Chapter 19
Chapter 19
The Storm family worked hard to protect my reputation by completely concealing the incident.
I took a six–month leave from school, which they simply attributed to illness.
The Pierce family claimed their son was studying abroad, though he was actually serving time. I heard they paid handsomely to secure connections, yet he still received a five–year sentence.
The Pierce family once had business dealings with ours but cut all ties afterward.
Victor’s development into such a monster certainly reflected on his parents.
“Just kids playing around–why blow this so out of proportion?”
“Besides, there was no real harm done. Why damage relations between our families?”
Disgusting.
Now the Pierce family was at its peak, far beyond what our family could challenge.
I overheard Maddox shouting into his phone outside my door:
“Listen Trisha, this is your LAST fucking warning! Keep that goddamn monster brother of yours AWAY from my
sister! I swear to God, if he comes near her again, losing one leg will be the LEAST of his problems!”
Why was Victor lame? And why was his face covered in scars?
Maddox never told me. In our household, Victor Pierce’s name was taboo.
I wanted to ask Maddox, but seeing his hand trembling around the phone, I remained silent.
I’d met Trisha Pierce in high school–Victor’s sister and Maddox’s classmate.
A beautiful young woman who, despite her family’s preference for sons, lived life on her own terms.
The night of the incident, Maddox had said on the phone:
“Your brother’s making his move–you know, on Trisha Pierce. You’ve met her. The rain isn’t heavy–just grab a taxi.”
Later, I never saw her.
Maddox must be suffering too.
After a month’s recovery at home, I felt considerably better. There was no point torturing my present self with past horrors.
I asked to return to work.
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Secretly Dating My Brother’s BFF… Until His Hotter Rival Stole the Spotlight
Chapter 19
After much persuasion, my parents agreed, hiring bodyguards and a driver to escort me to and from work.
Under their watchful eyes, I climbed into the backseat, wedged between two burly men who barely left me room to
wave goodbye.
The bodyguards‘ job was to deliver me to my apartment door, refusing to leave until they saw me safely inside.
But as soon as I entered the elevator, I encountered Raine carrying several shopping bags. He averted his eyes, pretending not to recognize me.
I asked impatiently: “What are you doing here?”
He stammered: “It’s convenient… close to work. Actually, I moved into the floor above yours. We’re neighbors now. If anything happens, just call for me.”
…His company was on the opposite side of town.
As I reached my floor and exited, he called after me:
“I left my spare key under your doormat. If you get scared, come up anytime.”
I ignored him and pulled out my keys.
Just then, the door across from mine suddenly opened.
Julian Storm, carrying trash, stood face–to–face with me.
I froze–as did Raine in the elevator.
“No wonder the apartment opposite yours wouldn’t sell at any price, you…”
Before he could finish, the elevator doors closed.
After dismissing the bodyguards, I greeted Julian: “Uncle Julian, what are you doing here?”
Without speaking, he approached me.
My breath caught as he slowly crouched down, retrieved the key from under the mat, and pocketed it.
“If you need anything, come to me. I’m very close by.”
He wore cream–colored loungewear and smelled of fresh shower gel. It smelled incredible–I should ask what brand
he used.
Looking at someone like him, I simply couldn’t imagine his hands covered in blood.
Fragments of memory collapsed and reformed, blurry pieces suddenly overlapping.
His hand, gripping a broken beer bottle, smashing it into a man’s face repeatedly.
Him saying don’t be afraid, his approaching footsteps halted by my terrified scream.
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Secretly Dating My Brother’s BFF… Until His Hotter Rival Stole the Spotlight
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Chapter 19
Lost in these thoughts, I wanted to ask him, but his phone rang.
The screen displayed “Old Man,” and he pushed me back toward my door.
As he closed it, I heard him say gently: “Good night.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.