Falling for a Lie: My Stepbrother's Hidden Revenge

Chapter 280

“I’ll be there with you to share your pain. I’m also learning how to indulge and shield you.”

Sylvia’s gentle and melodic voice echoed in Eder’s cars, a refrain in his mind. Her radiant smile was ever–present before his eyes. Her warmth enveloped his aching, shadowy heart, melting his icy exterior.

A lump formed in his throat, and his right hand instinctively reached out, yearning to touch her soft face. However, he realized his hand, encased in a leather glove, had just caressed Ava.

Upon this realization, he subtly withdrew his hand, clenching it into a fist hidden on his thigh.

Nick was correct. When facing adversaries, Sylvia was like a blazing sun – too scorching to touch without getting burnt. Yet, she was akin to a gentle kitten towards her loved ones and her beloved, making one fall hopelessly in love, impossible to relinquish. She was vibrant, radiant, and brimming with an indomitable spirit.

Eder had believed that he could control the virus within him, allowing him to accompany Sylvia on her journey for a long time. But now, the virus was spreading, turning those hopes into mere fantasies.

He was now but a shell, a dying man utterly undeserving of Sylvia. He was the one who was holding her

back.

“Eder?”

His thoughts were disrupted by her soft call. Sylvia knelt before him, her hands resting on his legs as she lifted her face to look at him, her voice imbued with tenderness.

“Were you injured on your border trip? I’m sorry for kicking you last night without knowing the circumstances. But you’re not alone now. You don’t have to endure the pain alone. I’ll be there with you to share your pain. I’m also learning how to indulge and shield you. Isn’t that good?”

Eder composed himself, his hands loosening their clench slightly. Meanwhile, his expression reverted to its usual icy demeanor. “I’m not injured. If you don’t believe me, you can verify.”

“I don’t believe you. You look pale, and you can’t deceive me. I want you to tell me what’s really happening with you. And what were you and Ava doing when I walked in? Why do I always feel like you’re trying to provoke me…”

“I seem to quite like her.” Before she finished speaking, Eder interrupted her in a cold tone.

“What did you say?” Sylvia was stunned, pulling her hands from his legs. She took a step back, her gaze upon him unfamiliar and incredulous.

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Chapter 280

window, his tone key. The is so beard, parte, and appears fragile, which could make her seem pitiful. It’s

retreated another few

gave a derisive laugh, his eyes cold and unfeeling, “Compared to her, you are arrogant, domineering, and ruthless. I spent a long time chasing after you back

handsome face, her beautiful eyes narrowing

thrill, novelty. It’s not that I’ve changed. It’s that I was never a good man.

the subtle undercurrent of a threat tinged his final words, an eerie quiet hung in the room like an unwelcome visitor, stretching out the minutes into

the silence amplified by the rhythmic tick–tock

of longing or attachment, painted a perfect picture of apathy. He stared

sudden outburst of laughter detonated. The unexpected sound was akin to a balloon popping in an echo chamber, its abruptness jarring against the otherwise

in surprise, only to see that instead of being angry,

a beat as he fought to maintain his frosty demeanor, shooting her a sharp glare. “Is something funny?”

his office chair with both hands, leaned down, and kissed his forehead unexpectedly. The vivid imprint of her lipstick stood

gaze shot up, glaring at her in anger. “Can’t

his performance long ago. “You

lowering, her gaze falling on his hands clenched tightly on his thighs, a mocking

My Stepbrother’s

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Chapter 280

to clench your fists so tightly. It’s a dead

hiding it behind his back. His eyelashes fluttered nervously. Having his charade uncovered so directly

maintain his dark expression and feign nonchalance.

layer. She lightly curled her finger under his chin, her dainty finger fearlessly tracing and teasing, drawing circles on

skin.

you really think I could be so easily fooled? Last night, I was angry and didn’t see through your act immediately. But today, I’m very clear–headed. Every word you’ve

I’d believe you fell so quickly for someone else? For Ava? Obviously, you’re deliberately playing this drama with her to

that was still tracing circles on his chin, his lashes fluttering several times. “What I said earlier