บททั้งหมดของ PUCK ME, STEPBROTHER: บทที่ 101 - บทที่ 105

CollapseBryson POVRowan arrives a couple of minutes later. Her facial expressions show she knew something was wrong, but she didn't ask.“Stop looking at me with those miserable eyes and get in” she simply says, even though I can see the sympathy in her eyes.I get in the back seat, and she tries convincing me to stay in front, but I don't budge. She gives up eventually.Rowan drives in tense silence, and I simply sit in the back, staring out the window while the rookie sits in the back, equally quiet.Every few seconds Rowan glances at me through the rearview mirror. "Breathe," she says softly. "Just breathe. And text me if you need anything, okay?""Okay," I manage to say. "Thank you."It's obvious she's dying to know what happened but doesn't want to pry too much.When we pull up to the house, I climb out quickly. The rookie lifts a hand in awkward sympathy before Rowan drives away, leaving me standing alone in the driveway.The house looks peaceful at first glance. Warm lights g

Falling ApartBryson POVI wake up exhausted, my body heavy like I haven't slept at all. The dorm room is too quiet and empty. For a moment I just lie there staring at the ceiling, trying to find the energy to move.But I force myself up. Shower. Get dressed. Pack my bag like this is a normal day.I'm determined to pretend everything is normal. If I act like nothing is wrong, maybe eventually it will feel true.The moment I step into the campus hallway, the whispers start again.They're not even trying to be subtle anymore. People openly stare, whispering behind their hands, pointing when they think I'm not looking.Someone bumps my shoulder hard as they pass. Hard enough that it's clearly intentional.I keep walking, my jaw tight.A girl I don't know snickers to her friend loud enough for me to hear. "Think Julian dumped him already? Cuz I would."My ears burn but I don't react. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.I have a meeting with the university board this morning.

SacrificesJulian POVI go down to dinner after Helen comes to get me, my jaw tight while my mind still echoes Bryson's voice.The dining room is bright and crowded. Investors fill the space along with extended relatives and polished strangers who all seem to know each other.I keep a polite smile plastered on my face while Dad guides me from group to group, introducing me with pride in his voice that makes my skin crawl."This is my son, Julian. He'll be joining the business soon."I shake hands and nod and say the right things while feeling nothing for their words.Helen stays close the entire time. Every few minutes she finds a reason to touch my arm or lean into my space. I keep stepping back gently, creating distance that she immediately closes again.Dad notices. His eyes flick between us and small looks of warning pass across his face when Helen's touches go ignored.I keep my phone off and hidden in my jacket pocket. My mind is heavy with guilt. I refuse to look at it because