Navy's Sons: Bullied by Quadruplet Stepbrothers의 모든 챕터: 챕터 71 - 챕터 80

Tabitha’s POV“Hi, there you are!” Evelyn enthusiastically greets us when we meet at the KL Mall’s main atrium, right in front of the giant water fountain surrounded by boutique shops and cafés.She looks effortlessly chic as the last time I saw her. She is wearing a white cropped top with puffed sleeves and a pink pleated skirt that flares lightly when she moves. Her hair is styled in loose curls, a shiny claw clip keeping it half-up. And I almost feel self-conscious with just a swipe of lip gloss while her face is perfectly done yet still somehow looks effortlessly natural.. She looks like a gorgeous doll from where I’m standing.“Sorry I’m late—something came up,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck.“That’s fine, don’t worry abou—” Evelyn’s bright smile falters as her gaze slides past me. Her eyes widen slightly, following the figure walking behind me. “Oh! Is that…”I step aside and gesture awkwardly toward Jace, who looks far too smug for someone who wasn’t even invited. “Yeah. T

Tabitha’s POVHis hand stays firm on my waist, the heat of his skin bleeding through the thin layer of fabric. My pulse stumbles but I can’t seem to bring myself away from his touch. The rational part of me knows that I should step back and create a safe distance between the two of us. I already decided to avoid them, after all.Because I know that if I ever find myself too close to them, this is exactly what’s going to happen…Jace’s thumb makes a slow drag against my ribs before sliding higher, tracing the edge of my side. Every inch he touches feels awake and trembling.“Jace…” My voice cracks when he brushes his knuckles along my jaw. “You need to leave. You can’t be here.”He leans in closer, his breath skimming my cheek. “Relax,” he murmurs, the raspy sound of his voice is enough to make my knees weak. “You’re overthinking again. People won’t assume anything even if I’m here. I’m your stepbrother, people think that we’re practically family.” There’s a trace of mockery in his ton

Tabitha’s POV“What are the odds? Come on, let’s go say hi!”“Uhm—”Before I can respond, Evelyn’s hand tightens around my arm. I barely manage a startle grunt before she’s already tugging me forward, all bright smiles and bouncing energy. I stumble after her, caught between confusion and dread. My pulse races as we cross the open space, every step bringing me closer to Reed and Elsie.Reed is saying something to her when he finally notices us. His smile quickly withers as if we’re some bad news marching towards him. Elsie follows his gaze and blinks in surprise, her laughter fading.“El!” Evelyn calls out to her sister cheerfully, waving with her free hand. “Fancy seeing you here! I didn’t know you were coming to the mall today.”Elsie straightens, her expression flickering from surprise to fond exasperation. “Evelyn, honestly—do you ever stop shopping? You were out just last weekend.”“Guilty! But look at these finds, you’ll understand why.” Evelyn laughs while twirling her hair.El

Tabitha’s POV“If it’s doomed from the start, I’d rather be the one to end it,” my voice comes out weaker than I had intended.Jace reaches out for my hand on the table, stroking my knuckles as he stares at me earnestly.“There’s only so much the pack or even the elders can control, Tabitha. They can’t decide everything for us,” Jace says“And your father?” I shoot back, pulling my fist away from his grasp. “You think he’ll be thrilled about this? He’s probably arranging your marriages as we speak!”Reed presses his lips together, while Luca leans back in his chair, crossing his arms.“You think too little of us if you believe we’ll let him decide everything,” Luca says quietly.I shake my head. “You’re all acting like this isn’t a big deal, like it doesn’t matter. Well, it matters to me!” I push back my chair and stand, my voice breaking a little. “I get that for werewolves, this is normal. You find your mate and call it a day. But I’m not one of you! My mom might be a she-wolf, but

Tabitha’s POV“Hmm, that dress is cute, but if the circuit’s outdoors, you might want something less flowy. The wind won’t be kind to that. Go with the halter top instead, it fits the whole racing vibe better.”Evelyn raises a brow. “You think so? Or is too revealing?” She stands in front of a full-length mirror while holding up the halter top. “Forget it, let the world see some cleavage.”I snicker. “And I think the color of the fabric compliments your skin tone too.”“Yeah?” She hums while stroking the cream-colored fabric that perfectly matches her complexion. “It does look good on my tan.” She grins, clearly pleased. “Then halter top it is. What about accessories? Sunglasses or cap?”“Both,” I answer quickly. “It’s going to be sunny, and the cap will keep the hair out of your face. Plus, you’ll look effortlessly cool.”“Effortlessly cool,” she repeats, flipping her hair. “I like that. Maybe I should hire you as my stylist.”“On top of being your shopping buddy? I expect a raise an