Chapter 4

Alexandra's POV 

 "AHHHH!" I shrieked, jumping back as I spotted the cockroaches scuttling across my clothes. "What the--" I couldn't finish the sentence, frozen in horror.

Within moments, my dad and Roselyn rushed into my room, their robes billowing behind them. My dad's eyes widened in alarm as he spotted the roaches. "What the—"he began, but Roselyn cut him off.

"Zora!" she yelled, summoning the maid. Zora appeared in the doorway, her face a mask of concern. "Why are there roaches in Alexandra's closet?"

 Zora's eyes widened as she took in the scene. She hurried to my side, her hands clasped together. "I'm so sorry, Miss Alexandra. I didn't know there were roaches in here. I'll get the exterminator right away."

Roselyn turned to Zora, her voice stern. 

 "This is completely unacceptable. How could this happen?"

"I don't know, madam," Zora said, her voice shaking

But I was still reeling from the shock of seeing the roaches. 

 As I stood there, trying to process what had just happened, a thought occurred to me. What if Davis was behind this? I knew it was just speculation, but something about the timing seemed suspicious.

And I couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow responsible. I knew it would be difficult to prove, but I was determined to find a way. Davis was going to pay for what he had done, one way or another.

 Davis sauntered into the kitchen, his voice full of amusement. "Isn't it a little late to be putting on your pajamas?" he asked, a smirk on his face. I glared at him, annoyed by his cavalier attitude.

 

 "If someone hadn't put roaches in my closet, I wouldn't be forced to wear my pajamas at this hour," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Davis just shrugged, uncaring. He opened the fridge and pulled out a beer, popping the top off with one smooth motion.

Just then, Roselyn and my dad came down the stairs, looking dressed up and ready to go out.

"Where are you two headed?" I asked, an edge in my voice.

"We're meeting up with our wedding planner," Roselyn replied, her tone light and cheerful.

Davis huffed, taking a swig of his drink. I knew he didn't like the idea of his mom getting remarried. And for once, we had something in common.

 "We'll be back early," my dad said, ignoring Davis's reaction and shooting me a reassuring smile.

Roselyn came over to me, a smile on

her face. 

 "I'm sorry about the roaches, Alex," she said, her voice gentle. "I have some clothes in my wardrobe that might fit you. You're welcome to try them on."

"Thank you," I said, my voice full of gratitude.

 "Take care, you two," my dad said, and with that, he and Roselyn left the room. I took a sip of my coffee, the hot liquid warming my insides.

 

 "Make me something to eat," Davis demanded, his tone brooking no argument. "Be useful."

"Excuse me?" I snapped, my temper flaring. "I'm not your personal chef, and I'm not your servant."

"But you're living under my roof, so you'll do as I say," he said, his voice cold and hard. "All the other staff have the day off, so you're the only one available."

I couldn't believe my ears. Davis was treating me like I was some kind of slave. I glared at him, but he didn't seem to care. Instead, he simply turned and walked out of the kitchen, heading towards his room.

I took a few minutes to gather myself, I wasn't going to let Davis get the better of me. I was going to make him breakfast but it wasn't going to be what he expected.

With a sly smile, I prepared some scrambled eggs and hot dogs, then carefully placed them on a tray. I carried the tray to his room, holding it up high, as if I were presenting a gourmet meal.

 "Voila!" I announced, setting the tray on his bedside table. "Your breakfast, served on your bed."

Davis looked at me suspiciously, then turned his attention to the food. He picked up a fork and scooped up a bite of the scrambled eggs, then put it into his mouth. His face contorted into an expression of pure disgust.

 "What the hell is this?" he sputtered, his eyes wide. "It's so salty!"

"Oh, did I add too much salt?" I asked, feigning innocence. "I'm so sorry. I must have been a little heavy-handed."

 "Enjoy the rest of your meal" I laughed mischievously walking out of his room.

 

The sound of wedding bells filled my head, but they brought no joy. My father's wedding day had finally arrived, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. I watched as Summer expertly styled my hair into a sleek ponytail, her fingers moving deftly through my locks. 

 

 "Cheer up" summer looked at me from the mirror as she dressed my hair into buns ponytail. She could tell I was worried and slightly unhappy.

 "Once dad is married to Roselyn.

"I'll l legally become Davis stepsister." The thought of that, suffocated me more than the tight black dress I was putting on.

 "It can't be that bad, Davis might change towards you" I could tell summer was trying to be optimistic, but I knew the truth. Davis hated me, and I hated him in return.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Zora poked her head into the room. 

 "Miss Alex, your father wants you downstairs. The ceremony is about to begin."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. As Summer and I walked out of the room, I did my best to put on a brave face. I knew that the next few hours would be some of the most difficult of my life. But I had to get through it, for my father's sake.

As we made our way downstairs, I could hear the murmur of voices coming from the ballroom. I took one last deep breath, and then we stepped through the doors.

All eyes turned to us, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. But then I saw my father, and he gave me a smile that melted away my fears. I knew that no matter what, I had his love and support.

I and summer took our place in front of the arranged seats as the ceremony began. Davis was seated right in one of the chairs, looking all dazzling in his black suit, he frowned, he looked me right in the eye, and I could see the anger simmering just below the surface. 

 My dad and Roselyn stood before the officiant, their hands clasped together, their eyes locked in a loving gaze. As they recited their vows, I couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness for my father. After all he had been through, he finally had found happiness with this amazing woman.

I watched them kiss, tears stinging my eyes. I was so happy for them, and yet so sad for myself. The officiant announced them as husband and wife, and the crowd erupted in applause.

 "Let's dance!" the officiant said, clapping his hands. My dad took Roselyn's hand and led her to the dance floor, swaying to the music. The rest of the guests paired off, finding partners for the celebration.

Even Summer found a dance partner, a tall, dark-haired man who seemed to make her laugh. I stood there, feeling awkward and out of place.

Then, to my horror, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Davis standing there, a smirk on his face.

 "Dance with me," he said, his voice confident and smooth. What was he up to now? I wondered inwardly.

 My heart started racing, and I felt my palms grow clammy. I didn't want to dance with him. I didn't want to be anywhere near him. But I also didn't want to make a scene. So I reluctantly put my hand in his, and we began to move around the dance floor.

I tried to focus on the music, on the rhythm, but I couldn't help but feel tense and uncomfortable. I could feel Davis's eyes on me, his hand gripping mine tightly. Suddenly, the music changed. A slow, romantic song started playing, and I felt my heart sink. I knew what was coming next.

 "Dance with me," Davis whispered in my ear. I tried to pull away, but he held me close, his body pressed against mine. I could feel his breath on my neck, his fingers brushing against my arm. I felt trapped, like I couldn't escape.

Davis smiled, and pulled me closer. I felt my stomach churn, my skin crawling. I had to get away from him.

 "Relax," Davis whispered in my ear. "I just wanted to welcome you with a dance. Welcome to hell, stepsister." He smirked, His words stung, and I could feel my heart sinking.

I had hoped that things would be different, that maybe we could coexist, but it was clear that he was determined to make my life miserable.