Lahat ng Kabanata ng STEPBROTHER'S PUNISHES ME EVERYNIGHT: Kabanata 71 - Kabanata 80

MIA'S POVThe next morning, I woke up determined to stick to my plan. If I was going to outmaneuver them, I needed to play the part perfectly. The brothers had already shown they wouldn’t give up easily, so I would have to be smarter.When I saw them at breakfast, their eyes immediately landed on me. Rolex gave me a half-smile, Xavier watched me cautiously, and Nathan and Sean just stared as if trying to figure me out.I took a deep breath, plastering on the most apologetic expression I could muster. “I wanted to say I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday,” I began, clasping my hands in front of me. “I didn’t mean to get upset. I’ve just been... struggling a bit with my mental health.”Xavier leaned forward slightly, concern flickering across his face. “Struggling how?”I hesitated, lowering my gaze as if I were embarrassed. “It’s hard to explain,” I murmured. “But sometimes, I overreact. I’m trying to work through it, though.”Nathan narrowed his eyes, but his voice softened. “We didn’t

MIA’S POVWalking back to my room after the conversation with Tristan, I felt a strange heaviness in my chest. I had told him to be with Daisy, and he had agreed. It was the right thing to do—for both of them. Daisy was kind and had been nothing but family to me, and Tristan deserved someone who could give him everything.But even knowing that didn’t stop the ache in my heart. Tristan was the one person I didn’t truly resent. He had searched for me, cared for me, and never treated me like I was worthless. He was the closest thing to a friend, maybe even more, and now, he belonged to Daisy.I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my phone. My thoughts were tangled, and I felt torn between relief and sadness. Relief that Tristan had found someone like Daisy, and sadness that it wasn’t me.“You’re doing the right thing,” Ima whispered in my mind. “He’s not meant for us.”“I know,” I replied silently, sighing as I leaned back against the headboard. “But it doesn’t make it any easier.”The

MIA'S POVI folded my arms and stared at Xavier with growing irritation as he blocked the path. His audacity was astounding. Standing there, his posture rigid and authoritative, he acted as if he had some right over me.“Tristan, leave,” Xavier demanded, his tone harsh and absolute.I clenched my fists, my patience snapping like a brittle thread. “Excuse me?” I stepped forward, my eyes locking with his. “Who do you think you are to tell me or my guest what to do?”Xavier’s jaw tightened as he looked at me, the possessive glint in his eyes making my stomach churn. “I’m just looking out for you. You don’t know him like I do,” he said, his voice firm but layered with frustration.I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “Looking out for me? Don’t flatter yourself, Xavier. You’re nothing to me, and you don’t get to dictate who I spend time with.”Tristan placed a hand lightly on my arm, clearly sensing the rising tension. “Mia, it’s alright. I don’t want to cause trouble,” he said calml

XAVIER’S POVWhen I stepped into our new apartment, the air inside felt different, heavier. My brothers were sprawled across the living room, but the moment they saw me, they sat up, their eyes narrowing in suspicion. They could sense something was off before I even opened my mouth.Nathan leaned back against the couch, crossing his arms. "You look like you've been through hell. What happened?"Rolex stood by the window, his eyes fixed on me. "You've got that look. Spill it."I let out a sharp breath and dropped into the nearest chair, running a hand through my hair. "I ran into her," I finally said.Sean straightened, his face tight with curiosity. "Mia?""Yeah," I confirmed, leaning forward, resting my elbows on my knees. "She was in the woods, alone. Rogues came after her."Nathan scoffed, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes. "What the hell was she doing out there by herself?""She said she was clearing her head," I answered, shaking my head. "But it's not safe. I tried

MIA’S POVI couldn’t believe my uncle had made such a decision without even telling me. Of all people, why assign these stepbrothers to me?Agh! the most hated one--Nathan.The man I hated the most, the man I wanted to be as far away from as possible—was now my so-called protector.I spun around, hands on my hips, glaring at him. “You. Stay away from me. Don’t talk to me. Don’t breathe near me. Don’t even exist in my general vicinity.”Nathan smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. “You wound me, princess. What if I just want to keep you safe?”I rolled my eyes. “Oh, please.You are nothing but an irritating person who must be only good at ruining the lives of others”His smirk faltered for a brief second before returning, softer this time. “I’m trying to fix that.”I scoffed, turning on my heel. “Too little, too late.”Ignoring him, I made my way down the city streets, enjoying the buzzing energy around me. Shopping was the only therapy I needed right now, and I wasn’t about to l