My Step-Brother Boss 18+

Chapter 1: I hate this

MADISON

"Mother, I already told you I want to stay in New York," I said, grumpily, over the phone. "Madison, I don't care. You're coming to Florida. You can find a lot of good jobs here," she replied stubbornly. I groaned, frustrated with her insistence.

I mean, I just fucking graduated from university. I told her during my second year that I'd stay in New York, but now, out of nowhere, she insists I move back to Florida. How the hell does that make sense?

"Why?" I asked, confusion and annoyance creeping into my voice. "Because I need you back here after your dad's death; you're the only family I have left," she said.

Why the fuck can't she understand that I don't want her to use Dad's death as emotional blackmail every fucking time? He died when I was five, but he was a fantastic parent—better than she ever was or could be. Sometimes I wish Dad were still alive.

"Fine. I'll give Florida a year, max. If I don't like it, I'm moving back to New York," I said, laying down my final offer. "Deal," she agreed, sounding way too fucking happy about it.

No matter what happens in this one year, I'm fucking moving back to New York.

"You said you booked the flight already?" I asked, still annoyed, yawning as I got up from my bed and poured myself a glass of water. "Yes, it's tonight; I'll send you the ticket," she said. I choked on my water. "T-tonight?" I spluttered.

"Yes, I gotta go. Bye," she said, hanging up the call before I could even process it.

Fuck this.

"I'm in first class? Mother, I thought Father's business was struggling. How the fuck did you find the money to put me in such an expensive seat?" I asked, holding my phone to my ear as I walked down the airport terminal.

"It's back on track, sweetheart. I found an amazing partner—a business partner, of course," she replied, her tone weird as hell. "Alright, I'll see you later. Bye," I said, ending the call as I boarded the flight.

I forced a smile at the flight attendants while dragging my luggage behind me. My mother made me pack everything I owned, deciding to get it all delivered. It would take a week, so I carried the essentials with me to survive until then.

Just two-and-a-half hours—I need to survive this fucking flight.

"Mother," I greeted her as I stepped inside our house. It was still a rather big place—the one Dad had built for us. I used to live here before moving to New York.

"Madison," she greeted me back. "I suppose it's been a tiring journey. I've prepared your old room for you; get some rest, and I'll see you at breakfast in the morning."

I nodded and dragged my luggage upstairs to my room.

When I walked in, I realized nothing had changed. The bed, the desk, even the fucking chair—everything was exactly where I had left it four years ago.

I walked around, my mind flooded with memories.

Oh, those sweet days. This was the swing where Dad and I used to play. The paintings we painted together were still hanging on the wall. It was all there.

But now's not the time to fall apart. It's been sixteen years since he died; I'm 21 now, and I need to move the fuck on.

Sighing, I pulled out my skincare routine and a pair of pajamas to wear to bed, then headed into the attached bathroom.

"Good morning, Mother," I greeted her as I walked downstairs. "And good morning, Mr.?" I said hesitantly, looking at an unfamiliar face. "Rossi. Arthur Rossi. Please, just call me Arthur, dear," he said, shaking my hand.

I looked at my mom, silently demanding an explanation. Who the fuck is this guy?

"This is the new business partner I was talking about," Mother introduced him, with a hint of hesitance. My eyes widened in realization. "O-Oh," was all I managed to mutter.

Mother coughed, breaking the tension in the room. "Breakfast's been served," she announced. I nodded, following them to the dining table.

I grabbed a plate and poured myself a cup of mango juice. I filled my plate with toast, some fruits, and potatoes, then sat down beside my mother.

I ate silently until Arthur broke the awkward silence. "So, um, Madison, right?" he asked, and I nodded. "Your mother told me you just graduated from university. What course did you take?" he asked. I swallowed my food before replying, "Business. I plan to take over my father's business."

"That's great. So you're back to take over your father's business?" he asked, and I shook my head. "Not yet. I wanted to stay in New York for a few years, get a job and gain some experience before coming back to Florida to take over, but Mother insisted I come urgently," I replied, with a deep sigh.

"Oh, so you're looking for a job now?" he asked, and I nodded. "That's nice! I have some companies in mind that are quite profitable if you'd like to apply there." My eyes widened at his offer. "That would be great," I said, truly grateful. "Perfect. I'll show you them after breakfast."

I nodded in agreement as we continued to eat silently.

But I couldn't help noticing the tension between Arthur and my mother. They kept exchanging nervous glances and looking at each other in a way that made me feel like something was definitely up.

"So... When did you guys meet?" I asked out of nowhere, wiping my hand with a napkin. "Uh, we've known each other since our high school days, but we reconnected a year ago," my mother explained, and I nodded.

"So you knew Dad as well? Since Mother and he met in high school?" I asked, and Arthur nodded. "Yes, we were quite close, too."

"Anyway, would you like me to help you apply to those companies now?" he offered, and I nodded.

*********

The end of this episode...

To be continued...

The first chapter of this seriesssss.