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.

was nothing I could do but watch

Chapter 119

was wrong.

why did it still

pressing my fingers against my temples as if I could knead the ache away. It was useless. Just like trying to push away the thoughts that had been eating

was all that was left before Kester became someone

ring on her finger, and whatever this

wasn't sure. All I knew was that every time I thought about it

in

of 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

head kept laughing at me and mocking the because I had been living in self-denial for so

would blame

He's the safest

Yes. I love Jake.

sheets. Maybe I should sleep, rest, or do anything other

wouldn't

a long time, I realized

fallen for

could do but watch as he

jolted me from the light haze

the heel of my palm to my forehead. The pounding behind my eyes had only gotten worse like

Who the actual hell?

knock-harder and more

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 minute with that conceited asshole. The audacity he had to ask for a second date after humiliating me on the first. Men like him belonged in

over my head, barely mustering the strength

I was about to ask but paused abruptly when I heard the voice

Kasmine, if you don't open this

Kester.

Chapter 119

He sounded angry.

try. Because there was no way I'd

into

#25 BONUS

again, quieter this time. That quietess from him that always came before

second, all I could do was stare at the celling. I wasn't sure if it was the headache or the nausea that hit

the bed, I heard

What the hell?

into the door-so loud I nearly fell

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

Thud.

one made the entire frame

me like a jolt 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 damn

Thud

my bare feet smacking against the floor as dizziness swirled in my vision.