The Stepmother

Sarah tugged on her dress to cover her thigh, feeling uncomfortable under Noah's intense stare. She quickly averted her gaze and scanned the interior of the large house. The house was so beautiful and spacious that she couldn't help but marvel at it. Just moments ago, she was in a hurry to leave without taking a closer look at the house.

"So, yes? Is there something that you forgot?" Noah asked, pretending to be clueless.

"Ah…" Sarah looked at Noah, who fixed his eyes on her. "I don't know how to go back home and my phone is out of battery."

Noah nodded in understanding. "I can send you back, there is no taxi that can come up here." He said. That was true, no other car could pass the guard before his approval, except his family, they wouldn't listen.

"Really? Thank you so much," Sarah said, quickly standing up and bowing her head to Noah.

"Should we change your clothes first?" Noah's question made Sarah blush immediately.

Sarah raised her head, realising that her chest was quite exposed when she had bowed. "Oh, sorry," she said, pulling the dress up and covering herself with her hands.

"No need to apologise. It's a natural reaction," Noah said, lowering his head as he held back a smile. "Follow me, and let's get you something to change into."

Sarah's eyes widened for a moment before nodding. "Thank you, Mr. Noah."

Noah led Sarah to one of the guest rooms and opened the closet. "Feel free to choose whatever you like," he said, extending his hand. "And let me charge your phone for a while." Sarah hesitated for a moment before handing her phone to Noah, who then left the room to give her some privacy.

Sarah looked through the options, surprised by the expensive designer clothes. She finally settled on a simple white shirt and a pair of jeans. When she came out of the room, Noah was waiting for her in the hallway. "Looks good on you," he complimented her.

"Thank you," Sarah said, feeling more at ease in the comfortable clothes.

"Let's eat first," Noah said, walking down the stairs.

Sarah had thought they were going home right away, but now Noah was asking her to eat first. As a thankful gesture, she didn't say anything and followed him to the dining table.

"Thank Aunt Liz. You can go home now," Noah said, taking a seat.

A middle-aged woman, who was called Aunt Liz just now, smiled and nodded her head at Sarah before excusing herself to the kitchen.

Carefully pulling out her chair, Sarah took a seat and awkwardly put both of her hands on her lap.

"Go on," Noah said, taking his spoon and feeding soup into his mouth. "Hmm," he smiled after savouring the soup. Aunt Liz never disappointed him, which was why when he got back home, he asked her to return.

Sarah hesitated before slowly taking her spoon and starting to eat. The taste of the food made her eyes widen. It had been a while since she had tasted food this good; she mostly ate instant food and kept a tight budget for her meals.

Noah noticed Sarah's surprised expression and chuckled. "Aunt Liz is an excellent cook. You should come over more often and try more of her dishes," he said with a smile.

Sarah shook her hands quickly, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Thank you, but this is more than enough," she replied gratefully.

"You can just call me Noah," he said casually as he fed himself another spoonful.

A notification on Noah's phone caught his attention. He glanced at it and saw that an uninvited guest was heading to the house.

"So, Sarah, could I ask you for a simple favour?" Noah suddenly asked after reading the text from his house guard.

"A favour?" Sarah asked with a slightly shaky voice. She moved her hands back to her lap and wiped her palms, which were starting to feel sweaty. "What is it?"

Noah smiled before saying, "Can you stay in my room for a while? I will send you back right after my guest leaves."

"Ah," Sarah immediately stood up when she heard someone was coming. "Your room? The one-"

"Yup, the one you slept in last night," Noah answered, making Sarah's cheeks slowly turn beet red. "Why? Did I say something wrong?" He smiled as he looked at her blushing face.

"No, no, nothing's wrong." Sarah lightly slapped her cheeks and moved towards the stairs.

Almost reaching the second floor, Sarah stopped and turned as she hesitated but Noah was not at the table anymore. She was baffled and looked around but couldn't see him. "Where did he go?" She asked herself.

After a few seconds, Sarah continued to the room and closed the door.

While Noah, he was ready in front of his front gate waiting for the guest that he had been expecting.

"Look, who is here? The guest who I hate the most." Noah said the moment the woman stepped out of the car.

"Oh please, at least offer me a drink first." The woman walked past Noah and walked straight to the main door.

"Isn't it rude to come unwelcome, Lynda?" Noah asked, followed her from behind.

Lynda turned and smiled before proceeding to enter the large living room. She looked around, trying to find any signs of life inside the house. "You're eating your breakfast quite late..." She stopped at the dining table.

"Unfortunately, my breakfast was interrupted because of someone," Noah said casually as he sat back in his chair and continued eating.

"It really looked like I was interrupting your sweet time..." Lynda glanced at the plate in front of Noah.

Unaffected, Noah scooped the last bite into his mouth and took a napkin to wipe his lips. "What do you want?"

"Can't you show some respect towards your mother?" Lynda pulled out a chair and supported her chin with her palm.

Noah poked his ear, feeling an itch inside at the mention of the word 'mother'. "Mother? You and I are only two years apart. Are you joking?"

"Well, I am still your mother legally, right?" Lynda stood up, placing her hands behind her back. She smiled as she started to walk around the dining room, her eyes shifting to the second floor. "You chose the right house to inherit, this one is nice."

Noah shot her a glare. "Don't ever dream of taking this. This is my house."

"I never said anything," Lynda replied, turning to head towards the stairs.

"Where are you going? It's not enough that you came unwelcome, and now you're trying to invade my personal space?" Noah's voice rose as he stood up, pushing the chair back.

"Want to know something interesting?" Lynda said, taking a step onto the stairs.

Noah stared down at her, his expression cold. "It would be better if you leave right away. I don't have time to waste on a person like you."

"Oh, come on. This one is really interesting, you'll definitely thank me after," Lynda said, stopping in the middle of the stairs. "Your sweet fiancée came last night, right after she met you." She dropped the bomb and smirked.

Noah sighed, a frown creasing his forehead. He never expected Grace to be so daring as to meet his father without telling him.

"So, do you want me to continue?" Lynda tried to play push and pull with him.

Noah continued to stare at her in silence.

"Okay, let's just say you want me to continue." She took a seat on the stairs and grinned. "She asked your father to move the wedding forward."

Noah's eyes widened, his teeth gritting in anger. "That leech..."

"Tsk tsk, that's not all," Lynda said, enjoying dropping the bombshell. "The wedding that was supposed to be held next year? She asked for it to be held next month."

Noah was shocked. He clenched his fists, feeling a surge of anger.

Lynda smirked, enjoying the effect of her revelation. "Seems like your sweet fiancée is in quite a hurry, isn't she?"

Noah didn't respond, his mind racing with thoughts and emotions. He knew he had to confront Grace about this and sort things out, but for now, he was left reeling from Lynda's unexpected news.

The sudden sound of glass breaking from Noah's room diverted both of their attention.

"Oops, the cat must have hit something." Lynda once again smirked. She knew he must be hiding someone upstairs. "Need my help?" She stood up right away and headed upstairs.

"Stop!" Noah shouted.

Ignoring Noah's rage, she moved faster and tried to open the door. Luckily, it was locked. "Oh this kitty is smart."

Noah quickly pulled Lynda's hand from the door knob. "Leave now!"

"Are you sure?" Lynda squinted her eyes. "You know, since I am your mother now. I could help you in any way. Your father hears me quite well." She pulled her dress lower to give hints on how she would convince his father.

"Just leave!" Noah lost his patience. "I wouldn't need any of your help even if I am pushed to the dead end."

Lynda's smirk faded as she realised Noah wasn't going to give in to her manipulations. She pulled her hand back from the door knob, her eyes narrowing in anger.

"Well, suit yourself," she said with a sneer. "But remember, I'm always here if you change your mind."

Lynda turned and walked back to the stairs, leaving Noah but then the door to the room suddenly opened and Noah widened his eyes in nervousness.