Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 212

Chapter 212

KASMINE.

I have been feeling a bit too weak lately. It had been four days since we returned from the Maldives, yet my body still felt sluggish and drained.

At first, I thought it was the stress from the entire trip, but now I was beginning to think otherwise.

Could it be that I caught the flu during our stay there?

I couldn't afford that right now. My birthday was in eleven days, and the last thing I wanted was to look pale and exhausted on a day that was meant to be... perfect.

The reality hit me mildly.

Eleven days.

And I hadn't even begun preparations yet. Mum was probably already deep into planning, shaping everything into her own version of perfect. But I also had some things I'd like to add to her 'perfect' list.

Scrap that.

This year's birthday is meant to be very significant. I needed to be in full control, not just a passive guest at my own event.

She would have to work with me. Not the other way around.

I pulled open the drawer beside my bed, my fingers finding the small bottle tucked inside as I took a tablet of my birth control pills.

I was left with just a few. I hope we'll return to Kester's house in time before I exhaust them. I'd have to restock soon, but not from here-not anywhere near the house. If Mum ever found them, I wasn't sure how she'd react, and I wasn't about to find out.

It feels weird.

Some things were better left undiscovered.

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Dropping the bottle in the drawer, which I always lock because I wouldn't want Kester to

find out that I'm on the pills, my fingers brushed the jewelry box Jake had given me, and smile spread across my face.

I borrowed Mum's phone last night and called Jake. We spoke at length, and I couldn't

velvety tips of butterfly wings that brushed against my heart at all

he said to

"This is love.'

the mantra each time I thought about Jake. Not that I was

mean... I was already convinced what I felt

to

for Kester was nothing more than... I could call it a thrill... I

he made my heart flutter in ways

though his presence unsettled something deep

name.

though a single glance from him sent fire licking up my spine, spreading low in between my thighs

body, my mind, my very soul bent to his will,

even spoke.

left me restless, unraveling, and on the verge

like a master puppeteer, bending them to

of that meant I

Right?

my spiraling thoughts and

Chapter 212

it up from the bed stand. It was a text from

been ghosting me for days, and now, out of nowhere, she was

Perfect.

expecting some half-hearted apology

saw

a strange ripple of unease through

shared this sad news with me!

Sad news?

My pulse stuttered.

hell was she talking

strange tightness gripped my chest as I tapped the link. It took me straight to Instagram, the screen loading in a

Then-

heunt screeched to

WWbratt-??

legs carried me faster than my mind could process, my pulse pounding

hell, Kester! You never told me you had

and suddenly, I wished I hadn't stormed in so recklessly because what I saw sucked out all tl air from my lungs, but it was too late

What the hell?

Chapter 212

thrill being what I felt for Kester? Because how