Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 119

Chapter 119

KASMINE

Steam curled in the air as I stepped out of the shower, my damp skin prickling against the evening chill. I reached for a towel, rubbing it over my hair with slow, careful motions, but even that felt like too much effort.

The dizziness I felt some days ago only got worse. But I could swear it was from the fact that I had only eaten once in two days.

Usually, I could go two-sometimes three days without food If I had to. But this time, it was different. My body wasn't just tired, it felt drained like life itself was slowly bleeding out of me.

I swallowed hard, willing it away. Maybe it was just the exhaustion. Maybe I needed water. Maybe I just needed to lie down

Maybe...

1 blinked hard, steadying myself against the sink. My reflection in the mirror looked paler than usual, dark smudges under my eyes boldly highlighting the exhaustion refused to acknowledge.

I took a breath that didn't help, pressing my palm against my forehead as I exited the bathroom.

No, I wasn't sick. I wasn't weak. I just needed to pull myself together.

My stomach twisted with an uneasy nausea that hadn't left ine all day.

I tossed the towel aside and moved toward my bed, but the second I took a step, my vision dipped, and my balance wobbled.

What the hell was wrong with me?

Along with these strange feelings came the hurt. I had cried, but it felt like I hadn't cried enough. I hated myself for so many reasons. First, for letting myself let Kester fester his way into my heart. And secondly, for punishing. myself by not wanting to see him for two days.

He had come to my door more times than I could count. I had heard the knocks and heard his voice. And I had ignored every single one.

Because maybe if I stayed away and pretended this wasn't happening, it would all just... stop.

It was stupid.

I couldn't love Kester.

I can't

I shouldn't

And I won't.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, a shuddering breath slipping past my lips. I clenched my jaw, forcing back the

sting of tears. I had cried enough. It wouldn't change anything

Because for the first time in a long time, I realized something I hadn't wanted to admit.

I had fallen for Kester.

nothing I could do

Chapter 119

was wrong.

why did it still

sank onto the edge of the bed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if I could knead the ache away. It was useless. Just like trying

all that was

ring on her finger, and whatever this thing between us was whatever it could have been-would be buried beneath duty

or the ugly clawing emotion gripping my chest, I wasn't sure. All I knew

in

wedding gowns, rings, florists, venues. Perfectly curated glimpses of a future that wasn't mine to touch. And I had told myself I didn't care. That I shouldn't care. But every new post she made, filled with giddy excitement,

me and mocking the because I had

would blame

stands now, Jake is the best option I have. He's the safest option for me. And I love him. I think I

Yes. I love Jake.

or do anything other than sitting here, torturing myself with things I had no

knew sleep wouldn't come

time, I realized something I hadn't

fallen

there was nothing I could do but watch as he slipped

light

to my forehead. The pounding behind my eyes had only gotten worse like someone was hammering nails through

Who the actual hell?

and more impatient this

Mum coming to talk about Jaden again, I swear, I'd slam the door in her face just like I did the last time. I'd rather let a pack of wolves eat me alive than sit through another

dragged the duvet over my head, barely

paused abruptly when I heard the

Kasmine, if you don't open this door now, I'll break

Kester.

Chapter 119

He sounded angry.

like to see him try. Because

lehin into my

#25 BONUS

called again, quieter this time. That quietess from him

the headache or the nausea that hit me harder... or the pure, sharp ache in my chest

the bed, I heard a loud

What the hell?

loud I

tangled in sheets and my small, casual wear - a gown that barely covered my ass, "Is he serious right

Thud.

the entire frame

of electricity. I just recalled now that Mum and Dad weren't home, and the staff.... they wouldn't dare interrupt Kester even if he tore the whole

Thud

the floor as dizziness swirled in my