Chapter 5

Four years. That was how long it had been since I last saw Ryan Hale. Four years since prom night, since the kiss that tasted like forever, since the heartbreak that tasted like blood in my mouth.

Now I am dragging my suitcase into a house that doesn’t feel like mine. New town, new walls, new life.

And apparently, a new stepmother.

I stop at the bottom of the staircase, watching a woman glide down like she owned the place. Perfectly styled hair, diamonds glinting at her neck, smile wide enough to hide secrets.

“Who even is this woman?” I mutter under my breath before shooting a look at Dad.

Dad smiles like I’d asked what time it was. “She’s kind, Evan. And… very rich.

Rich, of course. That explains the marble tiles and gold-framed mirror in the hall.

He steps forward, puffing his chest like a teenager. “We… we actually met before we moved four years ago.”

My mind betrays me with a flashback. His lips pressed to mine in the shadow of the prom corridor, his hands steady as he slipped me that card, whispering, I wouldn’t want it with anyone else.

I blink the memory away just as she appears. My new “stepmother.” Perfect hair, diamond bracelet. She smelled like vanilla and money.

Nice to finally meet you, Evan!” she said brightly, sweeping down the stairs like a scene from some soap opera. My dad crosses the room and kisses her cheek like she hung the stars.

Gross.

The woman reached us, perfume thick and expensive. “I’m so happy you’re here!” She cupped my face like I was some lost puppy. “And my son is going to love you. He’s always wanted a brother.”

I froze. “I’m sorry… did you say son?”

“Yes,” she laughed like it was the most normal thing in the world. “He’s at a frat party at the naval academy tonight, you should go too. I know you’re starting your summer job tomorrow, but you’ll meet some students, maybe bond with your new stepbrother.”

I swing toward my dad. “You didn’t mention a stepbrother.”

He scratched the back of his neck. “I… figured you’d meet him soon enough.”

My pulse picked up. Ryan goes to military school too. God, no, it can’t be…

Her phone rang, saving me from blurting out the name. She picked up. “Hi, honey. Where are you?”

A male voice filtered through. “About to head to the party.”

“Perfect! I’m sending your stepbrother Evan there to meet you.”

There was a pause. Then “Evan? Wait… I have a stepbrother?”

She laughed like it was the best joke in the world. “Yes. You two will have fun. Bond, okay? Love you.”

Click.

I stand there, heart in my throat. My stepbrother, Oh God.

Fast forward.

The frat house is chaos. Music thumps through the walls, the smell of beer and sweat clings to everything. Lights flashed red and gold, catching on crisp uniforms and rowdy laughter.

I stand in the corner, muttering under my breath. “How the hell am I supposed to find my stepbrother? Everyone’s in uniform. I don’t even know what he looks like.”

A group of girls nearby shrieked suddenly.

“Oh my God, is that him?!” one gasped, clutching her friend. “He’s so fine. Next year he’ll be a senior commander.”

“And he’s single,” another added. “I heard he’s looking for a date for the junior dance.”

“Back off,” the first snapped. “I called dibs.”

Curiosity tugged at me. I turned…

And my stomach dropped straight through the floor.

Ryan.

Four years. Older, sharper, broader shoulders beneath his uniform, tattoos peeking from under his sleeve. But those eyes… I’d know them anywhere.

My breath hitched. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Ryan stops dead as he sees me. His face shifts into shock, disbelief, something dangerously close to hope. “Evan?”

My throat dried up.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, voice low, it’s like he isn’t sure it’s really me standing in front of him.

I forced a bitter laugh. “I didn’t come here to see you, that’s for sure.”

Before he could reply, the girls swooped in. One grabbed his arm. “Ryan, come on, have a drink with us!”

I turned to leave. The sight made bile rise in my throat. “So you’re into girls now, huh?” I tossed over my shoulder.

His hand jerks free from hers. “Evan… wait!”

I kept walking.

“Don’t walk away from me!” His voice cracked through the noise. “You already did that four years ago!”

That stops me cold.

I spun. “That’s rich coming from a dirty cheater like you.”

Gasps ripples around us, but I didn’t care. The music faded into the background noise. It was just me and me.

Ryan strides forward, eyes blazing. He grabbed my shoulder. “I never cheated on you, Evan. I swear to God. You dumped me after I got knocked unconscious. Four years, Evan. Four years… I called you, I tried to explain, I tried to find you…”

My chest burns. And Explain what?” My voice cracked. “Are your clothes not all over the room? That I heard your voice with someone else? You expect me to believe some crazy excuse after four years?”

I lift my hand to slap him, but he catches my wrist mid-air, grip firm.

“Don’t,” he warned softly, his eyes searching mine. “Don’t do that.”

For a heartbeat, my body betrayed me. I wanted to lean into him believe and forget about everything.

I want to believe him so bad…

But the memory of that night was carved into my skin.

Ryan’s jaw clenches. His grip loosens.

She doesn’t believe me, his eyes said. Then why waste my breath?

“Forget it.” His voice was sharp and final. He shoves past me.

I stand there shaking, anger and ache warring inside me.

Ryan snatches a red cup from a passing frat boy. Resse.

“Whoa, man, that’s three shots of vodka,” Resse laughs as Ryan downs it. “Slow down.”

Ryan wipes his mouth, eyes dark. “It’s about that hot guy I was fighting with over there.”

Resse blinks. “That’s my ex, Evan. I haven’t seen him in four years. Thought he left town for good.”

Resse raises his brows. “Wait. Your new stepbrother’s also named Evan, right?”

Ryan freezes.

And my world tilted on its axis.