The Stepbrother’s Hidden Desires

“He woke up with a headache this morning, and the hospital said it’s a concussion. Annabel got into trouble outside, and then someone came to the school. Why should George stand up for her? Mr. Curry, if you favor her again today, I’ll go to the principal!” Zara shouted, banging on the desk as she sat in the chair.

The surrounding teachers tried to calm her down, and someone was sent to fetch Annabel from Class 3.

Zara was relentless. “You know Annabel is a troublemaker at this school, yet you paired her with my son. George’s grades may not be stellar, but he was a good kid overall. Since meeting Annabel, he’s started skipping classes and playing games. Now he’s involved with street thugs.”

David could believe Annabel caused trouble, but George standing up for her? That didn’t fit George’s timid personality at all.

Nancy handed Zara a glass of water and gently advised, “We don’t know the whole story yet. Let’s wait until Annabel gets here to ask her.”

Just then, Paul walked in with Annabel.

Zara recognized Annabel; there were several instances when Annabel had dragged George to play games all night at internet cafes. Zara had found them and scolded them in the middle of the night.

As soon as Annabel stepped into the office, Zara’s finger was almost poking her nose. “If you want to ruin yourself, why drag my son down with you? He’s lying in the hospital because of you!”

Annabel impatiently brushed her hand away. “Get your hand off me. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you can throw a fit. If George got beaten up, ask him why. Why are you asking me?”

David’s face darkened. “Annabel, don’t speak like that!”

Zara, infuriated at being called a shrew, shouted, “George is in the hospital because of you. If not you, then who else?”

Annabel sneered, “Did George say he got hurt because of me?”

“Don’t try to deny it. You always lead him into trouble!”

David, remembering how Annabel had refused to explain yesterday, started to believe Zara’s accusations. He worried Zara might say something even more hurtful and stepped between them, signaling Annabel to stay silent.

“Zara, what’s done is done, and we can’t change that. As their teacher, I bear a lot of responsibility. I apologize for that. How about this: I’ll switch George’s seat to separate them. I’ll also take care of George’s medical bills and help him catch up on any missed lessons. Is that acceptable?”

Zara didn’t respond, so David signaled Annabel again. “Annabel, just apologize. You still have class to get to.”

Seeing Annabel’s contemptuous expression and David’s obvious bias, Zara’s temper flared up again. “She hasn’t realized her mistake at all. My son got hurt, and instead of blaming her, you’re coddling her. I’ve heard that this girl has been pursuing you, Mr. Curry. Are you favoring her because of that? Her grades used to be worse than my son’s, but now they’re above average. Are you secretly tutoring her because you’ve fallen for her?”

The hallway erupted in gasps. It was break time, and a crowd of students had gathered to watch the drama unfold. The teachers in the office looked embarrassed.

Annabel couldn’t stand Zara’s insults towards David and spoke up before he could. “You crazy woman! What does this have to do with Mr. Curry? George borrowed money and couldn’t pay it back. He was threatened and came to me for help. I got beaten up trying to save him, and he begged me not to tell anyone. Does your family have no conscience?”

Annabel felt angry and disappointed. She had always helped George when he was bullied, included him in her plans, and shared her thoughts about David and her late mother with him. Yet, he told his mother everything.

Zara was incredulous that Annabel was blaming George. “You’re making things up. Lying through your teeth. No wonder a motherless child like you is so ill-mannered!”

That hit a nerve. Without thinking, Annabel swung her hand, aiming to slap Zara, but David caught her wrist. “Annabel, no!”

Annabel tried to yank her hand free, fuming. “Do you believe her over me?”

David didn’t believe Zara’s story entirely, but seeing Annabel’s defiance and hurt, he felt protective of her. He wanted to shield her. “Regardless, hitting people is wrong. Just apologize, and I’ll handle the rest. Okay?”

Annabel’s eyes widened with anger. “No! I won’t apologize. I didn’t do anything wrong!”

Zara, stunned that Annabel had almost hit her, took a few seconds to recover before erupting in rage. “I’m going to the principal. I’ll have her parents called in!”

“Is that all you know how to do? Bully a student and call their parents? Aren’t you ashamed?”

Everyone froze and turned towards the voice. Logan stood at the office door, glaring at Zara. He walked up to her, towering over her. “Who do you think you are to bully her like this?”

The teachers were taken aback. Logan was the school’s pride and joy, a model student. They were shocked to hear him speak like that.

Zara had never been treated with such disdain and humiliation before. She grabbed her bag and swung it at Logan. He deftly dodged, causing her to almost stumble to the ground. Zara, seething with rage, exclaimed, “Good, good, I’ll make sure your school pays for this!”

She pulled out her phone and seemed to be calling her husband. The newly arrived dean of students was shocked by the scene, his face paling as he pointed at Annabel and Logan. “Get back to your classrooms. I’ll deal with you later.”

Logan calmly interjected, “Are you calling Director Grant? I heard he’s up for a promotion. Just so you know, I recorded your tantrum. If I post it online, it might not be very helpful for his career. And about your son…”

He paused, then gestured toward Annabel. “Every time he gets bullied, this fool helps him. I used to think your son was just a bit dumb, but it turns out he’s too cowardly to even admit his mistakes.”

Zara stared at him, speechless. His voice was low and calm, but the weight of his words was undeniable. “Mrs. Still, you can go straight to the principal’s office. Your husband is probably already on his way.”

Logan was strikingly handsome, but his expression was cold. Paul noticed the slight, cruel smile on Logan’s face, and a shiver ran down his spine.

Logan then turned to Annabel and smiled gently. “Let’s go back to class.”

Seeing Zara’s furious but helpless reaction, Annabel felt a surge of satisfaction. She glanced back at David, who nodded reassuringly. Only then did Annabel follow Logan out of the office.