Falling for My Mafia Stepbrother

3 His Gaze

Harper’s POV

I had such a great time with my friends. Amid everyone's teasing, Matthew took out the gift he’d prepared. Besides the championship ring already on my finger, he had carved my birthstone into a rose and made it into a necklace.

I can’t even describe how moved I was when I saw the gift. My father left me when I was young, and my mother had to work just to make ends meet. We never really had time to celebrate birthdays properly. When we were at our poorest, we couldn’t even afford a cake. I never thought I’d ever receive a real birthday present.

My grandmother once said that my mother was a beautiful young woman, but fate hadn’t been kind to her. She endured a lot, so I could never blame her. She gave me life and raised me.

I don’t know the full love story between my mother and my stepfather, but I imagine it was something sweet. No matter what kind of person my stepfather is or what kind of past he has, I’m thankful. He took away the hardship from my mom’s life.

I never dared to hope for anything, but now I have so much. I must have looked a little ugly because I could feel the tears running uncontrollably down my face. Matthew held me gently, wiping my tears away.

His movements were awkward, but the warmth of his body came through his thin clothes. It was sincere and comforting.

“Will we always be together?” I looked up and asked him.

“We will, Harper. We’ll always be together.” His forehead touched mine, and we stared into each other’s eyes.

After the birthday party, I went home. My stepfather was always concerned about my safety, and he’d worry if I came home too late.

Mom smiled and took my hand, whispering mysteriously, “Honey, go change your clothes. We’ve got a gift for you.” Seeing how excited she was, I kissed her cheek and rushed upstairs. A large box was waiting on my bed—one of the surprises, I guessed. Opening it, I found a beautiful dress inside.

Layer after layer of pale blue lace, the skirt flaring out from the waist. It might have been made of some special fabric, as I could see the light glinting off it as I moved, making it look as though the dress held shimmering stars. I took a deep breath—it was stunning. No one could possibly resist such a dress!

“Mom, thank you!” I picked up the dress and ran downstairs, hugging her.

“Happy birthday, Harper,” my stepfather said, pulling out a brooch. It was a black brooch—subtle and vintage. In an inconspicuous corner, there was a golden letter “M.”

I looked up, and he was smiling warmly at me.

“This is a family token, Harper. I know you might still be adjusting to my presence, but now that you’re an adult, I want you to know that I’ll prove my love for your mother, take care of you both, and fulfill my responsibilities as a father and husband. I hope you can truly see me as your father, dear.”

I could sense his sincerity, and the weight of his love made my nose tingle.

“Thank you,” I whispered. The word “Dad” hovered on my lips, uncertain. Would calling him that make him even happier? Seeing the hopeful look in my mother’s eyes, I raised my head and said to my stepfather, “Thank you, Dad. I’m really happy.”

He let out a hearty laugh, stood up, and pinned the brooch onto my dress. I looked at him and found myself grinning foolishly. Thank God, I finally had a dad.

My mom was always emotional; she wiped her tears while leading us back to our seats. I began to cut the cake—a cute strawberry cake, bright red strawberries sitting atop white frosting, looking so delicious. Candles were placed on top, their small flames flickering. I looked at Mom and Dad, closing my eyes.

Today had been a wonderful day. I clasped my hands to my chest.

“I wish for our family to be happy. For Mom to stay healthy, for Dad to stay safe. I wish for Matthew and me to keep loving each other, and for us to achieve our dreams!”

God knows how sincerely I made that wish. Everything felt like a dream. If I could go back in time two years, I never would’ve imagined that one day I’d live in a mansion like a castle, wear a beautiful gown, go on dates with the boy I love, and come home to celebrate a warm birthday.

God, forgive my greed. I wish that every day could be as beautiful as today. So when Mom said there was another surprise, I thought my wish was already coming true.

Of course, good things never last.

I heard footsteps coming down from upstairs, and then my mother’s voice rang in my ears. “Honey, Marco came back especially for your birthday.”

At that moment, I felt a cold gaze. He was looking at me—the man who had almost strangled me, who haunted my nightmares. He was back. I felt my blood freeze in that instant.

I heard him say, “Harper, long time no see.”

Do you know what it feels like when your hands and feet go cold? I don’t even know how I managed to pull a smile, my body seemingly on autopilot, getting me through the next few actions.

“Bro… Marco, thank you…” I had no idea what I was saying. I could only clearly remember his warning from a year ago.

He would never accept me. I would never be his sister.

Perhaps satisfied by my submissive demeanor, a trace of amusement appeared on his otherwise stern face.

“Happy birthday.” He walked up to me. The icy feeling of being stared down by a snake finally started to fade.

I dared not meet his eyes and hurried back to my seat. I don’t know if it was just my imagination, but I could have sworn I heard a faint scoff from him.

He wasn’t pleased again. Would he kill me?

I kept my head down for the rest of dinner, finishing my food in silence. The fresh cream felt sickening, and I could barely eat. My stomach twisted with anxiety.

Dad and Marco talked about business matters I didn’t understand. I listened, feeling uncomfortable as his gaze seemed to linger on me, until Dad shifted the conversation.

“Marco, did you prepare a gift for your sister?”

Of course, the answer was no. He could hardly stand me—why would he have prepared a gift?

He’d come today just to put me in my place. He wanted to remind me that no matter how much Dad accepted me, I would never earn his approval.

He was the future of this family. I’d never been so clear about that.

“Dad, I’m tired.” Taking advantage of the change in topic, I put down my utensils and slipped away upstairs.

On my way up, I could faintly hear Dad scolding Marco for not preparing a gift for me. After locking my door, I finally relaxed. The tension had exhausted me, and I stared at the ceiling, my mind blank.

“Harper, you already have so much. So, even if this happiness has a flaw, it’s okay, right?”

The room was quiet. No one could answer me.

I realized at some point that my back was covered in cold sweat. I took off my dress, planning to shower.

Sigh, what an unforgettable day.