Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

The tapping sound echoing in the changing room could easily portray the level of anxiousness I felt at the moment. The ringing sound reverberated in the empty room while I kept biting my lips.

2 missed calls from Sarah.

Sarah Willson, my step mother, is somebody you'll like to keep your distance from. A decade after my mother's demise, my dad married Sarah as a condition to get our company financed by her father. Sarah was a widow with a 16 year old daughter back then. The hope of curing my loneliness filled into my father's heart. He predicted I'll finally get the motherly love my newly teen- ed soul was craving then. But little did he know Sarah wasn't a motherly figure any child would desire. She was nothing but a selfish, cunning and manipulating woman who would careless about my survival, let alone my happiness.

"Just because I have money doesn't means you'll be clinging on me like a leach you are." She said distastefully.

"You might have manipulated my daughter but you can't manipulate me, you dumb bitch." Her eyes scream agony when Ava opposed her, first time in her life.

"You can dress up all you want, honey. You'll still be a fat good for nothing bitch." She smirked when she saw me tugging at my dress, that I was already insecure about.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to flush out the flashes.

The only light in my darkness back then were my dad and step sister, Ava Willson.

Ava and I knew nothing about how step-sister's were supposed to behave. So we treated each other like best friends. Being a victim of her mother's selfishness herself, she couldn't help me with the emotional and mental manipulation Sarah imposed on me. But she made sure I never ever in my life went through anything physical. At least at home. In the forest of insecurities, she filled me with hope and motivation.

I once shared my late mother's dream of 'hoping to see me as a doctor' with Ava. Ever since then, she stood by my side and helped me with everything she could. We couldn't share anything about Sarah to my dad. So she dropped subtle hints about the mistreatment we were served with. Luckily my dad picked up the hints and could see a clear picture of what was happening. A month later, he announced sending Ava and me to a residential college where Ava pursued Management courses while I advanced with my career in medical field.

7 years later, here I am, an intern in pediatrics department.

During our residential stay, I was a quite nerd like many other medicos, while Ava was a social bird. She was once paired with Ethan Smith during a project. Their start was quite ironic to what their future held. They were each other's nemesis. Pranking each other, shouting, arguing and destroying each other's relationship was quite common for them. As the time passed and circumstances took a whirlwind, they found comfort in each other's presence. Soon they jumped over the thin line separating hate and love.

Ever since then, Ethan has been an undetachable part of Ava's life. That guy couldn't be termed as perfect like any other human being, but atleast he didn't show any red flags in their relationship. A year back, Ethan formally proposed Ava despite of all the opposition from his family.

The Smith family were billionaires and everything about them screamed money and arrogance. James Smith got the multinational company Smith Sons and Co. from his father about 30 years ago. Ever since then, their family has been under spotlight. But ironically, the most number of articles you'll ever find about their family are based on their younger son. Apparently he has been rewarded with the title of being a 'mysterious billionaire'. Not even his name was disclosed among the media let alone be the man himself. The articles majorly served rumours about the youngest Smith being "Illegitimate" and "Too arrogant to give a heed to public" and many more baseless arguments.

Sarah's voice boomed in the empty room breaking my stance.

"H-hi Sarah." I muttered.

"Hi Amayra. How are you doing?" She asked. Sarah asking about my well being? Well something is definitely suspicious.

"Umm I'm good. How about you?" I asked politely.

"I am doing fine. Well I wanted to formally inform you about Ava and Ethan's wedding in the upcoming month. Since Ava requested you to be her maid of honour, I hope you can apply for leave from the hospital and cater your bridesmaid's duties over here." She informed.

Wait what?! Ava is getting married in 15 fucking days? And she didn't even bother informing me about this?

Clearing my throat I answered "Sure. I'll be there in a week or so."

Biding adièus, I switched off my phone and continued with my allocated duties in the hospital.

The days passed by. I was in constant contact with Ava and Ethan. The couple was over cloud nine regarding their wedding.

Boarding the flight at the weekend, I felt something wrong in my guts. Little did I know, ignoring the little signs by fate would actually lead me into a situation that would utterly change my life forever.

I plane landed 3 hours later. Collecting my luggage, I breathed in a heavy amount of air. I really missed this place.

Ava had been in constant touch with our parents and frequently flew back here with Ethan. I, on the other hand, am setting my foot back at this place after 7 freaking years.

Walking out of the departure gate, I felt someone jump on my back. Turning around I saw a beeming face of my step-sister. We squealed and hugged each other tight, as if we didn't meet each other last weekend. Giving Ethan a side hug, we departed towards the hell.

"You guys never told me how the Smiths agree to the marriage!" I exclaimed faking my disappointment.

"Actually there is a twist. So the story goes like, one day after a meeting, I was sitting in my dad's cabin discussing my sibling's absurd behaviour over a few topics, when my phone lit up indicating Ava's message. My dad asked why I was still in contact with Ava even after his clear refusal. So I seriously told him I love Ava and I have certainly proposed her already. He zoned out for a moment. I could actually see the gears working in his head. After a few seconds of silence, he asked me who all were there in the Willson family. I explained the situation by which your family bonded. He just hummed and we continued with our day. Next evening, I got a call from Ava saying dad has asked them to pick out a wedding date. And since 3rd of March was the day when Ava and I first entered into a formal relationship, we already decided that would our wedding day too! And boom here we are!" He explained.

"The story certainly doesn't ends here. Mr. Smith made it clear that there are certain demands from his side before the wedding that has to be fulfilled for the wedding to take place. Obviously it isn't anything about money or material object that he would demand. Smiths are practically billionaires. There has to be a catch." Ava explained.

Certainly, there had to be a catch. I thought.

"And to discuss the catch between our families, dad has invited Willsons over a lunch tomorrow. Do make sure to attend it." He clarified.

"How many people are going to be there?" I asked.

"Me, mom, dad, my mom's friend and her husband and my grandma among the Smith members. You, Ava, your dad and your mom from your side. And yeah my brother too. Lemme give you a heads up about my brother. He is an absolutely charming man but don't even try to fall for his charms, for your own sake. Don't find him rude if he choses to be silent over there, because he rarely talks. He majorly argues. And yeah, no photos and disclosure of his identity." Ethan stated.

"Why is he such a mystery?" I asked curiously.

Ethan let out a small chuckle. "Not my place to tell. But he chose his private life himself. He lived with Aunt Malisa, my mom's best friend, ever since he was a toddler and practically grew up under her guidance. Aunt Malisa is a more motherly figure to him than our mother herself. When we decided to move from the States to UK, he threw a fit. One thing led to another, there was a huge argument between Alex and dad that led to permanent crack in their relationship. Ever since then, he denied any fame or money that came with my dad's name. This was one of the many reasons he isn't under a spotlight like I am." He concluded.

Humming and nodding, I looked out of the window. The sky was adorned with dark clouds. Intimidating silence prevailed in my thoughts. Little did I know, it was the silence before a rainstorm.

The next day, we all departed towards the Smith's mansion. Sarah was being extra sweet with me. I wondered if it was my dad's effect on her or just a facade to use me later on.

As we advanced into the mansion, Sarah held my hand and excused us out into the mansion's enormous garden.

"Amayra I want you to help me with something." She said hurriedly.

"What can I help you with Sarah?" I cringed at the possibilities.

"I just want you to forgive me for whatever is going to happen inside and know that whatever I did was for you and Ava. Also, please don't deny whatever the Smiths has to propose. Know that Ava would never be the same if she didn't reconcile with Ethan. Do this for your sister. Will you?" She whispered hurriedly.

My eyebrows furrowed on her words. Anxiousness radiated off her body. Giving her a benefit of doubt, I just nodded. She hurried off into the mansion at the fastest pace she could. I looked up at the sky, breathed out a sigh and started trailing into the mansion.

Just at the entrance, I bumped into a hard body. Before the person could help me out, I stumbled and landed on my butt. I closed my eyes in embarrassment. What a great intro to the Smiths.

Half expecting an apology, I looked up at the person who was responsible and the soul witness of my little embarrassing downfall, only to meet the most alluring pair of brown eyes. The person stared back at me with the same intensity as mine. A little part of him looked like Ethan but I couldn't guarantee. He lend me his gloved hand and helped me up.

"Make sure you don't agree to what Mr. James Smith is going to propose. It's for your own well being." He said in a swoon worthy husky tone and trailed out of the mansion.

The alluring soldier wore black t-shirt with black pair of pants and a black leather jacket. His hands were covered in biker's gloves and he wore a black surgical mask too. It was too much of black.

Trying to flush the alluring stranger out of my mind, I followed the escort into the living room where Smiths and Willsons gathered. It's going to be a long day.

~✨~