Chapter 1
Kayla's POV
"I'll be there soon, my love. I'm done dressing," I said, holding my phone to my ear as I examined my reflection in the mirror.
"Okay, princess," Tristian replied warmly before I ended the call.
I turned my attention back to the mirror, admiring the way my hair, tied in a sleek ponytail, framed my face. The "makeup no makeup" look I had perfected gave me an effortlessly radiant glow, and the black dinner gown Tristian bought me hugged my body in all the right places. Silver earrings and a matching necklace completed the ensemble. "Muah!" I giggled at my reflection, satisfied with the result.
I smiled, imagining Tristian's expression when he saw me in this dress. I hadn't planned on going out tonight, but he had a way with words that I couldn't resist. He was my light in the darkness—a source of peace and love in a life otherwise riddled with chaos.
My stepmother, Nuella, and her daughter, Tania, had made my life a living hell ever since my mom passed away. Nuella hated me from the moment we met, and when she had Tania, it only worsened. While they played sweet and gentle when my dad was around, I bore the brunt of their disdain every other moment. My father was critically ill, leaving me to handle his care and medical expenses. Tania, ever the lazy parasite, did nothing to help.
They seemed to revel in my misfortune, seizing every chance to make my life miserable. I despised two-faced people like them. They reminded me of all the betrayals I had endured in the past, each one leaving a scar.
Shaking off the painful memories, I grabbed my phone and purse, steeling myself for the encounter I knew was coming. Nuella always found a way to criticize my choices, from my clothes to my makeup or even my relationship with Tristian.
Descending the stairs with deliberate steps, I could hear faint whispers from the living room. As I reached the bottom, I saw them lounging on the couch, their heads snapping toward me simultaneously. Nuella's expression shifted from astonishment to envy, then to her usual hatred. Tania, on the other hand, radiated pure jealousy.
"And where do you think you're going dressed like that?" Nuella demanded, her tone dripping with disdain.
"I'm going out on a date with Tristian," I replied sharply, refusing to break eye contact.
"Tristian this, Tristian that," Tania muttered under her breath.
"What's the matter, Tania? Jealous? Or just desperate for someone to notice you?" I shot back, my voice laced with mockery.
Her eyes widened in fury. "How dare you talk to me like that?" she hissed.
"I can talk to you however I want. I'm older than you, or have you conveniently forgotten that?"
Nuella interjected, her voice rising. "And who gave you permission to prance around like some streetwalker? I didn't know you'd turned into a slut!"
Her words hit me like a punch, but I refused to back down. "I'm not a slut. Tristian is my boyfriend, and I don't need your permission to go out with him," I said, my tone icy.
"You dare talk back to me?" Nuella's voice grew louder, shaking with anger.
"I haven't done anything wrong, and I don't have time for whatever drama you're trying to stir up," I replied calmly. Turning to leave, I barely took three steps before she yanked my hair, forcing me to stop.
"Let go of me!" I yelled, twisting around to free myself. When she raised her hand to slap me, I caught her wrist mid-air.
"What was that? You were going to slap me?" I glared at her, fury blazing in my eyes. "Don't you dare try that again. I'm calm, but I'm not weak."
She stared at me in shock, and I flung her hand away.
"You witch! How dare you—" Tania began, trembling with rage but maintaining a safe distance.
"I'm the witch? That's rich coming from you," I retorted, rolling my eyes. "Look, I'm done with this conversation. Both of you, stay out of my business."
At that moment, the front door opened, and Tristian stepped inside. His eyes darted between Nuella, Tania, and me, taking in the tense scene. He looked surprised but not entirely unprepared. I walked to his side, eager to leave.
"Babe, you're here. Let's go," I said, slipping my hand into his.
As we moved to leave, Nuella's voice rang out. "Don't think for a second that you're welcome back here, you witch!"
I stopped, turned back, and with a calm, steely voice, said, "You're not even worthy to speak about my mother. She was ten times the person you'll ever be."
Tristian squeezed my hand, pulling me gently toward the door.
Once outside, I felt a wave of emotions crash over me. I glanced at Tristian nervously, wondering what he thought about everything he had just witnessed.
"Are you okay, princess?" he asked softly, his warm blue eyes searching mine.
I exhaled, my voice trembling slightly. "I'm fine, I just… I can't stand them. They do this every chance they get."
He stopped, standing in front of me. His hands cupped my face, his gaze filled with compassion and love. "We'll get through this together. Soon, you won't have to deal with them anymore. But if you're not in the mood, we can go somewhere else—maybe the park, the bridge, or that bird's nest you love to watch?"
I managed a small smile. "No, I still want to go out. But I'll take you up on that offer to see the birds later."
He chuckled, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on my lips. I melted into his touch, wrapping my arms around his neck as his hands settled on my waist. He deepened the kiss, making my heart race.
When he finally pulled away, his breath was ragged. "You're going to be the death of me," he whispered, a smirk playing on his lips.
Laughing, I teased, "Calm down, mister. I'm not going anywhere."
He straightened his shirt before opening the car door for me.
As I checked my reflection in the windshield, I pouted. "Great, now you've ruined my lipstick."
"Would you like me to ruin it some more?" he replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes.