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.

find out that we have so much in common. We both spent some time

fast. Before I even realize, the car has already pulled over in front of the town house. He hits on the brake and

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

guy from school,” I try to push down the corner of my lips, but eventually fails at it.” He’s taking me to

but her chuckles stop short, as clear disappointment

is absurd. “What made you think that?”

to take you shopping, I also expressed

I was afraid that you’d

what?” I am appalled. “Mom. Please. Please tell me you

fingers together nervously. “Well, technically, I didn’t beg him. Because

Stop messing with my business,” I suppress my 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 take

obviously shocked by my sudden increase

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

on the bed and stare dejectedly at it. The moment I open that box, so many painful

Fi teen

all involve the same person,

open my chest, grasped my heart, and squeezed it. Now I’m forced to realize that

decided to give these back to him after the ball and clarify things with him one

***

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

me though. With everyone so occupied 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

my vehement protest, mom has invited a stylist to our home to do my makeup and hair. For the following two hours after school, I’m forced to sit on the chair quiet and still and let the stylist dresses me up like a

a salvation to me. “All finished. You can check

quick glance at the 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 tissue. “My god honey, you look so beautiful. Whoever is taking you to the ball must be the luckiest

and remind her again,

We are running short on time. You don’t want to keep

and the stylist exist the room, leaving me some privacy to get changed. When I’m alone, I finally open the

the mirror, and then carefully hides the label under the cloth. I have decided to give back this dress and the necklace to Eason after the ball. If he refuses, I’ll simply return them and send