In Love With My Evil Stepbrother

Chapter 58: Back To the House Mom breaks down in fresh tears again when she sees me. I can’t get her to stop crying. Eventually, Mr. Ramirez comes forward and try to soothe her. But mom immediately turns against him, “What do you mean everything is OK?

This is my only daughter! And your son took her out and injured her on our anniversary party!”

I sit awkwardly on the bed twisting fingers in anxiety and don’t know what to say. I hate that mom is accusing Eason of my injury. She didn’t know that Eason did everything he could to save my ass. But nor can I tell her the truth now…since a man’s life was involved.

Amidst the silence, Ms. Griswold speaks up in an expressionless voice, “My son has nothing to do with this.”

Mom’s face turns an ugly purple. She jumps up like a furious hen trying to project her baby chicks and points a finger at Ms. Griswold, “How dare you! It’s him who took her out and we haven’t even heard a single word of explanation from him yet! How can you be so sure that he’s not involved?”

Ms. Griswold gives her a short, derisive smile, “Why don’t you ask your daughter? She’s right here and I bet she can tell a more credible story than Eason.”

Mom snaps her head at me and asks harshly, “Nat? Tell her the truth. It’s Eason, isn’t it! What was he trying to do to you?”

Three pairs of eyes fix on me at the same time and the pressure is crushing me down.

Should I say it? Should I tell them the truth? I open my mouth slightly and suddenly notice that Mr. Ramirez slightly shakes his head at me. I immediately swallow back everything I was about to say.

“What?” mom notices my hesitation and snaps. “What were you trying to say?” Mr. Ramirez places her hand on my mom’s shoulder and says, “Let’s give her a break. Natalia has had a long day.”

Mom sighs deeply and lapses into silence. But I can tell that she’s disappointed. From her perspective, she is probably thinking that I’m ganging up with Eason to keep her in the dark.

“Mom, I’ll be fine,” I take a quick look at Ms. Griswold and turn to mom again.” You should just focus on your anniversary for now. Didn’t you book a trip with Mr. Ramirez earlier? Go on that trip and enjoy yourself, OK?”

now. But mom clearly doesn’t get my hint. She gives me a gloomy look and whispers,” …just worry about

bed and let out

want to protect Eason. There seems to be no way to achieve both at the same

“Where have you been?”

this?” I complaint. “I don’t know what to tell them. Do they know about…Zack?” I lower my voice at the mention of Zack’s name, afraid that I might

my face and laughs, “Don’t worry.

“No?”

secret to anyone; but if the police find out that Eason is behind this, Eason will definitely go to jail. “Does anyone know?” I ask urgently. “Does Mr. Ramirez know?” “Dad didn’t ask me directly, but I think he knows,” he studies my face. “You are not feeling sorry for that

are not ashamed of it. It’s like a family motto. You should get use to this if you are to be part of this family.”

kind of family. The family that belongs

giggle and lean in to hug him. I feel so happy right now. I doubt there is anything in the world that can ruin my happiness. “Hey,” I rest my head on his chest and whisper. “I have a

***

to normal again. But mom and Mr. Ramirez seem to be having a silent war with each other, while Ms. Griswold decides to stay a bit longer in the city. “Why on earth is she staying?” I complaint to Eason. “Sorry I know she’s your mom, but I just can’t help but wonder why?” “Don’t worry. She won’t stay long. She’s just here to talk business with dad’s company.” “I know, but…” I shake my head, feeling even more anxious. “Mom cancelled their anniversary trip to Barbuda.

idea very amusing. “Don’t worry. My mother is a total control freak. Dad won’t come back to her

“What? No! I don’t want to set foot into that dreadful place ever again in

blame the house. You just need some happy memories to replace the sad ones,” he suggests. “And we can bring Jenna and James. The four of us can have the

are practically unseparated

so. Yeah?” I nod and

of us drive back to the country house

as the day of the party, with all the decoration, flowers and lights. I

to settle our luggage, while I take the time to show Jenna around and

of a family are you marrying into?” she gasps while admiring the