“Xander, please come in. Don’t mind Lilith—she’s just shy,” Mom said, ushering him inside, holding his arm a little too close with every step.

Meanwhile, the thought of my one-night stand now standing in my house as my stepdad was tearing me apart. It clawed at my chest, shredding every nerve I had left. I couldn’t take it. I bolted toward my room, desperate for air—for sanity.

Mom stopped me at the stairs, her eyes soft, pleading in a way that I couldn’t resist.

“Lilith, please don’t leave. At least stay until dinner.”

“Yes, Lilith… if not for her, then for me. Daddy, at least,” Xander added, his smile sharp enough to cut through my composure.

It ripped me open.

He wasn’t even pretending to feel guilty. No hesitation. No shame. As if Mom were nothing more than a prop in his performance.

His audacity burned through me, yet I stayed—forcing calm over the storm that raged inside.

In the living room, Mom’s voice rang with excitement as she made introductions.

“Xander, this is my daughter. My only daughter.”

Then she turned to me, glowing with pride. “Lilith, this is my man. My sunshine. The love of my life.”

She kissed his cheek, oblivious to the tension vibrating between us—while his expression betrayed the opposite of love.

“Lilith, aren’t you going to say hi?” Mom asked brightly.

I forced a stiff nod. “Hi.” My eyes found the floor—anywhere but his.

“She’s just back from college and will be starting her internship soon,” Mom went on proudly. “Lilith, about that—have you decided which company you’d like?”

“Not yet,” I murmured. “But I was thinking… maybe working with you. We could… spend more time.” My own words felt strange leaving my lips.

Mom frowned lightly. “Nonsense. You need to socialize—to live your youth. Xander, didn’t you just open your hotel and refinery branch in Chicago? Lilith could start there as an accountant while she learns.”

Xander’s eyes lingered on me before he replied smoothly, “You’re right. Since it’s new, we do need more staff. And I could even pay her while she learns.” His lips curved, confidence dripping from every word. “Lilith, what do you say?”

“Uhm… yes,” I managed. I tried to hide my thrill, but inside, a dangerous excitement fluttered.

“Perfect,” Mom said, clapping her hands once. “We’re leaving by morning, since that’s settled. Now—let’s eat.”

Dinner felt like a domestic play staged over a minefield. The aroma of beef Wellington filled the room, beautifully plated beside a golden sunset cocktail—his favorite.

“Sherrie,” Xander murmured, staring at the dish. “Did you cook this?”

Mom smiled, glowing like a girl in love. “I love you. So spending two, three hours in my most inconvenient place… is nothing.”

Her words made my stomach twist. Mom, who couldn’t even boil an egg, suddenly turned into a chef for the same man who had cheated on her—with me.

“Let’s just eat,” I muttered, stabbing my fork into the ham.

“I’d love to sit near my future stepdaughter and staff,” Xander said smoothly, taking the seat beside me. “Get to know her more.”

Mom laughed softly. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. Lilith is different. Despite schooling in California, she’s almost graduated without becoming a druggie, a stripper, or a reckless adult.”

“Even I’m surprised,” Xander added, eyes glinting with mischief. “She came out so pure.”

“And she’s a shy, quiet girl,” Mom added proudly.

He smirked. “Looking at her, I’m not sure she’ll stay quiet in the room— I mean, home.”

I froze. My pulse jumped.

I pushed my chair back, ready to escape that cringe moment—but his hand found mine under the table. Firm. Silent. Possessive.

Mom didn’t notice. She was too busy scrolling through her emails.

Since I couldn’t leave, I pulled out my phone, desperate for distraction. A message flashed across the screen. I didn’t need to check the name. I knew who it was.

Xander: You alright? You’ve gone quiet. Why do you want to leave?

Me: Maybe it’s because of the jabs I’m receiving. It’s kinda hurtful.

A sudden warmth pressed against my thigh. His hand.

Me: Your hands are sinning on my thighs. Get them off.

Xander: Just checking if you’re cold. Being considerate.

Me: You’re nearly at my hip—that’s not checking temperature.

Xander: You seem warm to me.

Me: That’s because I’m panicking.

Xander: You don’t look panicked. More like… angry.

Me: Careful—or I’ll reveal your crimes hidden by the tablecloth.

Xander: It’s not a crime if the victim likes it.

His fingers traced slow, deliberate lines across my lap—igniting sparks I didn’t want to feel. My body trembled between fury and forbidden reaction.

Then—

“Lilith! Oh my God!” Mom’s voice exploded with joy. “I got the promotion! They want me to head the new branch!”

Her laughter lit up the room like fireworks.

His hand didn’t move. His smirk didn’t fade.

“Wow, Mom… that’s amazing! Congratulations!” I said, forcing a grin as I pulled his hand away before she could notice.

She set her glass down and rushed to Xander, eyes shining. “Babe, aren’t you proud of me?”

“Yes,” he said smoothly. “It’s well deserved. Your hours of consistency paid off.”

“Thanks, dewdrop.” She cupped his face, kissing him deeply.

I looked away, jaw tight. “Mom, shouldn’t you head to collect your office keys and reports?”

“You’re right, baby. Bye, Xander. Lilith, take care of our guest. And now I have to tackle Los Angeles traffic—all alone, when there’s someone who could drive me.”

Xander chuckled. “Since your eyes insist, I’ll drop you off. No need to face that traffic on your first day.”

Mom flushed. “Oh… that’s really sweet of you, Xander.”

“Lilith, bye,” she called, grabbing her purse. “Xander will be back tonight. If you need anything, just order it. Don’t stress yourself by cooking.”

They both went out the door and pulled out of the driveway.

Finally, silence.

The moment the door clicked shut, I exhaled. The house felt different—lighter but lonely.

I changed into casual shorts and a cropped top, flopping onto the sofa, letting my thoughts twist and spin.

How could he sit at our table like nothing happened?

How could he touch me under Mom’s nose—and still act so calm?

I hated him.

I hated that a part of me still reacted to his touch, but how could I avoid my feelings, just hours back he was my night stand I couldn't over and now he my stepdad.

Evening came, shadows lengthening through the curtains. He still wasn’t back.

So I began packing for the trip. My clothes piled across the bed when my phone buzzed again.

Xander: Will be home soon. Do you need takeout? If so, what will you be getting?

Me: Fish and chips. And a creamy salad.

I stared at the screen, heart thumping.

Since he was coming, I knew I had to be on my armour, ready to challenge his attitude.I quickly changed into my silky black nightgown—sleek, cold, unbothered. The kind of armor he couldn’t ignore.

The satin clung to my skin as I walked downstairs, my heartbeat echoing with every step.

I froze at the doorway.

Xander stood there, eyes locked on me—dark, steady, tracking every move. The air between us thickened, electric.

I drew a deep breath, meeting his gaze head-on, and finally asked myself the question I’d been avoiding—

Was I afraid of him… or of how much I still wanted him?