Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother novel Chapter 222

Chapter 221

words.

‘Til fall deeper…”

But those words were enough to unravel Rester. I couldn’t let him get the slightest hint that I had fallen for him. It would be his

ruin.

He looked like I had slapped him.

I wanted to turn away–because staring into those stormy eyes while I said this felt like self–mutilation—but I didn’t. I owed him the dignity of my gaze.

“I know what this has been for you,” I said, my tone growing softer now and bitter at the edges. “Something wild. Something thrilling. But it’s not love. Not feally. It’s… adrenaline. A forbidden fruit. A distraction.”

His chest rose. “Don’t. Don’t reduce it like that.”

“And you-” I swallowed hard. “You don’t get to break June’s heart just because you think you can. If you go through with this engagement… then go through with the marriage, too. Don’t come looking for me afterward. Don’t knock on my door at midnight or call my name like it still belongs to you. Because once you put that ring on her finger, Kester, it’s over.”

His face contorted, pain bleeding into fury. “That’s not fair. I just need time to-”

“I don’t care,” I whispered, lying through my teeth. “Four more days, Kester. That’s all we have left to drown in this secret of ours. You have every right to my body for the next four days. So, enjoy the thrill while it lasts. But know this-” I took a breath so sharp it nearly cut my lungs, “-once you’re engaged, I will never let you anywhere near me again.”

Silence.

He stood there, his whole body vibrating with emotion that I was sure he didn’t know where to place.

And I just stared at him, even as my vision blurred with the tears I refused to shed.

My heart was screaming, ‘Tell him you love him.‘

But my mouth wouldn’t dare betray me.

Because love was reckless.

And love with him was ruin.

Chapter Comments

POST COMMENT NOW

01

SHARE

Chapter 222

It rang again immediately like she had been poised with her thumb above the call button, ready for my rejection.

across from my desk, arms crossed while his posture was stiff with confusion or concern–I couldn’t tell which, and I didn’t care enough to ask

My phone buzzed on the table,

I didn’t look at it immediately. The vibration skittered across the surface like an insect, and it irritated me to my core.

I already knew who it was. This was the sixth time this morning I was getting a text.

I finally dragged my gaze to the screen to see what she had said this time around.

June: What should I wear for dinner tonight? I’m thinking that blue dress your mother said made me look ‘respectable…

My jaw ticked. I didn’t answer.

She was talking about the dinner my parents had planned–one of those performative family gatherings to make June feel like she was already part of the family legacy. A pre–engagement, pre–dowry, pre–prison celebration. It felt more like a funeral with wine and fake laughter because that’s all it would be for mě.

The phone buzzed again.

This time, she was calling.

I ignored the call with a hiss.

It rang again immediately like she had been poised with her thumb above the call button, ready for my rejection.