All Chapters of A Deal With My Hockey Captain Stepbrother : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

ELIANA The day and time that we have all been anticipating for all kinds of reasons is finally here.I take a deep breath to try and calm my racing heart as I watch the players warm up on the rink. Zoe senses my nervousness and she reaches for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. I turn my head to look at Zoe, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips and I squeeze back her hand with a little too much energy than necessary but she doesn't complain. She's that kind of friend who understands, and that's what I need at the moment. A friend who doesn't judge me for the questionable decisions that I have made. She's just there to offer her support even if she thinks it's a terrible decision that I have ever made. “Have I ever told you that you're the best, best friend in the whole world?” I joke and she rolls her eyes upon hearing my words. “Yeah, about a thousand and one times? If you say it again, I’ll go deaf. ” She complains in exaggeration and a smile tugs at the corner

ELIANA It feels like my throat has run dry and my brain has a short circuit. I want to say something, anything. To come up with a thoughtful excuse. However, I can't seem to get the right words. Out of all the things, I never expected that Jackson would ask me for…a hug. And what I hate more is that he's using my words against me. “O-okay,” I stutter, almost biting my tongue. The corner of his lips lifts up into a smile and he opens his arms wide ready for the hug, like he has been waiting for this very moment. I gaze at his spread arms, hesitant, a thousand and one questions racing through my mind. “It's just a hug, Eliana. No big deal.” I recite as though it would make me feel less nervous. Like I’m not about to make one of the worst decisions. I release a breath to calm my stupid racing heart, a small smile tugging on my lips. Honestly, I can't remember when was the last time that I was this nervous about a hug. I step close even though every part of my body is screa

ELIANA “I see the two of you are ready to leave?” My mother's voice comes from the kitchen’s direction, jolting my mind back to the present. And for some reason, I’m glad that she interrupted my intrusive thoughts.I turn to look in her direction, releasing breath to get rid of the unfamiliar tightness in my chest and the corner of my lips curves into a smile.“Mother,” I called in a small voice, relief washing over me and I can breathe properly again.“I was about to come to the kitchen to say goodbye to you. There's no way I was going to leave without letting you know.” A warm smile tugs on her lips.Of course I had mentioned to her about the party early in the morning after breakfast so that she would know about it ahead of time. I wanted to prepare her mentally so that when the time comes, she wouldn't be surprised.She might look strong and unbreakable. However, I know she isn't the type to be ambushed. She’s still a bit fragile from the years she spent fighting mental health fr

ELIANA I dart my eyes around, taking in the surroundings and everything that is happening. I can't tell how much time has passed by because I had lost track of it. For a split second, I just decided to let go, let loose and enjoy the moment. The students are scattered all over the place, dancing to the loud music buzzing through the speakers, moving to the rhythm, their movements effortless and freeOthers are in small groups, talking and laughing. Some are sitting by the swimming pool playing truth or dare games while others are…kissing, touching and making out. I sip on my red cup which is halfway full with sparkling water and lime. It's not that I don't want to drink. There's a reason why I’m not that much into alcoholic stuff. I won't lie, I have tasted wine, maybe once or twice. The reason why I'm not that much into alcohol is because of what happened to uncle James. We almost lost him to alcoholism. When he encountered the career ending injury, he immersed himself into alc

ELIANA The vibration of my phone brings me back to the present from the conversation. I check it, creasing my eyebrows when I read the lit up message on the dark screen.“Car. Now. We promised aunty Vicky not to stay out till late.” The message reads.“Asshole,” that's how I saved his number because he really is. Just like right now, he's being one.My grip tightens on the phone more than it's supposed to,then slowly, I raise my head, my eyes searching around and I finally find him, at the far end of the compound like he’s an outsider. Like he wasn't having fun just a second ago.He looks back at me for a minute way too long, his expression unreadable then turns around and walks to his red sports car. I grit my teeth. Why does he have to be the one to call shots? I didn't interrupt while he was having his fun. Now that I have finally let loose, he’s telling me it's time to go. I want to write him a message and tell him that he has no right to decide for me. However, the last part of