Claimed by His Stepbrother

Chapter 02-EvelynThe clapping stopped and the clinking of glasses went down, but my heart still kept racing. It wouldn’t slow. I could still feel Adrian's gaze on me hot and heavy like it was burning my skin.For a moment I just stood there, my hand clunged in Paul's arm. I could feel how tense he was under his fake smile like he was ready to explode. Adrian stepped down from the stage then just walked right through people like he owned the whole place, his smile wide pulling every eye to him.“Paul!” He called out loud drawing everyone's attention, then he pulled my husband into a hug. It looked normal but I saw how their backs became stiff when they patted each other, both smiling for the crowd, but I knew Paul so well to miss that mean look in his eyes.“What was that stunt you pulled on stage?” Paul asked, his voice low.Adrian only chuckled, waving the question away with his hand like it was nothing. “Don't make it sound so big. It was just family truth. People should know we

Chapter 04-EvelynSteam clouded the bathroom mirror as I stood under the rush of water, head tilted back, letting it pour down my face and shoulders. Last night had been…good. Paul had been gentle, the way he always tried to be, and I gave myself to him, let myself belong to him like I always did. Still, as the water ran over me now, another picture pressed in where it didn’t belong.His cologne. His nearness. The way his hand had had caught me, steady, but not letting go fast enough.Adrian.My chest tightened, and I pressed my palms flat against the tile as if that could shove the thought out of me. Stop it, Evelyn. He’s your husband’s brother. Stepbrother, but still—Paul’s blood in a way. You love Paul. You chose him. You belong here. I told myself each word, like reciting a line I didn’t fully believe.But my body refused to listen. The memory of Adrian’s scent clung too strong, darker than soap, heavier than steam. And a traitorous part of me wondered—what if he hadn’t stopped?

Chapter 06-AdrianEvelyn Hartwell was pressed against me, her breath slowing, those hazel eyes snapping up to mine. I didn’t let go. Not right away. Again.God, she was devastating up close. Her lashes trembled, her lips parted slightly, gloss shining under the dim light. She looked like royalty wrapped in silk, but the heat radiating off her skin pulled me somewhere darker, somewhere far from polished elegance.She has no idea what she does to me.I let go slowly, dragging my fingers against hers just enough to feel her warmth before stepping back. She smoothed her gown without meeting my eyes, pretending she wasn’t shaken. Pretending I hadn’t just disturbed her.Good. Let her pretend. I like That.“Apologies.” I said, voice low, the edge of amusement slipping through. “Paris has a strange way of throwing us together, doesn't it?”She cleared her throat, clutching her phone like it was armor. “I—I should call for help.”“Already done.” I slid my phone from my pocket, tilting the scre

Chapter 08-EvelynThe next morning started with the shrill ring of my phone. I was still wrapped in bed, when Clara’s name flashed across the screen. I answered quickly, relieved to hear her voice.“Hey, babe,” She said, her voice rushed. “don't hate me, okay?”I sat up straighter. “What happened?”“I can't make it to the gala tonight.” She blurted out. “Something came up at work—an emergency project. My boss would kill me if I left. I tried to get out of it, but…” she sighed heavily. “I'm sorry.”My chest sank. Clara had promised she'd be here, but then she cancels last minute. I can't blame her since she was supposed to attend because her boss couldn't make it, her boss probably had new plans.I rested my head against the headboard, closing my eyes. “Clara… I understand. Work comes first.”“I feel horrible,” she said quickly. “You’re going to be fine, though. You’re Evelyn Hartwell. You’ll glow, with or without me.”I laughed softly, though it came out hollow. “That’s easy for you t

Chapter 10-Evelyn The music had gone back to its rhythm, but my chest still hadn’t. My pulse was too loud and quick, like it hadn’t caught up with the fact that the dance was over. People around me swayed, smiled, raised their glasses. As if nothing had happened.But everything had happened.I stood rooted at the edge of the dance floor, trying to breathe normally, trying to smile when faces turned to me.Paul's hot breath fanned my neck as he leaned closer to my ear.“Smile.”I did as he told. At this point, all I could do was comply with whatever he asked of me.His hand landed on my arm.“Come.” he muttered. He didn’t make a scene, not here. Not with cameras and curious eyes everywhere. He guided me back to our table with a grip that looked polite from afar but pressed like iron against my skin.I sat beside him, forcing a smile at the couple across from us. They were talking about some investment, laughing and sipping champagne. Paul played along, answering when needed, but I cou