( I couldn't stop imagining him — the stepdad I was supposed to meet, the man my little sister was already worried about. What if fate had twisted things here too?
I shook my head, trying to push the thought away, but the knot in my stomach wouldn't loosen).
The wheels touched the runway with a soft thud.
I grabbed my bag, adjusting my headphones, pretending I was calm. Noah was bouncing in her seat beside me, full of excitement, completely unaware of the storm inside my head.
"Let's go, child," my mom said with a smile.
I nodded, and together we walked out of the plane. We collected our luggage — I had no idea what my mom and sister had packed, but in my bag, I carried everything, every memory from Edinburgh.
Noah held my mom's hand tightly as we stepped out of the airport. There, leaning casually against the car, stood the man — my mom's boyfriend and my future stepdad. Handsome, tall, smiling.
My mom hurried forward and hugged him warmly. He knelt slightly to hug Noah. Surprisingly, Noah, who normally hated hugging strangers, returned it quickly before stepping back and looking toward me.
My mom's face lit up.
"Aira, meet Richard,"she said brightly.
I nodded toward him. He nodded back. Words failed me — I was nineteen, never really talking to people older than me. So I just smiled, and he did the same.
(The driver took our luggage and loaded it into the car. We all got in, and the vehicle started moving. My stepdad chatted with Noah as I put my headphones back on. Music filled my ears, and I leaned my head against the window, watching the city blur past).
Music play -- [when night came and morning followed,-lalalal]
(London looked almost godly — the car ride felt light. Yet, my gut churned with unease. Don't overthink, Aira, I told myself, but hours passed, consumed by my own thoughts).
(Finally, the car stopped in front of a luxurious house. I had forgotten to mention — yes, my stepdad was rich. Very rich).
I stepped out of the car, placing my headphones down.
Noah came beside me. "Sista, I think I like this house," she said, her eyes wide as they took in the grandeur.
Richard, my stepdad, smiled. "Go on, Noah. Take a look at the house."
(I smiled as Noah ran into the house. My mom, Richard, and I followed her inside, stepping into a lavish home filled with intricate decorations, sparkling chandeliers, and a warm, inviting glow).
Richard smiled towards me. "Aira, let's go. I'll show you your room. I'm not sure if you'll like it — I've never decorated a girl's room before. If you don't like it, we can change it, okay?" His hesitation was clear in his voice.
Mom smile . "Richard, don't worry. She'll like it — you worked hard."
(They went upstairs, and I trailed behind them. The last door on the floor was mine. Richard opened it, and I froze).
( It was… beautiful. Exactly like a dream. I'm a simple girl — I like studying, reading, and writing. I hadn't even finished my full novel, only ten to thirteen chapters, but he had decorated the room as if he knew exactly what I wanted.Bookshelves lined the walls with fairy lights twinkling softly, a cozy study table, and a comfortable bed facing the balcony. I reached out to touch the lights, feeling a rush of awe).
Richard watched me curiously.
"I… I like it," I said, smiling.
His eyes lit up.
Mom nodded. "See? She likes it."
Richard smile . "Thank you, Aira. And listen, if you need anything , there's a small bell on the nightstand. Ring it, and a maid will come,anytime okay?"
( I nodded, feeling like I'd stepped into a fairy tale. A bell on the nightstand, and help would appear? I almost giggled at how surreal it all felt).
"Aira, take some rest. Let's meet for dinner later," Richard said kindly.
I nodded.
Mom came forward, hugging me softly. "If you need anything, or if you feel uncomfortable, just tell me."
"I'm okay, Mom," I replied, smiling. They both left, shutting the door gently behind them.
( I walked to the balcony, sliding open the glass door, and leaned on the railing. The view was breathtaking — a sparkling swimming pool surrounded by flowers, manicured gardens stretching out below. Then I saw someone dive into the pool. I couldn't see his face, only broad shoulders glistening in the sun, like some Greek god).
( Mom had told me Richard had a son, but I had never seen a photo. My heart thudded. I wanted to see him more clearly, but I quickly straightened up, not wanting him to think I was staring like a creep. I closed the balcony door and flopped onto the bed. Sleep overtook me almost immediately.
I woke to gentle shaking).
"Aira! Wake up!"
I opened my eyes. "Yes, Noah? What is it?" I yawned.
"Sista, Mom's calling you for dinner."
I sighed, stretching arms . "Okay, okay… I'm coming. You go ahead."
Noah beamed and started going towards the room door, but stopping with a bright smile.
"Sista… you know, stepdad is good. And his son… is so handsome! He said I could call him bro or big bro from now on. You have to meet him. And then She dashed off, leaving me staring at the floor. My heart skipped a beat. He's here…
( I quickly stand up, goes towards the mirror brushed my hair, checked my face in it, and headed downstairs. A maid led me to the dining room — huge, opulent, and ready for dinner. My eyes found Richard he was sat at the head of the table, my mom beside him, Noah next to her).
And then… my eyes met his.
( I froze. He was sitting to Richard's left. Our eyes locked, and the world seemed to tilt. Memories of Greece flashed through my mind — that one night stand I thought I had left behind.)
[Sheesh… I whispered to myself. Fate really does have its own games. And it just twisted everything.]