Forbidden Mate- A Step-brother Romance - Chapter 69: Chapter 69

~APOLLO~
The tension between Lana and me has been palpable. I've tried my hardest to make her happy, but deep down, I knew we could never truly be together. My mother would never accept it—not even for a second. That's why I spent years trying to make my step-sister dislike me; I thought if I acted like an asshole, she'd steer clear of me.
But everything changed the moment she discovered we were mates. She started trying to get closer to me, searching for answers that I couldn't give to her. Even now, when she asked about my mother, I couldn't tell her a single thing.
I never should have taken things this far with her. I was supposed to keep my distance—after all, that was the whole purpose of pushing her away in the first place. I wanted to cushion the blow when she learned about our bond. Unfortunately, my plan went south the moment I succumbed to temptation.
My feelings for her became impossible to ignore. Even now, when I know I should stay away, it's still incredibly difficult.
Lana is right; I need to let her go. She deserves to be with someone who can give her the love and respect she craves. I realize she's far too good for me, and I wish that I could be the man she truly deserves. But I've come to understand that I'm fighting a losing battle.
Just then, my phone lights up, and I answer my mother's call. She's been reaching out even more frequently now that the engagement party is set for next week.
She's over the moon that I finally agreed to this, and backing out now would send her into a frenzy.
"Son!" she exclaims, her voice gleeful. "I have some fantastic news."
Her "fantastic news" usually translates to yet another nightmare for me. What grand scheme was she concocting this time to make the event outstanding? She's determined to spend a fortune to make it the talk of the town, inviting a bevy of wealthy guests even though I'd prefer a small gathering. Just like many things, my opinion doesn't seem to count for much.
"What is it?" I ask, knowing full well she can hear the dissatisfaction in my tone, though she chooses to overlook it.
"Instead of hosting your engagement here, I've decided to have it closer to where you live now. I know you've developed an attachment to that area, so I wanted to do something nice for you instead of just catering to what Jada and I want," she informs me.
If her idea of being nice involves this engagement, I'd be much happier if she canceled the whole affair. I really don't want this to happen.
"That wasn't necessary," I respond. "I was fine with the other location."
"Nonsense," she cuts in. "This is a much better plan for the entire family. We'll host it closer to you, which makes things easier. Your father agrees that it's best since your stepmother and step-siblings are from there. It'll be simpler for them to attend."
My body tenses.
Why the sudden shift? I know my mother loves her hometown and would typically want the engagement ball there, regardless of my feelings.
So, what's prompted this change? Why is she so eager to bring it closer to me?
"Are you sure that's the best idea?" I ask, trying to gauge my mother's reasoning.
"Absolutely," she brushes off my concern instantly. "But since it will be closer to you, there is just one small issue."
One issue?
"And what problem is that?" I ask, bracing myself.
"Well," her excitement wanes a bit, "I'll need to be closer to you to handle everything. I can't possibly organize it all from here. I must be there to sort out the venue and all the details on short notice."
Damn it.
Of course, that's her real motivation. She wants a reason to be close by—likely to ensure I don't change my mind before the engagement takes place.
"Are you planning to stay at a hotel?" I ask, resigned. I know there's no point in trying to change her mind. If she's set on coming here to plan the engagement ball, there's no stopping her. She'll do everything her way.
I'm simply exhausted from this conversation. I just want a breather from it all.
"Oh no, that won't be necessary," she replies. "I've already talked to Jada, and she's on board to be as close to you as possible so the two of you can get to know one another better."
What does she mean by "as close as possible"? What's her angle? She's already complicating my life from afar; why does she need to be closer?
"What are you saying, mother?" I ask cautiously, knowing I might not want to hear the answer.
"I've spoken with your father and stepmother," she tells me. "And they've agreed to let Jada and me stay in their home—where you're currently staying. They mentioned they have two extra rooms since some of your step-siblings are away on a business trip. I was thrilled to accept this offer."
Damn. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, they somehow did. Life felt like it was constantly throwing punches at me, completely indifferent to how I felt.
"Why would you choose to stay here?" I ask her, treading carefully with my words. I didn’t want her to think I was trying to push her away; that would only raise her suspicions. "You've never been a fan of this house, and being around my stepmother is bound to put you in a foul mood. I really think a hotel would be a better option, mother. You might not have thought this situation through completely."
There was a long silence before she finally replied, "Don't worry, I know how to set aside my feelings to get things done for you. I love making sacrifices for your happiness, Apollo. This situation is no different."
It was clear she had made up her mind to stay, and there was no point in trying to change it.
Still, I had to try one more time.
"Are you really sure about this?” I ask again, hoping for a different response this time even though I knew it was highly unlikely.
"Why does it sound like you don’t want me there?" she countered. "Is there something you’re hiding from me? Is there a reason you don’t want me and your future bride under the same roof as you?"
Damn it. I needed to drop this topic immediately.
"No," I say. "If that’s truly what you want, then I won’t say anything more."
"Great!" she exclaims. "My bags are already packed. See you soon, son!"
Now I had to figure out how to break this news to Lana, but I have been avoiding her.
I knew the moment I saw her I would drop to my knees in front of her and beg to get another taste of her. That was why I was trying my hardest to keep the distance. But it was torture.
Fuck me.
I needed to get a grip on myself.