5

"If I'm doing this, it's for your own good."

“Why do you care if it hurts me or not? Give me my things and stay out of my kitchen,” I shot back, giving him my best serial killer stare.

I walked past him and went back upstairs, only to see the state of my poor bedroom. I opened the door, and… my bed… my precious bed… was gone. In its place was a bigger one with a blue comforter. Blue! I hate sad colors.

I’m hyperventilating.

I need air.

Air!

Where’s my pink comforter? Besides, the blue doesn’t even match the walls.

“Do you like it?” I heard his voice.

I started crying.

“What’s wrong?” His voice sounded concerned. “Amanda, you’re worrying me.”

“My mattress… my comforter. You could have at least found a white one or… I don’t know, something that matches the walls, but blue… blue is sad,” I sobbed. “You know what? If you want, you can keep this room. I’m going to find another one.”

I walked toward the door, feeling defeated.

“Amanda, wait… you’re right. The blue doesn’t match. I’ll have them bring yours back and everything will be fixed, okay?” He spoke to me like he was talking to a little girl.

I nodded, feeling my lower lip tremble.

“You’re mean,” I pouted. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to the beach, and when I get back, I want to see my room normal again. We’re enemies here, I get it, but outside, it’ll be like we’re the best friends in the world.” I patted his shoulder.

“I don’t see you as my enemy, Amanda. You see me as a threat because of everything with the trial, I know, but I’m just trying to do the right thing,” he said seriously.

I sighed.

“Sure, but in the end, I’m just the adopted daughter. You have more rights than I do; you can put whatever comforter you want. I’m leaving.” I walked out of the room and the mansion. I got in my car and drove to the beach. Hawaii has some beautiful beaches, and several are my favorites where I come to relax, but right now, I just want to cry from frustration. And from stress too.

My phone rang.

It’s Kev. My boyfriend.

“Hello,” I answered. I was sitting in front of the ocean, barefoot and under the midday sun.

“Baby, I just heard everything. Where are you?”

“I’m… at the place I always go when I’m feeling sad,” I told him… though I doubt he knows where that is… “at the forest beach.” I wiped my nose.

“I’m on my way.” He hung up.

•

“Baby,” Kev arrived and hugged me.

“What exactly happened?”

“What had to happen. Luke moved into my house, and we have to live together for a year to get half of everything; otherwise, neither of us gets anything.”

He shook his head.

“I looked into it and… should I be jealous?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Of course not,” I lied… I think. “I hate him for doing this to me, for changing my life, for putting me in this situation. Luke is… the devil.”

“That puts me at ease. You know I love you and don’t want to lose you. It terrifies me that you might fall in love with someone else.”

And he doesn’t even know that Luke plans to sleep with me.

It’s better not to tell him.

“Hmm, yeah. I guess I’ll have to adapt… you know, to living with him. Making sure everything goes smoothly. It won’t be pleasant for either of us if we’re constantly fighting.”

“Maybe that’s for the best, honey, but don’t be sad. It’s just a year; time flies, and you’ll see that afterward, everything will return to normal. Just ignore him, do your thing, and let him do his.”

“It’s not that easy. We’ll have to make decisions for the company, and I don’t know how different things will be in that aspect.”

“You’ve run the company very well; he’ll have to go along with what you propose.”

I nodded.

“Yeah, you’re right. I want this to be over already. The best thing I can do is ignore him. Thank you for being here; I needed to talk to someone about this and get some advice.” I kissed him.

“I love you, honey, and I’ll always be here for you. Always.” He kissed me back passionately.

•

By sunset, I arrived home with a better attitude. I just had to ignore the guy, and everything would be fine. I entered through the back... which was a big mistake.

It can't be.

Luke was near the pool in just his boxers, showing off... his body. Lupe and the other maids were in a corner watching him.

“What are you doing?” I startled them.

“Ma'am, don’t scare us like that.”

“Look at him, Amanda, he’s so hot,” said Lupe.

Luke went into the pool.

I admit, yes, yes, he’s hot, but that has nothing to do with anything.

“I’d love to watch… I mean,” I cleared my throat, “I wouldn’t love to watch the show, but since the idiot is swimming, I’ll head to my room for a bath and then come down for dinner. Keep watching that idiot, but Lupe, I’ll see you later,” I let her know.

She barely paid attention to me.

I moved inside, but not before taking one last look at Luke and his body. Being so nosy, I ran into the glass door, making a loud noise that caught Luke’s attention. I quickly hid behind the couch so he wouldn’t see me.

“Damn it,” I muttered as I crawled to the stairs and ran up to my room. My heart was racing.

I’m burning up.

I stripped off my clothes and slipped into my tub for a relaxing bath. I hope Luke takes hours in the pool.

I had just closed my eyes for a few seconds when I heard the door open and close.

Oh no.

“Don’t come to the bathroom,” I whispered, “don’t come to the bathroom, don’t come to the…” the bathroom door opened, and Luke walked in.

I screamed and covered myself.

“I’m naked in the tub!”

“What are you doing? Get out, Luke.”

But he didn’t.

“Calm down, Amanda, I’m just here to grab a few things,” he said, grabbing a towel and his razor. “Remember, it’s my bathroom too,” he added as he headed to the shower.

“But I’m here, idiot! What, are we supposed to bathe together too?” I snapped.

“Not a bad idea,” he shot me a look. Thankfully, the bubbles covered everything. “I’ll shower peacefully, and you do the same.” He stepped into the shower, which had distorted glass, so almost everything was visible.

JESUS CHRIST! I just saw his… thing, and my jaw dropped because of it.

It’s getting really hot in here.