HER MOTHER’S HUSBAND

INTRODUCING STEVE BLACKWELL

A soft knock echoed through the hallway as Isabella made her way to Nessa’s room.

“Nessa?” she called repeatedly, her tone carrying both urgency and impatience.

Nessa had initially planned to ignore her mother, but Isabella’s relentless knocking broke her resolve. With a groan, she swung open the door.

"Finally," Isabella sighed, throwing her hands up. “I’ve been knocking for over five minutes!”

Nessa folded her arms. “That’s not exactly an eternity, is it?”

“Don’t get smart with me, young lady.” Isabella’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve got something important to discuss, so drop the attitude.”

“What is it now, Mom? I was about to get some rest. Have you forgotten the long trip we just came back from?”

“This won’t take long,” Isabella replied, her voice firm. “I need you to meet someone... you already know who. So don’t ask unnecessary questions. Please be respectful and drop those silly attitudes of yours in the trash. I wouldn’t want to repeat myself..”

Nessa rolled her eyes. “Do I really have to meet your... ‘not so secret new husband’? I’d rather not see his face.”

“Vanessa!” Isabella snapped, rubbing her temples in frustration. “For once, could you try not to be difficult?”

Nessa crossed her arms defiantly. “Why should I? You didn’t even tell me you were getting married again. Now, you expect me to just... what? Smile and welcome him?”

Isabella’s shoulders sagged, a mixture of hurt and exhaustion in her gaze. “Please, Nessa, let me be happy for once.. okay? I’ve been fighting so hard to keep it together and to be here for you ever since your father walked out. I keep showing up everyday and doing my best for you, don’t you see it? Do you have any idea what that divorce did to me? To us? Please I beg you, don't add to my bitterness and frustrations, kindly fix yourself! I will see you downstairs, in five. Behave!"..

Nessa’s defiant expression faltered, but she quickly masked it with a sarcastic smirk. “Oh, so this new guy is supposed to fix everything? Nice to know you’re moving on so... efficiently.”

Isabella’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I’m not asking for miracles. I’m just asking for a chance. And can you at least pretend to be civil? I need this, Nessa... I really do.”

The raw plea in her mother’s voice made Nessa pause. For a split second, she almost felt guilty. Almost.

“Five minutes,” Nessa muttered begrudgingly. “That’s all I’m giving him.”

Isabella nodded, relief washing over her face. “Thank you. And please, Nessa, behave yourself.”

Vanessa tried to avoid the inevitable moment of meeting her mother’s husband, no one could ever replace her father even if he had walked out on them.

The sitting room is a blend of modern elegance and classic charm, creating a serene and inviting space, a plush grey couch with soft, velvety fabric, comfortably set in the center of the room.

Behind the couch, a large floor-to-ceiling window bathes the room in natural light, framed by flowing curtains in a soft cream tone. This light illuminates the intricate artifacts placed strategically around the room. On the walls, there are a few art pieces, abstract paintings with splashes of gold and deep blue..adding color and depth to the otherwise neutral palette.

A tall man about 6ft tall, his presence commanding attention like a Greek God. His perfectly toned skin and well styled hair gave a carefree elegance, standing close by the window with his hands in his slacks.

As soon as he faced her, she could see his perfect muscular broad shoulders and beards with strands of silver.

He approached her with a charming smile, spread across his face.

"Vanessa, this is Mr. Steve Blackwell. My lawfully wedded husband and your stepfather"..

"Babe, meet Vanessa my daughter"..

"Hi Vanessa.." he greeted. Her entire body froze.

"He is beautiful".. she said inaudibly. It was love for her at first sight. She was drawn to him in a way she didn’t expect.

He had a magnificent face, his body built, his black hairy chest, to his biceps and triceps. He was nothing close to looking like he was in his late thirties. He looked younger.

She was sure he was younger than her mother.

"Is that the reason she married him? Fresh blood? I am sure her entire body froze just like mine when she saw him for the first time".. she kept talking in her mind, as she stood like she was bewitched.

"Damn! Isabella really bagged herself a supermodel. But why is my chest throbbing faster that even my ears could hear them?"

Steve stepped forward, extending a hand.

She quickly maintained her composure as her gaze shifted a bit away from him.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Vanessa,".. he said. His deep voice is smooth as silk. It was like a soft hum to her ears.

Vanessa reluctantly shook his hand, raising her head to look at him, her gentle grey eyes meeting his piercing amber eyes. She couldn't resist his charms as she shied away.

She couldn’t deny that there was something about him, his polite demeanor and those eyes that seemed to see right through her.

But she quickly shook off the thought and put on a cold facade.

“Is that supposed to impress me?” she muttered under her breath. But she reluctantly took his hand, feeling a strange jolt as his fingers brushed hers.

“I’ve heard so much about you,” Steve said, his smile never wavering.

“Oh, really?” Nessa shot back, pulling her hand away as he drew a straight flirty line beneath her hand.. “Funny, because I haven’t heard a thing about you.”

Isabella shot her a warning glare, but Nessa didn’t flinch.

“Welcome, Steve Blackwell,” Nessa continued with a forced smile. “Enjoy your... marriage? Whatever it is. But don’t get too comfortable. And remember you can't just walk in anyhow to fill a space here. No one can replace my father.” With that, she turned and stormed out of the room.

“Vanessa!” Isabella’s voice was tinged with desperation, but Nessa was already halfway up the stairs, her footsteps echoing through the house. Leaving them standing there, bewildered.

Once back in her room, Nessa threw herself onto her bed, letting out the tears she had been holding back. "Why did it have to be this way?" she wondered.

It wasn’t that she hated Steve; it was the idea of someone trying to replace her father that made her chest tighten with resentment.

Downstairs, Isabella and Steve sat in awkward silence. Steve finally broke it with a soft chuckle.

“Quite the firecracker, isn’t she?” he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Isabella shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Steve. She’s been through so much... I didn’t think she’d take it this hard.”

Steve reached over, gently holding her hand. “Isabella, you don’t have to apologize. I get it. She’s protective of you, and she’s angry. It’s not easy for her to adjust, especially when this all came out of nowhere.”

“She just... she’s been so distant, so angry, at me” Isabella whispered, wiping a tear from her cheek. “I thought I was doing the right thing for both of us.”

“You are,” Steve assured her. “It’s going to take time. She’s just... hurt. But I’m willing to wait until she’s ready. I’m not going anywhere.”

Isabella leaned into his embrace, her head resting on his chest. “I hope you’re right, Steve. I just want her to be happy for once.”

****

Over the next few days, the house still remained eerily quiet and less lively. Nessa avoided Steve like the plague, refusing to acknowledge his presence or speaking to him whenever they crossed paths. Although it was hard for her to ignore his presence because he seemed to be everywhere and always watching her.

But still, she couldn’t deny the flutter in her stomach every time she caught a glimpse of him.

Unable to bottle her feelings, she decided to confront him.

She couldn’t take it anymore. She marched into his study, slamming the door behind her.

Steve looked up, surprised. “Vanessa, is everything okay?”

“What are you really after?” she demanded, crossing her arms. “What do you want from us? Is it money? Power?”

Steve blinked, then let out a deep, hearty laugh that caught her off guard. “Money? I assure you, Vanessa, I’m not here for a handout.”

“Then what?” she pressed, her voice rising. “Why are you suddenly so eager to play house with us?”

Steve’s expression softened. “I’m here because I care about your mother. And, believe it or not, I want to be a part of your life too... if you’ll let me.”

Nessa scoffed, but there was less venom in her voice. “I don’t need you. And neither does my mother. I don't trust you at all and I never will"..

Steve's face darkened for a brief moment before he plastered on that charming smile again.

"I understand how you feel Vanessa. But you can’t do anything. We are already married. You are a bit late…".. flaunting the ring in her face.

Steve stood up, his gaze steady. “You don’t have to like me, Vanessa. But I’m not going anywhere. I married your mother because I love her. And I’m willing to put in the effort to win you over too... even if it takes a lifetime.”

For a moment, Nessa was speechless. She had expected him to get angry, to fight back. Instead, he was patient. Calm. It was infuriating.

“Fine,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “Don’t expect me to call you ‘Dad’ anytime soon.”

Steve smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I wouldn’t dream of it. How about we just stick with Steve for now?”

Nessa rolled her eyes.. “We’ll see about that,” she muttered before turning to leave.

She stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her.