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 but watch

Chapter 119

wrong. I

did

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

was all that was left before Kester

whatever this thing between us was whatever it could have been-would be buried

ugly clawing emotion gripping my chest, I wasn't sure. All I knew was that every

in

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

mocking the because I had been living

would blame

the best option I have. He's the safest option for me. And I love him.

Yes. I love Jake.

curled into the sheets. Maybe I should sleep, rest, or do anything other than sitting here, torturing myself with things

I told myself that, I knew sleep wouldn't come t never had, since I found out about the

long time, I realized

had fallen for

nothing I could do but watch as he

knock jolted me from the light haze of sleep I'd been

and rolled over, pressing the heel of my palm to my forehead. The pounding behind my eyes had only gotten worse like someone was hammering nails through my

Who the actual hell?

and more

I'd rather let a pack of wolves eat me alive than sit through another minute with that conceited asshole. The audacity he had to ask for

the duvet over my head, barely mustering the strength to

ask but paused abruptly when I heard

you don't open this door

Kester.

Chapter 119

He sounded angry.

like to see him try. Because there was no way I'd

lehin into my

#25 BONUS

That quietess from him that always came before

stare at the celling. I wasn't sure if it was the headache or the nausea that hit me harder... or the pure, sharp ache in my

I heard a loud

What the hell?

into the door-so loud I nearly fell

half tangled in sheets and my small, casual wear - a gown that

Thud.

one made the entire frame

Mum and Dad weren't home, and the staff.... they wouldn't dare interrupt Kester even

Thud

the door, my bare feet smacking against the floor as dizziness swirled in my vision. "Are