Betrayed by All, Loved by My Stepbrother Chapter 05
Scarlett
At two in the morning, I sat on the edge of my bed, tears long dried up.
Scenes from dinner replayed in my mind like knives repeatedly cutting into my heart.
Emily’s tenderness toward Victoria, Harrison’s doting
–“This affection, and those words that stung me- should have been my room.”
“I don’t have a place in this family anymore,” I whispered to the empty air.
Twenty years. For twenty whole years! I had considered this my home, thought of them as my real
parents. And now? The moment their biological daughter returns, I’m nothing.
I stood up angrily and began stuffing things haphazardly into my suitcase.
“Since you all want me gone, I’ll go!” I gritted my teeth as tears started flowing again.
[Don’t be rash, honey]
[Running away isn’t the solution]
[Wait for your brother]
That damn comment system appeared again, but this time with a strange urgency in its tone.
“Nobody will care if I leave or not.” I wiped my tears. and continued packing. Clothes, makeup, documents… I mechanically stuffed everything I could take into the suitcase.
Dragging the heavy luggage, I tiptoed toward the door. Each step down the staircase felt like a countdown to my departure.
The dim light in the hall stretched my shadow, like the last trace I would leave in this house.
My hand had just touched the doorknob when a deep voice came from behind me: “Where are you going so late?”
My heart nearly jumped out of my throat as I spun around. Alexander emerged from the study, documents still in hand, clearly having been working.
The dim hallway light cast shadows across his face, making his expression particularly inscrutable,
“I… I just wanted to get some air,” I lied nervously, trying to hide the suitcase behind me.
Alexander’s gaze fell on the luggage behind me, his brow furrowing deeply: “Getting some air with a
suitcase?”
Busted.
[He’s been waiting for you]
[He knew you would try to leave]
[He can’t bear to see you go]
The comment system’s suggestions made my heart race, but I struggled to maintain my composure.
Alexander took a few steps closer, the faint scent of his cologne mingling with the ink from his documents: “Is it because of Victoria?”
This direct question was like a needle, instantly popping my last pretense. Tears flowed uncontrollably.
“I’m just excess baggage in this family now,” my voice broke with emotion. “The real daughter is back-
what’s the point of keeping around the counterfeit version?”
Alexander looked at me silently, his eyes filled with emotions I couldn’t decipher.
“Victoria already wants me out of my room, Emily and Harrison obviously prefer her. And you…” I looked at him, “you’ve been acting strange around her too.”
Alexander remained silent for so long I thought he wouldn’t answer.
Then, he did something completely unexpected–he walked to the sofa, sat down, and patted the space beside him: “Come sit.”
I hesitated, then dragged my suitcase over.
“If you really want to leave,” Alexander’s voice was gentler than I’d ever heard it, “I have a better place for you.”
He pulled out an elegant key from his pocket. A small house–shaped charm dangled from the keychain.
“A downtown apartment. I’ve had it ready for you.”
I was too shocked to speak. The key gleamed silver in the moonlight, like an impossible gift.
“When did you… why would you prepare this?” I finally managed.
Alexander avoided my gaze, looking out the window: ”
I knew you’d need it eventually.”
[He had this planned all along!]
[This is love!]
[He is so thoughtful!]
The comment system exploded, each comment frantically scrolling. My heart was beating so fast it might burst, my hand slightly trembling as I took the key.
The key was warm, as if he’d been holding it in his palm for a very long time.
“Why are you so good to me?” My voice was barely audible.
Alexander finally turned to look at me, his gaze as deep as the night sky, stars twinkling within.
“Because…” he paused, as if carefully choosing his words, “you matter to me.”
Those words were like a stone dropped into still water, creating massive ripples. I felt a security I’d. never experienced before, warmth slowly spreading from my core to my limbs.
“Matter?” I repeated those words. “What… what kind of ‘matter‘?”
Alexander gazed at me intently, his eyes seeming to see right through me. The tension in the air was suffocating. We were only inches apart; I could feel his breath.
“Scarlett,” he said my name, his voice slightly husky,” some things… it’s not the right time yet.”
This answer confused me more, but also filled me with anticipation.
I clutched the key tightly, feeling its warmth. This small key was like a promise–one I had never dared to hope for.
Alexander stood up, straightening his clothes: “The apartment has everything–furniture, appliances, even food in the refrigerator.” He paused. “You can come back anytime.”
[He’s waiting for you to understand his feelings]
[This isn’t just sibling affection]
[Wake up, dummy]
Watching Alexander’s retreating figure, my emotions were a jumbled mess.
“Alexander,” I called after him.
He turned back, the moonlight illuminating his profile, making him look exceptionally handsome.
Is his feeling for me really just brotherly?* I asked myself.
We locked eyes for several seconds, something electric flowing through the air between us, tense yet sweet.
“Thank you,” were the only words I managed, but I felt Alexander could understand everything I wantedto express.
He nodded without saying anything more, then turned and walked toward the stairs.