Arlyn.

My phone rang just as the driver my mother had sent to pick me up pulled up into the driveway of a mansion.

“Hey, mom.” I answered the call, my eyes wide as I assessed the building. “I am literally in front of the house, and can I just say….what the fuck? Did you marry Jesus?”

My mom laughed, her sweet sultry voice came through the phone, and I couldn't help, but smile. “I'm glad you are here, love!”

“Thanks, mom. I'm glad I'm here too.” I said, stepping out of the car still in awe of the place.

The mansion was huge.

Bigger than anything I had ever seen before.

Dad wasn't poor by any means. He was comfortable, and made sure we all were, but even his freak house wasn't as bad

This…this was insane.

The front door burst open just then, and the most beautiful woman on the planet aka my mother came rushing out.

Even the way she rushed out was elegant, and princess–like.

Behind her was a tall older man. Her husband, I presumed.

I had only seen his picture, but he was absolutely handsome. Annoyingly so.

I ran up to them, and hugged my mom. I hadn't seen her in years.

“Merry Christmas, my love. This is my husband, Senator Bradley Bradenton.”

Interesting name.

“Ah, nice to meet you.” I extended my hands for a handshake. He took it firmly. “So, you're the man that stole my mom from my dad”

Silence

Awkward silence.

I burst out laughing. The look on their faces was priceless.

“That was a joke.”

“Oh. I see she gets your sense of humor.” Senator Bradley said, glancing at my mother with a soft smile. He was definitely in love with her. Well, at least one of us was happy.

My mom rolled her eyes, and playfully smacked her husband.

My stomach twisted. This used to be and Liam.

“I'm happy to have you, Arlyn. Merry Christmas. You changed your hair.”

She smiled, clearly approving the look.

It was finally like hers, if hers was natural.

“You like it?”

“Love it. You look like a goddess.”

I smiled. That meant a lot from the most beautiful woman I had ever met. I had decided to change my hair after the encounter with that handsome stranger at the airport that I had shamelessly bitten.

I wonder again at the thought.

What was I even thinking?

“Thank you, mom… I thought it was time for a change.”

“Good call.” she smiled.

“By the way, I got both of you wedding presents, but it's in the car…”

“Oh, thank you sweety, Dalton will bring it up.”

I had no idea who he was, but I assumed he was some kind of help.

The interior of the house was even more impressive than I could ever imagine.

Everything was elegant and strategic just like my mother.

White sofas, golden embroidery.

Chocolate brown curtains.

Christmas decorations that were a little too fancy for my liking.

Chandeliers in a ceiling way too high to not house giants.

I felt a bit out of place.

“God, your place is incredible. You must be rich huh.”

Bradley laughed. “You could say that.”

“Bradley's kids will be here soon. His niece and nephew will be spending Christmas with us too.”

“Ouu fun.” I clapped. More company. Exactly what I needed to distract me from the rawness of my chest.

“Yes, very fun…um, where is your boyfriend m” my Mom asked.

My stomach tightened along with my chest. This was the part I dreaded the most.

“Um…he's not coming.”

“Why not?”

“We broke up.” Her eyes narrowed.

“What did you do?”

She asked in a warning voice.

Jeez. Why was I to blame?

“Nothing. I did nothing. Why did you think it was me?* I asked, a little offended.

“I know what you think about men after your father and I ended.”

“Oh brother. Not this again. I have no issues with men, mom.”

It was true. I was a bit of a raging Misandrist sometimes, but the difference was that it wasn't because of the situation with my mom, and dad. I've always just been a little unlucky with love…and friendship with men.

“Really? Is that why at 20 you've never had a boyfriend?’

“I had a boyfriend. We broke up.”

“Why?’ she asked as she folded her hands accross her chest.

“I'm not going to answer that. Anyway, when will the entire family be here?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

My mom gave me a look, and then sighed

“They'll be here soon. They were snowed in for a bit, but don't worry…they can't wait to meet you either.”

Ordinarily, I wasn't a fan of meeting too many new people, but after Liam, I needed all the distractions I could get.

Mom took me up to my room minutes later where my boxes were already arranged.

“You should rest. I can't wait to introduce you to the rest of the family.”

“Yeah. I guess I can't wait either. Oh, and congrats on bagging a wealthy senator.”

She rolled her eyes. “Stop saying that!”

“What? A daughter isn't allowed to be proud of her mother's choices in men?”

“Not when you put it like that. I actually love Brad.”

“Like you loved Dad?”

I raised a brow at her.

“Don't do this, Arly.’

“It's a joke, mom. Learn to take one.”

She sighed.

Minutes later she left, leaving me alone with a room too big for one person, and conflicting feelings.

The first thing I did was go to the balcony.

I pulled the double doors open, and let in the fresh cold air of Christmas.

I was there for barely five minutes when I heard my name downstairs.

I sighed.

What do they want this time?

“Arly!” My mom's voice came again.

So much for resting.

“Coming!” I yelled.

I made my way downstairs, and found Mom and her new husband at the door.

“Yes, mom?”

I said, walking towards her.

“They are here?!” She exclaimed, moving out of the way.

I froze when my eyes landed on a familiar figure.

The handsome stranger at the airport.

His eyes locked on mine, and a sudden dread washed over me.

“Honey, come on.” Mom waved me over.

“This is Ella, and Reid, your step brother, and step cousin.” my mom said, a big smile on her face.

“And, Reid, Ella. This is your step sister.”

Reid didn't speak just stared at me, his eyes cold as a glacial

Arlyn

I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my eardrums, each thud trying to outdo the last.

There was definitely no way the stranger I had bitten at the airport was standing in here, staring at me like I was some bizarre painting he never asked to see.

Yet, here he was In the flesh, same clothes, and his perfectly sculpted body.

Oh God. Oh God….Is this some kind of punishment? An involuntary cough escaped my lips and my mom looked at me in concern.

“Everything okay?” she asked, glancing between Reid and me like she could already tell something was up.

I hated how observant she was.

“Huh?” I asked, trying to stall my answer, so I could think of a perfect answer to give.

If I told her that I knew him, she'd ask how, and id have to say I met him in the airport, and knowing my mother, she'd pry even more, and he might just tell her that I had bitten him which was an embarrassing situation in and out of itself.

“Do you two know each other?” Mom proceeded to ask.

“No,” Reid replied before I could even open my mouth.

I stared dumbfounded at him.

He hadn’t even hesitated. Just a straight up no.

“Never seen her before,” he added carelessly, sliding his phone into his coat pocket. “I assume she’s my new sister?”

He didn’t look at me when he said it.

Rather he looked past me, like I wasn’t worth the effort.

A shiver ran down my spine.

He was colder than he’d been at the airport, and somehow even more ridiculously handsome.

How was that even possible?

Mom smiled brightly.

“I’m glad you’re here, Reid.”

But instead of returning her warmth, he looked at her like she was something he could barely tolerate. Like a bug.

Okay… that was odd.

Ella stepped forward, hugging Mom tightly.

“We’re glad to be here, Aunt.”

“I have so much planned for you all,” Mom beamed at her. “This is going to be an amazing Christmas.”

Ella nodded enthusiastically but Reid ignored her completely, eyes glued to his phone like nothing else mattered

How rude.

Ella turned to me. “Nice to meet you… I'm Ella,” she said with a grin before pulling me into a hug.

Her warmth was instant, a direct opposite of her cousin.

“Arlyn.” I said as the wind knocked out of me.

“Beautiful name. Your mom has told us so much about you. I wish you could be at the wedding.” she said, pulling away almost reluctantly.

“Well, you should all freshen up while I finish dinner,” Mom said.

Reid walked off without a word, brushing past me so close our shoulders nearly collided. I smelled his cologne, something expensive enough to probably buy my phone. He didn’t stop or look my way. It was almost like I had become invisible to him.

My eyes followed him all the way to the grand staircase.

Not once did he even glance back, and strangely that stung.

“He’s cold like that except for me and well… mum,” Ella said bluntly.

I blinked. “…What?”

“Reid,” she clarified with a roll of her eyes.

“Oh.” I nodded awkwardly. “Yeah, I noticed.”

“You will get used to him in time.” She leaned in and whispered as if sharing state secrets. “Come on.”

She grabbed my hand and pulled me upstairs towards my room.

Ella closed the door behind us and scanned the space. “Where are your things?”

“Um… I just brought the two boxes.”

“You aren’t planning on staying long, are you?”

I shrugged, sitting on the edge of my overly luxurious king-sized bed. “I mean… it depends. On things.”

On whether I could survive being in the same house as the man I had practically assaulted in an airport.

She plopped onto the bed beside me, crossing her legs.

“So. Spill. Why do you look like a monster's out to get you?”

I laughed heartily. The girl sure had her ways with words.

“I… uh… just didn't expect to see him here.”

“Who? Reid?”

I nodded, rubbing my palms together. “We… met earlier today.”

Ella’s brows shot up in curious surprise. “You did?”

“Yeah. At the airport.” I admitted carefully.

I swallowed hard, remembering. “I… may have accused him of stealing my purse.”

She stared at me like she was looking at a fool.

“What?”

“It was a misunderstanding!” I said quickly. “Someone snatched my purse, and he was holding it afterward, and I kind of… jumped him and bit his face.”

Ella choked as laughter bubbled out unexpectedly. “You bit him?!”

I groaned and hid my face in my hands. “Don’t remind me.”

“And he was innocent?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

Her laugh was loud and unrestrained. “Oh my God. I wish I had seen that!”

“It wasn’t funny,” I muttered, though even I almost laughed at how ridiculous it sounded. “He must think I’m insane.”

“He’s judgmental as hell,” Ella said. “He judges everyone.”

“Why?”

She looked at the door as if making sure no one was listening.

“Reid doesn’t like his stepmom. At all.”

My stomach tightened. “My mom?”

Ella winced. “Yeah. He thinks she’s a gold-digger.”

My jaw dropped. “My mom got married because she fell in love. How does that make her a gold-digger? She’s a doctor!”

“I know.” Ella shrugged. “But he’s stubborn. And he thinks any woman close to Brad is after money. He doesn’t trust easily.”

I sat back against the headboard, letting the information sink in.

That explained his cold attitude.

He didn’t hate me because of the airport drama.

He hated me because of who my mother was married to.

“And now,” I muttered dryly, “he probably thinks I’m one too.”

“Probably,” Ella said honestly. “But don’t worry. He hates everyone equally. Except me.”

“How lovely.”

Ella nudged me with her shoulder. “Give him time. He’ll get over himself eventually.”

Would he?

I was doubtful.

I stood and paced the room, chewing on my bottom lip. “I should apologize. Properly…Like an adult.”

“Good luck with that.” Ella snorted. “He doesn’t do emotional conversations.”

“Who said anything about emotional? I just don’t want him thinking I go around biting innocent men for fun.”

“You kinda did today…”

“Ella!”

She cackled.

This girl was troublemaker through and through.

The look Reid had given me downstairs wasn’t only cold, it was suspicious. Like he was evaluating me, calculating something.

He thought he already knew what I was. Who I was, what role I played in the story he’d already written in his head.

And I hated that.

“Okay,” Ella clapped her hands, hopping off the bed. “Dinner should be soon. Want to change?”

I glanced at my reflection in the full-length mirror, at my just dyed hair, the soft makeup and the white sweater that made me look like a barbie freak.

“I’m fine,” I breathed.

But inside, I was anything but fine.

Because tonight, I would have to sit across from the man who thought my mother was a parasite…

And probably thought I was one too.

*****

Dinner was in an elegant dining room, the type I only saw on TV. The chandelier alone probably cost more than my college tuition.

Everyone was seated when I walked in, Mom, Bradley, Ella, and Reid.

Reid’s eyes flicked up briefly before dropping back to his food. Judgemental and dismissive.

I swallowed and took my seat across from him.

“Arlyn,” Bradley said kindly, “how was your flight?”

“Fine,” I answered, trying to ignore the weight of Reid’s silence.

Mom smiled proudly at me. “Did you see the mall at the airport? The decorations this year—”

“She did,” Reid cut in. “She was busy chasing thieves.”

My stomach dropped.

Of course he would…

Ella shot him a sharp look. “Reid.”

He didn’t care.

Mom blinked slowly. “Thieves?”

I cleared my throat. “It was… nothing. Just a misunderstanding.”

Reid’s mouth twitched, something between irritation and amusement.

But he said nothing else, returning to his meal like I was not just across from him.

“Wait. I thought you two said you didn't know each other?” Mom asked.

“We don't.” Reid said.

I tried to calm myself.

“Actually,” I began quietly, eyes fixed on the table, “I wanted to apologize. To Reid.”

The room went silent.

Reid’s gaze lifted, piercing and dark. “Why? Because you don't want__?”

I toned out the rest of what he was saying.

“No,” I said firmly, meeting his eyes. “Because I was wrong.”

The table stayed silent for a beat too long.

Reid leaned back in his chair, studying me like I was a puzzle missing several pieces.

“Honest mistake,” he said finally, echoing his airport words.

Only this time, his voice was colder. And even more suspicious… like he thought I was plotting something.

To him, I was just another extension of my mother’s new wealthy life.

Another woman pretending innocence.

And that stung more than I cared to admit.

Dinner resumed, conversations flowing around me, but all I could feel was his judgemental eyes pressing against my skin.

I had walked into this house hoping for a fresh start, a new beginning.

Instead, I was knee-deep in tension with the coldest man I’d ever met.

And worst of all?

For reasons I didn’t dare examine…

I couldn’t stop noticing him.

Reid

Too late…. I realized I should’ve stayed in New York.

I knew it the second I stepped out of the car and saw Bradley’s mansion lit up like a frigging xmas tree. It was so bright it hurt my eyes just to look at it longer than necessary. And it all looked too fake, like it was there to divert attention from something else.

But I hadn't t come for him and I sure as hell didn't come for the walking sex toy he tied the knot with.

I wouldn't even be here if I had my way but Ella begged, and Mom had done her best to make me feel guilty, blah blah blah… and here I was.

Pretending.

That I didn't Bradley, my dad, that I thought his brand new wife was great, and that I wasn't bothered by this pretend family get together.

At least for my mum and Ella's sake, I would pretend we were one big happy family but nothing prepared me for her.

Arlyn.

The airport girl.

I recognized her the second she looked at me. The shock in her eyes on recognizing me almost made me burst out laughing.

Her hair was different, blonde now but I would remember that face anywhere.

It was a face that spelt trouble.

She froze like she’d seen a ghost.

Good.

Serves her right.

I could still feel her nails digging into my jaw and the sharp sting as her teeth sunk beneath my skin. Like… Who the hell bites a stranger?

Then she had the nerve to accuse me of stealing her purse… her purse for chrissake.

Even now, standing in Bradley’s grand entryway with my stepmom beaming proudly beside her, that memory crawled back into my head.

Her eyes darted away from mine but not before I saw the guilt in them.

Good.

When she coughed and her mother asked, “Everything okay?” I answered before she could spin some excuse.

“No.”

Her head whipped toward me, but I didn’t look at her.

Wasn't necessary.

I didn’t want to see the new hair or the soft sweater or the way her stupid expressive face made her look… innocent.

Innocent people didn’t bite.

I shoved my phone back into my pocket.

“Never seen her before. I assume she’s my new sister.”

Sister.

The word tasted bitter.

Not because of her but because Bradley kept collecting new family members like trophies.

The way he smiled at them all made me gag.

When Ella hugged him warmly and he hugged her back, I swallowed the familiar burn creeping up my chest.

I didn’t come to play happy family. I came because Ella deserved a real Christmas, and because my mother insisted I show “good faith.”

A bell sounded and everyone went in.

It was dinner time.

*****

Arlyn walked in, eyes seeking mine. She hesitated, probably replaying the purse stealing scene again. I hoped she was. She needed that humble reminder.

She sat across from me—of course she did like fate was mocking me. Her shoulders were tense and Her lips pressed tight.

I smiled, loving her discomfort.

I ate silently, scrolling mindlessly through my phone until she finally opened her mouth.

Bradley asked her about her flight. She gave some vague response. Then her mother asked about the mall, and I cut in before Arlyn started spinning sentimental holiday nonsense.

I looked up. “She was busy chasing thieves.”

Her fork froze halfway to her mouth and her cheeks flushed.

Ella elbowed me under the table, but I didn’t care. I was having too much fun.

When Arlyn finally spoke, her voice was quiet.

“Actually… I wanted to apologize. To Reid.”

I looked up, meeting her eyes fully and she wasn’t looking for sympathy or turn the tables.

She was genuinely sorry.

And that threw me off.

I leaned back, trying to understand her game plan. “Why? Because you don't want to look bad?”

She didn’t flinch. Didn’t look away. Just held my gaze.

“No,” she said firmly. “Because I was wrong.”

Her voice was steady.

The room was silent in that heavy, uncomfortable way where everyone waits for someone else to react.

I didn’t.

I wouldn’t give her that.

“Honest mistake,” I said finally, echoing what I’d said earlier but letting my tone stay cold.

I watched something in her expression shift.

Like she’d hoped I’d accept it.

Like she expected forgiveness.

She didn’t know me at all.

The last thing I was going to do was let some girl with big emotional eyes melt my icy heart.

Especially one whose mother was now playing wife to my father of all people.

I learnt my lesson about trusting women who strategically place themselves in wealthy men’s lives. They were always smiling and sweet.. hidden motives.

Arlyn was no different.

A convenient daughter to match the convenient wife.

I wouldn’t fall for it.

*****

After dinner, Ella dragged Arlyn off to show her the house, leaving me alone with dad. I walked out onto the balcony for air.

Snow fell in soft waves against the garden, covering everything in clean white but the sight gnawed at me. It was all too peaceful.

Left too much room for thinking and right now, all my thoughts were on person; Arlyn.

I replayed the airport incident in my head and scoffed.

It should’ve been infuriating.

It was.

But the worst part wasn’t the bite.

The worst how genuine she had been when she had tried apologizing earlier… like she truly regretted it.

And now here she was, under the same roof for God knows how long.

I rubbed my jaw where she’d bitten me, more annoyed at myself than her.

I didn’t want to think about her.

Didn’t want her taking up space in my head.

I had enough already to worry about and couldn't afford to waste precious time on her.

I was in the middle of reminding myself of that when footsteps approached behind me.

Even before I turned around, I knew she was the one.

It was indeed her.

She stepped onto the balcony hesitantly, arms folded against the cold. Her breath fogged in the air. The snowflakes caught in her new blonde hair made her look annoyingly naive.

What a pain.

“Hey,” she said quietly.

I didn’t answer.

She shifted awkwardly. “I just wanted to… make sure you know I meant the apology.”

I exhaled slowly.

“I heard you the first time.”

“I know,” she said softly. “But I wanted to say it without an audience.”

There it was again; that sincerity that made my skin itch.

It reminded me of someone from years ago. Someone who had also seemed pure until the truth surfaced.

“It’s fine,” I said, looking back at the snow. “Just forget it.”

“I don’t think you believe me.”

I didn’t look at her then away.

“People lie when it benefits them.”

“Well, I don’t,” she replied with conviction.

I turned my head slightly, studying her from the corner of my eye.

Her cheeks were flushed from the cold. Her eyes wide and earnest in a way no pretender could fake.

Damn it.

“Whatever you say,” I muttered.

She let out a small exasperated breath. “You really don’t like me, do you?”

I stiffened.

She wasn’t meant to call it out.

“I don’t know you,” I said in my defense.

“But you think you do.” Her voice wasn’t accusing… it was flat now.

And for a second, I felt something uncomfortable twist in my chest.

I hated that.

Before I could say anything, she straightened. “Well… thanks for helping me at the airport. Even if I didn’t realize it.”

She turned to leave.

Against my better judgement, I called her name before I could stop.

“Arlyn.”

She paused, glancing back.

“Next time,” I said, “don’t bite strangers.”

A soft, reluctant smile tugged at her lips.

“Next time,” she replied, “don’t look like the villain in a crime novel.”

She walked away.

I stared after her longer than I should’ve.

Damn.

This Christmas was going to be a torture straight from hell… hopefully, I will survive it.