Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 42

Chapter 42

KASMINE

I stepped in slowly as if testing the air. My mind was spinning, trying to make sense of what I was seeing

I looked around to make sure this was my room and that I hadn't mistakenly walked into a different room. Or perhaps, a different world.

Or... Had my jealousy finally killed me, and I had found myself in the world beyond?

But the warmth in the room-it felt so real. Too real.

The first thing that struck me was how... different everything; was. The sparse decor I was used to had disappeared, replaced by vibrant colors and soft lighting. Beautiful flowers-lilies and roses, their petals a soft blush pink and white-were scattered around the room.

The bed-my bed-looked different too. Silk sheets, the color of deep sapphire, were neatly arranged, fluffed, inviting. Everything felt warmer, richer, and more intentional.

the pillows

A large flat-screen TV hung against the wall. "What the hell?" I whispered,

stepping deeper into my room as my curious gaze swept over the space, taking in every little detail. It was almost too much.

The area under the TV was lined with colorful lights-fairy lights that twinkle.

I didn't know what to make of it. I didn't even know what to feel. It was... dreamy.

Like a vision I hadn't dared to dream, yet here it was, in front of me.

I took a step forward, running my fingers over the smooth lacquer of the new dresser, then trailed them along the soft petals of a rose bouquet. A warmth spread in my chest, something dangerously close to affection.

This was the surprise he had for me? He certainly warmed my heart with it because I was in love with my new room! Claire and I would have our movie weekend here on Saturday.

I reached out for my phone. I couldn't wait to take a video and show it to Claire

startled out of my skin, as

his hands shoved deep into his pockets. His eyes were now empty, and his

setting. That smile he'd worn earlier that had felt almost like a gift to me was gone. The warmth, the genuine joy that

disappointment growing in the pit of my stomach. Just

my gaze

nod.

my feet.

a reason to

my face, "I love it, Kester. You didn't have to." I

Chapter 42

door behind him and strolling casually into the room. He looked around like he was accessing the job

just felt in my heart? His words brought back the memory of the day he had almost forced himself on me while we watched a

sounds like

his hand from his pocket, and my gaze flickered downward as he extended

1. me.

taking them, the velvety texture of the boxes soft beneath my fingertips. A nervous thrill skittered through my chest

Diamonds.

stars under the soft glow of the fairy lights. I swallowed hard, my fingers ghosting

I said, curiously trying to open the second box. The moment I flipped

Beauty and elegance were an understatement compared

was holding in my hands. They must have cost

whispered, at a

them off," he said suddenly, in a quieter voice, Especially the

my eyes to meet

warring inside his eyes. Then, finally, he exhaled, his gaze dropping to the necklace before returning

around you," he murmured. "Even when I'm not

fingers curled around the necklace, and my throat suddenly dry. Why didn't I believe him? If I didn't know Kester, I would have