The Stepbrother’s Hidden Desires

“Do you know what everyone at school is saying about you now?”

Annabel took a bite of her apple, her other hand stuffed into her pocket. “Yeah, I know. I like David, and I’m definitely going to be with him. Whether the rumors start now or later makes no difference. Besides, people can say whatever they want. What can I do about it?”

She rolled her eyes at him impatiently. “And another thing, Logan, stay out of my business.”

Logan didn’t believe the rumors either, but Annabel’s attitude infuriated him. “You don’t care, huh? Then why doesn’t David play basketball with you anymore? Why doesn’t he take you out for dinner after work? Why doesn’t he look after you like he used to? Does he not care either? You’re a minor and his student, and this could harm his reputation. He might not be accepted at the school anymore. The principal has already talked to him, asking him to be more careful.”

Annabel suddenly froze and then angrily asked, “Who’s spreading these gossips?”

Logan responded with a hint of sarcasm, “Everyone in the school is talking about it. Are you going to fight them all? Your dad is Thomas; even if things escalate, you’ll be fine. But David is just an ordinary person. If this gets any worse, his reputation will be ruined!”

Logan was subtly referring to Annabel’s bar fight and her time in detention, a sore spot for her. She hated it when people brought it up, but she had to admit that Logan’s words made sense.

That afternoon, Annabel was distracted during her classes. After school, she didn’t linger like she usually did, waiting for everyone to leave and find an excuse to visit David’s office. Logan knew she had taken his words to heart.

She quietly left the school and stood at a nearby bus stop for a while, looking somewhat innocent and a bit forlorn. Several buses passed, but she didn’t get on.

Logan knew she was waiting for David, wanting to see him but also afraid to face him. Logan wondered just how much she liked David-enough that she couldn’t go a single day without seeing him.

As dusk fell, Annabel glanced across the street at the quiet school gate, her face betraying her disappointment. After a moment, she turned and walked into the convenience store by the roadside. When she came out, she was lighting a cigarette and boarded the number 9 bus that was approaching-not the bus that would take her home.

Without thinking, Logan followed her onto the bus. Annabel stared out the window, lost in thought, her cigarette forgotten put out in her hand.

She was wearing her school uniform with her short ponytail tied up. The random assortment of earrings was gone, and she had quit smoking and drinking for a long time. She had even distanced herself from her old friends-all for David. If David ignored her from now on, would she revert to her old ways?

“Put out the cigarette.”

She turned her head, puzzled. “What are you doing here? Are you following me?”

“Orla invited me for her birthday today.”

Annabel frowned. “Why are you everywhere? Won’t it upset Mason if you go? You’re with Aria now, so why are you still in touch with Orla?”

Logan placed his backpack on his chest and said nonchalantly, “Didn’t you mess things up with Aria? Besides, you’re the one who introduced me to Orla.”

Annabel opened her mouth to retort but then closed it again. Logan’s lips curled slightly in a smug smile. Seeing his expression, Annabel huffed. “Call Eve and tell her we’re together and will be home late.”

Eve was Thomas’s informant now. If Annabel wasn’t home by seven, Thomas would call.

Logan lazily placed his hands behind his head. “Beg me.”

Annabel snorted and put out the half-smoked cigarette. He took it from her and threw it into the trash can. Annabel froze for a moment and turned her head away.

Logan stretched his long limbs in the cramped space, easily touching her with every movement. Annabel, annoyed, kicked his leg, but he just gave her a resigned glance, not angry at all.

Logan was far from a good-temper person. Annabel knew that his tolerance towards her stemmed from the guilt his mother and him towards her. This made Annabel’s retaliation feel guilt-free, often channeling her resentment towards Brenna onto him.

To celebrate Orla’s debut birthday, her agency organized a small fan meeting at a hotel. Annabel found a moment to slip into the bathroom, changing out of her school uniform into a simple, loose-fitting long T-shirt paired with extremely short denim shorts, showing off her long, straight legs-perfect for Annabel’s slightly wild aura.

Logan frowned, struggling to resist the urge to cover her legs more modestly, and ultimately looked away.

BO Band had recently skyrocketed in popularity. Not long after their rise, they terminated their contract with their previous company and signed with Christopher’s agency. Given Christopher’s status and resources in the entertainment industry, BO Band’s future seemed limitless.

Logan’s appearance filled Orla with surprise. She looked at Logan with a shy smile and said, “I thought you weren’t coming. Was this a surprise?” She opened her arms, ready to hug him.

Mason stepped between them just in time, speaking harshly to Logan, “What are you doing here? We didn’t invite you!”

Orla was a bit annoyed. “Mason, mind your own business!”

Logan remained indifferent, pointing at Annabel. “I’m here because of her.”

Annabel glared at Logan. Clearly, it was his own interest that brought him here, yet he blamed it on her. To avoid further wounding Mason’s fragile pride, she chose to stay silent. Mason tightened his grip around Annabel’s neck, “So now you’re playing matchmaker?”

Annabel winced, “Ouch, ouch! It really has nothing to do with me.”

“Orla! Orla!” A shout came from the front desk as staff urged Orla to go on stage.

Orla linked her arm with Logan’s, “Come with me.”

Suddenly, someone shouted, “Oh my god, Christopher is here!”

Annabel looked over to see a group of four or five people approaching from the front. Leading them was a man in a white shirt and faded jeans, his features sharp and well-defined, with a cold, intense gaze-an embodiment of walking charisma as described by the media.