All Chapters of MY STEP BROTHER, MY RUIN: Chapter 81 - Chapter 90

Selene Arkwright pushed through the heavy glass doors of the upscale gym, her yoga mat tucked under one arm and her water bottle swinging in her other hand, just like every other evening she felt like stretching out her body. She had done this walk hundreds of times before. Her curls had been pulled together into a ponytail, bouncing behind her with each step as she headed straight for the female changing room. As usual, she yanked open her locker, pulled off her light jacket, and stuffed it inside without folding it. The mirror on the locker door showed her reflection, tight sports bra, flushed cheeks from the short walk outside, and her designer leggings hugging her legs perfectly. She stepped out and made her way to the revolving passage door that led into the main workout hall. Selene smiled to herself, already imagining the stretch of her yoga class ahead. Yoga was one thing that kept her demons away. She would sit on the mat, stretch, and imagine herself with Ronan and a be

JUNE;Romy and I stood by the notice board, a few other students were present too. The examination timetable had been posted. I couldn’t wait to sit for my first examination at Westbridge Uni. Teacher Harold had just left the class. He took me by the hand and, in his words,“Your grades are really good, child. If you keep to it, I’m sure the scholarship would be yours. Even though I’m not sure you quite need it.” He gave a small laugh at the end.I understood, the old man had no idea I left the mansion, nor did he know how much I wanted this scholarship. I had read all through the night, just like every other night, and at this point I felt ready for the exams.“You not listening,” Romy nudged me. I snapped out of my thought and looked, “I think someone wants to talk to you.”“Who?” I asked, creasing my eyebrows. She motioned with her jaw behind me. I spun. Matthew. He stood there, mouth pouted, hair rough.“Go away,” I snapped. “I’m still not talking to you.” I moved, pulling Romy a

JUNE;Mom’s voice rang softly as she sang the happy birthday song for me. I batted my eyelids fast, trying to pull back the tears already forming at the corners of my eyes. Her voice wrapped around me like a warm blanket, reminding me of those quiet nights when it was just the two of us in our small apartment. She would pull me close on the edge of the bed, her arms tight around my little shoulders, and sing the same song while the neighbor’s TV played too loud through the thin walls.“Happy birthday to you, my adorable daughter,” she finished the song, her voice cracking just a little. “You know, watching you turn twenty still felt like a miracle, knowing you became really sick after we left the hospital when you were born… I thought I’d lose you.”Her voice broke completely on the last words. I could picture her sitting in the car, one hand probably gripping the steering wheel while the other held the phone close to her ear. I rolled my eyes even though she couldn’t see me, becaus

JUNE; I had just gotten off the phone with Romy, the girl was nowhere in the house. As a matter of fact, I had walked into the living room hoping to see her in her usual spot… the couch, seeing a movie when she should be studying. But when it became obvious she wasn't home, I picked up my phone and called. Lillian was kind enough to let me end my shift early while Mrs. Brown was gone. I had a fun ride back to the apartment with Mom, and my gift bags. I stepped onto the small balcony. The entire house felt lonely with Romy gone, a gentle breeze tugged at the edges of my thin robe. I held the small cupcake in one hand, its single candle flickering weakly. Romy had left it on my bed, alongside a gift bag, with a handwritten note that simply said “From someone who remembers.” I knew who it was from, or maybe I was just convincing myself it had to be him. When I slowly reached for the gift in the bag, I took out a ribboned box, my breath caught as I opened it. A delicate, pearly

RONAN;“June, wait, June.” My throat hitched, the words coming out rough and desperate but she slipped free from my grasp before I could hold her properly, her robe brushing against my fingers as she pulled away. The picture was still open on my phone screen, facing the roof of the car…. Natalie’s bare body sprawled across the sheets, that smug smile staring back at me like a taunt. My stomach dropped hard. I threw open the driver's door and ran after her, my sneakers pounding against tiny stones.“June!” I called again, louder this time, my voice bouncing off in the quiet dark. She didn’t stop, her shoulders stayed stiff, her bare feet moving fast toward the front porch of Romy's apartment.I reached out once more, fingertips grazing the back of her robe, but she twisted away. The door slammed shut in my face with a loud bang, the wood vibrating under my palm as I pressed against it. She had put all her anger into that slam, like the poor door was me.I stared at the phone again. My