Wanting My Step-Daddy

IVY

I hate this.

I hated this so much. The fake smiles, hypocritical chatter, the snide glances people threw over their shoulders when they thought no one was watching-it all crawled under my skin. Everything here grated at my nerves, boiling my anger. I shouldn't have been there. I didn't even know why I had let my mother talk me into coming.

Yes, my mother-Clarissa Hart. One of the most revered women in modern high society. After the tragic fallout with my late father, she rebranded herself as a philanthropist. She advocated for orphans and widows, using her personal tragedy as a stepping stone to fame. At least, that was the story she told the world.

She stood now with a group of well-dressed people, having what I would assume to be a conversation while sipping sparkling champagne. Except it's not. That clique are like a group of vultures ready to devour each other at the slightest chance. I wonder why she's still with them. A bunch of rich hyprocites. Throwing a glance over my shoulders, I notice the group of men who are standing together and are pointedly staring at me, perhaps wondering who I am.

I scoffed, completely ignoring them and focusing on the glass of wine in my hands. Twirling it slightly, I take a sip and look around, disgruntled. I should probably get out of here, but my mother won't let me hear the end of it, especially since I've been avoiding her ever since I touched down in Vegas.

Finally, she slips away from the group, sashaying her way towards my table, her bleached blonde hair flying around. She smile she put on for other guests drops slightly the moment she laid her eyes on me and I clenched my jaw, looking away. Most daughters would be happy to see their mother after years of being away. I am not.

"For a moment there, I thought you won't be coming. I looked everywhere for you." She says as she sat next to me, her honey-gold eyes filled with barely concealed malice. Clarissa Hart was a very beautiful woman who had kept up with her appearance with various cosmetic modifications. So even though she was advanced in age, she didn't look a day over twenty-five. It was sickening to see.

"Did you really? I remember sending you a text that I would arrive late." I muttered, picking out my phone and checking the message. "You haven't read it yet."

"As you can see, I've been busy talking with guests. I didn't expect this amount of crowd tonight." She said as she looked around, throwing a few smiles here and there. I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

"Cut to the chase mother, why did you drag me all the way from New York? I was doing perfectly fine there."

"Drowning in debt and being chased by the paparazzi with your recent scandal with a married actor? Of course, you were doing fine." She seethed and my face flushed in embarrassment. That was exactly how she manipulated me into coming. If not, I would be staying far away from this woman.

"Anyway, why don't you sit and enjoy the party? I would be making an announcement soon and thereafter we can talk. Maybe you'll be able to meet a nice man that might help turn your deplorable life around." She said and before I got the chance to respond, stood to her feet and made her way to the podium, leaving me seething in rage.

Accepting a microphone from a nearby attendant, she turned to the hall and cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention as she began to speak."Hello, everyone! Thank you for coming to tonight's fundraiser. I'm happy to say we've raised over ten million dollars for families displaced by the recent wildfires."

The crowd erupted in applause.

I gripped my wine glass tightly, nearly shattering it. That money wasn't going to any families. It was going straight into her pocket.

"And I have one more announcement," she said. "I'm engaged to the newest love of my life, Julian Ashford. He isn't here tonight, but he asked me to send my regards to everyone of you. Once again, this young woman, if I'm allowed to call myself that, is off the market!" She said and the cheers grew even louder.

My eyes widened in shock and I saw the glint in hers when she noticed it. So, that's what this is about? No wonder she was so adamant for me to come to this party. She wanted to rub it all over my face that she would be remarrying?! If pettiness had a persona, it would be my mother!

She waited until the cheers died down before giving more announcement that I didn't pay any attention to, before making her way towards me. "Congratulations... " I began once she was between earshot. "I didn't know men were still interested in a raggedly woman like you."

"Oh, I'm not raggedly. I see my reflection in the mirror everyday. We could pass at sisters." She said and I almost lunged at her, determined to tear her hair off her scalp. "Anyway, you should be happy for me. I'm finally going to get rid of the curse that is your father's name. And you better behave well during this period, unless there's nothing stopping me from giving you off to one of my sponsors. They would appreciate the gift." She sneered, her sweet voice dripping with poisonous venom.

Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall, glaring at her. She only giggled, picking up my half-finshed wine of glass and emptying it in her mouth. Then, she walked away to meet a throng of well-wishers who immediately rallied around her, congratulating her.

I tried to hold back my tears, but it didn't work out. They ran down my cheeks as I stared at the woman that should have been my supporter become my greatest enemy. Shooting to my feet, I blindly raced out the hall, heading straight to the to the elevator and riding to the ground floor. By the time I came to myself, I was already at a bar next to the high-rise building where the party was holding, gulping down shots of whiskey and getting very drunk.

"What is a beautiful lady like you doing all alone here?" A voice spoke, and when I turned around, it was to a man in a coat, staring down at me with concern in his eyes. He looked breathtakingly handsome, but the grey in his hair told me he was a much older man. He smelled of sandalwood and citrus, refined yet.

"I'm having a bad day, do you mind?" I tried to snap, but it came out as a slur instead. I was seated opposite the bartender, slouched and hugging another shot of whiskey to my chest. He sat next to me.

"Lover's quarrel?"

"More like mother and daughter," I muttered, hiccuping.

"Sorry about that."

"No need to apologize, it's not your fault. I should have stayed in New York. At least I won't be embarrassed like this and I wouldn't have to see her face." I rambled on, glowering at my glass. "What else is she going to make me do? Live with her? Over my dead body." I gritted through clenched teeth.

He watched me carefully. "i don't know what's going on, but drinking won't make it better. You should leave before you put yourself in danger."

I laughed bitterly. "Wouldn't be the first time." I murmured as a tear slipped down my eyes.

"Oh dear... " He groaned, pulling me away from the table and I leaned towards him, breathing him in. He felt very soothing and I rubbed my face against his shirt, feeling butterflies storm in my stomach. He oozed of wealth and power, the type that could shield me from all heartaches. It was comforting.

"I'm getting you out of here." I heard him growl into my ears, and then he muttered some things to the bartender, and wrapping a hand around my waist, carefully led me out of the bar.

"Where is your home? Let me take you there." I heard him say when we reached outside I lived with my mother at the moment but I couldn't stand the thought of going there at the moment.

"I don't have an apartment. I'm all alone" I muttered, clinging to him.

"Let me take you to a hotel then.. Hang on." I heard him say as he flagged down a taxi? I couldn't be sure.

As a car pulled up, I grabbed his shirt and looked into his eyes. "What do you think about a one-night stand? I need the distraction."

He stared at me, then shook his head. "You're completely drunk. It's better to go and rest."

"You're going to leave me alone with a taxi driver you don't know? In Vegas? What if I'm kidnapped and killed, that would be on you! Just follow me to the hotel, drop me off in my room. And then, if you still want to leave, you can go."

He paused again, his brows furrowed. And I could see the wheels turning in his head. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Very well, let me take you to the hotel by myself."

I caught myself at the edge of smiling and stopped. My mother would kill me if she found out I had eloped with another man but who cared? I'm no longer a child and I'm perfectly capable of handling myself.

The strange man helped me into the car, following behind me and I leaned against him, allowing my body to mold around his. He didn't push me away.

Time to get out of here.

Ivy

I woke up the next morning with a queasy stomach and a pounding headache. Squinting my eyes hard against the blinding sunlight shining against it, I pulled up the covers, trying to bury myself underneath the sheets, settling deeper into sleep. A wave of awareness washed over me and my eyes snapped open. I was in bed. How did I get here?

Ignoring the throbbing in my skull, I pulled myself into a seating position, running my hands through my hair in attempt to smooth it and looked around. I was definitely in an hotel room, my clothes had been stripped off me and there was no one in sight. I checked my body for any signs of violation and discovered to my relief that I didn't feel that peculiar sensation of being used.

Memories of the night before began to flash through me and I grimaced, my cheeks heating up. I had fled my mom's fundraising event, gotten drunk and a stranger had brought me here. Though I had tried to seduce him into bedding me, he had strongly refused, unwilling to take advantage of me in that vulnerable state. That was also surprising. Most men would have given in an instant.

Stifling a yawn, stretching my stiff muscles and slipped out of bed. Even my bag and phone had been neatly placed on the bedside table and I found a note tucked underneath it. Curious, I picked it up and read it.

"Sleep well -J" It said and my lips twitched, not quite forming a smile. He didn't even bother to leave his full name. I checked my phone, unsurprised at the number of missed calls I had gotten from my mother. Rolling my eyes, I called her, keeping the phone far away from my ears as I waited for her to pick up. She answered after the second ring and immediately began yelling into the phone.

"Where have you been!? I've been calling you for ages! Get yourself back into the house right now if you don't want...!" I ended the call, dropping the phone onto the bed. I rubbed my eyelids, groaning.

I needed a shower.

.

.

.

After spending an ungodly amount of time in the bathroom washing up, I eventually stepped out with a towel wrapped around my waist and hair. Checking the hotel wardrobe, I was pleased to find some clean dresses, mostly brand new ones as they still had tags on them. I immediately slipped into one, as I combed out my hair, waiting for it to air dry, I ordered my breakfast.

The meal soon arrived and I wolfed it down, mindless scrolling through my phone as I ignored my mom's calls. I didn't know why she was being so persistent this morning. She never used to care enough to call me in the past. Once I was through eating, I packed up all my things and hot ready to leave. Keeping a note in my bag, I stepped out of the room and made way to the receptionist's table. I offered to pay for my stay in the hotel but she informed me that the gentleman who had checked me in had paid for my time in the hotel.

"Oh.... " I mumbled, trailing off. That's... Rather thoughtful of him. "Did he leave a name? Something I can contact him on, perhaps?" I asked and she shook her head.

"Only the inital, J." She answered, smiling at me. Just like in the letter. Awkwardly thanking her, I turned around and left the building. Calling on a cab, I felt my phone ring again. I let out a deep sigh and picked it up.

"Ivy!" She yelled the instant it went through. "How dare you hang up the phone on me!? Where did you go? " She screeched as a taxi stopped in front of me. I opened the back door, slipping into the car.

"I'm on my way home just like you requested. Why are you still bothering me!?" I muttered, giving instructions to the driver.

"You have 30 minutes to show up at this house or you won't like what I'll do to you." She threatened and I rolled my eyes. To hell with that. The driver began to move and I ended the call.

"Take your time, please." I said as I leaned back on the seat, closing my eyes.

I finally got home an hour later to meet my mother pacing restlessly at the grand porch. She stopped when she saw the taxi drive into the building, her face contorting into an ugly scowl when she saw who it was. Paying the driver his fare, I made my way into the house but I was immediately double crossed by my mother.

"And where do you think you're coming from, young lady?" She seethed, glaring at me.

"None of your business. I left your party when I saw I wasn't invited."

Clarissa raised her hand to hit me but instantly stopped herself, rethinking her decisions. "You'd better warn yourself. I swear if you appear on the news again, I won't take it lightly with you." She growled, erasing the distance between us as she stepped closer. I looked down at her, cocking my head to the side.

"Is your fiance coming over? Is that why you have your knickers in a twist?" I asked. She opened her mouth but no words came out. I hissed. "I'm going to my room. I need to rest. Let me know when he arrives." I muttered, side stepping her.

Grabbing a snack from the kitchen, I headed straight to my room and plopped into my bed. Even if he arrived, I had no intention of seeing who it was. They could all go to hell.

Hours passed and soon enough, there was a knock on my door. The door opened and a maid peeked in. "Miss, your mother calls for you downstairs."

"I'm not interested... " I murmured, not looking up from my phone.

"Please miss, she says it's important. I'm not allowed to leave here unless you're following me." The maid said in a respectful yet pleading tone. I sighed, but ultimately stood to my feet. Ru

"Okay, fine." I said, running a hand through my hair as I followed the maid downstairs. I met my mother in the living room, flashing a full-toothed smile at a tall man beside her. The moment I stepped into the room, I froze. My gaze locked on his.

"Oh... There's my daughter I was talking about. Her name is ivy. Ivy meet Julian, my fiancé," My mother introduced me, but I barely paid her any attention as I stared at the tall, heavily built man.

Why did he feel so familiar? Composing himself first, he walked towards me, stretching his hands for a shake.

"Nice to meet you... Ivy" He muttered, in that rich velvety voice of him and I felt a shudder go through me.

I caught a whiff of that rich sandalwoood and citrus scent from last night and gasped softly, all the blood draining from my face, my heart skipping multiple beats. It was the same scent that had clung to me when I woke up this morning. The one that had filled the hotel room.

No.

No. This isn't happening. My skin burned like it remembered him before my mind could. I kissed this man. I touched him. I begged him... And now he's hers?

He's my mother's fiancé!?

Julian's Pov

No way this is happening.

Is this some kind of twisted karma the universe is playing on me? The same woman I had rescued from a bar and almost slept with is standing in front of me, being introduced as my fiancée's daughter. It was hard to believe.

She stood in front of me, her electric blue eyes still wide in shock and disbelief. It was clear she recognized me and was doing a terrible job trying to hide it. Finally glancing at my outstretched hand, she pursed her lips and took it, not giving any response.

Her hands were small and soft against mine, and I felt her flinch, electricity zapping through us at the contact. Pulling away a moment quicker, I glanced back at Clarissa.

"Wow... She is a beautiful lady. I didn't expect her to be so grown," I said in a steady voice, putting some needed distance between us as I took several steps back.

"Oh... Did I fail to mention that?" Clarissa said with a chuckle, reaching to wrap her hands around my arm as she stood beside me. "Well, she is. She just moved in recently. Had some trouble at work and needed to lay low for a bit," Clarissa explained, a genial smile on her face.

Ivy's gaze moved from me to her mother's, and her eyes narrowed, filled with anger and contempt. She was yet to say a word.

"Have... you told her about the engagement?" I asked when the silence became unsettling. Clarissa nodded, beaming at me before turning to her daughter.

"Yes, I have. She's quite happy for me," she said, giggling as she rested her forehead on my arm, and I stiffened as I turned back to Ivy. That didn't look like the expression of a daughter happy for her mother. I cleared my throat, making to speak.

"As you already know, I am Julian Ashford, and I'm engaged to marry your mother. I hope I can receive your blessings," I said with a tight smile. She glared at me, a muscle ticking in her jaw.

"When is the wedding?" she suddenly asked, her voice curt.

"Um, soon. We're yet to pick a date."

She glanced at the both of us yet again. "Good. I'm happy for you." Turning around, she started to leave the room. "I'm going out."

"No, you aren't," Clarissa immediately shot out, running to reach her. "We're having dinner together, remember?" she asked, reaching for her hands. Ivy jerked her hands away, narrowing her gaze.

"I don't like what the chef whipped up," she forced through clenched teeth, her voice thick with loathing. Throwing a sideways glance at me, she added, "I'm sure you would enjoy your intimate time together. Now, if you'll excuse me..." Her voice trailed off as she exited the living room, her steps hurried as she climbed up the stairs. We stood there in surprise, watching her go.

She returned a while later, already having a change of clothes, her dark hair flying across her shoulders as she rushed out of the house, slamming the door behind her a bit too loud. Clarissa turned to me, an embarrassed smile on her face as she made her way towards me.

"She always had a rebellious streak to her, but she'll fall in line eventually," she said as she stood in front of me. I glanced at the door she had just stepped out from, then at Clarissa.

"That's Edward's daughter, right?" I asked, and she nodded, letting out a sigh as she rubbed her arms. The weight on my chest became heavier. I had almost slept with my dead best friend's daughter. Oh God.

"Was it hard raising her?" I asked carefully, watching as the expression on Clarissa's face contorted into one of sadness.

"Well, it wasn't going to be easy, now was it?" she added with a dry chuckle. "But I did struggle for a bit."

"You did your best. She seems to have turned out fine," I muttered, and she beamed up at me.

"Really? I'm glad you think so."

A comfortable silence settled between us as Clarissa looked at everything but me. Eventually, she managed a peek, a light flush staining her cheeks. "You're staying for dinner, right?" she asked almost hesitantly.

I nodded, placing my hands into my pockets. "Yes. There are very important things we need to discuss," I said, feeling tension creep into my system. She straightened as well, the ease in her features disappearing.

"It's about your money laundering activities disguised as charity. The man you're working for now is the man I've been hunting down for decades," I announced, and she stiffened, her face blanching.

"H-he is?" she stuttered. I nodded, my voice grim.

"Yes. I believe he's the one responsible for Edward's death," I announced, and the atmosphere thickened. I heard Clarissa swallow.

"Oh... Please, have a seat."

.

.

.

The conversation was long and heavy, and by the time we got to the end, I was already exhausted. As one might have expected, the marriage wasn't borne out of love or commitment but of duty. I had dedicated the past two decades of my life to finding the people responsible for my best friend's death and bringing them to justice, and was down to my last victim.

Unfortunately, I had found out that he had ties with Clarissa, and further investigations made me discover she was Edward's mistress and mother to his only daughter and heir. Knowing the operation would put both of them at risk, I found Clarissa and offered to protect them. She had offered the deal of marriage, pending the time I would be done with the operation. We would live as husband and wife.

What I hadn't counted on was almost sleeping with the said daughter. Well, I was glad I held back that night, or else I would be regretting it right now. Speaking of her-where the hell was Ivy? She had stepped out all day, and it was already evening. I hoped she wasn't drinking herself to stupor. Once the marriage documents were finalized, I would begin to keep an eye on her.

Deciding to wait for her, I took a bottle of premium wine from a rack, pouring myself a glass and seating at the barstool provided. Long minutes passed, dusk became twilight, and Ivy hadn't resurfaced. Clarissa tried to wait as well but had to retire early. Ivy didn't return home until past midnight.

She sauntered in, reeking of alcohol and sweat-but thankfully, no sex smell. I didn't know why that made me feel relieved. Standing at the door, I watched as she drunkenly made her way in, still holding a bottle of whiskey, slurring a tune. She stiffened when she felt a presence, her eyes slowly moving up to meet mine. The drunken haze in her eyes cleared when she realized who it was, a frown framing her lips.

"You're still here?" she asked, hiccuping.

"Yes, I was waiting for you," I muttered in a calm voice. "You're late." I growled. She hissed, trying to walk past me.

"Don't need to do that. Get... out of my way." She growled, already close. She tripped over herself and I caught her just before she planted her face to the ground. She slapped me with her free hand. My head whipped to the side, the side of my cheek burning with the sting.

"Get. Your. Dirty. Hands. Off. Me."