Alex's P.O.V.

I'm returning home with Stella sitting beside me, and I can't take the image of her out of my mind. On the court, she had tied her shirt around her waist, revealing her toned stomach and the way her tank top clung to her body. The sight was captivating, and I found myself struggling to concentrate on the road.

Usually, Stella dresses in long dresses or jeans and tops that cover her up. I don't know why she covers herself so much. She has such a sexy figure.

Control yourself, Alex. Don't forget, she is your stepsister. Stop thinking about her body and concentrate on the road.

It's shocking that, for the first time, I wasn't angry at seeing someone else winning. Instead, I felt happy to see Stella jumping with joy after winning the basketball match.

God! Seriously, there is something wrong with me.

"I never thought that I would say this to you, but thank you, Alex. I enjoyed it a lot today." As she places her hand on my bare arm, I freeze. Her mere touch sends a jolt of electricity down my spine.

I glance at her hand, then up at her face. She's smiling, showcasing the dimple on her cheek, her golden eyes bright and carefree. Damn! Her eyes drive me nuts.

I clear my throat, trying to ignore the effect her touch has on me.

"Yeah, well, you're welcome," I respond, passing her a smile, clenching the steering, trying to compose myself.

"You know I still can't digest you changed so much in just a day. Can I know how this sudden change happened?" She looks at me with curiosity in her eyes.

How do I tell her that yesterday I saw her actual face? Her act of kindness towards the maid transformed me.

"I realised I was so wrong to judge you. It's not your fault that my father married your mother. I shouldn't have treated you so wrongly."

She palms her mouth dramatically, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, my God! Alex Blackwood, are you trying to apologise to me?"

I roll my eyes but chuckle. "Don't get too excited. It's not every day I admit I'm wrong."

Stella giggles, that carefree sound making something in my chest tighten.

"Well, I'm impressed. I never thought I'd hear you say those words. But don't think that I completely trust you. I'm still doubtful." She says the line in a stern tone.

I can't blame her for not trusting me. After the way I treated her, she has every right to be cautious. I glance at her out of the corner of my eye, taking in the way her eyes study me like she's trying to figure out if this change in me is real or just temporary.

"I don't expect you to trust me overnight," I admit. "I've been a jerk for the past two weeks. But I want to make it right, Stella. I... I'm trying."

Her expression softens a little at that, and she nods, turning her gaze toward the window. "Okay, Alex. Let's see how long this 'nice guy' act lasts."

I can hear the hint of scepticism in her voice, but there's also a small glimmer of hope. She wants to believe me. That's a start, at least.

***

Stella's P.O.V.

The next morning, I stand in front of the mirror in my room, brushing out my hair and preparing for college. My mind is still spinning from yesterday. Alex was... different. The way he smiled at me, the apology, everything about him seemed genuine. But I'm not trusting him completely.

As I reach for my bag, there's a knock on my door. I glance at my wristwatch. Who could it be this early?

I open the door to find Alex standing there, looking more casual than usual in a fitted black shirt and jeans. "What are you doing here?" I ask, taken aback.

"Get ready in five minutes. Today, I'm going to give you a tour of New York."

My eyes widen in shock. What? This is the same guy who acted like I was an inconvenience when I first arrived two weeks ago. I had asked him for a simple tour, and he was so rude to me. Now he's standing at my door offering to be my guide?

'Excuse me, I'm not a guide.' His words echo in my mind.

I raise an eyebrow. "And now you want to be my personal tour guide?" My tone is laced with sarcasm.

Alex rubs the back of his neck, avoiding my gaze. "I know I was rude earlier. That's why I want to make it up to you."

I blink, staring at him, trying to digest his sudden change. The same guy who couldn't stand being in the same room as me is now acting... nice? What is happening? Am I dreaming?

I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. "Alex Blackwood, you're becoming so sweet. You know that?"

His lips twitch into a half-smile, and he looks almost... bashful. "Don't get used to it. I'm just trying to fix things."

I roll my eyes, but a small smile forms on my lips. "Alright, give me five minutes."

I shut the door before leaning against it for a moment.

What the hell is going on? First, he asked me to play basketball with him yesterday, and now he's here, offering me a tour of New York.

This is definitely not the Alex I was expecting. Where did that Mr Grumpy go?

I grab my phone and quickly type out a message in the group chat with Zoe and Selena.

Me: Guys, you won't believe what just happened. Alex is standing outside my door, offering to give me a tour of New York. I think I'm in some kind of alternate universe.

Within seconds, she replies.

Zoe: OMG! No way! Are you serious?

Selene: You must be kidding.

Me: I'm dead serious.

Alex, being nice, still feels more like a prank than a genuine change. But here he is, waiting outside my door. I quickly throw on a casual outfit—ripped jeans and a top—and grab my bag.

Before leaving, I text them again.

Stella: Wish me luck. If I disappear, you know who to suspect.

I send a wink emoji.

I laugh softly to myself as I close the chat and open the door. Alex is still standing there, checking his phone. When he looks up, his eyes briefly flicker down to my outfit, but he quickly looks away, clearing his throat.

"You ready?" He asks, sounding a little less confident than usual.

"Let's get this over with," I tease, stepping out and locking the door behind me.

As we head out, the awkward silence between us grows. It's strange—normally, I'd be prepared for our usual banter or an argument, but now, there's nothing. Instead, we're just... walking together.

God! Stella, are you missing Mr Grumpy?

No ways! I'm relieved he's gone, even if it's just temporary. He was a real headache.

My eyes widen slightly, seeing the different car today and the way he opens its door like a gentleman. What has happened to him?

"Confused to see the different car today?" he asks, and I nod.

"Yeah!"

"It's my car. I never let anyone sit in it."

Again, my eyes widen. If he never lets anyone sit in his car, why is he letting me?

"Why me, then?" I ask, narrowing my brows in confusion.

"Because I want to."

"Why?"

He shrugs. "I don't know. I just want to. Now sit. We're getting late."

I nod before sitting inside, and he shuts the door. I'm still shocked by his transformation. God knows what happened to him. Whatever it is, I'm liking it.