Lahat ng Kabanata ng My Stepbrother, My Ruin: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

Ravencrest University was everything I imagined and more.The huge exclusive campus was a mix of old-world charm and modern luxury. Ivy-covered buildings stood tall against the backdrop of perfectly manicured lawns, and students dressed like they’d walked straight out of a catalog strolled by, chatting and laughing. The air buzzed with energy, and I felt an overwhelming mix of awe and nerves as I took it all in.“Wow,” I muttered under my breath, walking past a massive fountain in the center of the quad. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and I couldn’t help but stop for a moment to admire it.I pulled out my phone and hit the video call button for Elara. She answered almost immediately, her face filling the screen.“Evie!” she squealed, practically bouncing in excitement. “Did you miss me?”“Yesss. I did. Like…oh my God. Guess where I am?”“You’re at Ravencrest, aren’t you? Turn the camera around! I want to see!”I laughed, flipping the camera so she could get a full view of the c

My heart stopped for a second.“Oh my God,” Elara whisper-screamed, gripping my wrist. “This is like straight-up forbidden romance fanfic level of drama! I knew there was something there!”“No,” I said quickly, locking my phone. “There is nothing there.”Elara scoffed. “You’re so full of shit.”“I’m blocking him,” I said, my thumb hovering over his contact.“Don’t you dare!” she gasped, grabbing my phone like it was a national treasure.“Give it back, Elara!” I lunged for it, but she dodged expertly, holding the phone above her head.“Evie, let’s be logical,” she said, twirling away from me. “This is Ryder Freaking Caldwell. The hottest, most unattainable guy at Ravencrest, and he is texting you. Asking for tit pics, no less. Like, are you hearing yourself? You’re about to ruin something beautiful.”I groaned, trying again to snatch my phone back. “I don’t want something beautiful! I want peace!”She gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. “Peace is overrated. Horny stepbrothers are

I thought of what me and Mum talked about in the car.I couldn’t help but wonder if that’s why he acted like a sex addict sometimes.Ryder didn’t just flirt, he seduced. He pulled people in, made them want him. But he never let anyone have him, not really. It was all surface-level charm, a game he played flawlessly.And one I am failing woefully at it seems. I sighed, pulling my shirt over my head as I stepped into the shower. The hot water hit my skin instantly, rolling down my shoulders, loosening the tension that had been sitting in my body since the bridal shop.I tilted my head back, letting the heat soak into my muscles, but my mind wouldn’t shut up.Ryder.Ryder with his cocky smirk. His rough voice. The way he had leaned in at the boutique, whispering filthy things in my ear like he owned me.His messages. Left boob from the right? I chuckled as I touched my boobs. But my fingers grazing my nipples made me shiver. My breath hitched.I reached for the showerhead.The detacha

My eyes never left Riley for one minute.Even if it meant not enjoying my day.I wouldn’t let her ruin anything.The bridal shower was in full swing, laughter and chatter filling the air as games were played. Guess the wedding dress design, Bridal Bingo, Who Knows the Bride Best?—all of it blending into a mix of champagne-fueled fun.Mum was glowing, basking in the attention, while Marissa ran the show like the socialite powerhouse she was.“Come on, ladies! Last round,” Marissa announced, her voice full of amusement. “Let’s see who knows Lorelei best.”Mum laughed, shaking her head as guests shouted out answers to random questions about her favorite foods, colors, and the wedding plans. It was silly, extravagant, and absolutely her.I tried to enjoy it.I tried to focus on the games, on the laughter, on the absurdity of watching a bunch of rich women play wedding charades.But my gaze kept flicking back to Riley.She sat at her table, perfectly poised, sipping her champagne with an a

I stepped back. “Is this one of your tricks to make me fall for you?”An unreadable emotion flickered through Ryder’s eyes, something quick, almost too quick for me to catch. But then, just as fast, it was gone, hidden beneath that signature smirk of his as he leaned back against the fountain like he had all the time in the world.“I don’t need tricks, Evie,” he drawled. “You’ll fall for me eventually.”I let out a sharp laugh. “Wow. The ego.”He grinned. “Confidence, baby.”I rolled my eyes and turned away slightly, looking around. The garden was breathtaking, roses, ivy-covered arches, little lanterns hanging from trees, casting a soft golden glow. The venue itself felt like something out of a damn fairy tale.“You know,” I said, trailing my fingers along the marble edge of the fountain, “for all the drama that just happened inside, this place is actually beautiful.”Ryder hummed. “Alexander doesn’t do anything halfway. Even in his own estate, he has an amazing venue built just for