The moment I open the door, I'm filled with joy. "Hello, everyone."

"How was school," Caleb inquired from the kitchen area just as Molly leaped over me, wagging her tail and licking my face with her wet tongue.

I lean on Molly and tenderly rub her ears. "Hey, Molly." Then I reply to Caleb, "I've got a job." And move toward him with Molly following behind me.

"Really?" Caleb excitedly asks and pulls me in for a kiss while he stirs tomato sauce with his free hand.

"I landed a job at the community health center a few blocks away." I trill in his mouth, causing him to smile.

Caleb twirls me and wraps both hands around my waist, his body behind me. He leans over and nestles his chin in the nook of my neck, and in that moment, everything feels at ease. "That's great news. We should celebrate."

"With pasta? Please say pasta. I had a whole bowl of ice cream, and I need something warm. Also, Caden had some imprudent girl over at our place. I'm disgusted by the entire apartment."

He laughs and pecks my forehead. "You're cute when you're calculating."

"I can't stand him." I groaned.

"I know. You can always eat here. By the way, we're celebrating with pasta this evening. Look, we already have the sauce."

"I'll prepare the pasta." I offered, gently slipping out of his embrace.

I spend almost the rest of the day at Caleb's, binge-watching a Netflix show until it's well past midnight and all I need is my bed.

I gather my belongings and sling my handbag over my shoulder before ascending the staircase, instead.

I dig out my key and unlock the entrance door, pushing my exhausted body into the dimly lit apartment.

"Where the hell have you been?"

Of course, I know who it is, I'm just startled by the sudden harsh utterance from the almost dark room. Although he turns on the end table lamp and I could see more.

"I had to run an errand."

"It's impertinent of you to speak to me like that." He rises from the armchair and begins approaching me in that familiar intimidating way.

That's old.

"Oh, I've forgotten, Caden's my dad," I uttered with sarcasm, shaking my head at him.

He stops right in front of me and takes time as he seems to study me attentively and rasp in my face. "Stop... Stop striving to reach the walls of my patience or you will regret ever having a stepbrother."

"That's old, don't you know? I've regretted it since day one, asshole." I push past him, moving forward for my bedroom door.

"Oh, then you will have worse. I will make sure of it." Caden promised. His tone, not at all gentle.

I stop by the door with my hand on the doorknob and throw back a remark. "Do you mean when Dad would finally disown you and crown me the favorite child? I think it's in the making, it's obvious you're not the wanted child." But immediately the words leave my mouth, they do not give me the satisfaction I thought I would earn, instead, they are replaced with guilt and regret. "I-I." I stuttered.

It's clear my words have done too much damage, Caden couldn't even look at me, he kept his eyes on the wooden floor and exhaled a small smile.

"I didn't mean it." I quickly mumbled. Rather he shakes his head and speeds for his bedroom.

Everything and everywhere are too quiet until the thunderous thud of the door whacks every inner organ in me and I'm fully awake and mindful of what I've just done.

***

It's Friday and a lecture-free day. The freshmen had decided to host a food festival for charity and a battle of the bands, hoping Tyga would make an appearance.

Therefore, I use the extra time to call Mom and talk about Caleb and everything that I won't be able to discuss on a family video call. Mom and I have no secrets between us, she has been open to me, and so I feel obligated to do the same.

After the call, I had to hang up, promising her I will save the remaining gist for the next time to let her focus on her job.

I take my time in the bathroom for a long shower since Caden has made it abundantly clear we are not talking since Monday, but mostly because it's eight, and I am sure he had left since six in the morning or even earlier than that.

Just like here in the house, Caden has avoided me elsewhere, at school which he only attended twice this week. The rest of the time he has spent staying out late and leaving the house earlier than usual.

I know I shouldn't have uttered those words to him, especially given his relationship with Dad, but he left me no choice. He always pushes me to the edge, and I'll use anything for defense.

Regardless, even with the fury inside him, Caden has never come home drunk or anything close to it. That's one thing I'll acknowledge: he's reasonable when it comes to the toxic beliefs teenagers often cling to as solutions to their problems.

You see, Caden has his ups and downs, but there's one thing I've never witnessed him do: drugs. I can't say I've seen Caden drinking; he ensures he only consumes nonalcoholic beverages. The same goes for smoking any kind of weed or anything young people assume will help ease emotional distress. For that, I'm genuinely proud of him.

After rinsing my hair in the shower, I wrap a towel around my body and step out of the bathroom to prepare for the day. However, the moment I pass from the bathroom to the bedrooms, I spot something unbelievable in my kitchen.

I immediately look back, hoping my eyes are playing tricks on me this morning. But no matter how hard I rub my eyes for clarity, I still see Avery in a familiar oversized white shirt that clearly isn't hers. Her hair is pulled back into a messy bun as she prepares what seems like an elaborate breakfast in the kitchen, which is also not hers.

Irritation surges through me as I stride toward the living area and approach the kitchen.

"Hey, sis-in-law," she winks.

"What did you do? Why are you here? You can't just be here this morning using my kitchen." The burning sensation in my throat is uncontrollable.

An invisible weight suddenly lodges itself in my chest, accompanied by a thousand needles pricking the same spot.

"Oh, we had quite a time together. My apologies, I mean a very enjoyable time," she leers maliciously.

"Here's a bit of advice, coming from one woman looking out for another. You should know my brother doesn't do relationships; he's more into flings." I smile with equal malevolence.

"Oh, don't worry, sis-in-law. I heard he doesn't sleep with anyone in his bed. Last night, we held each other close. Today, I'm making him this breakfast. Watch and learn how to win a man, my dear."

Her "dearest"? Oh, how I despise this woman.

Just because Caden hasn't broken up with her yet doesn't mean he won't. Right? He couldn't possibly consider dating someone like her for his first serious relationship. Is he that naive?

"Do you really think you can win him over? I wouldn't set my hopes too high if I were you."

She stops and looks at me with a curious expression. "Of course I can, dear. He's single. Unless there's someone I don't know about?"

"I... I don't know," I stammer uncomfortably under her scrutiny.

I haven't done anything wrong. I shouldn't feel guilty.

"But you're his sister; you should know." When I say I hate her, I mean it from the core of my being. I wish I could disappear and escape this conversation, and any future ones with her.

"Unlike you, I don't care about Caden's personal affairs." I flash a sly smile and reluctantly shrug.

"Really? Then back off from mine, because from now on, I am your brother's personal affair." She lives in a delusional world, that's for sure.

And then he walks in. It's clear he hasn't left the house, and it makes me wonder: did Avery really sleep with him?

"Good morning, babe," she purrs, nuzzling into Caden's half-naked body.

Oh, give me a break.

"What the heck have you turned my kitchen into?" Caden's response is sharp.

"I made you breakfast," Avery trills in that unpleasant tone of hers, caressing his face with her nails.

I roll my eyes reflexively, suppressing a smirk.

"I'm not hungry. I have to leave," Caden frowns and huffs.

That's what I'm certain of; I've known my stepbrother for years. One thing I know is he cannot be won over by just anyone.

"But I made you seven different breakfast options," she pouts, avoiding my gaze. If she looked at me, she'd see a smug 'I told you so' expression in my mischievous smile from across the room.

"Why would you do that?" Caden asks, clearly confused.

"I didn't know your favorite, so I thought making a variety would ensure you like at least one of them."

She has a point, although nothing she made is Caden's favorite. Foolish.

"Bagel and cream cheese," I say, intentionally provoking her without thinking of the consequences.

Avery's gaze falls on me, her brows furrowing in confusion. "What?" she blurts out.

Her hands trace his well-defined abs. I swear, restraining myself from punching her in the face is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. "Bagel and cream cheese is his favorite breakfast," I repeat, raising an eyebrow with a confident expression.

But as always, Caden knows how to hit where it hurts. He suggests, "Can I have a breakfast burrito?" A smirk plays on his lips as his eyes linger on me.

This ignites hope in the clueless girl, and she hurries to the island to grab the breakfast burrito she prepared. "Here."

"Thanks, I'm sure it's delicious," he says, holding the burrito between his fingers and giving her a smile that's clearly not meant for her. What an ass. He doesn't even like burritos. "You might want to clean up my room," he adds, causing my jaw to drop while I watch the scene unfold before me.

"Sure, babe," she agrees joyfully, practically skipping to Caden's bedroom.

Some girls truly bring shame to my gender.

Still stunned, I hear a deep, seductive voice ask, "Who said bagel and cream cheese is my favorite?"

I suck in a breath and shake my head to regain composure. "You've always had it for breakfast every morning." At least I'm sure of that.

Every muscle in his upper body flexes as he strides toward me, his tattoos fitting perfectly on his probably firm chest, and the thin trail of hair leading from his defined V-line into his joggers.

I have an urge to retreat, to put distance between myself and him. However, that would symbolize defeat, and I refuse to let Caden get the better of me. Some might view my stubbornness differently, which I won't deny, especially since Caden is undeniably an attractive young man.

I can't fathom why I always end up in situations where Caden is either naked or close to it, prying at me like a snake. "How do you know?" he inquires, direct.

"If your brain wasn't a bag of sperm, you'd remember we've shared the same houses for a while now for my memories to be ordinary," I reply, my voice steady despite the distraction of his scent.

Don't let his charm worm its way in.

"Or maybe it's because you can't take your eyes off me," he accuses, his gaze sinister.

"You wish. But breaking news, not everyone's an Avery." I roll my eyes and scoff, avoiding his gaze.

"I see what you're up to, Mad." There's a thick smugness in his tone.

"I'm not doing anything." I retort irritably.

Caden's fingers grip my chin, forcing me to look up at him. "Well, that's good, because I've invited Avery to stay here for a while, maybe a week or two." He smirks, aware that he's struck a chord.

Anger boils within me, and a disdainful sneer forms on my face. I shake my head at him. "I can't share space with her."

"I'm not asking, I'm telling you," he responds neutrally.

"This is my house too." I remind him, folding my arms over my medium-sized towel.

He can't seriously be considering this. There's no way I'm going to live under the same roof as Avery.

"And it's mine as well," he shrugs, stepping back from me.

He can't do this. He just can't.

"You don't cohabitate with women," I remind him, boldly. "You've made your stance clear." I practically raise my voice. This is utterly ridiculous.

"Circumstances change. I'm interested in Aishwarya now." He shrugs, waving his hand as if I should understand.

I really don't. However, I keep my thoughts to myself and maintain an unconcerned façade. "Fine."

"Very well then." Caden smirks from his perch on the barstool that I've purposely avoided, his gaze fixed on me. I struggle to breathe and pretend not to care, even though inside, I'm on the verge of losing it.

Before the tension escalates further, a knock on the door breaks the moment. To distract myself from the possibility that Caden might actually be in a relationship with someone who's currently in his room, I excuse myself and muster the last of my energy to head for the door.

I unlock it and swing it open to reveal the cute redhead who's now my boyfriend, holding a bouquet of roses. A genuine smile lights up my face. "Hey, Caleb."

He's my savior.

"Good morning, babe," he grins, showing off his white teeth. Suddenly, I'm wrapped in his arms, his soft lips planting kisses all over my face.

"Who do you think you are, kissing my half-naked sister in front of me, in my apartment?"

Oh, it's getting even more interesting. For a moment, I forget that Caden is even present behind me. But as I realize and think it through, Caleb is exactly what I need. A shield against Caden's intrusion into my personal life. I need Caleb.

"My apologies, I'm her boyfriend, Caleb. Didn't she tell you?" Caleb asks Caden before pretending to look puzzled at me. I have to suppress a smile. "Didn't you tell him about us? You wouldn't stop raving about me." He grins broadly and tucks my hair behind my ear. "I'm sure she has her reasons. Plus, I live right below this floor," Caleb concludes, pulling me closer.

Caden's demeanor shifts, and he's now visibly irritated. "Boyfriend? You think you're Mad's boyfriend?" He scoffs, swallowing, and rubs his temples with his fingers.

"Maddie, don't you think that name is cuter?" Caleb corrects him.

I almost choke on my breath, trying to stifle the laughter rising in my throat.

In fact, Caleb is exactly what I need.

"Well, babe, I'll put these flowers in water and get dressed," I say tenderly, patting Caleb's chest as I walk toward the door.

"Sure, we've got a lot of hungry kids to feed," Caleb adds.

In the kitchen, I place the glass vase under the running faucet and ask, "Are we going to the food festival?"

"Yes, I've set up our own booth. Caden can join us if he wants." Caleb generously offers.

"I have better things to do with my life than pig out for a man," Caden retorts angrily. I almost burst out laughing as I circle the island to place the vase on the table. But I inadvertently brush against Caden, and the vase is suddenly snatched from my hands. He makes a snide comment, "Oops, you bumped into me. I'm afraid the flowers met their untimely demise in this catastrophic accident." He heads to the kitchen and unceremoniously dumps the entire vase and its contents into the trash can.

My jaw drops instinctively. Fury courses through me. Who does he think he is?

"No hard feelings, man. I'll get her another one," Caleb quickly interjects before I can fully process my emotions.

"Please do," Caden smirks at Caleb, a wicked glint in his eye.

"I will."

"Mad, you don't want to keep your Catherine waiting. Go get ready." Caden's tone is oddly composed. I don't believe a word of it. Then again, how could I? He's addressing Caleb as a girl.

My gaze shifts between the two men, both smiling at each other with a tension that's palpable. This doesn't make a good impression.

"Caleb, do you want to come..." I start to suggest, hoping to divert them from whatever scheme they're hatching, but Caden cuts me off.

"Nah, the boyfriend and I will have some guy time while you get yourself dressed, modestly," Caden orders, stressing the word 'modestly' with a tone reminiscent of our dad.

"Caden?" I warn him.

From the looks in their eyes, I'm pretty sure that once I close my bedroom door, I'll be stepping into a war zone.

"What? I'm just being hospitable to your male friend," he protests, smiling broadly at Caleb.

"It's okay, Maddie. Us guys will hang out while you take your time," Caleb agrees, and that's when I know this whole situation is a recipe for disaster.