Love Hate Relationship With My Stepbrother

Alice's pov

I was dumbfounded when I saw the shining diamond ring on mum's finger. I was expecting this from her at some point, but it still feel sudden.

I guess she read my expression as panic.

"I know this might feel strange dear, I just want you to know, if you aren't ready for Elliott to be a part of our live he can wait." seeing as her excitement turned into worry, I couldn't help but feel guilty.

I know mum would do anything to make me happy. That, I'm extremely grateful for. The fact that she is still willing to put me first over her happiness again, gave me the assurance I need. No one out there can take my place from my mum's heart

" No mum, I'm so happy for you. This..." I pointed at the rock on her finger "is every girl dream."

******

The flight to New York was short. As I kept reciting what I would say to my soon to be brother on getting to their place. Mum said she would like for us to bond before we become a real family, I want nothing less that that.

Ever since I was little I always wanted a sibling. It's finally happening, and I'm thrilled.

On getting to their home it's nothing like I expected. Mom said it was a litt house on the streets but the compound is as big as the whole street back in London. Let's not just diverge to how the garden looks like. I would say it's heaven. The beautiful array of well trimmed flowers, the way the sun cast a glow on them is so beautiful.

"Wow" I whispered to myself as I gawked.

" I know right, Elliott always says his garden would give me more artistic inspiration, I guess he was right."

I was still ogling when I saw the mansion.

The place screamed old money, no doubt my mum has nice taste.

Her first husband, my dad was a wealthy entrepreneur, while her soon to be husband is from old money. Me on the other hand, haven't had a relationship that lasted up to two month. I need to start taking lessons from her.

A woman in her mid forties, who introduced herself as Hilda, and escorted us in. Their house could pass as a museum. The wooden furnitures matches, the antiques, and frames on the wall.

Unlike normal families that have their pictures on the wall these people keep expensive artistic works on the wall.

Eliott walked up to my mum, and gave her a chaste peck on the lips before announcing " it's nice to have you both here." he took my mum's hand in his as he kept asking about our flight.

I was still surveying the area when my eyes stumbled on him. His black wavy hair wasn't tamed, his sharp jaw could slice an ice, his grey eyes is dark.

He looks at me like he could see through my skin.

His black top fit perfectly on his body I could see his muscle bulging. He's so handsome and he would pass for something that could be presented at this museum too.

I was staring, I don't know how not to. He's a work of art.

All the girls must have the hots for him.

He walked down the stairs and his dad introduced him to my mum "Dear, meet Brian my son. Brian, Aurora my fiancée.." he used his hand to gesture between them"and her daughter Alice." He hugged my mum " nice meeting you Aurora."

He walked toward me, I thought he was also going to hug me, I reached out to him just for him to walk past me to the door. Mum and Elliott didn't notice it, and I could have sworn that he did it intentionally.

Few minutes later, Brian walked in.

I, Elliott and mum were discussing about school, why I choose art, and how it's being my dream to express my ideas through images to people."

On seeing Brian, all the liquid in my mouth got dried. I guess it's the way he carried himself effortlessly with pride, or the way his hair is always a mess, or his jaw, his muscles, his eyes, that eyes that definitely spoke volume.

I still had no words to say, but there I was gawking at my soon to be brother. He wasn't what I expected.

Elliot called out to him and he joined us in the living room.

Mum looked at Brian lovingly.

"Your dad says you are studying business."

"Yes, I'm in my finals" he took a seat opposite me.

"At 22 that's pretty fast. it shows you've been putting in lots of effort." Mum said, and then she felt the need to drag me into their conversation.

" Alice here is studying art she is in her second year."

He glanced at me.

"Yeah I know, Dad said she would be resuming at Vilemort next week. Arrangements have been made."

Mum smiled, as she leaned in on Elliott "your father description of you is so true. You speak so well."

He smiled, I know Brian isn't happy to have us here. It's the way he behaves, or the fake smile he gives.

Not everyone could see it, but I know that this boy is putting on a charade. I was still staring at him, to placate my ego I told myself I was studying him.

Mom and Elliott excused themselves, and I was left with my soon to be brother, who was glued to his phone. I didn't know why I felt the need to fill the air, it was just so weird.

"Thanks for making arrangements on my behalf"

His eyes was now on me, shiver ran down my spine, and my heart rate increased. I am not one that crave attention I guess that's why.

Since he kept staring at me like he didn't understand what I was thanking him for I inputted.

"for the arrangement you mad...e"

He stood up, and headed to the stairs. Then it got dawn on me. He understood me just fine.