CHAPTER 10
**ZION**
As I headed out of the room, my phone buzzed with a new message.
*MOM: Zion, where are you? Breakfast is getting cold. Please don't mess this up.*
I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of Mom’s relentless push for us to be a happy family. It felt like an added burden I couldn’t escape. Even though her insistence was grating, I couldn’t bear to disappoint her. With a heavy heart, I slipped back into the reception area, taking care not to draw any attention from the guests.
I made my way back to the opulent dining room, reassured that no one had noticed my brief absence—except for Mom, of course.
She was doing her best to be a supportive stepmother to Winter, who was playing her part as the perfect daughter. I told myself I wasn’t jealous, that I didn’t need Mom’s constant affection anymore. But the sight of Snowflake settling in so comfortably made me uneasy. I didn’t want her to get any ideas about sticking around longer than necessary. This was my City, and I needed to make sure she understood that.
My gaze locks with Clark’s across the room. He’s been my closest friend through everything, and aside from Winter, he’s the only person who truly understands me. A year after Winter left, Clark transferred to our school, having just lost his mother to cancer. We bonded instantly.
I make my way across the room and come to a halt directly in front of him.
“You look like you just got laid,” Clark says with a smirk, shaking his head.
“I’ll never kiss and tell,” I reply with a playful grin. “Though I guess you could say I just had a little fun if you catch my drift.”
Clark raises an eyebrow. “So why are you here so early, other than getting some action?”
“Mom insisted on a family breakfast,” I say, rolling my eyes.
Clark lets out a chuckle, shaking his head with a hint of amusement. “Family bonding, huh? I thought my dad was overbearing. He’s been relentless about me and Claire getting to know his new girlfriend. Meanwhile, I’m just craving a drink to survive this.”
“I hear you,” I reply with a grin, nodding in agreement. “I could use a drink myself. It’s not like I’m eager to endure this forced family moment with dearest step daddy”
We’re not quite of drinking age, but it’s not like anyone’s watching us too closely. We’ve been in worse situations. I snag a flute of wine from a passing waiter and down it in one gulp. The chilled liquid soothes my frayed nerves.
My eyes inevitably find Winter’s. It’s like we’re drawn together by an invisible force, one that’s hard to resist.
“Woah! She’s pretty,” Clark observes, his gaze following mine.
Clark glances at me with a smirk, his eyes dancing with curiosity.
Pretty?
He must be fuc*king blind!
She's not just pretty; she's stunning, and definitely out of his league. However, he doesn't know that her charm is deceptive—she’s like a slow-acting poison."
Clark’s gaze remained fixed on Winter, his interest evident.
“She’s smoking hot Bro. I haven’t seen her before. I’m intrigued and wouldn’t mind getting to know her a bit better—on a more physical level.”
I stiffen, gripping my glass so tightly that my knuckles turn white. “Don’t be deceived by her looks,” I warn my voice low and edged.
“She’s a master manipulator, and her allure makes her even more dangerous. She'll use whatever it takes to get what she wants, including her fucking charm. Trust me, Clark, she’s not worth it.”
Clark raises an eyebrow, his tone playful but laced with a hint of scepticism. “Whoa, that sounds like jealousy to me, Z. Are you jealous?”
I shoot him a sharp glare, trying to suppress the surge of frustration.
“It’s not jealousy,” I snap, my voice tight. “It’s more like burning, fiery rage. I want to see her suffer, not because I care who you hook up with, but because of what she did. I’d rather she gets her heart broken for all I care " My gaze flickers back to Clark, the intensity in my eyes reflecting the depth of my anger.
Clark raises an eyebrow, but I brush off his comment and turn my attention back to the table where Winter is sitting with my mom. Her father is conspicuously absent.
Her silky blonde hair cascades in soft curls down her back, framing her delicate heart-shaped face. Her skin is creamy white, flawless and unmarred. She looks like a real-life princess—delicate and fragile. Her full lips are painted a striking blood red, contrasting sharply with her innocent-looking eyes, which is amusing considering how far from innocent she truly is.
Clark’s eyes followed her as he spoke, “I gather you know her, right? I mean, she’s sitting with your mom.”
“She’s my stepsister,” I grit out, frustration evident in my tone.
“Hmm,” Clark responded thoughtfully.
“What’s with the ‘hmm’?” I asked, my irritation barely concealed.
“So, this is the famous stepsister you’re always griping about—the one who’s supposedly wrecked your life,” Clark remarks, his voice laced with curiosity.
“She did ruin my life, you idiot!” I snap back, frustration evident in my voice.
“Maybe getting naked with her could help you get her out of your system, considering you can’t seem to take your eyes off her,” Clark suggested, a smirk playing on his lips.
“Seriously? Fucking her would solve nothing,” I shot back, my brow arching sceptically.
“Well, if she was my stepsister, I'd have a hard time keeping my hands to myself. Snowflake, is gorgeous.” Clark probed.
“It’s Winter,” I snapped.
Only I get to call her Snowflake.
“She’s moved in with us, playing the perfect angel, but I see through her act. I can’t stand her, and this time, I’m determined to make her pay for what she’s done. I’ll make sure of it.”
Clark shrugged and took a long sip of his beer.
“Well, I don’t know what to tell you then. If you’re so set on hating her, maybe you should find a way to deal with it that doesn’t involve physical harm. And who knows—maybe she’s here for a reason that’s not as sinister as you think. Maybe her intentions aren’t as bad as you’re making them out to be.” I am always an optimist, even in the face of my bitterness.
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