In Love With My Evil Stepbrother

Chapter Fourteen Alex’s eyes widen immediately at that. His mind must be spinning with confusion right now. I felt queasy, partially because of Alex’s hesitated reaction, but also Eason’s deathly glare at us. I can see from the corner of my eyes that Eason’s hands are clenched into a tight fist, as if the next second he’s going to throw a punch at Alex. Why he hates Alex so much is beyond me, and I try not to be so self-conscious to think that this is all about me, but it’s always nice to see him get pissed off.

But if Alex turns me off right on the spot, it’s going to be a huge price for me to pay.

I hold my breath, while waiting for Alex’s response. “This is ridiculous,” Eason’s tone is cold and jeering, “Why do you think he’d be willing to go with you?”

I sniff. “I’m not asking you, aren’t I?”

“Just saying the obvious. You can’t just grab someone randomly from the street and ask him to

But his sarcastic comment is interrupted by a simple word from Alex.

“Yes.”

My heart race dramatically increases, as I look at him unbelievably.

Did he just say “yes”? As if to reconfirm what he just said, Alex reveals a gentle smile to me and repeats himself,“ yes, I would love to come to the ball with you. I’m so glad that you asked me.”

A surge of gratitude and warmth passes through me, as I can’t help but smiling back to him. He must have sensed the awkward situation that I’m in. I feel bad for using him like this. I’ll thank him later.

Eason’s jaw tenses, seems like he’s trying hard to suppress the anger. “Charming,” he says through gritted teeth. “Guess I’ll see you guys at the ball.” He turns his hells and leaves us, with Valerie following him closely. She intentionally knocks on my shoulder and mutters a “loser” with a voice so loud that everyone can hear. What a baby. Seeing the drama has come to an end, the crowd finally scatters. I finally get the chance to turn to Alex, as it happens, he’s also looking at me. We lock eyes with each other, then burst into laughter at the same time. “Well. May I get a chance to drive my dance partner home? If she’s fine with it?”

I giggle, “I think she just said yes.”

As we start heading towards the student lot, I take the chance to apologize to him. “Sorry about earlier…that I cornered you that way.”

U

nit Fourteen

“Not at all,” he assures me. “I’m happy to do it. I was planning to do some training on the ball night, but it might be nice to take a day off. You know, to shake off some stress.” Alex drives a fairly new Volvo, which got completely buried away by the flock of fancy cars in the parking lot. But I’m somehow relieved that he’s not a member of the rich-brat club.

some time down south, fell in

car has already pulled over in front of the town house. He hits on

I’m happy to do it. It’s not like you forced me into anything.” I begin another round of stammering thanks, and clumsily climb out of his car. He waits till I get inside the house and wave him goodbye through window, then finally drives away. Mom is in the living room, pretending to read a novel while simultaneously peering over her shoulder. When I turn around, she instantly rises from the sofa and snickers, “So? Who drove

from school,” I try to push down the corner of my lips, but eventually

short, as clear disappointment flits across her face. “Alex? I thought Eason

is absurd. “What made you

to take you shopping, I also

at school, so I was afraid that you’d end up going alone. And naturally I asked

appalled. “Mom. Please. Please tell me you didn’t beg

slim fingers together nervously. “Well, technically, I didn’t beg him. Because he offered himself before I

anger the best I can and tell her stoutly. “I appreciate your effort. But I’d rather go to this ball alone, than having Eason

a “fine”, obviously shocked by my sudden increase

I notice a very nicely wrapped box laying on my bed. It’s a delivery from that designer brand store that

at it. The moment I open that box, so

Fi teen

memories will be unleashed. These memories all involve the same person,

my heart, and squeezed it. Now I’m forced to realize that I have let him into my head and myself to

gave me. I’ve decided to give these back to him after the ball and clarify things with

***

is in celebratory mood for a whole week. I can hear people talking about it everywhere. Even in the middle of a class, chattering and whispers about the ball business still won’t fade into the background, no matter how hard

by the ball, Valerie and her minions have lost their interest in me. As long as I keep my head down and avoid any confrontation at all ends, school life isn’t so bad at all. I quietly pray for this situation to last, even

students are dismissed a few hours earlier to get ready. And despite my vehement protest, mom has invited a stylist to our home to do my makeup and hair.

the stylist’s words come as a salvation to me. “All

mirror and get stung by it. I have to admit that he did a wonderful job at it. My usually messy hairs are combed nicely now, cascading smoothly past my shoulder. He didn’t apply too much makeup to my face, but he made a special effort to highlight my almond-round eyes and thick eyelashes. My lips are wearing a peach-pink lip gross, which made them even more plumpy. Mom is dabbing the corner of her eyes with a

has blinded her. I sign and remind her

dressed. We are running short on time. You don’t want to keep him waiting, do

some privacy to get changed. When I’m alone, I finally open the box and takes out the gown for the first time. It fits me perfectly, bringing

to give back this dress