Chapter 1

Katie shuffled into the kitchen, her bare feet padding softly against the cool tile floor. She rubbed her eyes, still groggy, and let out a soft yawn. The early morning light spilled into the room, highlighting the boxes stacked neatly in the corner—the last remnants of their recent move finally unpacked. It was official: Katie and her mum, Jen, were starting over in a new town. They had moved for Jen’s impressive career—a promotion so significant it had been worth uprooting their lives and leaving behind everything familiar.

Katie’s pajama shorts sat low on her hips, and her tank top skimmed her slim, feminine figure. At 5’6” and 130 pounds, she’d always been naturally slender without ever giving it much thought. Her long brown hair, slightly tousled from sleep, fell loosely around her shoulders, framing her youthful, heart-shaped face. Her hazel eyes, still soft with sleep, carried a subtle sparkle, a natural beauty that turned heads wherever she went. But Katie was the type who never flaunted herself; her style was simple, understated, and practical. She wasn’t the girl who wore short skirts or low-cut tops, preferring to leave things to the imagination.

Across the room, her mum, Jen, was the complete opposite. Even at 38, Jen radiated confidence and polished beauty. She stood at the counter in a pale pink workout set that hugged her toned, athletic frame like a second skin. At 5’5” and 120 pounds, Jen looked like a woman who spent every waking moment in control of her appearance. Her blonde hair was tied into a high ponytail, her makeup was minimal yet flawless, and her sculpted arms and flat stomach were a testament to her dedication to the gym.

Jen was no stranger to turning heads either, but unlike Katie, she enjoyed the attention. Her wardrobe was filled with form-fitting dresses, high heels, and the kind of outfits that left no curve uncelebrated. The contrast between the two women was subtle but undeniable: Katie’s natural, girl-next-door charm versus Jen’s deliberate, magazine-ready confidence.

Jen glanced up from her phone, where she had been scrolling through emails, and smiled at Katie. “Good morning, sleepyhead. How’s my favorite roommate today?”

Katie poured herself a cup of coffee, adding a generous helping of cream and sugar. “Roommate?” she teased, sipping her coffee. “I’m your daughter, Mum.”

Jen laughed softly, her sharp cheekbones catching the sunlight. “Well, since we’re in a new town and it’s just the two of us, it feels like we’re starting fresh. A new chapter, don’t you think?”

Katie shrugged, setting her coffee mug down. “I guess. Still feels weird, though. Moving so far away from everyone.”

Jen nodded, leaning casually against the counter. “It’s a big change, but it’ll be good for us. New opportunities, new people.” She looked at Katie pointedly. “And who knows? You might find something you’re passionate about here.”

Katie sighed, rolling her eyes slightly. “Let’s not start that again. I’ll figure it out.”

“Of course you will,” Jen said warmly. “But you can’t spend all your time in your room, Katie. Maybe get out today? Explore the town?”

Katie took another sip of her coffee, avoiding her mum’s gaze. She hadn’t exactly been rushing to put herself out there since the move. She missed her best friend, Laura, and didn’t know a soul here. The idea of starting over was exhausting, and for now, she was content to take things slow.

Jen picked up her green smoothie and slung her gym bag over her shoulder. “Spin class in thirty,” she said cheerfully. “And don’t wait too long to figure out what you want to do, Katie. You’ve got so much potential.”

Katie forced a smile as she watched her mum glide out of the kitchen with her usual grace. The door clicked shut, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

She sank into a chair at the table, cradling her coffee mug in both hands. The quiet house felt unnervingly empty. She stared out the window, her mind drifting. Her mum’s polished world of gym routines, meal plans, and flawless discipline couldn’t have been further from her own. Katie wasn’t lazy, but she wasn’t driven like Jen either. She loved the simple things—reading, binge-watching TV shows, catching up with Laura.

Laura. The thought of her best friend brought a small smile to Katie’s face. They hadn’t seen each other since the move, but they texted constantly. Maybe she’d give her a call later, just to catch up.

Her phone buzzed on the counter, snapping her out of her thoughts. She reached for it and saw a message from Laura: “Miss you already. Let’s catch up soon!”

Katie’s smile grew as she typed back a quick reply: “Miss you too! Let’s plan something.”

As she set the phone down, her gaze caught her reflection in the window. She tilted her head slightly, studying her figure. Her mum’s words echoed in her mind: “You’ve got so much potential.” For a brief moment, she wondered what it would feel like to have even half of Jen’s drive. But the thought quickly faded as she took another sip of her coffee, savoring its comforting warmth.

This was her life now—a fresh start, a quiet house, and endless possibilities.

The days went by….

Katie sat cross-legged on the couch, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone during a typical evening. She glanced up as her mum, Jennifer, descended the staircase, her heels clicking rhythmically against the wooden steps.

Jennifer was radiant as always, exuding effortless confidence in a sleek, black dress that hugged her toned figure perfectly, her slender frame seemed designed for nights like this. The hem of the dress skimmed her mid-thigh, showcasing her long, gym-toned legs, while the plunging neckline left just enough to the imagination. Her blonde hair, styled in loose waves, framed her sharp cheekbones and flawless complexion. She moved with ease, her presence commanding attention without even trying.

“Heading out again?” Katie asked, her tone neutral but her eyes watchful. She couldn’t help but notice the extra sway in her mum’s hips, the kind that came with excitement.

Jennifer stopped at the mirror by the door, adjusting an earring with practiced grace. “Of course,” she replied with a smile. “Girls’ night. You know the drill.”

Katie rolled her eyes, setting her phone down. “Mum, do you even know these women you’re hanging out with? You’ve barely been at your new job a month.”

Jennifer turned, placing a hand on her hip. “Of course I do. The work girls are great. They’re fun, they like to let loose. Honestly, it’s like we’ve known each other forever.”

Katie leaned back against the couch, arms crossed. “And by ‘letting loose,’ you mean flirting with random guys and bringing them home?”

Jennifer let out a laugh, unapologetic as always. “Katie, don’t be so uptight. I’ve spent most of my life being responsible. Now it’s my time to have fun. I thought moving here would be good for both of us—me for the career and you for the fresh start.”

Katie scoffed lightly, picking up her phone again. “Yeah, great fresh start. Watching my mum relive her twenties.”

Jennifer raised an eyebrow, slipping on her heels. “Oh, come on. Don’t act like I’m embarrassing you. You’re 22—live a little yourself. Or are you just planning to sit here and sulk forever?”

Katie looked at her mum, unimpressed. “I’m not sulking. I’m just… not like you.”

Jennifer smiled, softening slightly. “I know, sweetheart. But maybe that’s why I worry about you. I don’t want you to miss out on life.”

Katie shrugged, turning her gaze back to her phone. “Don’t worry, Mum. I’ll be fine. Once I’ve saved up, I’m out of here. Travelling, exploring—living my own life.”

Jennifer chuckled, grabbing her clutch from the table. “Well, when you’re off gallivanting around the world, you can think of me and my wild nights.”

Katie shook her head, muttering under her breath, “Glad I won’t have to deal with it.”

Jennifer, now fully ready, paused by the door and blew her daughter a kiss. “Love you, sweetie. Don’t wait up.”

Later that night…

Katie stirred awake to the soft click of the front door. Groaning, she turned to check the clock on her bedside table: 3:12 a.m. She lay there for a moment, hearing the muffled sound of giggles and low voices from downstairs. With a sigh, she got out of bed and shuffled to the top of the stairs, knowing exactly what she’d find.

Peering over the banister, she saw her mum, Jennifer, standing just inside the hallway. She was leaning against the wall, giggling softly as a tall man whispered something in her ear. His shirt was untucked, and he looked at Jennifer with a cocky, confident smile, his hands finding their way to her hips.

Katie watched, rolling her eyes as the man suddenly placed his hands firmly on Jennifer’s toned bum and lifted her off the ground with ease. Jennifer let out a playful squeal, wrapping her arms around his neck and laughing softly.

“Shh,” she whispered, glancing toward the stairs. “We don’t want to wake my daughter.”

The man chuckled, carrying her toward the living room. “You’re so light,” he teased. “I could carry you everywhere.”

Jennifer giggled again. “Don’t tempt me,” she said, her voice playful as the door to the living room clicked shut behind them.

Katie sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair. It was a familiar scene—one she’d seen too many times before. She turned and headed back to her room, muttering under her breath, “I can’t wait to get out of here.”