CHAPTER 12
**WINTER**
The breakfast table was enveloped in a tense silence, punctuated only by the sporadic clink of cutlery against plates. The air felt heavy, each person was lost in their thoughts. Jenny, always the one to bridge gaps, made an effort to lighten the mood by tentatively initiating small talk.
“So, Winter, have you had the chance to explore the city yet? It’s quite charming at this time of year,” Jenny said, her voice bright but tinged with forced enthusiasm.
I forced a thin smile. “Not really. I’ve mostly been busy unpacking and getting settled.”
Jenny’s eyes lit up. “That makes sense. There are some great spots around here—parks, museums, and a few fantastic coffee shops. I’m sure Zion can show you around.”
Zion’s gaze remained fixed on his plate, his irritation palpable. He shifted restlessly in his chair. “Don’t have time,” he muttered.
Jenny’s gaze sharpened. “Zion,” she said firmly, “It would help her get adjusted and maybe make some new friends before college starts.”
“I told you, Mom, I’m swamped,” Zion snapped, his frustration barely concealed.
"Z-.."
“I’ve got plans tonight, Mom, and I need to rest up.”
Jenny’s smile faltered but she held her ground.
“Cancel your plans. Winter needs to get settled and familiar with the area. It won’t take long, and besides, she’s your sister.”
“She’s not my damn sister,”
Jaw clenched, his irritation clear. “And I’m not a fucking tour guide.”
“Zion, language —”
Their eyes locked in a silent battle. The tension in the room was almost tangible. Zion finally turned to me, his face a mask of forced calm.
“Fine. I’ll show her around, but don’t expect me to be thrilled about it.”
Jenny started to reply, but Zion interrupted with a sharp, cold tone. “But unfortunately not today.” He glared at me, his irritation unmistakable.
Jenny’s shoulders slumped slightly as she glanced between us, clearly struggling to maintain the peace.
As Dad’s gaze swept over the table, his eyes landed on Jenny, who was still trying to persuade Zion. He picked up his napkin, smoothing it out with deliberate care before speaking.
“If Zion isn’t available, don’t push him,” Dad said with a decisive tone.
“Furthermore, I’d rather he keep his distance from my daughter. I don’t need him polluting her mind!"
“Dad, please don’t!” I said, glancing anxiously at Zion to gauge his reaction.
He remained impassive, his expression unreadable as he stared at Dad.
My heart pounded in my chest. The tension at the table was palpable, and I could feel the weight of Dad’s words pressing down on me. The air felt thick with unspoken judgments and expectations, and the thought of Zion, with all his hostility and anger, being my reluctant guide made my stomach churn.
I glanced at Zion, hoping for some sign of sympathy or even just a touch of decency, but his expression remained cold and indifferent. My anxiety swelled. I didn’t want to be a burden or a cause of friction between anyone. I felt like I was caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions—resentment, fear, and the overwhelming desire to just disappear.
**ZION**
William’s comment about not wanting me to “pollute” his precious daughter’s mind was like a match to gasoline. I could feel my anger boiling over, manifesting as a cold, mocking smirk that spread across my face. I turned to Mom, my eyes burning with defiance.
“Glad to see how highly you think of me, stepdaddy,” I said, my tone dripping with venom.
I let the smirk linger on my face.
Despite my boiling anger and the urge to punch him, I restrained myself.
So, stepdaddy wants to protect his precious daughter from me, does he?
Maybe I should just do exactly what he doesn’t want me to do as a way of defying him and giving a big fuck off.
Turning to Mom, I spoke with barely concealed frustration in my voice.
“Alright, Mom. I’ll take her to the party tonight. I’ll introduce her to my friends and make sure she has a night she’ll never forget.”
I threw a deliberate, challenging glance at William. My smirk was a calculated gesture, a defiant show of strength against his condescending attitude. I wanted him to see it, to feel the sting of my defiance. His casual dismissal of me, as if I were just an errant child in need of supervision, was infuriating.
If Mom had any idea of the darkness Winter had cast over my life, she might reconsider his misguided attempt at protecting his daughter. The hypocrisy of his judgment, the way he saw me as the problem while ignoring the mess his own family had caused, only fueled my rage.
If Mom only knew the darkness Winter had dragged into my life, she might question this misplaced kindness. His interference, dressed up as a concern, was nothing more than an insult to the struggles I faced.
I locked eyes with William, my irritation blazing. “Don’t worry, stepdaddy. I’ll make sure Snow... Winter has an unforgettable night."
Tonight wasn’t just about giving Winter a tour; it was about crossing every line William had set, about asserting my dominance in a scenario where I felt completely belittled. This was more than a statement—it was my way of reclaiming control in a situation where I felt relentlessly undermined.
I turned my gaze towards Winter, her eyes captivating yet overshadowed by a false innocence that deepened my disdain.
Struggling with my conflicting emotions, I looked away, feeling my heart weigh heavy with resentment. I approached my mother, gently kissing her cheek before murmuring,
“Take care, Mom, see you later” Her warmth was a stark contrast to the icy coldness inside me as I bid her farewell.
My attention snapped back to Snowflake, who remained sitting. I leaned in close so only she could hear and felt a visible tremor.
“Be ready by 8 o'clock,” I said sharply, my voice cold and unyielding. “If you're not ready, I'll leave without you. Don’t delude yourself into thinking I’m eager for this.”
Her eyes widened in shock, a flicker of fear crossing her features.
Perfect, I relished that fear.
“Y-Yes, I’ll be ready,” she stammered, nervously licking her lips. I found myself briefly imagining the taste but quickly dismissed the thought with a shake of my head. Her evident anxiety only fueled my satisfaction, confirming that everything was unfolding precisely as I had planned.
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