To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

ONE WEEK LATER.

The past week has been hectic and I was only grateful to be alive and with Mason. I got discharged and was asked to rest.

Groaning, I sat on the couch as I turned the TV on to watch the news. I’d decided to make myself a bowl of cereal when the news about Mason’s company broadcasted.

The reporter affirmed that Mason’s old company was nearing bankruptcy while the new one was making huge waves and even growing.

I was so proud of Mason that I couldn’t hide my proud smile as I prepared my cereal and made my way back to the living room to watch the news to the end.

I still couldn’t believe the fact that Mason was ready to hand over the company to Chad for my own safety, the thought of it made the butterflies in my stomach increase and my cheeks felt really hot.

“The new company is said to be making the sum of fifty million dollars a day which seemed almost impossible for a new company but this one had decided to break the record.” The reporter’s voice jolted me out of my thoughts.

Invested, I made sure to see the news to the end and just when the news was ending my mother came down the stairs and it seemed as though she was just waking up.

“How are you doing?” She asked, sinking into the couch beside me and taking my bowl of cereal from me.

I told her I was fine and grateful that she and Danny had decided to stay with Mason and I through all of this crazy moment.

“You’re still my baby girl, if I don’t show up for you who will?” She asked with a shrug that made me burst out laughing.

She finished the cereal and we both did some menial chores around the house before deciding to go to the spa and have our girls time.

“Have you ever put any thought into having children?” My mother asked and I could swear that I choked on my face mask even though it wasn’t in my mouth.

The thought of having kids alone was so scary that I tried not to think about it but it seemed like my mother would not drop it.

“You and Mason,” she added, “what does he think about it?” She asked again after a while of silence. I was trying to process my answer but there’s no use lying to her.

“We haven’t put too much thought into it yet.”

“Why?” She asked, almost shaking, that the lady asked her to remain still, “I mean, I think it’s what’s next for you both.” She added.

Turning to look at her, “I’m scared, mom.” I sighed, my voice was so low that I was surprised that she could hear me, “having a baby is like giving away a part of myself, the part I’ll never get back and it’s scary.” I added.

The silence that prevailed between us told me that my mother understood well what I meant and she’s only thinking of what to say to get me to get rid of that mentality.

“I know,” she finally spoke up, “and you’re right. You will be giving a part of yourself away that you’ll never get back but really it is worth it.” She continued.

“Motherhood is a really beautiful feeling and a whole new adventure that I know damn well that you’ll love.” She added with a smile and I let out a sigh.

“But, it’s too risky. I mean, do I really want to do this?” I responded, “I love Mason so much but still.” I added, confused.

“You’re confused right now but let me tell you, you answered the question already. You love him and I know you’ll do anything for him but this is about you and we both know that life is all about taking risks,” she started.

“So, ask yourself this question and make your decision based on your answer. Is he worth taking that risk for? Do you really want to do this?” She finished with a sigh.

Without saying another word, we laid silently as we did our facials, manicure and pedicure and soon we were done.

We drove back home and my mother left me in the house to go on a date with her husband. Trying to keep myself busy, I decided to clean Mason’s study.

I was clearing his drawer when I saw a piece of paper. Curious, I opened it and I laughed as I reminisced. It was the paper of bucket lists that Mason had made for me.

Looking back in retrospect, the wave of how far Mason and I have come hit me like a really hard breeze. Despite all of the obstacles and hardship, Mason and I still have each other.

It wasn’t an easy journey for the two of us.

Pulling out my phone, I called Mason so I could tell him about how much I miss him and can’t wait for him to come home to him.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“I’ll be home soon, you don’t have to miss me too much because trust me I’ll always be with you.” He answered and my heart soared.

Hanging up the call, I finished cleaning his study and made my way back to the living room to rest a bit when the door opened and Mason walked in.

He looked a thousand times hotter in a suit and it felt like I haven’t seen him in a suit before, he was holding a box of pizza and made his way to me to kiss me hungrily.

Opening up a bottle of champagne, we decided on the movie to watch as we ate, “you know, we deserve a vacation.” He started with his mouth filled with Pizza.

“We really do.” I nodded as I agreed with him and he promised that we’ll go on a vacation once the police are able to catch Chad and his accomplice.

“Where do you think?” He asked as we spoke and for a moment I was blank until it clicked again, I’ve always wanted to go on a vacation there.

“Maldives!” I responded cheerily.