All Chapters of CRAVING MY BULLY STEPBROTHER : Chapter 81 - Chapter 90

Isabelle “Yes, Lucas, Yes!” I screamed and jumped on him.The next few days we searched for a place.“Lucas, look at this listing,” I said, scrolling on my laptop as we sat together on the couch. “Two bedrooms, a small balcony overlooking the park, and it’s walking distance to both campus and the training fields. What do you think? Could this be our place?”Lucas leaned in close, his arm around my shoulders. “It looks promising, Isabelle. The kitchen has that island you wanted for your writing sessions. Let’s call the agent right now. No more back and forth between apartments.”I dialed the number quickly. “Hi, this is Isabelle Barrett. We saw your listing for the park-view unit. Are there any open showings this afternoon? Yes, both of us.”The agent replied enthusiastically and said he could meet us in an hour. “Great, we’ll see you soon,” I said, hanging up. “She sounds positive. Lucas, imagine waking up there together every morning. No more rushed goodbyes before your practices.”

It all came together six months after that raw, transformative night at the hotel. Isabelle walked arm in arm with Lucas across the sunlit quad, her steps lighter and more sure than they’d been in years. The girl who used to shrink into lecture hall corners had slowly become someone who held her head high, shoulders back, ready to take up space. They paused by their favorite bench, the one carved with too many initials and stained by countless rainy days. Lucas turned to her, gently brushing a stray cherry blossom petal from her hair. His touch lingered, warm and familiar. “Graduation is in two weeks,” he said, voice low and teasing. “Are you nervous, or what?” “A little,” Isabelle admitted, smiling up at him even as her stomach flipped. Their road here hadn’t been smooth. It demanded ugly cries in the car, late-night talks where old wounds reopened, and the quiet courage to keep choosing each other anyway. But the rewards showed in every small moment. Isabelle’s reputation, onc

Isabelle The people right before me were all in uniform, probably workers here in this aquarium. They were holding different snacks and wine, looking at me like I was a 5-year-old they were happy to please. “What… what is going on?” I muttered, completely confused. “Isabelle.” I finally heard Lucas’ voice behind me. I pursed my lips hard like I was going to crush them and I turned to look back, my face squeezed. Lucas seemed to have noticed the displeased look on my face as his countenance dropped. “Isabelle, what’s wrong?” He asked, looking concerned. Then my eyes drifted to the lady who just walked in behind him. A part of me wanted to walk away angrily, but Lucas had never cheated on me, and he had never showed signs of it, so another part of me was curious enough to stay and find out what in the world I just saw. I walked towards the hallway where they were coming from and I heard Lucas’ steps from behind me. After I was a safe distance away from the small crowd, I turne

IsabelleI got to an unfamiliar house and I remained in front of the building for a few seconds, taking it all in. It was beautiful, with a large entrance, neatly trimmed flowers, and tall windows that reflected the afternoon sunlight. The house looked expensive without trying too hard to show it.I slowly looked around but still left with one question. Why were we at someone’s house?Then I pulled out my phone and dialed Lucas’ number.“Babe, I’m here,” I said when he picked up. “But where exactly am I?”“Give me a minute,” he replied.Before I could ask anything else, the front door opened and Lucas stepped out.My confusion immediately turned into a smile. He walked towards me, and I met him halfway. Then we wrapped our arms around each other in a tight hug.“I missed you,” he whispered.“I missed you too,” I replied, pulling away.Then I looked past him at the house again.“Okay, but where are we?”He smiled, almost like he was trying not to give anything away.“Come inside first.

Isabelle Lucy telling me that she had something which was bothering her really took me off guard because how would someone who looked fine this morning and spoke really well minutes ago, suddenly look gloomy. “What is bothering you, Lucy?” I asked, concerned. Then she let out a sigh and looked at me. “It’s kind of really embarrassing to say.” She spoke, her gaze finally falling to the floor. “Talk to me, Lucy. Regardless of how embarrassing it is, let me know. I’m here and willing to listen to you." I assured her, then I led her to a nearby cafeteria. Before we walked in, she stopped moving and looked at me like she had done something wrong. “I’m sorry, Isa. I don’t think I can do this.” She said, shaking her head and she immediately turned away and ran off. I was beyond shocked. From the year I knew Lucy, she had never looked like this. “Lucy!” I called out to her and even ran after her, but she was nowhere to be found anymore. I stood there for a few seconds, completely baf