Chapter Five: New Beginnings, Old Tensions
Kiara's pov
The flight was surprisingly smooth, and before I knew it, we landed in the city. I stepped off the jet feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. This was it—a fresh start.
Dave was already waiting for me at the terminal. The moment he saw me, his face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. He rushed over, pulling me into a tight hug that almost knocked the air out of me.
"You're finally here!" he said, his voice full of excitement. "I've missed you so much."
I smiled against his chest, feeling a warmth I hadn't felt in days. "I missed you too, Dave."
He pulled back to look at me, his hands still on my shoulders. "How was the trip? You okay?"
"It was… eventful," I said, forcing a smile. I wasn't ready to dive into the whole humiliating-plane-incident story.
Before I could say more, a voice cut through the moment like a knife.
"So, this is the girl you've been raving about?"
I turned to see a tall, stunning woman with piercing eyes and an air of confidence that could make anyone feel small. She crossed her arms and tilted her head, looking me up and down like I was a piece of cheap fabric.
"Hi, I'm Kiara," I said, trying to sound polite as I extended my hand.
She ignored it, her lips curling into a smirk. "Yeah, I know who you are. I'm Tasha. Dave's sister."
"Oh… nice to meet you," I said, dropping my hand awkwardly.
Dave shot her a warning look. "Tasha, don't start."
"What? I'm just saying," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "She's… cute, I guess."
I felt my cheeks flush, but I didn't say anything. I didn't want to cause trouble, especially not on my first day here.
"Tasha, enough," Dave said firmly, stepping in front of me like a shield. "Kiara's my girlfriend, and you're going to respect her. Got it?"
Tasha rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Don't come crying to me later."
She turned on her heel and walked off, her heels clicking loudly against the floor.
"I'm so sorry about her," Dave said, turning back to me with an apologetic look. "She's just… Tasha."
"It's okay," I said softly, though the knot in my stomach told a different story.
Dave smiled and wrapped an arm around me. "Come on, let's get you home. You're going to love it here, I promise."
The drive to the apartment was quiet for the most part, with Dave stealing glances at me every now and then. His hand rested on mine, his thumb gently tracing circles on my skin. It was comforting, but my mind kept drifting back to Tasha.
The city was alive with lights and sounds, a stark contrast to the small town I'd left behind. As we pulled up to a sleek apartment building, I couldn't help but gasp.
"This is… home?" I asked, staring at the towering structure.
Dave grinned. "Yeah. Top floor. I told you I wanted the best for us."
The lobby was just as luxurious as the exterior, with marble floors and a chandelier that looked like it belonged in a palace. A doorman greeted us with a nod as Dave led me to the elevator.
When we reached the apartment, Dave unlocked the door and pushed it open, revealing a spacious, modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline.
"This is amazing," I whispered, stepping inside.
"I'm glad you like it," Dave said, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind. "This is just the beginning, Kiara. I want to give you everything."
I turned to face him, my heart swelling at the sincerity in his eyes. "Thank you, Dave. For everything."
Just as he leaned in to kiss me, a loud ding from his phone interrupted the moment. He sighed, pulling it out of his pocket.
"It's work," he said, frowning at the screen. "I need to take this. Make yourself at home, okay?"
I nodded, watching as he stepped out onto the balcony to answer the call.
I wandered around the apartment, taking in the sleek furniture and the faint scent of fresh paint. Everything felt surreal, like I was stepping into someone else's life.
Then I noticed something on the coffee table—a framed photo of Dave and Tasha, both smiling brightly. I picked it up, studying their faces. They looked so close, so… different from how Tasha had acted earlier.
As I set the frame down, something caught my eye. A small envelope tucked beneath the table. Curiosity got the better of me, and I reached for it, sliding it out carefully.
The envelope was unsealed, and when I opened it, a single sheet of paper slipped out. My stomach dropped as I read the words scrawled across it.
"You don't know him like I do. Be careful, Kiara."
My hands trembled as I stared at the note. Who wrote this? What did they mean?
Before I could process it, the sound of the balcony door sliding open made me jump. I quickly stuffed the note back into the envelope and shoved it under the table just as Dave walked back in.
"Everything okay?" he asked, his brow furrowing as he looked at me.
"Y-yeah," I stammered, forcing a smile. "Just… taking it all in."
Dave smiled, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—something I couldn't quite place.
"Good," he said, wrapping an arm around me. "Because this is just the start of our future together."
I smiled back, but the note's warning echoed in my mind.
You don't know him like I do.
And for the first time, I wondered if I really did.
BACK TO AMELIA'S POV
Amelia
The moment I stepped into the house Ethan had prepared for me, I froze. My eyes widened as I took in the massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the polished marble floors, and the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city.
It was perfect.
The house was everything I had dreamed of but never thought I'd have a mansion that screamed luxury and freedom.
"Finally," I muttered under my breath, dropping my designer bag onto the pristine white couch. I kicked off my heels, savoring the coolness of the floor beneath my feet.
I wandered through the house, my fingers grazing the smooth surfaces of the furniture. The kitchen was fully equipped with top-of-the-line appliances. The bedroom was like something out of a fairytale, with a massive bed that looked more inviting than anything I'd ever seen.
And the bathroom? Don't get me started. It had a jacuzzi tub, a walk-in shower with rainfall settings, and a vanity that could rival any celebrity's.
"This… this is what I deserve," I whispered, a smirk tugging at my lips.
For the first time in forever, I felt free. No stepmother breathing down my neck. No Ethan hovering over me with his sharp words and condescending tone.
I marched to the master bedroom, throwing open the walk-in closet doors. Rows of designer clothes, shoes, and bags greeted me. It was all mine.
"All of it," I said, running my hands over the silk fabrics and leather handbags. "Mine."
After settling in, I called for a personal stylist to come over. It was time for a full transformation. I was done being the meek Amelia who took orders.
By the time they arrived, I was already in full command mode. "I want my nails done—French tips. My hair? Keep it sleek and shiny. And don't forget to steam my face. I want to glow."
"Yes, ma'am," the stylist replied, bowing slightly before getting to work.
As they worked on me, I leaned back in the plush chair, sipping champagne and scrolling through my phone. I didn't even glance at the stylists they were beneath me now.
"Make sure the lashes are full but natural," I ordered, waving a hand dismissively. "I don't want to look like a clown."
"Yes, ma'am," they replied in unison.
By the time they were done, I barely recognized myself in the mirror. My nails sparkled, my hair shone like silk, and my skin looked flawless.
"Perfect," I said, smirking at my reflection.
I dismissed the team with a flick of my wrist and strolled back into the living room. The house felt alive now, as if it was reflecting my newfound confidence.
This was my domain, and no one not Ethan, not my past, not even fate was going to take it away from me.
As I poured myself another glass of champagne, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Ethan.
"Settled in?"
I rolled my eyes and typed back, "Of course. It's perfect."
His reply came almost instantly. "Good. Remember, Amelia you're still mine."
I stared at the message, my smirk fading.
"Not for long," I muttered under my breath, deleting the message and tossing my phone onto the couch.
This was my fresh start, my chance to reclaim my life. And no matter what Ethan thought, I wasn't going to let him or anyone else control me anymore.
Freedom was mine, and I'd do whatever it took to keep it.