C5 "Stay away, little girl."

"SHHH." Mom instantly placed a calming hand on uncle Alanson's shoulder. "Just let him, Alanson."

I turned around to observe Zack's back as he walked away from us. I could not dispute that even when he was on his back, he had a naturally vicious and disdainful appearance. He was just as tall as his brother. In comparison to Zack and Ryle, I would appear so little. His aura and stance were quite masculine and somber.

I have never seen such a gorgeous man before…

"That disrespectful bastard! He never really knew to respect his father even in front of guests!!" Uncle Alanson continued.

Mom squeezed his hand lightly.

His expression softened, and he looked at her. "I am so sorry for this, Fidelia."

Mom intuitively nodded. "It's okay. We understand. Right, Ryn?"

I was still preoccupied with uncle Alanson's second child. He came to a halt in front of a tiny fishing boat and began untying its rope from a nearby tree.

"Ryn?" mom called me.

It was then that I came to my senses and nodded to her. "Yes. Yeah, mom. Sorry."

"I'm sorry you're having trouble with that nasty boy, hija. If only I could make things better the way you did with Ryle and Rhian..." Uncle Alanson apologized and felt guilty.

I returned my gaze to Zack. He finally turned away from us, and he was busy handling his fishing boat.

I'm not sure why, but I get the impression he's also carrying a heavy burden from within and in his heart. Everything appears to be tough for him as well, and he is also in pain deep within...

I suddenly feel compelled to approach him and make friends with him, to let him know that I am willing to listen to whatever his thoughts are and comfort him if he will only allow me...

"Don't worry, uncle. I understand, and I'll make a way to be friends with him." I said as I stood up.

The four of them looked at me with amusement. "What do you mean, hija?"

"I'll talk to him. I'm going to go to him now."

Ryle replied with concern, saying, "You don't know what you're doing, Irryn. You don't know Zack enough."

I smiled at the latter. "It's okay. It isn't bad at all if I'll try, right?"

"You don't really know what you're doing—" Uncle Alanson was slowly shaking his head in disagreement.

I once again turned to my near-future stepfather. "If you may excuse me, uncle?"

He sighed and giving up nodded to my attempt of coming to his second son.

"Would you like me to go with you, Ryn?" asked the still-worrying Ryle.

I smiled and shook my head. "No need, Ryle. Thanks."

I nodded at the four worried faces before making my way to Zack's path.

"Zack!" I called him using my friendliest approach.

He looked at me, so I immediately smiled.

"Zack Lamont? You are uncle Alanson's second child, right?"

He leered at me like a wind he didn't care about at all and then went back to pulling his fishing boat off the tree.

Even though he didn't pay attention, I still tried my best to be nice to him. I stood behind him.

"It was nice meeting your family. Uncle Alanson is kind and very accommodating with me and especially with mom, as well as, your siblings. Ryle and Rhian. They are both friendly, too."

He got out of the rope, so the fishing boat slid slightly towards the sea. Finally, he confronted me because he had to pass me before he could board his boat.

Even though his eyes were blank and dark to me, I still did everything, resisting the brand-new feeling that was pounding hard on my chest.

I gave him my kindest smile and even offered my hand as I introduced myself. "Irryn... Irryn Rosabell."

Instead of accepting my hand, he scanned me from head to toe and smirked. He even purposefully bumped my shoulder as he passed by.

I was deeply embarrassed by his brusque rejection of my offering hand. I had never felt so ashamed and humiliated in my entire life until now! What could I possibly say? He was so arrogant!

He boarded his boat and began preparing the fishing net.

I wanted to cry. I'd never felt this rejected! He was the very first! He was treating me badly and ignoring me as if I were invisible to him! I found myself wanting to cry, but I told myself not to.

"Taking my hand won't make you any less of a guy, right? I can't believe how rude you are."

He didn't seem to care at all. He just shook his shoulders like he was getting bored.

"That's exactly what your father says! You're such a rebel and jerk!"

I felt the small hair on my nape part raise as he locked his dark gaze on me with his terrifying smirk. It's the first time I've ever seen him smile! However, it was more of a mocking or smirking smile, not in any way friendly.

That incredibly gorgeous face, dark eyes, and wicked grin almost melted my knees turning like jelly.

"Are you done? Anything else more to say?" he said as he was eyeing me straightly.

Fear made me swallow. I couldn't even put into words how I felt. It felt like my heart was racing. Something about his no-light aura made me feel as if I was in danger if he kept standing on his feet to grab me.

Even though he was on his boat, I couldn't help but be afraid of him. What could I possibly do if he suddenly leaped down to attack me? Looking at the gloom in his eyes, I was sure he could tug me off with just one of his bare hands.

When he came to a halt, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I was looking up at him as if he were the god of water.

"Keep your distance from me, little girl. You will never want someone like me to touch you. You, of all others, should know your place and avoid me at all costs,” he warned me.

I didn't understand! I simply did not! Why should I keep my distance from him? He would definitely be becoming my stepbrother, so I was not sure why I need to distance myself from him!

"Why—" He was already steering his boat away from where I was standing before I could complete what I was about to say.

I was a mess. It felt like he left me puzzled by what he lastly warned me about.

Couldn't he at least be a little nicer? Why must I stay away from him?

"Irryn..."

I felt a gentle palm tap on my shoulder. I saw Ryle as I turned around.

"I tried approaching him very nicely, but he seems so different from you and Rhian," I said feeling both sad and confused.

I was sad because I thought I could easily get along with him, too, just like how easy it was for me to click with two siblings. And feeling confused at the same time because he was just so way different from Ryle and Rhian.

Ryle nodded. "That's right. He's very different. He's hardheaded and uncontrollable."

"Why is he like that, Ryle? To you and Rhian, I've never had a hard time making friends with you both, but when it comes to Zack? Why is he like this? He seems so unfriendly and unapproachable!"

"He has a reason why he is like that, Ryn. Someday, you'll know about it, but for now, I'm sorry I can't tell you."

I looked at Ryle. I'm really curious, but I respect him if he doesn't want to tell it me yet. After all, it's something personal, and it's all about his brother. I cannot force him to tell it me. He doesn't trust me that fully enough yet, and I totally understand it.

I know Zack is just acting this way to you since it's the first time he met you, but eventually, I know you can deal with him, too, as we all can. I hope you understand, and please understand Zack in the meantime. Be patient. Please don't hate him either.

What Ryle stated gave me a glint of hope. I guess all I can do for now is hope and pray that Zack softens up and stops being so mean to me.

"Really? Do you think I'll ever be able to get along with Zack?"

"You're such a good and kind girl, Irryn, so why not?" he replied with a hopeful smile, sending me positive vibes once more. "For the time being, let's go back to the cottage."

I reciprocated the smile and nod. "All right, let's go."