Bully stepbrother のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 11 - チャプター 20

MADISONThe courtyard is quiet and empty, just like every other day. Sometimes I wonder why no one in the building uses this spot. It’s the best place to bring my problems.I sit on the bench beside the hebetudinous fountain, angrily wiping away the tears falling down my face. Two days ago, I was hopeful our relationship might improve. I thought we could be making dinner together and shopping for supplies, just like any normal siblings do. For a day, I thought we might have something in common. But yes, I will never have it.Caden hates me; he has hated me since the day we first met. The words he used to approach me on that day are still fresh in my head. He called me ugly and nasty instead of a simple hello or welcome. We were both thirteen, but he treated me as if he was older, as if I was some dirt in a dumpster. He made sure to convince me I was unworthy, stripping me of my courage and security and leaving me with nothing a girl would need to survive her teenage years.What have I

MADISONThe moment I open the door, I’m filled with joy. “Hello, everyone.”“How was school?” Caleb inquires from the kitchen area just as Molly leaps all over me, wagging her tail and licking my face with her wet tongue.I lean on Molly and tenderly rub her ears. “Hey, Molly.” Then I reply to Caleb, “I’ve got a job,” and move toward him, Molly following behind me.“Really?” Caleb asks excitedly and pulls me in for a kiss while he stirs tomato sauce with his free hand.“I landed a job at the community health center a few blocks away,” I trill against his mouth, causing him to smile.Caleb twirls me and wraps both hands around my waist, his body behind me. He leans over, nestles his chin in the nook of my neck, and in that moment, everything feels at ease. “That’s great news. We should celebrate.”“With pasta? Please say pasta. I had a whole bowl of ice cream, and I need something warm. Also, Caden had some imprudent girl over at our place. I’m disgusted by the entire apartment.”He la

CADEN“I’m getting out. You should too,” I say as soon as I step out of my tidy bedroom. At least she has some uses.Although not much. My gaze lands on a black Ford truck pulling away from the building through the window. That must be Mad and her male friend. Why are they just leaving? It’s been a while since they exited through the front door. I hope that guy isn’t messing with me. He’ll regret making an enemy out of my other side.Irritated, I head for the entrance while the girl behind me struggles to gather her small purse and high heels from around the house. She trails behind me and asks, “Are we going to the battle of the bands?”Why is she so loud? “Yup,” I reply reluctantly.“We’re going to have fun.”If I had one wish right now, it would be to get her to stop talking. “Yup,” I answer again, even less willing this time. I quickly hail a cab when I spot one.“I thought we were riding in your car.” She pouts. She should know by now, as a general rule, not a chance.“I am. You

MADISONWe step out of our building, hand in hand, giving off the appearance of a couple. Caleb is engrossed in a phone call with someone named Jeffery, so I let my gaze wander around the surroundings, focusing on trivial things like the two men rummaging through the dumpster. Standing next to Caleb, I flinch slightly, and he releases my hand to wrap his arm around my shoulder, drawing me close.He tilts his head and nods, a reassuring smile on his lips, radiating a sense of safety that’s hard to resist.I can’t help but wonder what Caden’s reaction is to this change in circumstances. It’s not like he’ll ever be okay with my relationship, especially since he’s never been in a position where he has to watch me leave with anyone who has a soul. I’d bet he’s currently wallowing in self-pity over his failure, while I’m here with a boyfriend of my own.If he thinks he’s so terrible, he should know that I can play the game too. While he can have that conniving woman, I have a responsible ma

MADISONThe sun disappeared below the horizon an hour ago, giving rise to the evening breeze that sweeps through our rolled-down windows. Caleb and I spend our time driving through Palo Alto in his delightful-smelling truck, like an absolute couple, enjoying the calm atmosphere around the town. We don’t even bother turning on the radio, lost in different conversations while the wind blows around us. Yes, we make some stops for snacks and even pick out new outfits for ourselves at a boutique, where we both change for the party we’re currently heading to.Caleb chose my outfit, which I instantly fell in love with after seeing my reflection in the mirror. The dress is a mini bodycon gown that fits perfectly and highlights every interesting curve on my body. It makes me feel anxious yet beautiful. I’m not the type who normally comes off as a Barbie, given the reputation Caden made sure of.Caleb’s outfit is simple and casual. He cleans up well and looks like the hot guy he is in black sli