Want Me Back? Ask My Brothers First のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

~LORETTE~ “I was only trying to help her out,” Ava sobs into Nate’s arms while he glares at me like I’m some dangerous monster he has to shield his precious person from. “And then… she got mad and attacked me.” My eyes widen so much in disbelief that, for a moment, I actually forget about the sharp pain throbbing beneath my heel. Because how could someone lie so boldly with a straight face? “Is this how far your little rebellion has gone now, huh?” Nate’s voice rises as he stares daggers into me. “You’ve started attacking people whenever you feel like it? What the hell is wrong with you?” “I didn’t touch her!” I finally find my voice, my chest tightening with frustration. “She was the one who attacked me first…” But Nate cuts me off before I can even finish. “You’re such a liar, Lori.” Disgust flickers across Nate’s face. “Ava is too gentle. She wouldn’t hurt a fly, talk more of a person. If you’re going to lie, at least do proper research first so your story can sound be

~LORETTE~ “Nate…” I’m about to ask again when he moves with the speed of a lightning. One second there’s space between us, and the next, his hand grips my waist. And his mouth crashes hard against mine in a starved kiss. My eyes snap wide open in shock and panic at Nate’s sudden action. His lips are hot and demanding, devouring mine like he has been starving for me. His body feels unnaturally hot against mine. His face is flushed, his breathing rough and heavy. My gaze quickly shifts to the tea tray on the bedside table. My heart pounds harder. Could it be…? Did Grandma Nessa put something in that tea? No. That makes no sense. Why on earth would Grandma Nessa ever do something like that? Maybe I’m overthinking. Maybe there’s another explanation. Whatever the case, one thing is certain: I have to stop whatever this is before it spirals any further. “Nate,” I said, planting both hands against his chest as I tried to push him back. “What are you doing? Stop it alrea

~LORETTE~ “I shouldn’t have accused you the way I did…” Nate continues, his hand still gripping my wrist gently. “I’m sorry, Lori.” I blink, stunned. Nate? Apologizing to me? It might as well rain monkeys today. I clear my throat and firmly pull my hand from his grip. If this had been any other day, I might have foolishly softened at his words. But last night taught me a painful lesson. I would be a certified fool to fall for this. He always calls me a trickster, but right now, he is the real one. “Well, thank you for taking responsibility for your actions,” I say, folding my arms over my chest just in case he tries to touch me again. “Meanwhile, while we’re here and out of Grandmother’s ears, I would like to remind you that you still haven’t signed the divorce papers.” His face falls. Disappointment flashes in his eyes. What exactly is he disappointed about? “Please try and sign them today. We shouldn’t waste any more time.” With that, I turn and walk tow

~LORETTE~ “Get up, sleeping beauty. We have important matters to attend to.” My door is pushed open, forcing me awake instantly. I tear my eyes open to see Lucas fully dressed, standing before my bed. Hunter, Ella and Jace are standing by the doorway too. I blink at all four of them in confusion. “Important matters?” “The first round of the competition,” Ella says, stepping into the room with a smile. “It’s literally in two days, Lori. We’re going to get you new art supplies.” The moment realization sinks in, sleep leaves my system almost instantly. Within thirty minutes, I’m dressed in a simple outfit while my brothers behave like overprotective bodyguards escorting a celebrity. When we finally arrive at the art store, I almost stop in my tracks, my eyes widening immediately. This place is massive! Shelves stretch endlessly across the store, lined with every kind of art supply imaginable. Different paints, premium sketchbooks, charcoal pencils, acrylics, brushes

~LORETTE~ “Up next, we have Ava Sterling!” A round of applause spreads across the hall as the host calls her name. From where I sit, I watch Nate lean toward her, pressing a brief kiss against her forehead before whispering something too low for me to hear. Whatever he says makes her smile softly, her nervousness easing before she rises to her feet. The sight alone almost turns my stomach. How shameless! Still, I force myself to look away before bitterness completely swallows me whole. I have more important things to focus on right now than my husband and his mistress playing happy family in public. Ava walks confidently toward the stage, graceful and elegant as always, earning admiring glances from several people in the crowd. Once an empty canvas is placed before her, she sets her supplies down neatly and immediately gets to work. And annoyingly enough, she is good. Expert-level good. Even before she finishes, murmurs begin spreading through the hall like w