All Chapters of ACHING MY STEP BROTHER : Chapter 11 - Chapter 19

RACHEL“I’ll explain later. Just get on the bike,” Noah said, already climbing on.I hesitated for a second… then sighed and did it anyway.“Just know I’m killing you if you don’t tell me later.”He didn’t answer. And that scared me a little.Noah is usually all jokes and noise. He's absolutely terrible at keeping things like secrets. But right now?He wasn't smiling or giving any of those wild sarcasm. Just that hard, straight face that said don’t push me.By the time I got on the bike and buckled my helmet, he took off down the road.We didn’t even get far before a car swerved in front of us and blocked the road.Noah slammed the brakes. The bike screeched to a stop and I crashed forward, my head hitting his back.“Aw!”“You okay, Rachel?” he asked quickly.“I… I don’t know.” I mumbled, pulling off my helmet and touching the side of my head that stung.Then the car door flew open. And surprisingly, Tiara stepped out.She stormed toward us like she was ready to fight the whole street

RACHELIf I’m being honest with myself, I’d admit the source of all the messed-up emotions I’m feeling right now has everything to do with my dad popping out of nowhere after disappearing for two whole years.Two years without even a shadow of him.I was mad. No. Furious sounds more accurate.And then Mum somehow managed to remind me just how thin the rope I’ve been holding onto really is.Unfortunately… I eventually snapped.And now? Now I’m mad at her. At Dad. At Thane. At practically everyone.My brain kept screaming that I shouldn’t have walked out on her, but… I stopped in my tracks when I reached Simon’s study.Was that Thane’s voice?It was sharp and I could instantly sense something was brewing behind that door. I felt it.I shouldn’t bother and it wasn’t my business. But my feet didn’t move. Instead, I leaned closer.That’s when I heard it — his tone rising, bitter, like he was forcing the words past a storm of emotions in his chest.“I don’t care what you compare me to, Pops

RACHELTiara’s place has always been the perfect hiding spot for me… sometimes when things weren’t so good with mum, I always found my way here. For someone who basically lives in an empire—with a garage big enough to build an apartment—that was Tiara’s life.Her parents are rarely home. Either her dad’s on a business trip, or her mum is off doing… who knows what. Probably partying somewhere with half-naked men.The second I drove into her compound, I felt my body eased a little. Though my chest was still racing like crazy. Probably because I didn’t drop below 160 the entire drive.My hands were still gripping the wheel when I turned to Thane.“I…” I exhaled deeply and tried one more time. “I really don’t get what just happened back there.” I shook my head. “I need you to explain it to me because no matter how much I try to make sense of it—”I didn't get to finish. He unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car.Seriously? Wow. He didn't just ignore me?I yanked my seatbelt off

THANEI tried her line again but got cut off by Nina’s incoming call. I sighed and picked it up almost immediately.“Not now, Nina,” I said before she could speak.“Wow. Dude, you don’t even know why I’m calling.”I forced myself to calm down. “Then start talking. I really don’t have time.”My eyes were still scanning everywhere.“Your mum’s here again… to see you. Luckily your dad isn’t around.”“You know what to do.”She exhaled. “I think it’s different this time…”“Is she bribing you too now? Because last time I checked, you were never the type to meddle in someone else’s mess. So what’s this?”“That’s harsh, Thane.” She paused. “And—”“I’m sorry, Nina, but I need to go. This is really bad timing. Just tell her to stop coming to look for me. That’s it.”I hung up and headed straight toward the ladies’ restroom. Just before I reached it, Rachel appeared out of nowhere.Relief first washed over me and then annoyance spiked àinstantly. I didn’t waste a second. I stormed toward her.“H

RACHEL“Uhm… sorry.” The strange guy spoke quickly. “I’m sorry.”I didn’t say anything. I just forced a polite smile and nodded before trying to walk away.“You’re Rachel, right?”That stopped me in my tracks. I turned back slowly. He looked Asian. Or maybe mixed. I didn’t want to assume. But if a stranger knows my name, I should probably care.“Do I—”“Mayor Han's son,” he cut in quickly. “You still don’t remember?”Simon introduced me to too many people tonight. There’s no way I could remember all their faces. I squinted slightly, pretending something was clicking in my head.But… Nothing.“I’m sorry. I don’t,” I said with a soft smile. “But I hope you’re enjoying the party… sir?”“God…” He snorted. “Did you just call me sir?”He laughed, placing his wine glass on a nearby table.“If that ‘sir’ is a filler. I guess Jae Hyun is better.” He stretched out his hand. “Han Jae Hyun.” I eyed it suspiciously. “Jae Hyun? Like… Korean?”He smiled. “Got it.” He snapped his fingers. “Half Kore