บททั้งหมดของ PUCK ME, STEPBROTHER: บทที่ 71 - บทที่ 80

ComplicationsBryson's POVWe rush through the hospital entrance, neither of us speaking. My legs feel unsteady, each step requiring conscious effort. My stomach twists with dread that makes breathing difficult.At the front desk, Julian moves ahead while I stand frozen behind him."We're looking for Clara Miller," Julian says to the nurse. His voice is steady in ways mine wouldn't be right now. "She was admitted earlier. Pregnancy complication."The nurse checks her computer, typing slowly. Too slow. "Third floor, maternity wing. Room 314."Julian nods and glances back at me. "Come on."I follow, my body moving while my mind stays stuck on worst-case scenarios.We take the elevator this time. Julian stands close, his presence solid beside me.The maternity wing is quieter than the main floor.Richard is standing outside a closed door, pacing in tight circles. His usual perfect composure is clearly cracked, tie loosened, hair slightly messed up, lines of tension around his mouth.When

SacrificesJulian's POVI walk Bryson outside after Dad finishes speaking to him privately. My nerves are wound tight, every muscle tensed as I brace for what's coming next.The entire time they were talking in hushed voices, I stood in the kitchen pretending to make coffee while actually trying to hear what was being said. Couldn't catch much though, just the low rumble of Dad's voice and Bryson's occasional responses.When Bryson finally comes out looking thoughtful but not upset, some of the tension eases. But then Dad turns to me."Julian. Can I see you for a moment?My stomach drops. "Yes sir"Bryson gives me a quick glance before heading down the hallway, leaving me alone with my father. I follow him to the small balcony attached to the apartment, closing the door behind us.The morning air is cold, making me wish I'd grabbed a jacket. Dad leans against the railing, looking out over the parking lot below."Your internship," he starts without preamble. "It's been arranged. You'll

Hollow VictoryJulian's POVThe hotel room feels too quiet without the sound of skates and pucks. I sit on my bed with my ankle elevated on a pillow, wrapped in ice and compression bandages. Through the window, I can see the mountain slopes where everything went wrong just two days ago.Bryson is at breakfast with the team. He offered to stay with me, but I told him to go. He needs to eat properly before the first tournament game, and I don't want to be the reason he falls behind.My phone buzzes with a text from Coach. “Game starts at two. You're watching from the stands. No arguments."I type back a quick acknowledgment and toss the phone aside. Watching from the stands. Like some spectator who has no connection to the team.The thought makes my chest tight.By the time the game starts, I am seated in the middle section of the arena, surrounded by parents and fans wearing our school colors. The team skates out for warm-ups, and I spot Bryson immediately. He moves with easy confidenc

EscapeJulian POVThe drive to the cabin takes about three hours. Bryson handles the wheel while I watch the landscape change from city sprawl to small towns and eventually dense forest. Snow covers everything in a blanket of white, and the further we get from campus, the lighter I feel."You're smiling," Bryson says, glancing at me."Am I?""Yeah. It's nice." He reaches over and squeezes my hand briefly before returning it to the wheel. "You seem more relaxed already."Maybe I am. The thought of two weeks away from everything, just the two of us, feels like breathing for the first time in months.The town appears suddenly around a bend. It is small and charming, with the main street lined with shops decorated for Christmas. Lights hang from every lamppost, and garland wraps around storefront windows. A massive tree stands in the center of the town square, covered in ornaments and twinkling lights."This is perfect," Bryson says, his eyes lighting up as he takes it all in.Watching hi

Accidental coachJulian POVI wake up to the smell of something burning.My eyes open slowly, adjusting to the bright sunlight coming through the windows. The cabin is warm and quiet except for some noise coming from downstairs.I sit up and check my phone. It's almost eleven in the morning. I slept way longer than usual.The door opens and Bryson walks in carrying a tray. He's wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt, his hair messy from sleep."Morning," he says with a smile. "I made breakfast."I look at the tray. There are scrambled eggs that look slightly brown, toast that's definitely burned on the edges, and a glass of orange juice."You burned the toast," I say."It's not burned. It's crispy.""Bryson, it's black."He sets the tray down on the bed beside me. "Just eat it. I worked hard on this."I pick up a piece of toast and take a bite. It tastes like charcoal but I chew anyway. "It's terrible.""You're terrible." He climbs onto the bed and tries to steal the toast from my hand.I p