In Love With My Evil Stepbrother

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Chapter 41: Ex-wife It’s like a bucket of ice water being poured down my head. My whole body goes cold. I finally realize this: Eason was waiting for this chance all along. He never supported me of getting this job. But he also perfectly well that if he asks me to turn it down, I’d never agree. So he waits for everyone to be present and then spill it out. That way mom and Mr. Ramirez can be the bad guy for him.

That manipulative, cold blooded bastard!

I’m so damn mad. I feel like I’ve been played.

“Nat?” mom urges me, waiting anxiously for my answer. I take in a deep breath, “yeah that’s true.” The scar has been ripped open already. No need to cover it further.

“What? Why!” mom tightens her grip on the napkin till her knuckles go white. “What made you believe that you need to get a part-time job? Do you need money?”

Yes I need money! I want to scream at her. I need the money to go to college and start my own damn life, so that I don’t need to become some trophy wives who live on allowance like she does!

But those thoughts are just too harsh. And our family lawyer is here, and I can’t embarrass mom in front of him. So after a long pause, I simply spit out a few words, “Yeah I need money. And I want to make them myself.” Mom sucks in a sharp inhale as if she has heard something absurd. “Natalia,” Mr. Ramirez joins our awkward conversation. “If you want a job, you are welcome to do a paid internship at my company. It’ll also help your resume.” “Thank you sir, but I’m fine with my current job,” I say dryly, trying to sound as respectful as possible.

Eason, who’s sitting right across me, suddenly leans forward his upper body. His eyes gleam with a very familiar light that I now recognize it as evil. He gives me a cold smile before saying, “Nat, and who set you up with this coffee house job again?” My heart literally stops. I want to pick up the knife and stab it into his smug face.

“I found it myself,” I snap. “Oh I don’t think that’s the case at all,” Eason says icily. “It was Alex, right? He gave you the interview and put you in danger.”

“What? Are you fucking out of your mind? How dare you accuse Alex— ” I yell.

“Alex?” mom gasps. “Your boyfriend?”

Eason snorts, “Yes her boyfriend, who by the way seems to have zero concern about Nat’s safety.”

I smack my hand down on to the table before jumping up to my feet. That’s it. I’ve had it

enough. All the accusation, manipulation and betrayal.

my circumstances and wants to provide a solution, unlike someone who says he’s proud of

one second that I thought he was going to jump up

directly. It’s hard to believe that we were kissing and having sex just a few hours ago. But this is our relationship-bumpy, hard and toxic. The good moment is

on my bed

he’d come upstairs and apologize? I’m not sure if I’ll forgive him but I definitely

But no.

wait anxiously for a long time. No one showed up at

angry surge up in me as I take out my phone and text

(This is too much.)

the moment and immediately regret it. It’s stupid to break up over something like

react to this. So I sit there holding

another hour passes.

The phone slips through my fingers and drops to the ground as I bury

***

up at the townhouse again. My self-esteem prevents me from contacting him first, but I sure spend a lot of time staring at my phone screen hoping magic can happen and he can call

I’m pathetic.

but why I’m the one

mom and Mr. Ramirez weren’t affected by my drama. One day later, they are back to being sweet and loving again. I’m a little

together

crazy shopping again. On the next Saturday morning, she drags me to a

me, I have

of the party I’m thinking white and beige. I wanted to go with rosily pink, but I was also afraid that people would call it cheesy. So

is standing on a platform in her newly made evening gown with three designers measuring her at the same time. She pouts staring at me, apparently upset by my distraction. “You look very

bring over the collection again? I think my daughter needs something

mom I’m fine!” I immediately decline. Those tailored