All Chapters of CLAIMED BY MY STEPBROTHER : Chapter 11 - Chapter 18

ELYSIA. The drive to the event venue was soaked in deafening silence and the low purr of the engine. I fumbled with my nails, resisting the urge to bite my lips. Guilt ate me as fast as a bunny ate a carrot but I didn't even know how to start speaking to him, what to say, or even how to say it. And before I knew it, he had already stopped the car. I blinked out of my trance, staring at the serene mansion in front of me. Built in a typical old-money style, that oozed elegance and charisma, yet still had the charm of trendiness. Zane played the perfect gentleman, stretching his hand to me after opening the car door. If I weren't so quiet and more absorbed in wanting to apologize about the way I had spoken to him last night, I would've dropped a quote of sarcasm. "Thank you," I muttered, he hummed in response, shutting the door and locking it. I just realized, with the way I was dressed, I wasn't going as a mere employee. I looked more like a plus-one to a ball. I didn't say this

ELYSIA. He left me in the middle of nowhere, I waited for minutes but he never came back. I ordered for an Uber after I noticed the weather wasn't friendly and Zane would not return. I wanted to get angry, but then he was my boss, wasn't he? He had every right to do what he did right? The rain started the minute I arrived home, it was a close call. Until this minute, I still have no idea why I cried when I got home.And it's better left unattended to. I got dressed in a pink sweater with a small cutout at the front that showed a little bit of skin, and a white high-waisted skirt with a small slit on the right thigh, a little pink purse that I placed my phone in before leaving my room. Mum stopped when she saw me, she was standing a few feet from the stairs. "Are you headed somewhere?""Yeah, to Nova's.""Alright then, send my regards." She smiled."Maybe when I'm back, you'll tell me about your honeymoon." "Deal." She grinned and kissed my forehead, stroking my hair gently afte

ELYSIA. "Let me see," Zane said, it didn't sound like a request. It sounded more like an order. I turned sideways, my breath hitched when I felt his fingers graze my cheek, it was on the spot Ryan had slapped, and it stung. But right now, the only thing I could feel was the tickles the tip of his fingers brought to my cheeks. I felt my cheeks heat up, and I swallowed hard. I wanted him to take his fingers off, wad it because I was flushed at what happened? I was unusually jittery at the moment. I squirmed slightly, and he pulled his hand away, finally. "That looks bad." His brows were creased in a deep frown. "Does anywhere else hurt?""No." I shook my head; it was an impulsive response. He held my hand and took me in his car. When he opened the door, the elbow grazed my arm, and I winced. He paused, stared at the arm he just nudged, and held my hand again. The sleeve of my shirt had a cut and blood had stained the cloth. "You just said--""I... I had no idea. I just felt it." I

ELYSIA. Shaken was simply an understatement for my reaction. I have no idea how I was taken away from that place, but when I was finally able to breathe, I noticed we were already in the car. And on our way home. Home. I wanted to be there so much. I wanted to hug Mom until I felt better. I wanted to be away from... His presence. His side. The pictures kept appearing, vividly—the fresh blood, his wide eyes, his lips that were parted in shock. I'm sure even he didn't believe he would be killed that way. It was unexpected. It was silent. My brows creased when I noticed Zane took another route. It wasn't where I was familiar with. I wanted to ask where I was going, but it was either that I was too shocked that my tongue was literally tied and unable to form a word, or I was just too scared to even speak to Zane. Or maybe it was both. I stared out the window. I wanted to unwind the car glass, but my whole muscles felt stiff. It was impossible to even move a finger. I watched