My Ruthless Stepbrother (ENGLISH)

11- "Whether you like it or not."

“I CALLED your attention to be here today because I want you all to know that your aunt Fidelia and I will be getting married this coming first Sunday of May before we ever go back to our hometown in Koronadal,” uncle Alanson announced when we were all gathered in the veranda of the resthouse.

"After you'll get married, both auntie Fidelia and sis Irryn will be living with us in our home at Koronadal, dad?" Rhian asked in joy and excitement.

We had settled into the center of a large rattan sofa. My brother Ryle and I sat facing our parents, who were joined by Rhian sitting between us.

"Of course, dear. Both of them would be living with us."

“And that means sis Irryn will also attend the same school as mine?” she continued asking and turned to look at me smiling.

I smiled back happily.

I am so thankful that she treats me like a real sister, as well as Ryle does. Only one does not.

"Yes. You, your sis Irryn and your brother Zackarius will go to school together every morning."

"Great! I'm excited!"

“You want to be with sis Irryn every time going to school, huh?” Ryle teased the youngest.

“Yes, because she said she will braid my hair when we go to school!”

“So, that’s the reason, huh? You just want to go together with sis Irryn because she would do you a favor! Tss, what a behavior!”

“What? Oh, come on, big brother! Get lost, please, urgh!” Rhian rolled her eye and turned to her dad. “Dad, look at my big bro. He’s teasing me again!”

“Both of you, stop it, especially you, Ryle. Stop teasing your youngest sibling.” Calm and with a gentle grin, uncle said reproved them both.

Rhian evilly curled her lips and even raised her brows in winning because their father lowkey sided with her.

“But, Rhian baby… isn’t your big bro right?” uncle joked around too.

“Daddy!”

The middle-aged man laughed his lungs out. "Hahaha! Kidding!"

Rhian pouted childishly. “I hate you both!”

“Love you!” uncle continued teasing his youngest daughter.

“Love you, Rhian, to the moon and back!” Ryle followed chuckling.

“Urgh!” Rhian continued rolling her eyes in frustration.

Cute. I love how dad and big bro of the family tease their youngest and only girl.

“The three of you, that’s enough. Alanson and Ryle, stop teasing Rhian now. I know her purpose of wanting to go with Irryn to school every morning is good, and she has the pure intention of knowing more about her stepsister.” Mom spoke and sided with Rhian.

“Awwe. That’s my auntie Fidelia! Love you so much, auntie!” Rhian lovingly hugged mom.

The latter responded to the hug like Rhian was also her real daughter. "And I love you more!”

"Wow. So, we’re defeated here!” Uncle Alanson raised his palms, getting defeated.

“Can’t say anything now. Auntie is such a mother dear material.” Ryle gave up, too.

“Because she’s right and on point!” Rhian said to the two boys, and then she turned sweetly to mom. “Anyways, auntie, sis Irryn told me that you can also braid hair like a pro. Can you sometimes braid my hair?”

“Sure, Rhian. Anything for you, but don’t be mad at your dad and big bro now since they were just kidding you around. Okay?”

“Okay. Auntie, when there will be meetings and school gatherings, you will be the one to attend as my parent, okay?”

Mom nodded so sincerely. “Oh, surely, Rhian. I’ll do that for you. I would love the pleasure of doing that as your second mother in this world."

“I wanna blush in happiness! Thanks, auntie!”

“Anything for you, Rhian!”

Rhian looked at me. “You’re my real sibling from now on. Got it, sis Irryn?”

I smiled and nodded like she was my boss. “That’s for sure, Rhian. You know I have always been so thankful to you for accepting me as your stepsibling.”

“Anyways, the wedding date is now fixed, isn’t it, dad?” Ryle seriously but under no pressure asked his father.

“Definitely, son.”

My heart went crazy when the person I last thought of suddenly appeared in front of us. He walked past us as if he didn’t see or hear any of us.

"Zack, bro! Where 'ya going, huh?" Ryle was the first one to approach him cooly.

Zack just shrugged his shoulders. “Just anywhere.”

"Brother Zack, can you stay for a while?" Rhian asked her second brother, and she even reached for him. "We're currently talking about daddy and auntie Fidelia's upcoming wedding this coming May. I'm so excited, big bro!"

That’s the main reason why he stayed and turned a brighter face. His youngest sibling.

He jubilantly smiled at her. "Really? You want dad to remarry, baby?"

“Yes, brother! Auntie Fidelia can be our second mom! Besides, I missed being taken care of and loved warmly by a mother!"

He bowed her. “You’re ready to replace mommy in your heart?”

Mom and uncle looked at each other. I heard uncle Alanson sigh so deeply while I saw worry cross my mother’s reaction. Maybe they were thinking what if this second son would oppose the idea of them marrying each other? Or what if he is not yet ready to see his father marry another woman so he won’t approve of their marriage or give his permission?

“Mom will never be replaced in our hearts, big bro Zack. She's still our mom, and forever she will be. What I only mean is, auntie Fidelia can be our second mother. Since mommy is gone, then aunt Fidelia can, at least, be there to take care of us."

Zack didn’t say a thing, he just patted Rhian’s head.

My mom, on the other hand, tried her very best to appeal to the stone heart of uncle Alanson’s second son.

"I know this will be difficult for you, Zack. Accepting my forthcoming marriage to your father, living with you, and eventually being your second mother after your late mother. But, hijo, please give me a chance to prove myself as your second mother. To love and care for the three of you. I'm not asking to take your mother's place because I know I can't and will never be able to. I have no desire to replace your mother's place in your hearts and lives. What I'm asking now is that you please allow me the chance to become your home's second mother." She meant everything with all her heart.

"Zack, whether you like it or not, I'm going to marry your auntie Fidelia no matter what, and even you can't stop the finality of my decision. I'm not going to seek your approval or opinion. I'm simply telling you this because I want you to be well-informed." Uncle Alanson firmly stated.

I saw how his jaw clenched, and his hands turned into fists with what his father said.

I can’t help but worry. I can feel the tension now that he’s here, especially he’s near me…

My knees almost trembled when his deep set of eyes met mine. The usual dark and dangerous eyes that would always send shivers down my spine.

I couldn't help but recall all I'd seen from the cottage—the nude Zack's body on top of a girl who was also naked beneath his body. I tried everything I could to forget what I had seen.

It's been a week since I accidentally witnessed that 'thing,' and I don't even want to remember it! I wished to forget about it, but every time his eyes met mine, I couldn't help but remember.

We all got stunned by the next thing he did. He turned to my mother, and he smiled nicely then very unexpectedly, he even hugged her! Even mom couldn’t believe it was happening, but she was very happy!

“I don’t have any problem with you marrying my father, auntie…” he started after releasing from that hug. "As long as you can be a good second mother to Rhian. Love my sister and take care of her. I will not be a trouble for you..."

Still shocked, mom and uncle Alanson glanced at each other, feeling such relief!

“Really, hijo? Thank you so much!”

I was glad for mom, and also for myself… laying in the hopes that if he accepts my mother, then he will eventually accept me, too. And that means he could actually treat me like his own sister!

"Thank you, son!" uncle Alanson thanked him as well.

"I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this for Rhian," he answered his father ruthlessly.

Uncle shrugged his dagger-like words off and chose not to take them to the bones.

“There’s just one thing I couldn’t and will never accept…” he continued, keeping his arrogance all the way.

My heart pounded to hear what he was going to say next.

How I wished it wasn’t about me, that it had nothing to do with me…

Please—

"And that's your daughter, auntie Fidelia," he brutally disclosed, then stabbed me in the heart with his knifelike eyes.

I totally lost hope. It felt like my world came crashing down! My prayers weren’t heard today.

Why is he like this? Doesn’t he think it’s very unfair? He accepted my mom to marry his dad, but he couldn’t accept me becoming his sister!

"I've got nothing against you, auntie. You can marry my father whenever and anywhere you wish. But don't expect me to accept your daughter warmly and with open arms."

“Zack!” Uncle Alanson started to lose his patience on him.

I was able to prevent my tears from falling.

He didn’t mind his father. He, instead, scrutinized me head to foot.

His expression showed an excessive amount of contempt. "She's not my sister, and she will never be."