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Running Out of Time

Author: Rejoice Ezeh
last update Last Updated: 2025-11-18 12:25:40

Ryan stared at his phone screen, his jaw tightening as he read Cora's message for the third time.

"I am not ready to meet anyone. I appreciate the offer, but I cannot do it. Not now."

He had been so sure this would work. So certain that reaching out with kindness and offering help would be enough to draw her out. But she had said no. She had declined his invitation, and now he was back to square one.

Ethan leaned forward in his chair, his eyes fixed on Ryan's face. He did not need to see the ph
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  • Meet My Overprotective Brothers    The Heiress

    One week after the wedding, Cora woke up in the apartment she now shared with Ryan. Their apartment. A penthouse downtown with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Not the Sterling mansion where she had lived since being found. This was theirs. A space they had chosen together.She lay in bed watching Ryan sleep beside her. Still half expecting to wake up and discover this was all a dream. That she was still in that orphanage. That none of this was real.But it was real. The ring on her finger proved it. The man beside her proved it. The life she was building proved it.Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. Text from Ethan."Can I come by this morning? Have updates on the legal cases. Important stuff you should know."Cora texted back. "Come at ten. I will make coffee."She slipped out of bed quietly. Let Ryan sleep. He had been working late every night trying to catch up on business he had neglected during the investigation. Deserved the extra rest.The apartment was still mo

  • Meet My Overprotective Brothers    The Wedding

    One month had passed since that conversation in Alexander's study. One month of planning and preparation and dealing with the complicated reality of Ryan and Cora's relationship becoming public.The press had been brutal at first. Headlines screaming about the Sterling family scandal. About inappropriate relationships and moral failures. Social media had exploded with opinions ranging from supportive to viciously judgmental.But Alexander had stood by his word. Had supported Ryan and Cora publicly. Had made it clear that anyone who wanted to maintain a relationship with the Sterling family would respect his daughter's choices.And now, on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in early spring, Ryan stood at the altar of the Sterling family's private chapel waiting for his bride.The chapel was small. Intimate. Only close family and trusted friends had been invited. Security was tight given the ongoing threat from Vanessa who was still at large despite FBI efforts to locate her.Ryan wore a ta

  • Meet My Overprotective Brothers    Father's Blessing

    The Sterling mansion was alive with celebration that evening. Ethan had insisted on throwing a party despite still being on crutches. Uncle James was in custody. His confession was recorded. Nathan was home safe with his mother. The immediate threats were over.Staff had prepared an elaborate dinner. Family and close friends gathered in the main dining room. Alexander sat at the head of the table looking more relaxed than he had in months. His daughter was safe. His brother's betrayal was exposed. Justice was finally being served.Cora sat beside Ryan at the table. They were careful not to sit too close. Not to touch too obviously. But the connection between them was palpable to anyone paying attention.Caleb noticed. He always noticed.After dinner, as guests moved to the library for drinks, Caleb pulled Ryan aside. Ethan hobbled over on his crutches to join them."We need to talk," Caleb said quietly. "About you and Cora."Ryan tensed. "What about us?""Everyone can see it," Ethan s

  • Meet My Overprotective Brothers    Why

    Cora looked at Ryan. At the determination in his eyes. At the man willing to risk everything for her."Father will never agree," she said quietly. "You know that. He spent twenty-five years searching for me. Finally got me back. And now you want to tell him his son wants to be with me romantically? He will see it as betrayal.""Maybe," Ryan acknowledged. "But I am going to try anyway. I am going to sit down with him and be honest about how I feel. About how you feel. And I am going to ask for his blessing even knowing he probably will not give it.""And when he refuses?" Cora pressed. "When he tells you to stay away from me? What then?"Ryan was quiet for a moment. "Then I have a choice to make. Between my father's approval and what I feel for you. And Cora, I am not sure which one I would choose.""You should choose your father," Cora said. "You should choose your family. Your relationship with him is more important than whatever this is between us.""Is it?" Ryan asked. "Because rig

  • Meet My Overprotective Brothers    Reunion

    Ryan stood in the hallway of the police station watching through the one-way glass as James Sterling gave his confession. Watched the man who had destroyed his sister's childhood finally admit what he had done. Finally take responsibility.It should have felt like victory. Should have felt satisfying.Instead Ryan just felt tired. Weeks of investigation. Weeks of tracking leads and coordinating with the FBI and trying to catch Vanessa and her network. All of it culminating in this moment.His phone buzzed. Text from the security team outside."Cora Sterling just arrived. Asking for you."Ryan felt his heart skip. Cora was here. Had come to the station to see the arrest. To witness her uncle finally being held accountable.He left the observation room. Walked through the corridors toward the main entrance. His hands were shaking slightly. He had not seen Cora in three weeks. Three weeks of distance that was supposed to give him perspective. Supposed to make his feelings fade.It had no

  • Meet My Overprotective Brothers    The Confession

    James sat in the interrogation room for two hours before anyone came to speak with him. Just him and four blank walls and a mirror that was obviously one-way glass. He knew people were watching. Deciding how to approach this. What charges to file. What leverage they had.The door finally opened. Agent Ross from the FBI walked in. Behind her was Ethan Sterling on crutches. Behind him was Ryan Sterling looking like he had not slept in days."Gentlemen," James said. Trying to sound calm. "I want my lawyer.""You can have your lawyer," Ross said. She sat down across from him. "But first we want to show you something."She placed a tablet on the table. Pressed play.The screen showed Nathan. Sitting in a comfortable room. Playing video games. Looking completely unharmed."That was taken an hour ago," Ross said. "Your son has been in FBI protective custody since the day he disappeared. He was never in any danger. Never held by criminals. Never threatened or harmed in any way."James stared

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