Brought By Destiny

Chapter 1

The First Love and the Green-Eyed Stranger

Michele’s POV:

My alarm blares with a relentless piercing sound. I groan reluctantly, fighting the urge to ignore the world, before finally prying my eyes open. I stretch my arm across the bedside table, fumbling in the dim light to switch off the phone.

“Mickey... Get the hell out of your room!” my mother’s voice screams from down the hall, echoing through the door.

I huff, turning over and burying myself deeper under the heavy duvet. I’ve always loved the winter; there is something sacred about curling up while the world outside is frozen. The crisp, biting air makes the warmth of the blankets an irresistible luxury.

It’s also the perfect season for my favorite guilty pleasure: eating cold ice cream in the freezing weather. The sharp contrast between the chilly atmosphere and the frozen treat is strangely delightful.

“Mickey! Don’t make me come up there and pull you out of bed!” she yells again. This time, I know she means it.

“Coming, Mother!” I yell back, my voice still thick with sleep.

I drag myself out of bed and head straight to the bathroom.

After finishing my morning routine, I head downstairs fully dressed for the day. I drop my laptop bag onto the sofa and wander into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Mum,” I say sweetly, stepping behind the kitchen counter to plant a soft kiss on her cheek.

“Today is your important meeting. How are you so calm... and so late?” she asks in disbelief, her hands busy stirring a pot on the stove.

“Come on, Mum! It’s just another conference,” I reply, glancing casually at my fitness band.
She shakes her head, focusing back on her cooking.

“Good morning, Son,” says the man I’ve never quite managed to like. He strolls into the kitchen, his presence immediately tightening my chest.

I give him a stiff nod and move toward the dining table. As I sit, Mum begins serving breakfast.

“So, all the best for today,” he says, offering me a small, genuine smile.

“Thanks,” I mutter half-heartedly. I keep my eyes fixed on my plate, refusing to acknowledge the kindness in his expression.

“Honey, could you please help me get this box down? It’s too high for me to reach,” Mum calls from the pantry.

“Coming, love!” he replies instantly, rising from his seat to help her.

That man is Nathan Carter Addison, my stepdad. My father died in a road accident when I was only twelve. Mum was working as a PA in a construction firm owned by Nathan. He claimed he fell in love with her and insisted he had no issue with her being a widow or having a son. At the time, Mum was vulnerable and alone; I’ve always felt it was the perfect opportunity for him to fool her into marriage.

I honestly don’t understand how people fall in love twice. My dad loved my mum, and she loved him. How do you just move on to someone else? I was devastated in the beginning, but eventually, I stepped aside and gave my blessing, only because I wanted Mum to be happy.

It has been twenty years of marriage for them now, and I have to admit, Mum has always been happy. Not a single day passes without him telling her she’s beautiful or gorgeous, or whispering "I love you."

I don't remember my dad ever doing those things. I see Nathan constantly trying to make her laugh, helping with the housework, and treating her like a queen. Yet, despite the evidence, I can never truly agree with the theory of "second love."