Raymond

Shania was surprised when Madeline told her that they were having visitors. She would rather not see anyone after a long day of work.

Christian had gone out with Ashley. Shania was done taking a shower.

Settled for a pink tracksuit and tied her wet hair in a bun when she left the room. She could hear voices coming from the living room when she reached the stairs. The servants were busy running around.

“Hey sis, are you done now?” It was Rose who jumped out of nowhere and hugged Shania from behind, startling her.

“You scared me…when did you get back, I thought you said…you were going for a sleepover?” Shania asked as both started descending the stairs. Rose beamed and grabbed Shania's hand.

“Nope, mom said no…she said it's late… Chris isn't here to plead on my behalf,” the girl said with a frown just as they reached down. Shania glanced at her and shook her head, she found Rose's behavior cute. She was different from Luna, Rose was cheerful,

“Let me talk to her, sleepovers are fun, and it's not a problem if it's with one of your friends,” Shania said cupping Rose's face and her sister's eyes lit up in amusement.

“Really!” This you are the best…the best!” The girl started jumping up and down cheerfully, Shania smiled helplessly as she watched Rose dance around and twirl, obviously moving to the rhythm of some music.

“Okay, okay…that's enough, hahaha you're gonna fall,” Shania said in between laughter and ended up hugging Rose and both giggled.

“I didn't even do it, and you are this happy, silly girl,” Shania pinched Rose's cheeks playfully and turned around to head to the living room when she came to a halt. Surprisingly, a man was wearing dark jeans and a gold shirt with black canvas. Tucking some strands of hair behind her ear. Shania was confused because the black-haired man was staring at her without blinking.

“Umm…” Shania frowned and glanced at Rose, and she didn't seem surprised.

“Uncle Ray? When did you come,” Rose left Shania's side and rushed to the man, only then did the man snap back to his senses and Shania saw as his eyes glimmered mischievously and looked at Rose?

“Kiddo, I came a while ago… I wondered why my favorite princess didn't come to receive me,” the man said with a smile and poked Rose on the forehead, and she giggled and hugged him. Shania guessed he was visiting or related to Kingston. She averted her eyes, not liking how the man was looking at her.

“Sweetie, you didn't tell me you had another beautiful princess in the house?” The man said to Rose just as Shania was about to walk away.

“She's my sister, Shania, meet Raymond…he's Ashley's older brother,” Rose said cheerfully and dragged the man to Shania and both stood face to face. Only then did Shania realize the man looked familiar. But what troubled her more? He looked nothing like in the picture. He was more sexy and muscular with a striking jaw and alluring silver eyes. There was that seductive stare twinkling in his eyes that Shania couldn't keep eye contact. he was what Isabella would call, a silver fox. older probably in his forties or was he lower. but his looks screamed mature and hot

“Nice to meet you, I didn't know that good for nothing Chris had such a beautiful sister,” the man remarked with a sly smile and grabbed Shania's hand for a handshake. Instead, he took Shania's hand and kissed her softly. Startled, Shania withdrew her hand, and Christian walked in.

“That's enough, dinner is served… Rose, Madeline's is waiting” Christian said as soon as he walked up to them, his little sister nodded and walked away. Shania saw how unhappy Christian looked.

“I didn't know a rascal like you had a sister…” Raymond asked, smiling mischievously at Christian, but Christian ignored him.

“She's my stepsister… Madeline's daughter," Christian replied cheekily and grabbed Shania's hand and dragged her toward the dining room.

“Interesting, such a beauty,” Raymond muttered, amused by the girl. She was beautiful, a rare kind, just a glance, and he couldn't look away. He was enchanted by her, almost bewitched at first sight. Since when did he ever get attracted to a woman at first sight?

“I came at the right time,” he beamed, patting himself on the chest and glancing toward where Christian took Shania. He was interested in knowing Shania. Even her name was beautiful.

The dining table was set, and Madeline didn't stop smiling as the family settled down. His two daughters didn't join them. But the elders were present. George sat at his usual head chair. Madeline sat beside him, while Christian and Ashley sat together. Shania was sitting across from Christian with Raymond beside her.

“It's good to have you back Ray, I didn't know you decided to return," Madeline said, breaking the silence in the room.

“You know how I am aunt… I couldn't stay away from here…home is,” Raymond replied with a smile, and Shania continued eating. The man didn't seem as scary or arrogant as Ashley described him. He was calm and a little older than Christian. He had a domineering personality, and no one could overlook his captivating looks. His voice was serene and a little deep, and he had dark hair with a hint of silver. He was older, no wonder he was mature and considerate. Just hearing how he was calmly replying to Madeline and George made Shania feel relaxed.

“She's my daughter, Shania is a sweet girl, and she's single,” Madeline said jokingly, only for Shania to look up with wide eyes.

“Haha, that's good…she's just like you,” Raymond said shrewdly and glanced at Shania with amusement in his eyes. The entire time, Christian gripped the fork with so much force that anger boiled within him.

“Ace, focus,” Ashley reminded Christian of the food scattering on this plate. Christian snapped back to reality and noticed what happened.

“Sweetie are you okay,” Madeline asked Christian, but he just nodded and lowered his gaze.