All Chapters of My Stepbrother, My Ruin: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

The ride home with Nate had been quiet.Too quiet.I pondered on a lot of things he said. Weird. And maybe that’s why I felt so off when I finally stepped into the penthouse—Because the moment I did—Laughter.My mother’s laughter.And then—A voice I hadn’t expected.Elara.I stopped.Blinking.Because there she was, sitting with my mother on the plush white couch, a glass of something sparkling in her hand, laughing like they were old friends.I frowned.Because something was off.And then—I noticed.The clothes.Not the usual ripped jeans, oversized hoodies, combat boots Elara.No.This?This was different.A fitted crop top, a high-waisted designer skirt, and heels.Fucking heels.Her hair was sleek, straightened, her makeup subtle but there—expensive.My stomach twisted.Because this—This wasn’t the Elara I left at home.This wasn’t my Elara.And yet—She sat there, looking comfortable, looking like she belonged, my mother beaming with pride."Oh, Evie!" My mother turned, ey

We stayed like that for a while, until she pulled back just enough to look at me.“Ice cream?” she said, her lips twitching into a small smile.I laughed through the sniffles. “Always.”She smiled back. “Good. Because we have the fancy kind. Belgian chocolate. I was saving it, but today feels like a ‘no rules’ day.”I let out a soft chuckle. “Thanks, Mum.”She brushed some hair from my face and kissed my forehead.“You’re starting school next week,” she said. “You’ll need your strength. Your smile. And probably new boots.”I smiled weakly.She stepped back and clapped her hands once. “Also! We still need to go dress shopping. My wedding dress isn't going to magically appear on its own, you know.”I blinked at her. “Haven't you already chosen one?”“No. I haven't seen ‘The one’. You get? I need something that represent my relationship with Alexander.” She grinned. “Come on. I need moral support and someone to make sure I don’t choose anything that looks like a cupcake.”I laughed again

I laughed, “Are you asking me for gossip?”Vivianne raised a brow, amused. She had this calm, effortless energy about her—dark braids pulled into a loose bun, silver hoops in her ears, and a fitted long-sleeve shirt that screamed “I know I look good and I don’t care if you know it too.” Her notebook was already open, pen in hand, like she actually cared about the class we were about to sit through.“I mean,” she said, sliding into the seat beside me, “you disappeared since we last saw, show up looking like a walking heartache, and now you’re giving me that tight-lipped ‘I’m totally fine’ smile? Come on, spill something.”I looked down at my lap, the corner of my mouth tugging up. “I don’t really know much. Just that my best friend dumped me.”Vivianne paused, eyes flicking to mine. “Damn. That’s rough.”“Yeah.” I shrugged like it didn’t sting, even though it still sat heavy in my chest. “She’s been hanging out with people who… yeah, let’s just say they’re not on my list.”Vivianne lea

Ryder's POVShe smiled over the rim of her cup, eyes warmer now, lighter than they had been earlier.“I’m glad I have a friend like you,” she said, soft.Friend.That word echoed like a slap in my head.Did I just get friend-zoned?I leaned back in my chair and forced a smile. “Right. Yeah. Friend.”She didn’t catch it. Or if she did, she ignored it.Evie turned back to her tray, tossing a fry into her mouth like we were just two people having a normal, chill conversation.Which we weren’t.Because every time she looked at me like that—bright eyes, small smile, complete trust—I felt something sharp and stupid twist in my chest.I cleared my throat. “So, uh… what are you doing later today?”She looked up. “Why? You planning to throw me into another cafeteria war zone?”I snorted. “Tempting. But no. I was thinking we hang out. Just us. Something less dramatic. Maybe food. Or a movie. Or we could throw stuff at Nate until he finally admits I’m better at pool than him.”Evie laughed, and

Liliana’s name wasn’t just a rumor. It wasn’t just some tragic footnote in the Ravencrest gossip mill. She was real. A real human being that died because of the bad treatment from rich students that think that they are unstoppable.And whatever happened to her… it was being buried. Erased. Meaning if was valuable enough to put Sienna and Cohen out of business. Am I doing this because it's going to suddenly stop bullying? No. It won't even stop bullying. It will continue. Someone else would do it again. The cycle would continue but at least for now, I won't get to see Sienna paid face again. I am selfish and curious like that. I slipped out of the library and headed toward the administration building, keeping close to the shadows. I knew the janitors had their rounds, but it was almost seven and most of the main staff would be long gone. The hallway lights flickered with that annoying buzz they always made. Half the place smelled like dust and printer ink.My palms were sweating