GENESIS
"And who might you be?" Veronica asked, stopping just a few feet away from me. Daisy clung to her hand while she used the other to remove her glasses.
Without them, I was met with sharp, cat-like eyes that swept over me from head to toe. I couldn't deny that I did the same.
She was stunning — platinum blonde hair sleekly pulled into a ponytail, perfectly arched brows, and an air of quiet authority that made it impossible to look away.
One perfectly manicured brow lifted, her lips parting as if she were about to speak—
But before she could, Daisy tugged on her hand.
"Aunt Vera, that's Uncle Kier's wife," Daisy said innocently. "And she can't talk."
The second the words left her mouth, Veronica's fingers slackened. The glasses slipped from her grasp, hitting the floor with a sharp clang.
Her eyes widened — horror and disbelief flashing across her face.
"Wife?" she whispered.
She swayed slightly, unsteady on her feet. Instinct kicked in, and I lunged forward to steady her—
Smack.
"Get your hands off me," she snapped, shoving me away.
Pain stung my hand where she struck me. My fingers hovered over the spot, but I didn't flinch. Veronica staggered back, gripping the edge of a stool for support.
Daisy frowned, crossing her tiny arms. "Aunt Vera, she was just trying to help. That wasn't nice."
Then she turned to me, small hands reaching out to touch my arm. "I'm sorry, Lily. She didn't mean it—she's just tired."
I forced a smile for Daisy's sake, though from the corner of my eye, I caught Veronica watching me again.
This time, there was no shock—only cold, simmering irritation.
I knew that look.
Of course, she couldn't believe her brother had married someone like me.
A light tap on my shoulder made me turn. Eliana stood there, a gentle smile on her lips as she slid a plate of mashed potatoes and roasted chicken toward me.
"You should eat," she said softly, her voice kind but firm. "You've barely touched anything since you got here."
I glanced at the plate, my stomach twisting. I wasn't sure if it was from hunger or Veronica's burning stare drilling into my side.
When I didn't move, Eliana sighed, placing a fork in my hand before turning to Veronica.
"Vera, would you like anything? Water, food? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Veronica scoffed. "A ghost would be easier to believe than this." Her sharp gaze flicked to me, like daggers poised to strike. "Kier never mentioned a wife."
Eliana pressed her lips into a thin line. "Well, now you know."
Veronica huffed. "How long?" she asked, her eyes tracking my every movement as I made my way to the dining table.
"A few weeks," Eliana replied casually.
"A few weeks?" Veronica muttered. I looked away, focusing on the food. Just as I was about to take a bite, the living room door creaked open.
I froze.
Was that him?
Then he appeared in the doorway — but he wasn't alone. Another man, tall and broad, stood behind him. When I looked up, his gaze locked with mine. My breath caught. I quickly looked away.
The moment Veronica saw Kier, she practically leaped off the stool, running straight for him. She jumped into his arms, nearly knocking him over — and almost smacking the newcomer in the nose.
"Kier!" she breathed, voice suddenly softer, almost unrecognizable. She clung to him, smiling.
And he hugged her back.
A small smile tugged at his lips — until his eyes met mine. Then, just as quickly, it vanished.
Something was wrong.
Why had she reacted like that? Looking at her bags, it was clear she had traveled, but — did siblings really behave like that?
I wouldn't know. I never had real siblings. The step-siblings I did have were monsters in human skin.
So why did this feel... different?
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Kier asked, setting her down.
She stepped back and glared at him, crossing her arms over her chest — far fuller than mine. I swallowed and glanced down at my own.
"So I have to tell you when I visit my best friend's house? Or were you just trying to hide her?" She jabbed a finger in my direction.
All eyes turned to me.
Heat crawled up my neck.
Then another voice cut through the tension.
"Well, while you two settle that, I'll go say hi to wifey," the newcomer said.
Veronica's eyes narrowed. "Wick."
He met her glare head-on. "Sinclair."
Whatever that was about, I had no idea.
Before I could dwell on it, Charlie made his way over and plopped into the chair next to Daisy.
"Hi, Uncle Charlie!" Daisy chirped, stretching out her tiny palm.
Charlie sighed. "Really? You still haven't forgotten?"
She shook her head, grinning.
With a resigned sigh, he pulled out his wallet, fished out two dollar bills, and placed them in her hand.
Daisy's grin turned mischievous. "Nice doing business with you, Uncle Charlie."
He shook his head but smiled before turning to me.
"Hi."
I looked down.
But then I reminded myself — this was family. I couldn't just ignore him.
Taking a breath, I lifted my gaze and raised a hesitant hand in a small wave.
Charlie raised a brow.
Before he could speak, Daisy piped up. "She can't talk, Uncle Charlie, but I'll get her book and pencil so she can speak to you."
A flicker of surprise crossed Charlie's face, but just as quickly, it was gone, replaced with an easy smile. He nodded at Daisy.
She hopped off her chair, but before leaving, she turned to him. "And it'll cost you."
I shot her a surprised look, then smiled.
This girl was something else.
Now, I was alone with the stranger. I hesitated, glancing toward Kier—
And caught him already staring at me.
I looked away, pulse unsteady.
Then Charlie spoke.
"You're way prettier than I imagined."
I stiffened.