In Love With My Evil Stepbrother

Chapter 77: Who can it be? Mom is thrilled that l’ou finally back. Upon seeing me, she pulled me into her arms for a biy. huc and didn’t let po for one minute. She asked me a lot of questions about my life in Miami and New York, and of course she didn’t miss out the chance to interrogate me about the reason I left Boston three years ago.

“I had always been thinking that after you graduate high school, you could continue studying here. There are lots of great college in Boston and you could pick the one you like…”

I sigh, “Mom, I’ve told you before. I can’t afford a fancy elite college.” Seeing she opens her mouth in disapproval, I quickly add to that, “– And don’t say that Mr. Ramirez is willing to help me! I’m not taking any more of his money.”

She pouts.

“Fine…but I still don’t understand why you needed to leave in such a hurry! You didn’t even tell me and just got on a flight and left. Do you know what kind of damage it did to me? I kept thinking that I didn’t something wrong,”

“Just let it go mom. It was three years ago. And I already said that I’m sorry.”

“But wliy? At least you could give me a reason? Is it only me or are you really keeping a big secret that I’m not aware of?”

She grabs my hands and looks at me beseechingly. This isn’t like when we were on the phone and I could simply make up an excuse and hung up. Now I’m literally trapped. Just then, Mr. Ramirez emerges from the kitchen with a cup of coffee in his hand. He makes his way to us and sits down beside mom, “What are we talking here?” 1 Mom complaints, “I was just asking Nat why she left without a goodbye three years ago. She wouldn’t give me a good reason.”

Mr. Ramirez slightly raises his brows and I suddenly feel my stomach churn in nervousness.

He knows why I left. He even chased me down to Miami personally and made me promise that I would put an end to everything between me and Eason.

So is he mad now that I’m back into the picture?

Is he going to tell my mom?

I stare at him with a hint of pleading in my eyes. After a short eye contact with me, Mr. Ramirez turns to mom again and smiles, “Does she need a good reason to go back home? Because don’t forpet that Miami is also her home.”

I quietly let out a breath that I’ve been holding and give him a grateful look. He winks at me briskly

Mom didn’t notice the briel exchange between us and is still frowning perplexed, “Sure but I

still don’t understand,”

“OK enough of the interrogation and questioning. This is Christmas for god’s sake,” Mr. Ramirez gives a gentle pat on her shoulder and subtly changes the subject. “Ne you toll Natalia about the party yet?”

Mom’s face lights up at the mention of the party, which is probably her second favorite thing in the world, right behind slopping. “Shawn has a few business partners to entertain so we are throwing a party in a few days. But we don’t want to do it on Christmas because that day is for family only. So the party will be here on the day before Christmas Eve. You can invite all your friends over. How does that sound?”

not a bad idea actually. Although I hate any occasion with a lot of

make some calls today,”

“Fantastic! Nat you don’t have anything else to do today, right? Can you give me

sola and says, “Well, I’ll leave you party experts to it. Let me

and quickly stands up as well, “Mom, I’ll find you later…there’s something I need to

Ramirez below the staircase before he goes

thank you for…for everything you’ve done.

smiles looking at me. “This is your home, Natalia. The past is

return a sheepish smile. He’s always nice to me and I wonder if I’ll ever be able

you should know about the party,” he says slowly while carefully watching my face. “Eason’s fiancé is

Yet I manage to keep

nice. I heard that Eason is engaged now, and I’d love to meet my future sister-in law,” I say breezily “And you will be fine with that?” he

lip and try to smile as sincere as possible. “Of course. I can’t wait to

fully or not. But judging by the satisfied look on

that,” he pats me shoulder and

to the living room with

to meet his fiancé sooner

and by the day before Christmas Eve the entire house has

nighttime display. A giant swag is situated on the top of the mantel, and beside the mantel is a grouping of four poinsettias. The red

hanging on it. There’s a huge pile of beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree. Mon has decided to do a

at 7. So guests start to arrive around 7:30. I stand by my mom’s

greet my friends, giving a big hug to each of them. Alex hasn’t changed at all. And Katherine…well she looks

hugs me back and cheers excitedly. “T’ll forgive you for leaving us in such a rush only if you give me full details of your life since

them to the living room and offer them eggnogs. Then

from his little crush on me. And Katherine went to Harvard, same as Eason. I’m not surprised that both of them are in Ivy Leagues schools. With their GPAs and family backgrounds, they can easily

in the same school?” I

I rarely get to see him.” she quickly changes the subject,” Now enough about us. What about

for Eason’s fiance to show up. Yet up till now, I see

looking for my mom.

say yes, I quickly take over their empty cups and go into the kitchen

can’t let

Eason, who is dressed in