Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 74

(Ava's POV)

The journal felt heavier than it should as I clutched it to my chest and my palms grew damp with sweat. I had done it. The little idiot thought hiding it under her mattress was clever, but Angel didn't understand the rules of this place-not like I did. Not like I had been forced to.

I made my way to the rendezvous point and my heart pounded with every step. The corridor was dim and the flickering lights made everything feel eerie. I hated how familiar this path had become. I shouldn't have had to do this, but Dr. Joe... Dr. Joe never gave me a choice.

When I handed over the journal to the person waiting in the darkness, I felt nauseous. It was done. I had sealed another piece of Angel's fate, but more than that, I had cemented my own.

•

(Flashback)

"You'll do as I say or your mother's debt becomes your burden." Dr. Joe's words echoed in my mind like a twisted mantra.

I was fifteen when I realized what kind of man he was. My mother had always been a fighter, but even the strongest people had their weaknesses. For her, it was gambling. One bad choice turned into a cycle of desperation and when the debts piled up, she turned to him for help.

she had said as her voice trembled while she signed the papers. "It's just a temporary fix. We'll

But we never did.

need to. "Your mother owes

back. But

•

I walked back to the cafeteria and plastered on my usual smirk. The girls in my dorm laughed at something ridiculous, but I

...

(Angel's POV)

was painfully obvious. He was quiet during meals, distant in the hallways, and every time I tried

moments and the confessions-I thought we were finally

you," he said and his voice was light but

then he leaned in and brushed

put everything into words. "I'm fine. Just... a lot

his tone was genuine. I found myself softening

that felt rare, like he actually cared about what I had to say. His

broke me out of my