that Ryle continued grilling while his father was helping mom to arrange the foods on the table.

I couldn't help but smile. If it was a dream, I wouldn't wanna wake up anymore.

I was diverted to the thought when Rhian spoke, "Sis, you love playing at the beach? Because I? I really love playing here!"

"I would love too, Rhian. But this is just my second time coming to a beach. The first one was when I was kindergarten. I was very young to remember all the details back."

"Why is that so? While us, every summer vacation, we always come to resort!."

I nodded and smiling. I suddenly remembered their second brother. "Is your other brother present today? Is his name-Zack?"

Rhian agreed. "Have you met him already?"

I shook my head. "Haven't met him yet."

"You should meet him. He's kind and he's such a cool brother!"

Brother who is kind and cool? So, how could their father's narrative differ from her own when it comes to her second brother? Uncle Alanson describes Zack negatively, while Rhian appears to like and interact well with her brother.

"I just don't know why he always makes dad angry with him."

It looks like I can now picture out a Zack Lamont who is constant. He's a stubborn son but he's a good brother... based on his father's and on his sister's different descriptions of him.

I was stuck in that idea when I became aware of keen eyes looking at me from all around or further away. I wasn't sure why, but I suddenly felt as if someone was staring at me from afar.

I seek to look for those eyes, and I walked up to the resthouse's patio on the second floor. From there, I noticed a man standing on the balustrades. His black eyes fixed on me. Even though it was still sunny outside, I couldn't see his face properly, possibly due to his distance from me and the height of the floor where he was.

I took a deep breath when I noticed how his hands turned into fists while he was directly glaring at my way.

"Sis Irryn? Are you okay?"

I came back to my senses because of Rhian's repeating calls at me.

"Huh? Uhm, Rhian, I think I saw someone from above watching us." I said and then I pointed the resthouse specifically at the terrace where I saw the man.

But the man standing there just a while ago disappeared.

Rhian looked at the way I pointed her. "I couldn't see anyone there, sis. Are you sure?"

"Rhian, I'd seen it. There was a man standing from the terrace of the resthouse, watching us. He was wearing t-shirts and jeans."

"Ah, it may be him. My second brother. That's our resthouse and as far as I recall, he has been staying there since we arrived earlier. He doesn't appear to have any intention of coming down here, but I'm certain that when he becomes bored in his room, he'll also follow here."

I was silent thereafter. I reexamined the terrace, but the man was nowhere to be found.

Perhaps that was Zack Lamont. Alanson's second son and the sibling of Rhian and Ryle. The way he eyed me from a distance made it appear that I had committed a crime he detested and wanted to punish me for something I didn't even know.

Even though we do not yet know each other, I am immediately offended. What have I done to deserve this from him?