My Stepbrother: secret possession

Doesn't Sugar Belong To Dessert?

I woke up early on a Saturday morning, replaying Bruno Mars over and over in my AirPods while I smiled at the time I spent with Leigh yesterday. Honestly, Leigh Boyce's perfect deep voice has replaced Bruno Mars' in my ears right now while I cling to my favourite scented napkin.

I know it's a bit crazy, blushing to myself at eleven o'clock under my duvet, but I can't help it. I feel so happy and excited.

The main reason is that Leigh rejected Embry. I wish I could see her face right now. After all the effort she put into pursuing him, it didn't work. Her mission failed miserably.

The other reason is that I know Leigh and I have a strong connection between us. And that is enough to give me a perfect weekend vibe until my mom barges into my bedroom and yanks away my cosy duvet, just like last Saturday.

Groaning, I scowl at her. "What? It's Saturday. Can't I have some me-time?" I complain.

"Ava, get up. It's almost noon. No matter how tired you were, you've had enough sleep," Mom says, placing her hands on her hips.

"But I'm not feeling well," I lie. I really want to spend the day in my room, reminiscing about Leigh's smile.

Mom leans over to check my temperature with her hand. She narrows her eyes at me. "Okay, come on, I will take you to the hospital. You need a shot," she says.

My heart jumps to my throat. I have to confess. The thing is, I don't like anything related to medical treatment, especially syringe injections.

"What? No way. Aren't you a doctor? You should find some alternatives, like cooling my skin with cold water and letting me rest in my room for the day, like you used to," I remind her.

"Yes, that's because your temperature was high then. Now, it's normal, so I think you need a medical injection," Mom states with concern.

"You know what? Fine. I'm getting out of bed. You win," I huff and stand up in my shorts and tank top.

"Perfect," Mom smiles. "God, you're so adorable on weekends." She rolls her eyes and heads towards the door.

"That's because you keep interrupting my sleep," I complain.

"Ava Lancelot, get ready. I'm taking you shopping," she announces before disappearing from my room.

Shopping will do. I need more casual outfits and some girls' stuff. So I hurry to the bathroom, where I spend less than ten minutes. After drying my hair and putting it into a smooth ponytail as usual, I put on a pair of denim trousers and a pretty peach blouse that my aunt got me for my birthday.

"You slept well, Ava?" Christian asks from the living room, where his eyes are fixed on the football game. I don't even understand how he notices me, honestly.

"Yes," I answer.

"I made breakfast. Yours is in the oven. You should warm it up," he informs me. I two-finger salute him before heading to the kitchen.

I find potato cake with egg, excluding bacon, and also extra banana bars that make me grin wider. I immediately want to thank Christian for making a perfect breakfast. I quickly make my tea and sit at the table, enjoying my meal and going through messages from the groups of my former and current school, including the girls' group, where only Suri posted a picture of her garden, and no one has replied yet.

I click on Instagram, where I see new updates from Hills High students, including Embry. She has uploaded two updates: one is a table setting with two cups of wine and an evening city view, and her location says Eiffel Tower restaurant. The other picture is of her glamorous self in a red silk dress, perfect hair, and full makeup. The photo is taken by someone sitting across from her at the table. The caption says, "More food, fewer pictures, Boyce." The caption is accompanied by adorable emojis that make my jaw drop in disbelief at her audacity to fool everyone into thinking Leigh took her out last night when he was actually with me at the exact time she posted that picture.