Chapter 10

Chapter 10

His father cleared his throat. "He's in the study if you want to catch up."

The idea made Jonathan's stomach turn. The last thing he wanted was to see his brother right now. He could already picture the smug look on his face, the patronizing way he always spoke to him, as if Jonathan were still a kid who needed guidance.

"I'll see him later," Jonathan said, his tone flat. He didn't give them time to respond as he turned and made his way out of the living room, his fists still clenched tight. He could feel the tension building, the weight of being in his brother's shadow pressing down on him like always.

Once outside, he exhaled sharply, his mind racing. No matter how much he tried to escape it, the comparison, the resentment, the feeling of being second best—it always came back, especially whenever his brother reappeared in his life.

Great, he thought, running a hand through his hair. Just what I needed.

Jonathan forced himself to push the thoughts away, though it was easie