Chapter 7
Vivian was given the place of Lady Caldwell sooner then anyone had expected. Within months, she stood at the head of the household, her hands wrapped around the rains of authority.
Serena, Hailey, and Kaylen wanted to believe in her. Her gentle smiles, her reassuring words—it was easy to be lulled into the dream of a motherly figure stepping in to fill the void.
Serena, ever the logical one, reasoned that perhaps their father simply needed companionship. Hailey, too young to understand the depth of loss, clung to Vivian's kindness. Kaylen, at eleven, was wary but open, watching and waiting.
But Naya saw through her.
Something about Vivian’s smile never reached her eyes. Something about the way she spoke—too smooth, too careful—made Naya’s stomach churn. And soon enough, the truth began to surface.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
☺️ Hello, kids.
Serena Caldwell (16)
Good evening, Lady Vivian.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
Oh, No need for such formality dear. Just "mother" will do.
Serena Caldwell (16)
Mother... ?
Hailey Caldwell (4)
Mommy?
Naya Caldwell(9)
Your not our mother.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
Naya, Darling that tongue of yours will get you into trouble.
Naya Caldwell(9)
Then, I guess i should talk more.
Vivian's mast began to crack, but only when Mr. Caldwell wasn't around.
The warm, doting women she had pretended to be was gone. In her place stood someone cruel, calculating. Serena and hailey learned to obey, to avoid the punishments that followed disobedience.
Kaylen on the other hand was different.
He was sharp. He knew how to twist words, how to make himself seem more valuable. Soon he was sitting at Vivian's side, a smirk forming on his lips as he whispered in her ear.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
Who spilled ink on my gown?!
Naya Caldwell(9)
Opps. My hand slipped.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
You ungrateful brat—
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
Did you put salt in my tea?
Naya Caldwell(9)
Maybe you just don't have good taste buds.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
How dare you tripped me down the stairs?!
Naya Caldwell(9)
I was just standing here, Maybe your heels are too high.
Comments