All Chapters of Forbidden Desires! With My Stepbrother: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

ELLIANA'S POVAs the day wore on, I struggled to focus on my classes. My mind kept wandering back to Jeffrey and his threats.In math class, Kora tried to quiz me on the day's lesson, but I just shook my head. "I don't know, Kora. I wasn't paying attention."Kora frowned, concerned. "Ellie, what's going on? You're not yourself today."I just shrugged, trying to brush it off. "I'm fine, Kora. Just stressed."But Kora knew me too well. She saw right through my facade. "It's something more, isn't it? Something's bothering you."I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But Kora's kind eyes encouraged me to open up. "It's just...family stuff, Kora. I'll deal with it."Kora nodded, her expression understanding. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you."I smiled weakly, grateful for her support.The rest of the day passed in a blur. I went through the motions, but my heart wasn't in it.In English class, Tom caught my eye, his expression questioning. I just shook my head, trying to reassu

ELLIANA'S POV"I don't believe you, Tom," I said, pulling away from him. "If you really cared about me, you wouldn't have kissed someone else."Tom's expression turned annoyed. "Ellie, it's just a kiss. Don't make a big deal out of it."I shook my head, feeling a sting from his words. "Just a kiss? You're really going to downplay it like that?"Tom sighed. "Look, we're not even dating, Ellie. We're just...whatever this is. A secret thing. Don't act like you have a claim on me."His words cut deep, and I felt a wave of sadness wash over me. "Maybe I don't have a claim on you, Tom. But I thought we had something real."Tom shrugged. "We do, Ellie. But it's not exclusive. We never said it was."I felt my jealousy spike, and I knew I needed to get out of there before I said something I'd regret. "Forget it, Tom. Just forget it."I stormed out of the party, leaving Tom and his careless words behind. As I walked away, I knew I shouldn't be worried about Tom meeting other girls. But my jealo

ELLIANA'S POVAs we walked out of the restaurant, Tom's arm brushed against mine, sending a spark of electricity through my body. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, knowing that I was leading him on, all while keeping secrets with his father. The cool night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, but I couldn't enjoy it, my mind consumed by the tangled web of relationships I had found myself in."Thanks for tonight, Tom," I said, trying to sound casual, as if I wasn't hiding a million secrets. "I had a great time."Tom smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and my heart skipped a beat. I felt like I was living a double life, one where I was carefree and laughing with Tom, and another where I was trapped in a cycle of secrets and lies with his father."Anytime, Ellie," Tom said, his voice low and smooth. "I'm always happy to spend time with you."We walked in silence for a moment, the only sound being the crunch of gravel beneath our feet. The streetlights

ELLIANA'S POV"Tom's been complaining about you getting closer to Max," Jeffery said, his voice neutral.I was dumbfounded. "What? That's none of his business!"Jeffery shrugged. "Tom thinks you're his, Ellie. He doesn't want you near his rival."I stood up, my anger boiling over. "Tom and you need to stop interfering in my life! I can make my own decisions."Jeffery raised an eyebrow. "Ellie, calm down..."But I was beyond reason. "No, Jeffery! You and Tom need to back off. I'm not some prize to be won."I stormed out of Jeffery's room, slamming the door behind me. I couldn't believe their audacity. Who did they think they were, trying to control me like that?As I walked away, I heard Jeffery's voice behind me. "Ellie, wait! You don't understand..."But I didn't want to hear it. I was done with their games. I was going to live my life on my own terms, not theirs.I went straight to my room, locking the door behind me. I needed some time to process everything. Tom's possessiveness, J

ELLIANA'S POVAs Madam called out the pairs, my heart skipped a beat. I was paired with Tom."Great," Tom muttered, as we exchanged a wary glance. "Just what I needed. More time with you."I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my own apprehension. This was going to be interesting. Madam smiled, noticing our uneasy glances. "Don't worry, my dear. This new pairing is just for this activity. Afterward, you'll return to your original partners."I breathed a sigh of relief, but Tom just scowled."So, Elliana and Tom, you'll work together to navigate the obstacle course," Madam continued. "Remember, trust and communication are key."Tom and I exchanged a skeptical look, but Madam just chuckled. "I have faith in you both. Let's get started!"As we blindfolded ourselves, I felt a surge of anxiety. How could I trust Tom, after everything we'd been through?"Ready?" Tom asked gruffly, his hand on my arm.I nodded, trying to relax. "Ready."Tom guided me forward, his voice low and hesitant. "Step up