Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 128

Chapter 128

RASMINE.

Thurried to the front door to get it.

Finally, one normal person who isn't part of the whole drama in my life decided to pay me a visit.

Claire.

It was a Friday morning, and instead of dragging ourselves to school like every other week, Claire and I had made other plans. Shopping. We were lumting for my birthday dress and maybe-if we had time a dress for the engagement party tomorrow.

Anything to take my mind off things. Especially after watching the news clip I found on 1*******m over and over again where June spoke about Kester and their love story. Repeating, again and again, that the deal her father made with him had nothing to do with their engagement. That Kester earned it.

I could hear his voice behind every line.

He had made her say those things. And desperate, infatuated June would gladly walk barefoot across thoms if it meant pleasing him.

Let me grab my phone-uhm, just sit. I'll be right back," Itold Claire after a quick hug. Her smile was soft and tired, but it was the first sign of peace I'd seen all week.

I moved fast. I didn't want to bump into Kester. I didn't want to see him. I hadn't seen him since the night we fucked and let out steam, but I didn't need anyone to tell me that we were only able to let out half the steam. There was still a lot of friction between us.

"Okay, Claire, I'm ready-"I called out, hurrying down the stairs with my eyes glued to my phone.

But when I looked up, I stopped cold.

Claire and Kester were standing inches apart in the living room, staring at each other like they were locked in some silent, electric war.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, and Kester replied even before Claire had the chance to do so.

"Yes, Mine. Everything is fine." His voice was calm. His eyes were unreadable. And then-just like that-he turned and disappeared up the stairs without another word

But Claire didn't move.

stood there like someone had

her a lot because I could see the effort she was putting into hiding the tears

enough shit of my own to carry, and if Claire was bleeding inside, she'd have to stitch

mall, and our moods lightened instantly. Shopping was

place, wondering where we should go first. Then, a dress just a little bit ahead of us

I pointed excitedly, and we both

the racks had been curated for me. I didn't even feel the urge to check elsewhere unless I just wanted to

dresses for the engagement party. But I

Claire, too, as an appreciation and a way to pull her out of whatever heavy cloud

you? Can you just cheer up for a second?"

let out a sigh that came from somewhere deep. Her shoulders sagged. "It's not that easy, Kasmine.

"I actually thought I had

For a second, I almost laughed. "You thought you had a chance?" I

a soft, disbelieving chuckle. "I mean... no offense, Claire, but

don't think what he did after that is

swear I thought I hadn't heard her

Kester? My Kester?

Led Claire on?

like she was done hiding whatever had been eating her up all

he led you on?" I asked, trying to keep my voice

a little. Her arms folded across her chest like she needed

told you about?" she said, not looking at me. "The one

had started to race anyway. I remembered that date clearly. Claire had refused to tell me who the guy was. And

turning to look at me now. "That guy was

My ears rang

"What?"

once, lips pressed together. "Yeah. Your brother. He asked me out. We went for drinks and dinner at that exquisite restaurant off Silvergate Avenue. I didn't even know how to act. I thought maybe-maybe he

legs weakening underneath me. Like someone had kicked a wall inside my chest, and I didn't even have

told me," I whispered,