All Chapters of A Bully For A StepBrother. : Chapter 91 - Chapter 100

(SLADE'S POV)Dinner was a nightmare.The dining room was too bright, the chandelier casting harsh light across the polished table. The silverware gleamed like knives, and the air was thick with tension that made it hard to breathe.I sat at one end of the table, my father at the other. Between us, Shanice and Makaira sat side by side, and across from them, Sakura presided like a queen surveying her kingdom.The old woman's eyes were sharp, calculating. She watched everything—the way I looked at Makaira, the way Makaira refused to look at me, the way my father's jaw tightened every time Sakura spoke."Shanice, darling," Sakura said, her voice smooth as silk, "this roast is absolutely divine. You must give me the recipe."Shanice smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course, Sakura. I'll write it down for you before you leave.""Leave?" Sakura laughed, light and musical. "Oh, I'm not leaving anytime soon. Not until we've settled this custody matter."I felt my grip tighten on my fo

(KAIRA'S POV)The morning sun streamed through my window, but I felt no warmth.I had barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Slade's face, heard his voice, felt his hands on mine. The memory of his confession echoed in my mind, haunting me."I love you, Kaira."The words should have made me happy. They should have been everything I wanted to hear. But all I felt was confusion, and pain, and a deep, aching fear that I couldn't shake.I had walked away from him. I had told him I needed space. And now I was left with the aftermath of that decision, wondering if I had made the biggest mistake of my life.By the time I got to school, I was a wreck. My eyes were puffy from crying, my hair was a mess, and I'd barely managed to throw on a pair of jeans and a sweater.Cameron found me at my locker, his eyes widening as he took in my appearance."Oh, honey." His voice was soft, filled with concern. "What happened? You look like you've been through a war.""I feel like I've been throug

(KAIRA'S POV)The restaurant was everything I expected from Sakura.It was tucked away in a corner of PineCrest that I'd never explored, hidden behind a nondescript facade that gave no hint of the elegance within. But the moment we stepped through the door, I was transported to another world—a world of soft lighting, hushed conversations, and the gentle clinking of crystal glasses.The maître d' greeted Sakura by name, his bow deep and respectful. Clearly, she was a regular here. He led us to a private booth in the corner, away from the other diners, where we could talk without being overheard."Sit, sit." Sakura gestured to the plush velvet seat across from her. "I hope you're hungry. The food here is exceptional."I slid into the booth, my eyes taking in the surroundings. The walls were lined with rich mahogany panels, the tables draped in white linen, the candles flickering in their crystal holders. It was the kind of place I'd only ever seen in movies."It's beautiful," I said sof

(KAIRA'S POV)I woke up feeling lighter than I had in weeks.The morning sun streamed through my curtains, casting warm golden light across my room. For a moment, I just lay there, letting the peace wash over me. No anxiety. No fear. Just... peace.Last night had changed everything.My conversation with Mum had lifted a weight I hadn't even realized I was carrying. She loved me. She wanted me. I wasn't a burden, wasn't in the way. I was her daughter, and she would fight for me.And Slade... Slade had told me he loved me. He had asked me to stay.For the first time in a long time, I felt like I knew where I belonged.I got dressed carefully, choosing a soft cream sweater and my favorite jeans. I even took a little extra time with my hair, letting it fall in loose waves around my shoulders. I wanted to feel confident today. I wanted to feel like myself.When I walked into the dining room, the entire Horton family was already there.Tom sat at the head of the table, his newspaper folded

(KAIRA'S POV)Slade's hand was warm around mine as he led me through the crowded hallway.I could feel the eyes of every student on us—the whispers, the stares, the judgment. But Slade didn't seem to notice. Or if he did, he didn't care. His focus was solely on me, his grip firm and steady, his pace purposeful."Where are we going?" I asked, my voice breathless."Somewhere private," he said without looking back. "Somewhere no one can find us."I ignited the way my stomach churned and followed him closely, behind. He led me down a corridor I'd never noticed before, past a janitor's closet and a row of lockers that looked like they hadn't been used in years. At the end of the hallway was a narrow stairwell, steep and dark, leading upward."Come on." He tugged me forward, his hand never leaving mine.We climbed the stairs, our footsteps echoing in the silence. My heart was pounding, but not from the exertion. It was from the anticipation, the uncertainty, the thrill of being alone with