To Hate My Stepbrother

Mason’s POV

Talking for a little while with my father, we both made our way back inside while I went to continue my work. I had no idea how much time had gone until I heard loud giggles coming from downstairs.

Closing my laptop, I went to see what the noise was about and I couldn’t help the big smile that formed on my lips when I saw Ava, her mum and my father in the kitchen trying to bake a cake.

They were all covered in flour and I knew that they were only doing that to make her happy which makes me extremely glad that they were around.

FLASHBACK

“Khalid, No!” Ava laughed as she tried to stop Khalid from ruining the cake that they both spent almost two hours baking.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

“It looks really nice.” Khalid protested and went ahead with the cake decoration that made Ava let out a fake gasp as she formed a heart attack.

“You just ruined it,” Ava gasped and I couldn’t help the roaring laughter that slipped out of my mouth, “this cake will never remain the same again and so will you.” She said through gritted teeth.

Before Khalid knew what was going on he already had the mixed Royal icing all over his face and to defend himself he squirted back at Ava as they both ran around the kitchen.

They stopped running around and fought to catch their breaths as they continued with their cake and I’d wanted to leave but the sight was just too beautiful that I had to wait.

“Daddy, look,” Khalid ran towards me to show me the magic they’d made, “Ava is a really good mum and now I think you should get married to her.” He whispered into my ear when I knelt in front of him.

******

“Mason!” Ava’s voice put a halt to my thoughts and I blinked multiple times before reality hit me again. Khalid isn’t around, he’s gone forever and all I have left of him are his memories.

They were done baking and she wouldn’t stop talking about how much fun she had baking with my father and her mum.

Taking her hand, we all proceeded to the dining table to eat and after dinner both our parents retired to bed leaving Ava and I.

“I miss him so much.” I confessed as I placed my head on her shoulder and she stroked my hair lightly before telling me that she knew how much I miss Khalid because she misses him too.

Trying to lighten up the mood, I decided to play Ava a song on the guitar and it was so soothing that it felt like it’s been years since I’d last played.

“I miss him so much,” Ava bursted into tears that I had to lay my guitar down to console her, “it’s really hard to not think about him and the house just feels so empty without him.” She added as she cried on my chest.

Clutching her closer to me, “he’ll always be with us, he’s not really gone.” I whispered into her ear to make her feel better and I could see that it worked.

It was at that moment that I knew how much Ava really loves Khalid, she loved him so purely without caring if he’s her child or not.

I wish we didn’t have to lose him.

Her soft breath on my chest told me that she was already falling asleep and not wanting her to stress herself walking back into our room, I carried her all the way and placed her gently on the bed.

*****

We got ready for work and I drove us to the company. We had a lot to do and on getting to the company Ava and I attended a meeting first.

“Accept our condolences,” the head of the board of directors spoke up with a sigh, “it’s hard losing a child and I really think you both should take a break from work.” He added but I’d had enough rest already.

“No, it’s fine, really,” I protested, “I’m the CEO and I need to keep working as one. The company rests on my shoulder, I’ll be fine.” I explained.

“He’s right, I’ve had enough rest too. I think I can cope.” Ava also added with a small smile even though I know really well that she isn’t really fine.

We held a meeting on the missing money and I really couldn’t mention the suspects yet until they’ve been arrested. The meeting ended on my note of assuring them that the culprits would be apprehended.

“Watching you in there was really beautiful,” Ava started as we made our way out of the conference room, “you’re a great person.” She affirmed as she leaned in to kiss me.

The day went by quickly then we’d expected it to and soon Ava and I were ready to go back home after a long day at work.

“You know you never really talk about your mother.” Ava’s voice broke the silence in the car and it was as though my heart was about to jump out of my chest.

“What happened to her and why don’t you like talking about her?” She asked, I’d tried to change the topic and divert the conversation but Ava insisted.

Finally summoning the courage to talk about my mother, I told her all she needed to know and I let out a sigh when I saw her face wet with all the tears she’d shed.

“This is the exact reason why I don’t talk about her.” I sniffled, trying to keep myself from crying too as I looked for a perfect spot to park the car.

“Look, I’m fine. It’s really fine and you shouldn’t feel sorry for me.” I assured her as I pulled her into me to kiss her.

Breaking the kiss, “talking about it now made me feel better and somehow I don’t hate her as much as I used to.” I added with a smile that she returned.