The sharp click of high heels echoed through the school hallway, each step louder than the last. My pulse quickened—I'd know that commanding stride anywhere.
Moments later, a striking woman in a sleek black suit strode into the office. Her fair, oval face glowed under the fluorescent lights, long dark hair swept into an elegant updo. Sharp almond eyes gleamed with intensity, framed by arched brows, a delicate nose, and lips painted a soft rose. She radiated the poised allure of a seasoned professional.
A Prada handbag dangled from her hand, her tailored blazer dipping into a deep V-neck over a crisp white shirt. The outfit hugged her slim waist and generous curves. A fitted black pencil skirt accentuated her hips, paired with sheer nude stockings and pointed black stilettos. She moved with the effortless confidence of a career woman in her prime.
Her name was Victoria Reed—my stepmother.
Victoria's face was all sharp angles and disapproval as she marched toward me. Without a word, she swung her bag at my head. I ducked, throwing up my hands to block it. The homeroom teacher jumped between us, hands raised. "Mrs. Reed, please, let's stay calm…"
She leaned past the teacher, smacking me on the head with her bag. It didn't hurt much, but the force behind it told me she was livid.
An hour later, we sat in her car, the silence heavy as she gripped the steering wheel, her manicured fingers tapping restlessly. The tension was suffocating, making my nerves jangle.
I couldn't take it anymore. "Your car smells fresh, like it just got detailed. Kind of… like you." I offered a hesitant smile.
She glanced at me, expression unreadable. "Don't try to charm your way out of this, Alex."
I looked down, picking at a loose thread on my jeans. "I'm sorry, Mom. I messed up. Really."
She sighed, her voice softer but still edged with frustration. "You're not the one who's wrong here. I am. I should've been stricter after your dad remarried, kept you in line."
I managed a weak laugh. "What, and miss all this fun? I'd be a totally different guy without you."
Her lips twitched, but she didn't smile. "Enough nonsense. What were you and Lily doing in that storage room?"
I stared at my shoes, voice low. "Nothing serious. Just… messing around. Hide-and-seek."
She raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Hide-and-seek? Alex, you're a senior. You expect me to believe that?"
"It's true," I insisted, though my voice wavered. "Retro games are in, right? Like when you went clubbing with Aunt Rachel last week."
She shook her head. "Don't change the subject. You're in high school, not kindergarten."
"Hey, you're a department manager," I teased, trying to lighten the mood. "Shouldn't you be all polished and professional, not throwing bags at me?"
"I'm polite enough not to slap you outright." She rubbed her forehead, exhaustion creeping into her tone. "Why do I have to deal with a kid like you? Nothing but trouble."
I leaned closer, resting my head on her arm with a playful grin. "Come on, you love me. Like the song says, 'There's only one good mom in the world…'"
She pushed me off, half-laughing, half-scolding. "Stop it, Alex. You're never serious. What kind of example are you setting?"
"I'm totally serious," I said, sitting up. "With the way things are, guys can't find partners. Look at Uncle Larry next door—forty and still single. I'm just planning ahead. Maybe I'll marry right after graduation, have a kid in college. You'd be a grandma in your forties, living the dream."
She groaned, covering her face. "You're impossible. Keep talking like that, and I'll be square-dancing with retirees by next year."
I grinned, waving my arms. "You and Dad could own the dance floor. Crank the speakers—'Left hand dragon, right hand rainbow!'"
She shot me a long look, muttering, "I really should smack you."
The car rolled forward, but after a couple of blocks, I noticed the route. "This isn't the way home. Where are we going?"
"Bella's school let out early. I'm picking her up."
I frowned. "She's old enough to get home herself, isn't she?"
Victoria's eyes narrowed. "You're one to talk, getting parent calls in your senior year."
"Hey, as the eldest, I'm the priority," I said, smirking. "Future heir and all. Bella's the spare—let her figure it out."
"Keep it up, and you're walking home," she warned, her tone sharp.
I fell silent, but curiosity gnawed at me. "You're quieter than usual today. No big lecture? Normally, you'd be all, 'Alex, you're asking for trouble!'"
She arched a brow. "You want me to yell? I'm drained, Alex. Work's a mess, and now you're adding to it. Think I've got it easy?"
"What's going on at work?" I asked, genuinely curious. "Maybe I can help."
She snorted. "The best help would be you staying out of trouble for once."
"Ouch. Harsh, Mom. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're hitting a midlife crisis early."
She honked twice, startling the car ahead into swerving. "Watch it."
After a pause, she lowered her voice. "Be honest with me. Did you and Lily… do anything in that storage room?"
I blinked, playing dumb. "Like what?"
"Don't act innocent. I know about those magazines under your bed."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm just a kid. Don't make it weird."
"Then why joke about me being a grandma soon?"
I grinned. "Kidding! You're way too young and hot for that."
"Flattery won't save you," she said, voice stern. "If you get her pregnant, Alex, you're done."
"Relax, we're careful," I said, then froze, realizing my slip. "Wait, that came out wrong. You're tricking me!"
She glared. "You said it, not me."
"I'm done talking," I muttered, crossing my arms.
But she wasn't letting it go. "What did you mean? Did you sleep with her?"
I turned away, silent.
She grabbed my shoulder, shaking it. "Answer me, Alex. Now."
"Eyes on the road!" I pointed forward. "You're driving. Don't get us pulled over."
"Explain yourself," she pressed. "Did you?"
"Fine!" I snapped, exasperated. "Yes, okay? Can we drop it?"
Her jaw dropped, and she smacked my head. "You're proud of this? Shaming the family? You're a senior, exams are coming—focus on your studies, not… that."
"I'm top ten in my class," I shot back.
"Push harder—top ten in your grade."
"You said you were fine with me dating."
"I am," she said, voice tight. "But not this. Not now."
"Too late to change the rules."
She sighed heavily. "This isn't my fault."
I softened, grinning. "Don't blame yourself. You're doing great."
"You little…" She trailed off, shaking her head, half-amused, half-furious.
As we neared Bella's school, I leaned back. "We're almost there. Let's not talk about this in front of Bella—she's too young for this drama."
"You're worried about bad influences?" Victoria scoffed, parking by the curb. She leaned against the window, rubbing her temples. "You're something else."
I chuckled. "Gotta have thick skin to survive."
She muttered, "You're a comedian. Ever thought of stand-up?"
"Give me two months, I'd own the stage," I said, thumping my chest. "Comedy king."
She smirked faintly. "With that ego, maybe."
I glanced at her as she stared out the window. Victoria was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen up close. Pushing forty, she kept her figure flawless—curves soft yet striking, always accentuated by her outfits. At home, her casual clothes made it impossible to look away.
Her hourglass shape was unreal, thanks to regular workouts. No middle-age spread—her waist was trim, her hips lush and inviting, like a perfect peach in her pencil skirt.
Her work attire—suits, stockings, heels—was pure fire. As a teen, I was obsessed with the look. I'd sneak her stockings for Lily, but they never looked the same on her.
Sure, I noticed Victoria—hard not to. But it was just admiration for beauty, nothing deeper. I'd used her stuff for… personal moments, but that's where it ended.
If she weren't my stepmom, maybe I'd feel differently, age be damned.
Bella appeared, waving to friends before tossing her bag in the back and sliding in. In the rearview, she was a younger Victoria—fair, oval face, playful ponytail, flawless features. Tall and slim for fifteen, with curves just starting to show.
Bella Reed, freshman at a private academy, solid student. Two years apart, we were all banter and bickering—no mushy sibling vibes.
I grinned at her in the mirror. "Hey, Speedy's out."
Victoria snapped, "No nicknames, Alex. It's rude."
Bella shrugged, dropping her bag on the seat. "Heard you got in trouble again. Another parent call, huh?"
Victoria's eyes flashed. "Enough with the nicknames, or no dinner for either of you."
Bella smirked, unfazed. "Whatever, I'm dieting."
"You'll blow away if you keep that up," I teased.
"Better than seeing your face every day," she shot back, sticking out her tongue.
Victoria honked sharply. "Both of you, stop it! You're like roosters, always at each other's throats."
Bella leaned forward, grinning. "Mom, I'm literally a Rooster zodiac."
I nodded. "She's not wrong."
Victoria took a deep breath, slumping back, hand over her eyes. "Why do I put up with you two?"
I turned to Bella. "Nice going, Bells. You've got her all worked up now."
She pouted. "Me? You're the one who pissed her off. You're the family troublemaker—ugly and annoying."
"Ugly?" I scoffed. "I got the best genes in this car."
She squinted. "We don't even look alike, Alex. Are you sure you're my stepbrother? Hospital mix-up, maybe?"
Victoria groaned. "No mix-up. He's your stepfather's spitting image. You're both mine, for better or worse."
I smirked at Bella. "See? You're stuck with me."
Victoria sighed. "Can you two just be quiet? I'm exhausted from work, and you're not helping."
I leaned in, pecking her cheek. "Love you, Mom."
Bella rolled her eyes. "Lame. No originality."
Victoria pushed me away, smiling faintly. "Love you both. But I'd love you more if you'd give me five minutes of peace."
Bella hadn't been home in two weeks, so Victoria took us out for a big dinner. When we got back, Dad was home alone, lost in online mahjong—hadn't cooked, hadn't eaten, hadn't called.
Victoria confiscated my phone, laptop, and comics, locking them in a box. "Focus on studying. You'll get them back after exams." I fake-cried, clinging to her leg, but she was unmoved.
That night, I hit the books to pass the time.
Next morning, I slept late. Woke to find Bella and Dad eating breakfast.
"Where's Mom?" I asked, yawning.
Dad was glued to his phone, scrolling texts while eating. Bella didn't look up. "Got a call early and left in a rush."
"Should've caught a ride with her." I grabbed a doughnut and sat.
Bella wrinkled her nose. "Can you brush your teeth first? Gross."
I chewed, scratching my side. "Saves time to brush after."
"You're eating bacteria," she said, scooting her bowl away.
Dad's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, then at us, before slipping into the bedroom. Bella stared after him, whispering, "Dad's been weird lately, don't you think?"
"He's always been weird," I said, shrugging. "Thought he was a spy when I was a kid."
"I'm serious, Alex," she said, lowering her voice. "Something's off."
"Like what?"
"I don't know. You tell me."
I rolled my eyes. "You're paranoid." Then I grinned. "Hey, Bells, lend me your phone for a sec?"
"No way," she said flatly.
"Come on, just one call. Please?" I clasped my hands, begging.
"Use Dad's."
"He's locked away. I need it now. Promise I'll give it back."
I reached for it; she yanked it behind her back, retreating to the sofa. I lunged, and she kicked, toppling sideways. I pinned her, grabbing for the phone under her. She squirmed, our thin pajamas brushing together, her warmth and faint scent hitting me.
Dad walked out, freezing. "What are you two doing?"
Bella shouted, "Dad, help! He's being a jerk!"
"I just want her phone," I said, exasperated.
Dad frowned. "You're too old for this, Alex. Act like a stepbrother, not a kid."
I stood, pulling Bella up. She fixed her clothes, glaring. "Worst stepbrother ever."
She tossed me the phone. I grabbed it and headed to the bedroom.
I called Lily, asking her to come over to "study." Really, I wanted to pick up where we left off yesterday.
Being interrupted had left me restless all day.