Annabel's POV

 The ringing of my alarm jolted me from sleep. I quickly reached to turn it off, only to notice I was not in my house.

The room was totally different from mine, the expensive sofa, the white-painted walls, and the soft mattress.

 I jumped up from the bed, finding myself half-naked and covered with a duvet.

 What did I do?

 Did I actually sleep with him? The last thing I

remembered was us drinking and laughing, then our eyes meeting, refusing to part, and Daniel calming my mouth as we went into a passionate kiss.

 But how did I get to his room? How I barely had clothes on was what I couldn't place my head around.

 "Did something really happen between us?" I muttered, a question only Daniel could possibly have answers to.

 But wait... Daniel. Where is he?

 I quickly dressed up and went downstairs, but I didn't see him. He must have left me.

 How could he? Who on earth brings a girl over for dinner and just leaves her like that, with no words?

I must be too foolish to think Daniel would ever want anything to do with me.

I'm not even in his class. There must be millions of classy ladies lining up for him to choose from.

So why did I even think something could make him want me? Besides, he already told me he doesn't fling with his employees, putting me completely out of the league.

 But why on earth am I this pained?

I had convinced myself I was only doing this to get back at James and Stephanie.

 With anger, I picked up my bag and left for home.

 *********

 The long-awaited day was here. I had messaged my dad that I would be coming over, after months of being apart because of school and work.

 It was a good thing I would be visiting, at least I would finally see my new mom, the woman who stole my father's heart.

 When I got home, everything had changed. The same house, but with a different interior. The furniture had been replaced with something more expensive.

The garden, the cars, everything screamed luxury. And that was when it dawned on me that my father had not just married any woman. It was obvious he had married a billionaire.

 I was still bringing out my luggage from the cab when my dad's voice called out, "My sweet," just like he always called me.

He looked ten years younger and happier. I could tell his new wife was really doing a good job.

 My jaw dropped when I saw him, and I ran up to him. "Dad!" I embraced him so tightly that anyone could tell how much we had missed each other.

 Just when I was still in his grip, a voice from the background called out, "Annie."

 I turned and met a lady I presumed was my father's new wife.

She wore a sky-blue silky dress that revealed enough skin on her chest.

Her short grey hair curled perfectly, her skin glowed, and her dark-brown eyes sparkled. Her grin grew wider when our eyes met.

 "Over here, my baby," she waved at me.

 A flash of disappointment wailed through me. Not that I hated her, but I was surprised my dad had settled for an older woman after years of being single.

 This woman could possibly have birthed a child at least twice my age.

 I gently moved to where she was and returned the smile, not fake, but definitely not the energy I thought I would give when I finally met my stepmom.

 I met her gaze. "You are welcome. My father has already told me much about you."

 She nudged my dad playfully. "Wow... really?" she asked, smiling brightly as she took my hand.

We entered and took our seats, chatting as we settled in. "So tell me, what did your father tell you about me?" she asked, still smiling brightly.

 I tilted my head, still keeping up my smile. "Everything nice. He said you make him happy."

She placed her hands on her chest. "Awwwww," she grinned like a teenager who had just met her first lover, her eyes fixed on my dad.

 Dad returned the smile, brushing his thumb across her face. "You are the best thing that has happened to me in years."

He leaned closer, gently took her hand, and pressed a soft kiss to the back of it. I felt uncomfortable.

 I cleared my throat gently, just to remind them I was still there.

 They both laughed softly, tapping each other playfully.

 Then the lady turned to me. "Ohh... Annie, forgive my manners. My name is Fiona. I'm sure your dad told you, but it is only right that I give you a proper introduction."

 "You know what?" Her face was still beaming with joy. "I have a son too, you'll be meeting him soon. I'm sure he'll be glad to have you as a sister."

 Sister?

 Well, this was my father's choice, and I would have to respect it.

 At least, I would be benefiting from the union.

Ever since I turned an adult, my dad had been excessively protective. I believed having a woman in his life as a distraction would be for the best.

 Meanwhile, Fiona pulled out her phone, waking the screen with a tap, and showed it to me. "This is my son," she said, still smiling ear-to-ear. "His name is Daniel."

 My body froze.

 How was this even possible? I recognized the face.

The same man whose bed I had just left a few hours ago. It was clear as sunlight through glass.

 In the picture, he stood tall, the navy-blue suit clinging to his frame like a second skin, sleek, tailored, whispering wealth without a word.

 Just like that first night at the club. The same dark eyes. His tie knotted with effortless precision. His charisma radiated even from the image.

 I was not hallucinating. It was actually Daniel. And to make it worse, he had never appeared as my brother all this while. I guessed he was also clueless about this.

 We kissed last night. It was something intense, something I could not make meaning of until now.

 Fuck.

 Now it was becoming clearer. We did not just kiss, his body was all over me. He was the one who stripped me naked.

 "What if we..."

 No.

We could not possibly have made out.

 Gosh. My head was on the verge of exploding when Fiona squeezed my hand softly. "Annie... Annabel." Her voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

 I jerked up. "I'm sorry," I whimpered.

 My dad's eyes met mine. "Baby, are you okay?" he asked, cupping my face with concern.

 My chair scraped against the floor as I leaned forward. "I... I'm alright," I stammered.

 At this point, the only thing I needed was answers to my numerous questions.

 Because not only had my dad brought home an older lady as his wife, now this? The man I had made out with was my father's son.

 Fiona stood up from where she was seated and came to me. Her hands softly brushed mine. "Annie... I was thinking, maybe you can go see my son. He's always busy, and I think you meeting him will help you bond as siblings."

 I swallowed hard. "Do you think so?"

 She gave me a playful tap. "Don't be silly."

Then her shoulder dropped as she took my hand. "I'll send you his address. I've already informed him. He'll be waiting for you tonight."

 "Tonight?"

Annabel's POV

 "Ma'am... Madam..." the cabman's voice came from the front, hesitated.

 I flinched from hearing his voice. "What?" He gazed at me from the rearview mirror. "We have arrived at your destination".

 My eyes darted around, I was deep in thought that I never knew when we arrived at Daniel's penthouse. "Can you give me a moment?" I asked, my voice low, almost pleading.

 With just a simple nod, he turned off the engine, leaving us with nothing but the chirping of birds.

I needed to gather up my confidence.

 What if I tell him the truth and he doesn't want to have anything to do with me again? What will he do when he finds out that he had a one-night fling with his sister? Will he deny me the opportunity of getting my app funded? the only way to get answers to my questions is to enter there and confront him.

 Damn, I can't even bring myself to tell him the truth. I still need to get my revenge.

 The only way to get back at James is by dating someone who is way better than him. And for Stephanie, Daniel is her weak point.

Having Daniel to myself will make her feel the pain I felt the night I saw her in my ex's arms.

But, dragging Daniel into my game without telling him about my plans will be so selfish of me. If I don't let out the cat now it might backfire later.

 No.

 I need to tell him the truth. I seriously need to find out about what happened last night between us too.

 I finally lifted my head. "I will be going down now". I informed the cabman and held the door handle to step out, but something caught my eyes.

 A lady.

 She was dressed in a black skimpy bum shot paired with a backless gold top. The evening breeze toyed with her hair. She was speaking with Daniel's security guard as I watched her step into her car and drove in.

 My chest tightened into a knot.

 Is this what Daniel does all day? Yesterday, he was looking at me like I meant the entire world to him. And today he has changed to another woman.

 Fuck, I hate that I care.

 He clearly stated that he can never have anything to do with me. Why do I still feel pain?

 I watched the woman walk into Daniel's mansion.

Just like that, the plan changed, I couldn't bring myself to go in. I didn't want to intrude on their moment.

 I could feel the tension burning through my chest as my hands tightened into fists. "Drive". My voice came out low and rough.

Slamming the door, as I ran my fingers on my face pulling back strands of hair covering my face. Ordering the driver to take me to my apartment.

 I saw how confused he looked as he stared through the rearview mirror.

 Not wanting any of his interrogation. "Can we move? I have something urgent to attend to". I lied, knowing fully well that he would not buy them.

 But he simply nodded in agreement, humming the engine to life and we glided to my destination.

 To be honest I still don't understand why I was so upset seeing another woman enter Daniel's house.

 The feeling of knowing that he was going to screw another woman made my heart burn. I hate to admit it, but there is a part of me that wants to be with Daniel all the time.

 Maybe I'm lying to myself that I only want to be with him because I want to get revenge or maybe something else that I'm not ready to admit.

 Not after the picture Fiona showed me. Besides I don't think Daniel would want to have anything serious with someone like me.

 The lady that I just saw entering his mansion is his type of woman.

Not a classless girl like me who could not even afford a basic ride.

 The moment I stepped through the door, I changed into my cozy pajamas after a warm bath.

 Then, I decided to check my email. Not that I was expecting the Stroke development company to give us feedback by now.

 The instruction clearly stated next week. Besides I was not even sure if I was going to be picked.

 The only reason why I was going through my email is because I know sleep was never going to come if I decided to stay ideal.

 I just needed something to occupy my head. Something that will make me forget him.

Something. Anything, to steady my pulse and keep me from storming out of this house, marching straight to Daniel's, and tearing into the woman I watched walk into his home just hours ago.

 Just when I had booted my laptop on, a message popped up showing that I had received an email.

 I reluctantly swiped to the page hoping that maybe another company responded.

Because I was not sure if Daniel would want to give me this job.

 His attitude this morning tells everything. Maybe he left because he never wanted to see me again.

 And to make it worse, I have blocked him from reaching me in any form.

 I finally opened the email and my eyes widened.

Too stunned to react. How is this possible? How could I have gotten the job this easily? I stared at my screen again as I quietly read the message out.

 "Dear Ms. Annabel Green, Congratulations on securing a job with us at 'Stroke Development Company' and winning the competition of getting your app funded. We hope to see you resume tomorrow.

 Best regards,

 Stroke & CO".

 My thoughts spiraled, my head turning into something that was going to explode soon.

 I should be happy right? This has always been my dream.

To get my app funded. To finally work in a big company.

 But one thing is off, among the numerous candidates I was the only one picked and the most confusing part of it all is that I got the email even before the supposed period.

Does that mean I actually slept with Daniel? Did he actually get what he wanted and he is now keeping to his own side of the bargain? Damn, this email only tells me one thing.

 I will be seeing him tomorrow.

 How do I face him?