Alle Kapitel von Ruin Me, Brother: Kapitel 81 – Kapitel 90

JaceI couldn’t sleep, no matter how hard I tried. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw them - Aria and Damon - together, kissing.I kept scrolling through our photos on my phone. Pictures of Aria smiling at me. Pictures of us being happy. All lies.How could she do this to me? Why? What did I do wrong that made her betray me with my best friend?This betrayal felt like a knife twisting in my chest. First my father. Now her.I stared at my phone screen, my jaw clenched. Everyone who betrayed me would be punished. I’d start with my father. Then her.I got out of bed, stripped off my clothes, and headed to the bathroom. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I barely recognized the man staring back.Dark circles under my eyes. Dull skin. I looked exhausted and broken.I turned on the shower and let the hot water run over me, but it didn’t wash away the pain.After bathing, I dried myself, applied some cream, and put on a dark suit. I needed to look strong even if I felt hollow inside.I w

Jace“So, brother,” Celeste asked as soon as we got in the car. “Can you tell me what was wrong earlier?” I ignored her and started driving.“Brother,” she called again, but I kept my eyes on the road.“Jace.”“What?” I finally snapped.“I’m only worried about you,” she spoke softly. “Can you tell me what happened?”“It’s nothing,” I replied. “You don’t need to worry.”Silence filled the car after that. I should have enjoyed the peace, but I couldn’t. My mind kept replaying what I’d seen. Aria and Damon kissing. Their hands intertwined. The lies they’d told me.I started humming under my breath, trying to push the images away. But they wouldn’t leave.“Are you sure you are okay, Jace?”I slammed on the brakes and pulled over to the side of the road. I turned to face her.“You have a problem, Celeste,” I said, my voice rising. “What is your problem?”“I’m only worried—”“Why are you so worried about me?” I shot back at her. “You… everyone, I hate all of you.”“You hate me?” she gasped,

Celeste“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” My mother screamed at me as she slammed my bedroom door shut.I froze, my heart racing.“It’s been two weeks,” she continued, her voice shaking with pure rage. “Two weeks! I’ve wanted to talk to you, but that bastard Jace keeps making excuses to keep you away from me.”She walked toward me slowly, like a predator approaching its prey.Why? Why did I insist on coming to my room to shower this morning? I should have listened to Jace and stayed in his room like I’d been doing for the past two weeks. But today was different.My heart couldn’t take it anymore. Being so close to him every day. Watching him. My thoughts kept drifting to him in ways they shouldn’t. I needed space to clear my head.“Mother,” I said softly, backing away. “I’m just getting dressed for work.”“What does that have to do with me?” she snapped, her eyes blazing.“It has everything to do with you, Mother,” I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady. “You’re the one wh

Celeste“Good morning, Dad. Good morning, Mom,” I greeted before taking my seat at the breakfast table.“Good morning, daughter,” my stepfather responded warmly.I watched my mother smile beside him, that perfect, loving smile. I wished my stepfather could read her mind.I wished he could see the wicked thoughts she held about him and his son. I wished he could see through her act.“Good morning, Dad,” Jace said politely as he sat down.The maids served breakfast, and we began eating. It was peaceful this morning. Even the atmosphere felt calm and soothing.After we finished, Jace spoke. “Father, I’m moving out today.”“Are you still insisting on this, son?” Father’s voice was heavy with disappointment.“Yes,” Jace replied firmly. “I won’t be coming home tonight. Please take care of yourself since I won’t be around anymore.”“What do you mean by that?” my mother spoke up suddenly. “Are you saying I can’t take proper care of my husband?”“I don’t remember speaking to you,” Jace snapped

CelesteThe rest of the day crawled by. I couldn’t focus on work. Every time I looked up, I could see Jace through the glass wall of his office. And every time our eyes met, something electric passed between us.When it was finally time to leave, I packed up my things slowly, hoping everyone else would go first.Finally, the office was empty except for Jace and me.I knocked on his door.“Come in,” he said.I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. “We need to talk.”“I know,” he said, standing up. “Celeste, about what happened earlier—”“Don’t,” I said, cutting him off. “Don’t apologize. Don’t tell me it was a mistake. Because it wasn’t. Not for me.”“It’s complicated,” he said.“I know it’s complicated. Everything about us is complicated.”“We shouldn’t be doing this, Celeste,” Jace whispered. “You know this isn’t right.”I took a deep breath before uttering. “I’m not asking you to date me, Jace. I know no one could accept us, but I can’t stop thinking about you. I want you. M