Chapter 49

I was sitting in my living room, engrossed in my favorite book when the doorbell suddenly rang. I hesitated for a moment, wondering who could be at my door at this hour. When I opened the door, I was surprised to see my father and stepmother standing on my doorstep.

"Hey, Nova! Surprise!" my father exclaimed, a wide grin on his face.

I was taken aback, as I hadn't seen my father in several months. My stepmother, Freya, stood behind him, smiling, but I knew better. She only pretended to be nice when my father was around. It had always been like that. Freya would pretend to be kind to me whenever my father was present.

"Father! This is unexpected!" I exclaimed, struggling to find the right words. "Come in!"

As my father and stepmother entered, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I was happy to see my father, but also a bit nervous about their unexpected visit. Fortunately, Freya did not stay long and left my father behind to check on my mother, somethi