Chapter 9
The house smelled like fresh flowers and polished wood, the familiar scent of my childhood. mingling with something new–tension. I stood at the entrance with Ryan beside me, his hand resting casually on the small of my back. My heart raced, not because of him, but because I knew who was inside.
My mother’s delighted squeal cut through the air as she rushed to greet us. “Kylie! And, Ryan! It’s been so long!” She pulled me into a tight hug before turning to Ryan with an approving smile. “You’ve gotten even more handsome.”
Ryan chuckled. “Thank you, Mrs. Gray.”
My father gave Ryan a firm handshake, nodding in approval. It all felt too easy–too perfect. Until I saw him.
Jayson sat at the dining table, Fiona beside him, her fingers curled possessively around his arm. His eyes locked on mine, dark and unreadable. My heart betrayed me with a skip, but I quickly looked away, clinging tighter to Ryan’s arm.
Over dinner, my mother gushed about wedding plans.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a double wedding? You and Ryan, and Jayson with Fiona?” Ryan smiled politely but shook his head. “I’d prefer something more intimate for us. Let Jayson and Fiona have the grand celebration first.”
Jayson scoffed, his jaw tight. “Yeah, sure. You two should take your time.” His words were casual, but the underlying bitterness was sharp enough to cut.
I took a deep breath, feeling bold. “Actually, there’s more.” I placed my hand gently on my stomach. “I’m pregnant.”
The room erupted in cheers and congratulations–except from Jayson. His face remained blank, his knuckles white as he gripped his glass.
My mother was over the moon. “A baby! This is wonderful news! A wedding and a grandchild. We should celebrate with a family vacation!”
Ryan agreed immediately. “That sounds perfect.”
Jayson didn’t say much, but his glances lingered on me throughout the evening. Fiona clung to him like a shield, oblivious–or perhaps in denial.
A few days later, we found ourselves at a private beach resort. The salty breeze felt freeing, but he undercurrent of tension followed like a shadow. Ryan stayed close, his protective presence a comfort, but Jayson’s eyes never left me.
Eventually, I found a moment alone, heading back to the villa to shower. The bathroom door had
arely closed when I felt strong arms wrap around my waist from behind.
I know you’re doing this to piss me off,” Jayson’s voice was a low growl against my ear. “How bout we stop pretending?”
shoved him away with all my strength, spinning around and slapping him hard across the face.
Are you insane?” I hissed. “I don’t care about you anymore. You’re my stepbrother, Jayson. Stay n your lane.”
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His eyes darkened, jaw clenching, but I didn’t wait for a response. I stormed out, my heart racing -not from fear, but from the betrayal of my own emotions.
I hated him.
I loved him.
I hated that I loved him.
Fiona wasn’t far behind. She must’ve seen us leave the villa at the same time.
“What were you doing with him?” she snapped, cornering me near the pool.
“Nothing,” I replied, trying to walk past her, but she blocked me.
“Stay away from Jayson,” she hissed, her face twisted with jealousy.
I laughed bitterly. “You should be telling him that. He’s the one who can’t seem to stay away from me.”
Fiona’s face turned red with rage. She lunged at me, yanking my hair and clawing at my arms.
I fought back, shoving her hard enough that she stumbled, but she came at me again, screaming accusations. “You’ve been seducing him all along! You can’t stand that he chose me!”
The commotion drew the attention of our families. My mother rushed out, eyes wide in horror.
“What’s going on?”
Fiona wasted no time. “She’s been flirting with Jayson!
She’s trying to ruin our relationship!”
I was too stunned to respond, my chest heaving from the fight.
“That’s not true!” I finally managed, my voice shaking. “He’s my stepbrother! You’re insane!”
‘Yes, Fiona. They are just close,” my mother added, then my parents turned to Jayson. His answer would either save me or destroy me.
He met my eyes–cold, distant–and then turned to our parents.
‘It’s true,” he said simply. “She’s been seducing me.”
The words hit me harder than Fiona’s fists.
Ryan stepped in, furious. “That’s a lie!”
But the damage was done. My heart felt like it had shattered into pieces, each shard cutting deeper than the last. The stress was too much.
felt the sharp pain first, then the warmth spreading between my legs. I looked down. Blood.
Panic erupted around me as Ryan caught me before I collapsed.
‘Call an ambulance!” he shouted, his voice distant, fading as darkness crept in.
woke up in a sterile hospital room, the harsh white lights making everything feel too real. Ryan sat beside me, his face pale with worry.
‘The baby…” I whispered, my throat dry.
He didn’t have to say it. I already knew.
Gone.
hadn’t recovered yet when Jayson appeared at the door.
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I didn’t hesitate. I slapped him as hard as I could, the sound echoing in the small room.
“You betrayed me again,” I whispered through tears.
Then I leaned in, my voice cold as ice.
“You could’ve had control over me again, perhaps even win me back, but your bitch killed our child, so there is no way in hell I’ll let you near me… ever again! So get lost!”
“That was our child?” Jayson’s face crumpled, and for the first time, I saw regret in his eyes.
But it was too late. The damage was done.
