The next day wasn't any better. In fact, it was worse. I nearly missed my second class, and I had to enter an ongoing lecture looking disheveled. Fortunately, Professor Graham wasn't as troublesome as the other professors.

I had to find another empty seat next to a pretty girl with long caramel hair who smelled amazing, since Avery Elliot had taken my usual spot in the front row, between my stepbrother and friend.

I mean, isn't she an economics student? Why is she in a psychology class?

She was twirling Caden's long hair with her fingers, and her demeanor seemed as if she had accomplished the greatest quest in life. I'm sure she's taking notes for him. I could've found it pathetic, but hey, who am I to judge? It's not like I didn't write Caden's notes. The only difference is that, at the end of the day, I get to share them with Caden. But for Avery, it's just perplexing. She's an economist, for goodness sake.

Asher's eyes met mine, and he flashed me an apologetic smile before turning back to the professor. I know he's trying to make me feel better, but it didn't work.

My attention wasn't on the professor or the class at all. I don't know why I feel so exposed sitting alone without Caden and his bullying beside me. I suppose I should feel free, but I don't. I want to yank Avery's hair and throw her out of my class.

"We all tend to have our own personal biases and see the world from our own perspectives, with our own way of thinking and making judgments. It's a measure of human behavior. For instance, what do beauty and disgust mean to all of us in this room? Each of you has your own opinion and preferences for certain subjects, different from your neighbor's. So remember, while bias can harm research, not every bias is harmful or destructive. For example, I prefer Diet Coke, but it doesn't mean I have anything against other beverages. So the question is, how biased are you?" Professor Graham asked.

The discussion continued while I tried to listen, although my eyes were fixed on the two people sitting in the front row.

Though Asher, like Caden, kept glancing back, I'm sure he isn't happy with the seating arrangements. The Caden we all know wants nothing more than to intimidate me.

"Hey," I offered a friendly smile to the girl next to me.

She glanced at me, batting her long, healthy lashes softly. She had a deep shade of green irises surrounded by an extremely white sclera.

She didn't say anything, just held my gaze.

So much for trying to make friends. I believe Caden's curse can never be reversed. I'm doomed to be alone.

"I'm Madison Thaddeus," I tried again.

"Oh..." she stammered.

Okay, that's odd.

"You in the back, can you tell us how biased you are?" Professor Graham pointed to the cute yet weird girl next to me.

"I hardly have any preconceived notions," she answered, her eyes on the sleeves she was fiddling with.

She must be nervous. I understand. Not everyone lives the Caden Thaddeus lifestyle. I bet I'd feel like her if I didn't have a bully pushing me to the edge all the time.

"I believe she's biased against certain individuals, if you ask me." And there he is, the usual arrogant Caden, always meddling in matters that don't concern him.

"That's not what I meant," she mumbled. I'm sure I'm the only one who heard her.

"Nobody asked you, Caden. Not everyone has preconceived notions. That's why Professor Graham talked about personal perspectives. Some people just see the negative side of everything because they think with their ass-eyes." Shit, I almost cursed in a lecture hall.

My eyes met Caden's, and he was smirking at me while Professor Graham and other students continued the discussion.

"Thank you," I heard the girl utter before I could make eye contact with her.

By the time the lecture ended, Caden started making his way over to me, practically shoving Avery aside. I almost laughed. Almost! Until he caught up and I realized his intention.

"Hey Daisy, can I talk to you?" My eyes blinked. He should be apologizing for his behavior yesterday, but instead, he's hitting on the girl who's eagerly packing her belongings into her designer Italian handbag.

Wow.

"You've got to be kidding me," I gasped, watching him in disbelief.

Well, at least I get to learn her name. Daisy.

She timidly shifted her eyes from my stepbrother to me and muttered, "I have somewhere to be, I'm sorry."

When I said she was pretty, I really meant it. Her lips were cupid-shaped, and her hair was long and healthy. Her luxury olive skin, smooth and cared for made me believe she must be wealthy. As I stood there observing her, she began walking towards the exit of the hall, and something unusual happened.

Something I had never seen before.

Caden never chases after girls, but he was following this particular Daisy. And I felt a knot in my stomach.

What the fuck?

I know it's selfish or stupid of me. Well, however you choose to define a stupid stepsister. But suddenly, I realize I would rather have him act perfectly and wear a smirk than chase after someone like my species.

It took me a moment before I followed them outside the building. I hope I didn't miss much because, by the time I reached Caden, I spotted Daisy getting into a bronze Aston Martin SUV. Another interesting fact about her, which answers my thoughts, is that she has a chauffeur.

Well, that's what wealthy people do, clearly.

"Wow, I had no idea I was sitting next to my future sister-in-law," I mockingly commented. Inside, I felt awful.

Of course, he would follow Daisy. She had everything that could attract any man or woman. She's like a living Barbie or maybe a younger version of Jessica Alba.

I swallowed and looked away, not giving him a chance to see through me.

"Are you jealous, stepsister?" He emphasized the last word as if I didn't know my place.

I rolled my eyes, walking past him. "You're delusional. I'm too ugly to worry about girls with long hair and chauffeurs."

I headed for my bike, but I could hear the sound of his footsteps right behind me.

"I think we should go grocery shopping," Caden suggested when I began unlocking my bicycle.

"I don't need anything. You can go," I said. I knew his eyes were on me. I could feel their intensity, but I shouldn't let him see how much his words affected me.

"Come on, Maddie."

His fingers circled around my wrist, and for some reason, it provided a comfort I never expected.

"The last time you called me by my name, you attached a humiliating sign to me. I'm not going anywhere with you."

"I promise not to humiliate you for the next hour, I give you my word," he said sincerely, and I couldn't help but succumb to it.

I turned to face him, a genuine smile on his face. For once, I saw what every girl saw in him, and I would be lying if I said I wanted to take my eyes off him.

"Now let's go." He gently pulled me forward.

"What about my bicycle?"

"I'll take it home while we shop," he promised, and I didn't protest since he kept his word last time. I received my bike safely yesterday from a shy guy with curly brown hair.

Our drive to the supermarket took nearly thirty minutes. It was quiet but not at all tense, with cool and soft songs playing in the background. Honestly, I must say I enjoyed the ride, and I even convinced myself that Caden intentionally took us to the farthest supermarket.

"Why are we getting dried beans?" Caden asked curiously.

"Because they're healthier compared to canned beans."

"Says who? Martha prefers canned supplies."

"Well, I'm not Martha, I'm Madison."

"Aren't you rebellious?" he playfully accused.

"You made me say that. What happened to being nice?"

"I didn't promise to be nice, I only said I wouldn't embarrass you."

"Oh!" I pursed my lips and averted my eyes to some corn products. Of course, what was I expecting? Angel Caden all of a sudden?

I tried to act neutral or at least close to it when Caden leaned towards me.

"But I might reconsider being nice for the next hour if you can find my favorite bell pepper in thirty seconds," he challenged.

"You're not se..."

"Twenty-nine seconds," he interrupted, and just like that, I was running around the grocery aisles with a full cart until my eyes found a red bell pepper.

"Did I make it?" I asked when I turned around and found Caden smirking at me.

It's embarrassingly desperate how much I wanted him to be nice to me. But honestly, I didn't care what he thought. I had never seen what a kind Caden was like, and no one could blame me for wanting that.

"Well... who says red is my favorite?"

"You always leave out the rest when Mom makes stuffed bell peppers," I countered.

"How well do you have me figured out?"

"We eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner together every day at the same table. Don't flatter yourself," I reminded him, feeling a bit embarrassed. Well, I know everything about Caden because he's my stepbrother.

"Okay! I will be kind, as promised. You earned it," he said with a genuine smile before asking, "What's your favorite bell pepper?"

"What's mine?" I asked, confused.

"Your favorite bell pepper," he clarified, looking at the vegetables beside him.

"Green."

"Smart choice. I heard it works miracles for women," he grinned.

"How?" I scoffed.

"It gets you wet and spicy, just like fish and some healthy foods."

My eyes crinkled as I examined him closely.

"Wet and spicy? I ate green bell pepper and fish. Well, I'll agree with spicy, but believe me when I tell you, fish only lives in water, water doesn't live in it."

Caden smirked, a smile that every girl would find seductive, and slowly folded his bottom lip between his teeth. "That's not what I'm talking about, Maddie. I mean it helps with arousal and makes you wet between your legs." His voice was deep and low, and he was cautious.

For a moment, I stopped breathing, and when I regained control over my seemingly weak body, I exhaled between my parted lips.

My eyes could only blink at him. I didn't know what to say, but I did know that I felt a fire that seemed to have ignited after those words left his lips. Oh, and those butterflies in the lower region of my stomach, causing a sudden throbbing between my thighs.

Again, he wore that rare smile.

"Come on, we still need to grab dairy and grains," he said, as if he hadn't just flirted with me.

"I don't think we checked off half of the items on the list. What about meat and fish?"

"Checked."

"Oil and fat?"

"Checked."

"Tinned and dried products?"

"Also checked."

"Condiments?"

"Yes."

"Whole vegetables and fruits?"

"Check."

"I think we only have grains, bread, dairy, and eggs left," I listed.

"Alright, let's go get them and get out of this place," he whined, nudging me along with the cart.

"But you wanted to shop," I reminded him.

"Unfortunately, I've discovered that I hate it."

"But it suits you," I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Grocery shopping?" he arched his eyebrows, hands in his pockets.

"Yes."

"No."

"Why?"

"Do you see that woman?" He pointed to a redhead wearing black cargo shorts.

"The redhead with the woven storage basket?"

"Yes, she embodies everything that reminds me I'm not in the right place."

I couldn't help but laugh. The woman looked lost.

"Shut up, she's just a mom," I nudged his rib gently.

"Who has a husband with lots of friends to feed?"

"No way, I think she wants to stock up for some other day."

"I doubt it. Look at her, she seems to consume a lot," he said, his upper lip curling up as we walked side by side.

"That's why she needs to keep extra stuff in her kitchen."

"Well, okay, I'll take that."

"What about that guy?" I pointed to a lean teenager slightly shorter than me.

"The one with AirPods?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"I think he forgot to buy the eggs his grandma wrote on his palms this morning and made him promise to bring them home before dinner."

"That's a close guess," I bit my lip and looked around for another target. "What do you think of that couple?"

"The guy is mentally praying for God's rescue on his credit card."

"She's buying a lot," I giggled, picking up some whole wheat bread.

"She'd better make sure they can afford everything in the cart," Caden snorted, and for once, I agreed with him.

"And that man with a child in his cart?" I gestured towards the family. "He's a thrifty person, but his kids don't give him a break."

"Caden," I playfully, accusingly said, my eyes popping out.

"I mean it, he's using an old Nokia product. Who uses that?"

Involuntarily, a sudden laugh escaped my throat, making an embarrassing noise that caught the attention of almost everyone around us. I quickly covered my mouth with my palm to stifle the laughter, but Caden joined in, and soon we were both laughing uncontrollably. We must have looked insane, but we didn't care. We were free teenagers, and laughter wasn't a crime. However, our laughter abruptly stopped when a police officer in uniform appeared behind us. We tried to smother our laughter with miserable smiles and quickly pushed our carts ahead to the next aisle. Once we made sure it was empty, we let the laughter erupt like the crazy teenagers we were.

By the time we grabbed some milk and yogurt, we had composed ourselves. Caden continued to observe human behavior as we headed for the next aisle.

"That woman looks exhausted. Her husband must have gambled with their savings, and now they have little left for food," he remarked.

"I feel bad for her," I instantly responded.

"Relationships and promises are scams," he said.

"Not all of them," I disagreed.

"Most. In fact, even the good ones are rarely true. Love is an empty word with over six thousand ways to pronounce it globally. It claims promises, yet it's the most disloyal and deceptive word that exists."

My jaw dropped in astonishment. "That's so cynical of you," I pointed out.

"Honestly, Maddie, that applies to happiness as well."

I objected. "I completely disagree with that. You don't have to be in a relationship to be happy. For instance, a mother after giving birth to her child or a parent connecting with their child."

"All the examples you've listed require connections before reaching that stage," he countered.

"I don't agree. You can be happy by reading a good book, watching the sky or television, dancing to a great song, or even getting promoted at work. Happiness can come from the simplest things, like choosing a brand of tomato sauce," I said, throwing a preferred brand of tomato sauce into the cart.

"Reading a book requires commitment and dedication. All the things you mentioned demand certain commitments, and commitments don't last long," he argued.

"You're so odd. I'm not getting closer to you. I don't want to get infected with your aversion to love and happiness," I joked, walking ahead. I could sense him smiling behind me, and it made me blush.

We spent the next forty minutes bickering about cereals. By the time we paid for everything, we realized we had bought too many supplies for Caden's Porsche. Fortunately, there was some space behind our seats and in the limited room under the car bonnet, so we managed to fit everything in.

Did I mention that Caden paid for the exhausted woman's groceries, and she was entirely grateful for his kindness?

It was the first time I had seen this side of him-the soft, polite, and human part of him that he always buried beneath sarcasm and a smirk.

"I have to take my baby for a shower after this," he said, referring to his car.

"It's just food, Caden. I'm sure your car is happy to have food rather than Avery," I rolled my eyes at the thought of Avery sitting in Caden's car.

"Avery has never been in here, just like the others," he said with a solemn tone that seemed genuinely earnest. But I didn't trust Caden. I had seen him bring girls to the apartment before. He didn't expect me to believe that he made them follow the cab while he rode in his Porsche.

"Breaking news," I sarcastically remarked.

"You don't believe me?" he asked.

"Not completely," I replied.

"Come," he urged, patting his lap with his hand.

For a split second, I thought I was imagining the moment, but then I felt his warm hand circle around my wrist, pulling me over to him. I knew it wasn't my imagination-I was living it.

Caden supported me as I sat between his open thighs on the driver's seat. My heart raced against my chest, and I could feel him everywhere-his smell, even the taste of him in my tightened throat. I felt him lean further, his closeness enveloping my nape, his scent finding its way into my head and messing with my senses. It was the rarest feeling I had ever experienced. My back barely brushed against his chest, and I knew that taking a deep breath would allow me to fully lean into his warmth.

But my insecure self remained rigidly in place.

"Grasp the wheel," he whispered a command in my ear. He didn't let go of me as his hands reached above mine and guided my hands to the wheel's surface. I gasped as he blew warm breath against my cheek.

For once, I didn't feel anger, defiance, or hatred towards the man behind me. I felt something different-something I shouldn't be feeling at all.

Well, everything was replaced with a mix of enthusiasm and terror when he started the vehicle, and I realized that I was the one controlling the wheel.

"Caden!" I screamed as his fingers released mine.

The parking lot was huge and mostly empty, providing enough space for my chaotic driving.

"Caden!"

He accelerated and took care of the brakes and everything necessary to keep the car moving, while I focused on steering the wheels around the spacious environment.

I felt a combination of excitement and intense anticipation. The feeling was exhilarating and hard to put into words.

Caden laughed continuously at my disastrous driving until he finally stopped the vehicle at the end of the parking lot.

"That was incredible," I giggled.

"It was the scariest ride I've ever had," he said behind me, and I laughed, my body shaking against him.

"Take me to the Brooklyn Bridge, and I'll break it off and throw us into the sea," I joked.

"It would be worth the risk," he softly muttered in my ear. I don't know if it was just me, but the moment felt intimate. "Also, no one has ever driven my baby before. Now it's you and me."

Maybe it was a moment of relief, or maybe it was something more, but I closed my eyes tightly, and for the first time in five years, I felt like I could breathe.

And that's because Caden maintained his nicest behavior for the rest of the day, even helping with dinner.

So that night, I wrote it down in my long-time diary.

"Caden isn't a bad person after all. There must be so much to his story that I'm missing."

~

A/N

I just wanted to share that this book was started in 2020, finished in 2021, and posted here in July 2024.