Chapter 2- Fake love

Kye gracefully exited the car, greeted by a row of maids and workers standing in front of the vehicle, ready to welcome her.

As she stepped forward, they bowed and then lifted their heads to acknowledge her presence, their surprise evident in their gazes. Her elegant bow and greeting caught them off guard.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Kye greeted with a touch of elegance, earning puzzled looks from the assembled group. Her demeanor was quite unexpected.

A maid stepped forward, offering to take her bag, but Kye politely declined with a warm smile, making her way towards the main building instead.

The door stood open, negating the need for a knock or ring. Stepping inside, she was immediately enveloped in the tantalizing aroma of her favorite dish, pumpkin pudding.

Rushing to the kitchen, Kye found her mother there, engrossed in chopping vegetables. Sneaking up from behind, she playfully embraced her mother, causing a startled reaction that quickly melted into relief at recognizing Kye's voice.

"I've missed you, Mom," Kye murmured, planting a soft peck on her mother's cheek, their bond palpable.

Amused, her mother retorted, "What brings you here? You've barely arrived back, and yet the kitchen is your first stop?"

Breaking the hug, Kye pouted, remarking, "That's not the welcoming I expected. You haven't even asked about my well-being, my flight, concerts, or tour."

Apologizing with a smile, her mother inquired, "How are you? How was your flight, the concerts, and the tour?"

With an eye roll, Kye teased, "Better, but anyway, it's not my fault. The aroma of your cooking was my official welcome, and it pulled me straight to the kitchen. I couldn't resist."

Mrs. Tanner playfully pinched Kye's cheek, who responded with an exaggerated "Ouch!" accompanied by a theatrical wince.

"You haven't changed a bit, but you're even more beautifuler," Her mother teased her.

Chuckling, Kye noted, "Mom, 'beautifuler' isn't a word."

"In my personal dictionary, it is," her mother replied with a mischievous nose twitch. “ Something stinks here.”

Kye, feigning concentration, sniffed the air. "I'm not catching any particular scent."

Closing in, her mother inhaled around Kye. "I found it."

"So, what's causing the scent?" Kye inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"You," her mother playfully accused.

Rolling her eyes, Kye sighed, "Couldn't you just say 'go freshen up'? Why the dramatics?" She left the kitchen, chuckling as her mother's voice carried after her.

"Your scent is pleasant, not bad at all. Guilty conscience?" her mother called after her, earning an amused grin from Kye as she ascended the stairs.

~~~~~

🌸 Kylie's POV 🌸

Descending to indulge in her mother's cooking, I found my room just as I'd left it.

In comfortable attire, sporting a baggy shirt and sweatpants, I joined my brother, Ken, and my mother at the dining table.

Planting a kiss on his cheek, I settled into my seat, my mouth watering at the sight of the chicken-fried steak and cream gravy before me.

Unable to contain my hunger, I cut a bite and savored the flavors. "Mum, this is heavenly," I complimented. I really missed her meals.

She blew a kiss, and I playfully pretended to catch it, both of us sharing a moment of affectionate laughter.

"Kylie," Ken's sweet voice drew my attention.

I turned towards him, mouth full of food. "What?"

"The thing we talked about..." he reminded me, pushing his food aside.

Smirking, I replied, "It's in my room."

Quickly pecking my cheek, he rushed upstairs with excitement evident in his demeanor.

Curious, my mother queried, "So, what's gotten him so thrilled?"

I replied nonchalantly, "Something."

After cleaning my mouth with a napkin, I exchanged my plate for a serving of pumpkin pudding.

"Care to share the mystery?" my mother pressed.

I shook my head, digging into the pudding and savoring the taste.

With an eye roll, she playfully scolded, "You're not making it easy, are you?"

I responded with a knowing smile and a mouthful of pudding.

Her eyes rolled dramatically. "Where's your husband?" I inquired, scooping another spoonful.

"He's on a business trip," she answered.

"Today?"

"No, he postponed it just because you were coming back."

"I didn't mention that. Well, it's a good thing; I can attend school," I grinned.

Confused, she questioned, "School? I thought you were homeschooled."

"I remember. But it's so dull. No friends, no interaction. Just you and the teacher. Boring," I complained.

She defended, "Well, sometimes boring is good."

"Mum, don't be like Dad."

"Why? Remember the last time you attended school?"

I rolled my eyes. "Don't let the past define the future."

"Keep reciting motivational quotes. They won't change my mind."

"By the way, I've already enrolled myself at your school."

"What?!" My mother nearly shouted, her surprise evident.

"Relax, don't raise your blood pressure."

With an eye roll, she huffed, "How did you manage that?"

"I applied for a scholarship exam, passed, and got admitted to your school on scholarship. I can't exactly turn that down," I explained, feigning a forlorn expression.

"Well, I'll just decline it and accuse you of cheating."

"Mum!" I protested.

"Don't 'Mum' me. I have to move from that beautiful estate to this one," she teased, feigning annoyance.

Since paparazzi had discovered our previous residence during my schooling, Dad sold the house, and we relocated here to escape the constant crowds.

"Mom, forgive and forget," I pouted. "Plus, I won't be going as myself. I'll be in disguise."

"Alright, I'll allow it. But no clown costumes," she warned.

"Does that mean I can go?"

She nodded, and I couldn't contain my excitement, hugging her tightly and smothering her with kisses.

"I love you, Mom," I said genuinely.

"Fake love," she teased.

"No, I really do love you."

"And I'm seriously telling you not to dress as a clown."

I rolled my eyes, secretly entertaining the idea of going as a clown.