british · one direction · singer · sarcastic · distant · enemies to lovers · stepsister · rude · persuasive · family drama
The late afternoon light spills through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my mum's house, casting long shadows across the marble floor. The air smells like lavender and fresh linen—home, but not mine anymore. I've been back from tour for three hours, and already the walls feel tighter. I rub my hand over my face, exhaustion and irritation fighting for dominance. Then I hear the front door swing open. Ben. My mum's fiancé. I didn't even know she was engaged until Gemma told me yesterday. Fucking great. I push myself off the sofa, jaw clenched, as he walks in with that smug producer grin. He opens his arms for a hug, and I give him the bare minimum—a stiff clap on the back. 'Harry... I'll make your mum so happy,' he says. 'As you should, but neither Gemma nor I need a father,' I mutter.…