TANGLED BETWEEN BROTHERS 의 모든 챕터: 챕터 31 - 챕터 40

Nicole’s POVI had to go back home to get something to wear. I felt confused regarding what to wear, that alone told me how much this dinner meant to me, even though I kept telling myself it didn’t.I stood in front of the mirror longer than necessary, smoothing my dress for the third time, checking my hair again, adjusting earrings no one would probably notice. My room felt too quiet.Liam had asked me out to dinner earlier today.I grabbed my bag and stepped outside, my heart beating faster than it should have. His car was already waiting. He stepped out the moment he saw me, opening the door like he always used to.“Hi,” he said softly.“Hi,” I replied, feeling a bit awkward with the pleasantries.“You look good,” he said casually as I got into the car.“Thank you,” I replied.The drive to the restaurant was smooth. He talked first.“You know, the new position has been… interesting,” he said, eyes on the road. “More responsibility, but I like it. People actually listen to me now.”

Adrian’s POVI woke up in a bad mood, I quickly got ready for work and went downstairs to the kitchen.“Good morning, Sir.” The housekeeper greeted me.I nodded at her, not wanting to utter a word. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Liam coming towards the kitchen.Liam stood near the counter in the kitchen, close to where I was. He glanced up when he noticed me watching him. “Morning,” he said lightly, like we were two normal brothers. “Morning,” I replied, taking a sip from the coffee in my hand. He leaned back against the counter. “The board meeting went well yesterday.”I nodded. “I saw the minutes.” l didn't want to keep a long conversation.“You didn’t stay long,” he sighed.“I didn’t need to.” That earned me a look. Liam always hated when I implied he needed supervision.He smiled anyway. “You should trust me more. I’m not a kid anymore.”I almost laughed but instead, I said, “Trust isn’t about age. It’s about consistency.”His smile faltered, just for a second.“Everything

Nicole’s POVI didn’t even plan it.One minute I was standing outside, watching Liam’s car disappear down the street, telling myself to breathe and calm down. The next minute, I was turning back toward the house, my steps fast and angry, my heart pounding too hard in my chest.I pushed the door open.Adrian was still in the living room.He stood near the window now, one hand in his pocket. He looked calm like nothing had just happened. That alone made my anger spike.“So,” I said sharply, my voice cutting through the quiet.He turned.His eyes met mine. “You didn’t leave.”“No,” I snapped. “Because I need answers.”He said nothing. That irritated me even more.I walked closer, stopping a few steps away from him. “What did you tell Liam?”His brow creased slightly. “Excuse me?”“What did you say to him?” I repeated, louder now. “Because whatever it was, it clearly pushed him over the edge.”Adrian set the glass down slowly. “We had a conversation.”“A conversation?” I laughed bitterly

Nicole's POV The office smelled faintly of books and coffee. I closed the door behind me and took a seat across from my lecturer, who gestured for me to relax.“Nicole,” she began, her voice soft but firm, “I’ve been meaning to talk to you. I hope you don’t mind me asking…” She paused, studying my face carefully. “How have you been coping? Especially after… everything with your parents.”My throat tightened, and I swallowed hard. I hadn’t expected anyone from my school to ask that. Most people avoided the topic entirely.“I… I’m managing, ma’am,” I said, forcing a small smile. “It’s been hard, but I’m trying to focus on school.”She nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I can see that. And honestly, I’m impressed with how you’ve handled yourself. It’s not easy to keep pushing forward after such a loss. You’re stronger than most people your age.”A warmth spread through me, a mix of gratitude and relief. Someone acknowledged my struggle without pitying me.“Thank you, ma’am,” I whispere

Nicole's POV The bass hit as soon as we stepped into the club, vibrating through the floor and into my chest. The lights flashed in rhythm with the music, reds, blues, and purples dancing across the crowd. My eyes widened a little, taking it all in.Zara looked like she was born to be the center of attention. Her gold dress hugged her curves perfectly, catching the lights with every movement. Her hair sparkled under the club lights, and the confidence radiating from her made heads turn as soon as she walked past. I smiled, adjusting my own outfit, a sleek, form-fitting silver dress that shimmered subtly with every step. I had to admit, it felt good to be dressed up, to escape my usual routine of nursing school stress for just a few hours.We made our way to the VIP area, where the setup was impeccable. The tables were arranged neatly, champagne on ice, finger foods ready, and the decorations Zara had meticulously planned were exactly how I had seen them from earlier. I raised my f