Chapter 20 Regan POV I hear Isabelles shriek as I pad into the kitchen , yawning widely Her face is wreathed in smiles and Heather is hugging her profusely . She smirks at me as I begin to put breakfast on for everyone . Have you forgotten what day it is today ? she asks snidely , putting her nose in the air and acting haughty . As if I could forget . While everybody else would either be attending the party or serving , I had been forbidden to go to the twins eighteenth and would be spending it at home . I tried my best not to show any emotion though as I stared at my stepsister who looked positively filled with glee . Its Xavier and Xander Dominions birthday , she said rolling her eyes which means youre stuck at home while everybody else gets to party . Oh I cant wait , she told her mother excitedly have my dress picked out , my perfume selected , my shoes . Everything important is taken care of I almost laughed . None of that was important . The fact that the wins had turned eighteen now had either escaped Isabelles notice or she was confident that none of them would find their true mates today . How do you know they arent with their mate ? I said , deciding to aim a subtle dig at her . Isabelle glared . I would know , she said hotly All of my friends are keeping a close watch for me and will text me if theres a situation She pats her pocket while I try not to snort at the outrage in her voice . Im fairly confident that a text is not going to do anything to prevent them from accepting their mate , but well done on being so confident I mumbled as Isabelle gasped in shock . Regan , enough teasing your sister Heather scolded as Isabelle began to pout like a child I have it on good authority that the twins woke up this morning and nothing unusual occurred she reassured her daughter as I rolled my eyes . Naturally , Heather had spoken to Luna Jennifer if only to ensure that Isabelle had not been pushed aside as the potential Luna . It was almost laughable at the lengths the two of them were going , to make sure that Isabelle was not thrust aside as the twins chosen mate . I began to put several plates on the table . Heather sat down next to Isabelle who glanced around perplexed . Wheres father ? He went to work early this morning . Hell see you at the party later Heather assured her . Isabelle relaxed . I sat down at the table , and Isabelle raked her gaze over me , her lip curled in revulsion . You know you should really start watching your weight , she said slyly I mean , your mother was quite she paused , glancing deliberately at Heather who tightened her lips and said nothing Large and curvy wasnt she ? You dont want to go down that route . I mean , its bad enough nobody likes you , but to be fat as well..she trailed off , nibbling on the end of a piece of toast as I fought to keep my temper . That was a deliberate snub and an attempt to get me to lose control so that Heather would punish me : I gritted my teeth. in the hips I was not fat . At least I didnt think I was . I had curves , but I took after my mother who had been rather generous and bosom . I was thankful for that , rather than being of the same stick thin figure that Isabelle and the other pack girls seemed to consist of . I liked being different . Heather decided to add in her two cents worth . Shes right Regan , she said , eyeing me carefully , I think we should think about putting you on a specialized diet . If youre going to be serving in the pack house , it wouldnt do to have you looking larger than the people you are serving she said thoughtfully and because of your mothers figure you are prone to put weight on in certain spots she finished , her expression disapproving . Isabelle flashed me a wicked grin . She was enjoying this . I sucked in a breath , fighting to maintain my composure . There were times when I truly hated my stepsister , and this was one of them . I wasnt fond of Heather either who seemed to have a 1/3 Chapter 20 cruel streak in her which she had no doubt passed on to her daughter as well . I bit the inside of thy lip . I thank you for your concern I bit out , but I am happy with the way I am . Still , it doesnt hurt to have some pride in your appearance , Iselle said sweetly Maybe then some pack members might decide to like you . I doubt it 1 snarled , glaring at her . Besides , I didnt care about the other pack members and if they ked me . I didnt care about this pack in general . I wouldnt change myself in order to make the pack change their attitude towards me . They could go to hell as far as I was concerned . Enough Heather sighted Isabelle you have enough to worry about tonight . Its going to take you hours to get ready . Your hair , your makeup , all of it must be immaculate she chided I have a feeling that something important is going to happen and you want to look your absolute best . Everybody is going to be watching you and the twins tonight . Dont forget there will be important Alphas from other packs attending . Your behavior will reflect on your ability to perform as the future Luna she warned .. Isabelle obediently nodded her head . I understand Mother , dont worry , I know exactly how to behave in public , unlike some people she threw a barb at me . I ignored her . As barbs went that one was pathetic and went right over my head . Heather wasnt finished yet . Youre going to need help preparing everything she fretted , nibbling on her lower lip And if I help you , I wont have enough time to get ready either she worried . I knew what was coming . I could instinctively sense what was about to happen as Heathers eyes widened and then her head swivelled to look directly at me . I swallowed hard . Wasnt it enough that I had been forbidden to attend the party without adding insult to injury ? Isabelle wasnt a child , she was perfectly capable of dressing herself without assistance . I opened my mouth , prepared to object , but Heather cut me short before I could so much as utter a single word in defiance . Regan will help you she interrupted . My mouth fell open . I did not want to spend the day , acting as Isabelles personal servant , fetching her things and doing her, hair . Heather , no , I said , as my stepmother began to glower at me Why should I? She has two arms and legs . She can get herself ready . Isabelle began to sob . Mother , I wont get done in time . I have to have help she wailed pathetically as I gritted my teeth. I could see right through her terrible acting . Unfortunately Heather was either naive or dumb to Isabelles blatant attemps to manipulate her in order to get her own way . I seethed , staring at my stepsister who smirked at me when Heather wasnt looking Regan she barked as I took deep breaths , reminding myself to remain calm You will help your sister . This is not a request she snarled , in public because you are acting selfishly instead of acting like the family that you are . Do your sisterly duty she growled . aming her hand on the table as Isabelles tears miraculously stopped I will not have your sister embarrassed I dont have a sister I snapped and she is no family of mine . Heathers jaw dropped open and there was an ominous expression on her face . I had gone too far . Your father will hear about this later , she said as I bowed my head Im not going to ask again Regan Accompany Isabelle upstairs and do whatever she asks in order to help her . If I have to get your father home , the consequences will be far more painful than even you can imagine she threatened Isabelle giggled and stood up , flouncing her way towards the stairs as I watched her , feeling defeated . She smirked over her shoulder . Well come on she trilled as Heather raised a brow . What are you waiting for ? I have so many ideas for what I want done with my hair , I just cant decide until Ive seen them for myself she told me excitedly . Lrolled my eyes and went after her with a heavy heart and a terrible sense of foreboding . Heather wasnt about to forget the 2/3 870 % Chapter 20 comment I had made and when my father found out he would be furious . The twins birthday party wasnt going to be enough to earn me a reprieve from his anger . I was going to have to help Isabelle and then beg him for mercy and hope he had an ounce of compassion in him . I dont know what possessed me to say what I had been thinking , but now I wished I had just simply kept my mouth shut . I couldnt help the way I fell though . All of it , the words I had blurted out , were true . Title: Cherry Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Modern, Romantic Status: ongoing In "Cherry" by CrushReel, Ivy League freshman Aaron Milton, 17, embarks on a unique journey of love with Linda, 34, a spirited former wild-child navigating her return to college for a fresh start. As their paths intertwine, Aaron finds himself immersed in a world beyond textbooks, where lessons of the heart take center stage. Exploring themes of age disparity and personal growth, "Cherry" delves into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. Aaron's youthful innocence contrasts with Linda's life experience, creating a dynamic that challenges societal norms and perceptions of love. The narrative unfolds with tender moments and poignant revelations, painting a vivid picture of two souls entwined in an unconventional romance. What sets "Cherry" apart is its authentic portrayal of human connection and emotional depth. Through CrushReel's masterful storytelling, readers are invited to witness the evolution of Aaron and Linda's bond, rooting for their happiness amidst societal expectations. Discover the allure of "Cherry" and immerse yourself in a tale that transcends age barriers and embraces the power of love. Experience the enchanting world of "Cherry" available to read online at CrushReel.