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THE BOW
Last Updated:
2025-03-19 15:25:17
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MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN THE HEART HAS CHOSEN
BELLA’S POVI lie on the warm stone, feeling the sun soaking into my skin. The heat comforts me for a moment, and I close my eyes, hoping the peace of the world around me will somehow ease the storm inside. But it doesn't. It never does.My thoughts are a whirlwind, spinning in every direction. I want to go home. I need to see my father, to make sure he’s okay. I need to be with Katherine, to help her through this endless grief. I hate being out here, alone in this cave, while they suffer back home.Katherine, my mother... I can still see her face when she heard the news. The horrible, heart-wrenching news. I know she’s barely holding it together, and my father... I think he’s just as lost. He’s always been the strong one, but now I wonder how much more he can take.I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be hiding out in some cave when my family needs me. But... it’s complicated. More complicated than I could ever explain. Joe... Joe is my brother, my stepbrother, but the feelings I have fo
Last Updated : 2025-03-19MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN MAN TO MAN TALK
JOE’S POVI am alone in the cave, the fire crackling nearby as the meat roasts over it. The smell is comforting, filling the space with a warm, rich aroma that makes my stomach growl. But even that can’t calm the knot of anxiety that twists in my chest. I’m restless, not able to focus on anything other than the chaos swirling inside me. I can feel Bella’s absence like a weight, like I’m incomplete without her near me.I’m lost in thoughts of her when I hear footsteps approaching, light but steady. I look up to see Jayden stepping into the cave. He’s holding something in his hands—some tools, probably to help with the fire. I don’t respond to him, just turn back to the meat, poking at it with a stick. There’s something about him that I can’t shake, a sense of quiet tension that’s been there ever since we met.Jayden stands there for a moment, and then, without waiting for permission, he moves closer to the fire. He sets his things down and begins adjusting the meat on the spit. His voi
Last Updated : 2025-03-19MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN PLANNING THE RETURM
JOE’S POVThe sun is low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the horizon. The cave is quiet; the only sound the crackling of the fire and the distant rustle of leaves in the breeze. Bella and I sit together, the weight of the decision to leave heavy between us. The journey ahead is uncertain and full of risks and dangers, but it’s time. We can’t stay here forever.Jayden stands by the entrance, his posture tense as he watches the path ahead, like he’s waiting for something. His face is drawn, serious, but his eyes betray the worry he’s trying to hide. He’s been nothing but helpful to us during this time, but I know he’s concerned. I can feel it in the air, thick like the smoke from the fire.“Joe,” Bella says, her voice soft, almost a whisper. She looks at me, her eyes searching mine. “Are you sure about this? I don’t want to cause more trouble. I don’t want to put anyone else in danger. Not after everything that’s happened.”I take her hand in mine, squeezing it gently. “We don’t ha
Last Updated : 2025-03-19MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN VULNERABLE
I stroll into Katherine’s room, the weight of the situation feeling like a beardown on me. My legs are just shuffling, without enough strength. My heart is heavy, with the aftermath of my actions. If that cursed relationship between me and Joe did not exist, if I never met that son of a bitch, all this chaos would never have happened. That accident would never have happened. We would not have resulted to go into hiding and make everyone believe that we were dead for three good weeks. And my father and Katherine would not have been hurt and tormented like this.I sit beside her, her state still the same, still, with her eyes shut. Looking at her, I blame myself for this. It is not only Joe that I dragged into my web of problems, but his mother as well. I am ruining their lives; the lives of everyone that means so dear to me hang in the balance of jeopardy because of me. I can’t even tell how this will end. I can’t tell who is next to be dragged into this. I already have Mr. Jonathan an
Last Updated : 2025-03-24MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN A GLIPSE OF LIAM'S PLAN
Joe leans his head against mine, his shoulders trembling. "What if it's not enough? What if she never wakes up?"His words are laced with despair, and it pierces through me like a blade. I've seen Joe face countless dangers with unwavering resolve, but seeing him now, breaking under the weight of his mother's condition shatters something in me."We can't think like that," I whisper fiercely, holding him tighter. "She definitely will get through this, Joe. And so are you. You have to believe that she will come back to us."Joe takes a deep breath, his chest rising and falling against mine. When he pulls away, his eyes are bloodshot, but there's a flicker of determination in them. He nods, brushing the tears from his face. "You're right. We'll fight for her."I place a soft kiss on Katherine's hand, as if it could somehow transfer strength to her. "I'll leave you two alone for a bit," I say, standing up and giving Joe's shoulder one last squeeze.He nods without looking at me, his focus
Last Updated : 2025-03-24MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN A TOUGH DECISION
The night sky is clear, the moon glowing bright and casting a silvery light over everything around us. The stars are scattered like tiny diamonds on a black canvas, and the quiet hum of crickets fills the air. Jayden and I sit outside the mansion on an old wooden bench, the chilly breeze brushing against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. It is peaceful; actually, this was my mother’s favorite spot. I remember all the stories we shared, all the memories that are still treasured deep in my heart. Memories, really never die. It has been years, yet it feels like it was just yesterday that we sat here, talking, laughing, and making memories.I glance at Jayden from the corner of my eye. He is sitting beside me, his hands resting on his knees, his posture rigid. He looks like he is lost in thought, his gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the darkness.I would have loved to be with Joe right now. My Joe. My sweet Joe. A slight smile sweeps across my lips at the thought of him, but it fades
Last Updated : 2025-03-24MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN SOMETHING TO RETHINK
"It is not about what I want, Jayden," I say finally, my voice trembling but firm. "Because if that was the case, I would stay right here.""Then what is it? Don't you trust me? Us?" He asks."It also not about trust, because I saw how you fought for us even when we were merely strangers to you, and even when you and Joe crashed on every single thing. This is about what I have to do. What needs to be done for the greater good of everyone? I will never forgive myself if something happens to Joe, you, and everyone else because of me. I want to prevent that at all costs.""Even if you have to hurt him? Can you bear Joe being mad at you? The man has a temper and an ego, you know. This might cause a rift between you two. So, can you handle it?"Temper and ego? I am aware of that. And I am actually more worried about how Joe will react to this than Jayden is. But as I said, I have to do this. Love is understanding. He will get mad at first, but I am sure he will understand why I had to do t
Last Updated : 2025-03-24MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN A FATHER'S PLAN
I hear his footsteps before I see him, the sound slow but deliberate, each step carrying the weight of emotions I am not ready to face. When I glance up, our gazes lock. He is standing a few feet away, his silhouette framed by the soft glow of the porch light, but his cool does not stop me from springing to face, shaking.“Dad? How…how long have you been there?” I ask, and I think the best question would have how much he has heard.He walks closer, standing a step in front of me. His expression not changing. “Not much, but I am curious about the little that I heard.”That made me to breath out the air I did not know I was holding, releaf washing over me. Thank goodness that was all that he heard. He can never know about me and Joe. I hope he never does because he will not only be disaapointed at us, but that will kill him too. Then again, for how long will we manage to keep this a secret now that we are all under the same roof?“Bella,” my father speaks, his voice steady yet tinged wi
Last Updated : 2025-03-24
Latest chapter
MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN THE END OF EVIL
"Not yet, Bella," I turn to Daniel as he speaks. Wait, the last I checked, he was in prison. When and how did he get out? "Your guy here had everything lined up for this grand ending!"Huh?I turn to Joe. "What is he talking about?"Joe takes some papers from his jacket and hands them to me. I take them, and I see Leon's name printed at the top.The only thing I get from the first few lines of the first page states that I will be the sole owner of B&L company from now on. With all the trust I have for Joe, I don't need to keep reading. Whatever he does, he always has my best interests at heart. And it seems he had well prepared for this ending more than I did. This is indeed a good closure. Soon, somehow, I will thank him dearly for all this.I throw the papers at Leon's face. "Sign them," I order, throwing the papers in front of him."What...what are these papers for? There is no way I am signing something without knowing what it is for. Besides, I need my lawyer to go through them f
MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN PUNISHING THE CULPRITS
I nod, my eyes not leaving Leon's as I slap the truth that he has hidden so well. "Yes. His real name is Desmond Erasto! Brother to Officer Jayden.""Officer Jayden?" Three voices chorus together, and if there is one person who is about to pee on his pants upon hearing of that name, it is this fool."Yes!" I affirm, making sure my next words drill straight to Leon. "Thanks to you, Leon or Desmond or whatever your fucking name is. Your brother is now a police officer, and guess why he became one? To seek justice for his beautiful mother, whom you killed!""Shut the fuck up!"Ooh, the jerk has the energy, the roar, huh? He looks like he would slit my throat with his claws right this second if he could. Truth indeed really hurts, right? He has hidden behind this mask for years; he has carried the guilt for years, yet he cannot face the truth."Killed? You mean the attempt on our lives was not the first murder he had attempted? He had killed before?" Joe can't believe what is happening."
MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN MEETING THE FOES
The car stops in front of the strange abandoned building after a long, silent twenty-minute drive. I glance at Joe's wristwatch-it reads a quarter to midnight. The place is eerily quiet, as if no living soul has been near this mansion in decades. Or maybe ever. There is nothing else around. Just this massive, eerie structure staring back at us like it has secrets to hide. Or maybe it indeed has, if otherwise, why are we here in the middle of the night? Why did he decide to bring me here instead of taking me back to the house where I am urgently needed?"Where are we? What are we doing here?" I ask, my voice low and cautious. The silence of the place feels suffocating, like even the air is afraid to move.Joe does not answer. He does not even look at me. His eyes remain locked on the tall, shadowy building ahead. His eyes not flickering even once."What is inside that house?" I whisper again, my heart thudding harder with each second he stays quiet."Let's find out," he says, his voice
MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN MISTRUST
The drive has been deadly silent. The night feels as if it is closing in on me. Joe does not look happy with me at all, or at least, he is not okay. He had been avoiding looking my way ever since we got into this car half an hour ago. I want to talk to him so badly because I understand that I fucked up by leaving him in the dark and following my crazy ideas. And I know that hurt him so badly. That was his ego that I touched by trusting Jayden over him.I was about to speak when my phone buzzed on my lap, and I grabbed it fast, checking the message.It is from Jayden. 'I now accept that I will never have a place in your heart. It hurts, but I have to accept it. Thank you for the time that I spent with you. I will never forget that because they are worth keeping. You were right. It is best if we go our separate ways. I may have lost you, but I still have that one drive-justice for my mother. That will keep me going. Good luck to whoever gets to our target first!!!' Yours, Jayden.Shit!
MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN A WARNING
“I thought she was totally disconnected from us. I am glad that she is still with us,” Joe says, a small smile playing on his lips.This feels so overwhelming! We have a new hope, and this can never feel any good. As if pulled by a certain force, I move closer, sealing the gap between us, and I reach for his lips, kissing him gently, a kiss of assurance. He does not waste time but captures my lips, returning the kiss with the same gentleness and passion.Jayden clears his throat from behind me, reminding us that we are not in our own world as we thought. Unwillingly, we break the kiss, and we take a moment to just admire each other, again, forgetting that there is someone else in the room.“We should start heading home. We don’t know when Father will be awake,” Joe says, and I nod my head.“Well, excuse me, here!” Jayden speaks, making us turn to him. He looks pissed, and his looks speak of disapproval.“Mr. Man, what is she now, huh? Something you can control the way you want? Are yo
MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN IRONING THE PLAN
I take a shaky breath, the weight of the room pressing down on me like a storm ready to explode. My eyes dart between Joe and Jayden, their standoff pulling me into a whirlpool of confusion and dread. Every nerve in my body feels raw, screaming with fear. Things never end well whenever these two clash. I hid from Joe and ran off with Jayden, and I could see the anger and suspicion in Joe’s eyes, which made today’s encounter feel even worse.Joe’s eyes burn into mine, searching for answers I can’t give him right now. His presence feels overwhelming, his possessiveness like chains tightening around me. Jayden stands tall, his calm demeanor barely masking the fire beneath. He has always been the rational one, the protector, but now he is as much a threat to my fragile sanity as Joe is.“Joe,” I finally manage to whisper, my voice trembling. “What are you doing here? How did you…”“How did I find you two?” He cuts me off, his voice calm but harsh. “Of all the things you could do, Bella, y
MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN THE CLASH
I pace back and forth in the room, my fists clenched tight at my sides. My mind feels like it is spinning, and actually, it is indeed spinning badly. On one hand, I want to at least grant Jayden this one wish. After everything he has done for me, he deserves it. But how can it deny me the one thing that I can’t let go? Why did he have to ask only for this of all the things? Well, of course, with the exception of loving him. I would have really loved to grant him even just this one wish.But I can’t!My heart is burning crimson with the wrath I feel for that jerk. My desire to seek revenge for what that moron did to me is unquenchable and unstoppable. That is why I had to even run away from my father just so I could achieve this. How can I just drop it like that?“You and I know that Leon is not alone in this, Bella,” Jayden starts again, standing so close to me, his voice soft. “He has people, and you also mentioned that some of the people have other motives to want to hurt you. You c
MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN POINT OF CONFLICT
Jayden’s gaze locks onto mine, and I see something in his eyes that chills me to the bone. His grip on my hand tightens, so hard that it is almost painful. “Because, Bella,” he says, his voice grave, “Desmond Erasto is Leon.”Time seems to stop. The name echoes in my mind, but it doesn’t connect. “What?” I say, my voice barely audible.“Leon,” Jayden repeats. “The man who has caused you so much pain, who took everything from you. The man that you are after is the same man that I have been chasing since I became a police officer.”“No,” I whisper, shaking my head. “That’s not possible. That can’t be true.”“I didn’t know at first either,” Jayden admits. “He has changed his name, his appearance, everything. But the pieces began to fit when I started looking into him after everything he has done to you. The way he operates, his greed, his hunger for power—and on the day that I was attacked in the forest, he was among his goons. We had a gun exchange encounter. I bruised him so close with
MY STEPBROTHER'S RETURN THE TWIST
The silence stretches to eternity, cutting through the space between us. Jayden looks lost, as if his mind has been triggered. He looks like there is a very painful episode playing in his mind, causing me to walk closer.“Jayden?” I call, but instead of looking at me, he shuts his eyes, pain evident. But pain over what? I just asked a question about this seemingly new character of interest in this story.Why is he triggered like this?“Talk to me, Jayden, please. Who is Desmond Erasto, and what do I have to do with him?” I ask, still sinking into confusion.I lift my head, my heart already pounding. The recent situations have taught me to brace myself for the worst lately, but nothing could prepare me for what he says next.“Desmond Erasto... he is my brother. My long-lost wicked brother!”I blink at him, the words not making sense. Actually, I am drawn into more confusion here. He has a brother? “Your brother?”Jayden nods slowly, his eyes clouded with memories. He pulls up two chair
