บททั้งหมดของ CLAIM ME, STEP-BROTHER. : บทที่ 101 - บทที่ 110

Zara’s POV One second I was standing outside that study door, listening to my supposed mother’s voice destroy twenty-three years of my life.The next—I was hurrying off in shock and as I did, my vision blurred as the hallway stretched endlessly in front of me.Someone called my name behind me. Probably her, or a maid who had seen me run off. But I didn’t stop to find out either. I mean I couldn’t, because if I stopped, I would have to think.And if I thought—I was going to break.In seconds, without any hesitation, I shoved past the front doors as cold air hit my face immediately.I reached the front gates before finally slowing down. And at this time my chest hurt. Even my lungs burned. But none of it compared to the ache growing inside me.Because no matter how many times I replayed it, the words remained the same. She wasn’t my biological mother and still it felt so unreal.Instantly, I felt sick at the thou

Chapter 103 Matteo’s POVLike I had said a couple of minutes ago, the last place I wanted to be was the office. Yet somehow, that was exactly where I ended up.As I drove deeper into the financial district, with my mind nowhere near the emergency Marco had called me about.I couldn't stop thinking about Zara at Sofia’s apartment and for some damn reason the image refused to leave me because every minute away from her made it worse.By the time I arrived at headquarters, my mood had changed considerably. That even the lobby staff immediately straightened when I walked in.Nobody greeted me, not one person attempted conversation. Years of experience had taught them to recognize when I wasn’t interested. And unfortunately tonight was one of those nights.The elevator ride felt endless and frustrating. The moment the doors opened onto the executive floor, Marco was already waiting by the door.His expression alone told

Matteo’s POVI couldn’t sleep, not even for a minute. I mean the engagement announcement had ended hours ago, but my mind remained trapped inside that hall.Inside that moment. Inside the sound of applause erupting around me while my entire future was being decided by people who hadn’t bothered asking for my opinion.I sat alone in my office, long after midnight, with my hand resting on my head, which felt like a battlefield. Still, one thought kept returning over and over again. Zara.And all I could think of was whether or not she had seen it? The news about the damn engagement. Because I know by now the entire country has probably seen it.I mean the internet was undoubtedly having a field day talking about the Ferraro heir, the Russo’s daughter. The perfect power couple. The perfect alliance. The perfect lie.My jaw clenched because all I could picture was Zara reading those headlines, believing every word.A knock sounded at the office door in seconds, but I didn’t answer, and th

Zara’s POVBy the time we arrived at the mansion, the world had gone quiet.The long driveway stretched ahead beneath the glow of scattered lanterns, the massive estate looking almost peaceful under the night light. And it felt strange because for weeks this place had felt like a battlefield, a house filled with tension and secrets.Now, as Matteo parked the car and killed the engine, everything seemed still.I sat there for a moment, trying to prepare myself. Trying to remember why coming back had seemed like a good idea.Beside me, Matteo unbuckled his seatbelt and looked over.“You don’t have to face anyone tonight.”I glanced at him.“What if I don’t want to face anyone tomorrow either?”A small smile touched his mouth.“The world doesn’t work that way, Zara.”I sighed.“I know.”But I wished it did. God, I wished it did because I was exhausted.

Chapter 109 Matteo’s POVI tried to stop her from leaving, heaven knows I tried. The moment I saw the suitcases, I knew something had happened.Something obviously bad.I caught up to her near the front entrance while the damn family get together was happening at the back of the house. One I wasn't even aware of in the first place.Her suitcase rolled behind her as she moved toward the door with a determination I’d never seen before.“Zara.” I called out but she didn’t stop.“Zara.”Yet she ignored me, and I heard the sound of the wheels scraping across the marble floor echoe through the foyer.I moved in front of her and she immediately stopped. But for a second neither of us spoke. In silence, I searched her face looking for anger or sadness.Instead, all I found was exhaustion, pure exhaustion from all that was happening. .My stomach tightened.“What happened?”Her ey