MY STEPBROTHER, MY RUIN

JUNE;

My phone buzzed in my hand.

Mom.

Again.

I stared at the screen for a second before answering. "I'm still in line," I said softly, almost whispering.

"June," her voice came through, soft but tight, like she was trying not to panic. "You said it wouldn't take long. Your stepfather will be here soon. We still have things to pack."

I rolled my eyes, glancing at the front again, irritation rising. "It's not my fault this place moves like this... You wanted this college, remember?"

A pause.

"Then come home! We can't keep him waiting." She snapped. "You can go back tomorrow." The call had ended before I said any more words.

The queue wasn't moving. I glanced at my wristwatch for the hundredth time in a minute. Shifted my weight from one leg to the other, craning my head to see if there was any progress ahead.

Earlier this morning, I had tried to complete the registration process online but the network was down. I could tell a whole lot of other students were trying it out at the same time.

I couldn't tell which was worse: standing in this long queue with my mother blowing up my phone, or being forced to attend this particular college in the first place.

What was so special? Nothing. Just a sea of expensive clothes, polished shoes, and bored expressions. Someone in front of me sighed loudly. Someone behind me clicked their tongue. I wasn't the only tired one after all.

How could she have referred to him as my stepfather? My jaw tightened. She knew exactly how I felt about this marriage thing. It's absurd!

And to that Victor Grayson?! To think we would be moving into his mansion today. I wasn't even ready for this. The new life. The new home. The new college. And Mom had mentioned he had a son. An impromptu brother!

Gosh! How do I move from being with just my Mom and me, in our own little world, to sharing a roof with the famous and dreaded Victor Grayson, and his son?

What was his name again? Mom had mentioned it, but the truth is, it wasn't necessary. I have no brother, and no father as long as I can remember.

For a moment, I just stood there, gripping my phone a little too tightly. Then I shoved it into my bag and crossed my arms, tapping my foot against the smooth, shiny floor.

Everything here felt... too perfect. Students shoved past me in expensive perfumes and fragrances. Of course, it was a private College, unlike the one I had wanted to attend alongside Mary, my childhood friend.

I glanced down at myself. Simple jeans. Plain blouse. Worn sneakers. A simple tote bag with the leather peeling already slung over my shoulder.

Yeah. I definitely didn't belong here. I could feel it in the way people looked at me. Subtle stares that say too much. The kind that made your skin itch.

If Mr. Stepdad hadn't insisted and paid the fees in full, I would have had no business being here. I swallowed and looked away.

We didn't need anybody. We were doing fine before he showed up in Mom's life. It was always just the two of us. The memory hit me hard. Just last night, I tried to talk her out of it.

"I don't understand why you're doing this," I had said, holding her hands tightly. "It's been the two of us against the world. That shouldn't change."

I meant every word.

Fifteen years. Just me and her. No man. No complications. Just us. Now, she's taking the peace away.

"You need a father figure, June," she said softly.

I stood up immediately, the chair scraping loudly behind me. "I don't need a father! I'm twenty, Mom!"

I walked to the window, staring out at the dark sky, the stars scattered like they didn't care about anything happening inside that room.

"And that's not even the college I wanted," I added, my voice sharper now. "Everyone there is grumpy, and so is Mr. Grayson!"

Silence followed. I waited to hear her speak. Even though it was still the same thing we had argued over for weeks now. But the silence grew heavier.

I turned slowly. And froze. Tears filled her eyes, washing down her face.

My chest dropped instantly.

"Mom..." I ran back to her, crouching before her knees.

"I'm lonely, June," she said, her voice trembling. "For fifteen years I had taken care of you... lived for you..."

She squeezed my hands, her grip trembling. "Is it bad to finally want to live for myself a little?"

Her sobs filled the room. And just like that, my anger had nowhere to go. I had come to terms with my new reality. It wasn't her fault after all. If only Dad hadn't left the way he did.

A shove from behind jolted me back to reality.

"Move."

I stumbled forward slightly, catching myself before I fell. I turned, ready to snap, but the girl behind me just rolled her eyes and looked away like I wasn't worth the effort. Just a set of cold, grumpy people. I sighed. Unbelievable.

I checked my watch. Time was running out. Mom would be pacing by now, checking the door every few seconds, her blood pressure might be over the roof now. Wanting everything to be perfect for him.

Mr. Victor Grayson.

Even thinking his name made my stomach twist. A ruthless billionaire. Mary had thought it was a good change. But that's not how I see it, I detested men. A whole bunch of them, only good at ruining things, ruining good people. Just as Dad ruined Mom.

My fingers curled slightly. I had seen what men like that did. I remembered everything, even though I was only five. He had walked out that door and never returned.

The tension in the air shifted suddenly. Voices dropped. Heads turned. Students spoke in hushed tones. I frowned slightly and followed their gaze.

And then I saw him.

He walked past the line like it didn't exist. Like we didn't exist. He stood tall, confident, and completely unbothered. Backpack hung over one shoulder.

He didn't even hesitate. Just moved straight to the front. My eyes widened at such guts. Seriously?

I glanced around. No one said anything. If anything, they looked... impressed. That annoyed me more. I hadn't got a minute to spare. There's a freaking queue.

Before I could stop myself, I stepped out of the line.

"Excuse me, Mr." My voice rang out louder than I expected. Startling me even.

Every head turned. Including his.

He turned slowly, an ID card held loosely between his fingers. His eyes landed on me, dark, calm, and completely uninterested.

For a second, my heart skipped. But I held my ground.

"There's a queue right here," I said, pointing behind me.

Silence fell. Students stood watching. No one supported me. No one added his voice to mine. Just watched us.

Then he scoffed.

"Then stay in it quietly, Meanie." He snapped. My mouth fell open slightly.

Meanie? Did he just call me mean?

Before I could respond, he turned back around like I didn't matter and walked straight to the counter, sliding his ID card across.

Laughter broke out around me. My cheeks burned instantly.

"Hey, " I stepped forward again, moving right behind him. "You can't just..."

More laughter roared up in the air, deafening me. My skin crawled.

"I'm talking to you," my fingers brushed against his skin.

He turned again. And this time, he walked toward me.

"Did you just touch me?" Each step slow and deliberate.

The students went agog, cheering him on. For a moment I felt he would pounce on me. Then his feet halted right in front of me. Too close. I swallowed.

His dark blue eyes locked onto mine, and I felt like he could see straight through me. Then his hands rested on the cape of my blouse, massaging it a little.

"You don't fit in here," he said quietly. The words landed heavier than they should have. My throat tightened.

Around us, people laughed. My brain paused for a long second, before I could even think of a comeback,

"Ronan." The voice was soft, smooth like warm milk on a sore throat. Everything went quiet.

I turned. And saw her. She walked like she owned the place. No! Like the place existed for her.

Her heels clicked lightly against the floor, each step controlled, elegant. Her jewelry caught the light. The bag on her arm looked like it cost more than everything I owned combined.

People moved out of her way without her asking. Her eyes landed on me. Measured me up in a second. Like she was examining something... small. Maybe an ant.

A smirk touched her lips. Her brows drew together.

"Who is she?" she asked, slipping her hand around his arm.

My stomach dropped. I tugged hard against the rough handle of my tote bag. Knuckles turning white instantly.

He didn't even hesitate.

"She's nobody." The words hit hard. "Just a fly that doesn't know her boundaries."

The laughter came back. The walls felt like they were closing in on me. My chest tightened painfully. My vision blurred at the edges. I couldn't stay there. Hundreds of pairs of eyes peeling on my skin.

Before I even realized it, I turned and ran. My footsteps echoed loudly against the floor as I pushed through the crowd, ignoring the stares, the whispers, the laughter that followed me.

My chest rose and fell rapidly, my heart pounding like it was trying to break out of my ribs.

I already hated this school. Hated that boy. And I hated the girl who walked like the entire world bowed at her feet.

Then my phone buzzed again. Mom.

"On my way," I gasped as I pressed the gadget against my ear.

JUNE;

I was already having a bad day by the time I got home.

No, before I got home. It started the moment I stepped out of that hall.

The laughter still rang in my ears, sharp and loud, like it had followed me all the way out of the school gates. Even now, sitting at the back of the sleek black SUV, I could still hear it.

"Meanie..."

The word slipped through my mind again, and I clenched my fingers tightly against my jeans. One girl had said it loud enough for others to hear. Then the others had joined her. Like it was funny, like I was the joke.

I turned my face toward the window, pressing my forehead lightly against the cool glass as the life I had known blurred past behind me. Our small apartment. The tree under which Mary and I sat most evenings. I swallowed hard.

The car was too quiet, gliding slowly, too smooth. Too... expensive. My eyes flickered to the front. Mom sat beside him. Fiddling with the huge diamond wedding band that sat on her finger like a rock, catching every glimpse of light from the city's skyline. I could tell she loved every bit of this life.

Mr. Grayson.

He had come to pick us up himself, he didn't send his driver. He drove calmly, one hand on the wheel, the other resting loosely. His posture was relaxed, like everything around him was exactly where it should be.

My jaw tightened. I looked away again. This isn't normal. Nothing was normal with this new life. Not the new golden cage. Not the men in it. The worst was the school, and that boy. That rude, arrogant, insufferable boy.

My fingers curled tighter. I scoffed under my breath, shaking my head slightly. I would see him again. And I would make sure to pay him back in his own coin. My stomach twisted.

"June?" Mom's voice cut through my thoughts.

I jerked slightly, pulling away from the window.

"Hmm?"

Mr. Grayson's soft chuckle followed, low and brief. I hadn't heard any of the things he said to me.

Mom turned slightly in her seat. "He asked how your first day went." Mom said, turning slightly in her seat.

My brows furrowed immediately. I hesitated. Then the words came.

"All of them are grumpy," I said, sitting up straighter. "Every single person there acts like they own the place. No one even tries to be nice."

"June..." Mom shifted slightly, narrowing her eyes at me.

"And there was this boy," I continued. Ignoring her signals. "He just walked past everyone in the queue like we didn't exist. Like rules don't apply to him."

Mr. Grayson didn't interrupt. He just listened. I spilled too, not like he was my favorite person, but I needed to let out the knot tightening in my chest.

I huffed. "And when I called him out, everyone laughed. Like I was the problem."

"You'll get used to it," he said finally.

I frowned. "That's what everyone says," I muttered.

He glanced at me briefly through the mirror. "New environments are always uncomfortable at first. But people aren't always what they seem." A small smile tugged at his lips.

"My son attends that school as well, I bet you it's one of the best around here," he added casually.

My head snapped up. At least something to finally be grateful for. Not like he was going to be my brother, but I was sure going to need some protection stepping into that school the next time. I managed a small smile. Something in my chest lifted slightly.

"He's also there for his registration. You know, just starting like you, even though he should have been rounding off by now, if only he listened to me," he continued. His eyes had dulled on his last sentence.

I leaned forward, eyes sparkling with interest. Mom had told me his name before, but I had paid no interest in any of the things she said concerning this whole marriage thing.

But when I asked, Mr. Grayson's eyes brightened, Mom wanted to say, her lips already parted. I watched him pat softly on her palm.

"June darling... Why don't we do it this way?" He gasped, "I mean, let your brother introduce himself when you get to the house... That would be a little surprise."

Surprise.

That wasn't a bad idea. As long as I get someone to walk with me into the school premises. I caught his face one more time in the mirror, silver hairs mixed perfectly with dark ones at his temples.

Mom smiled, relief flickering across her face. This was the first ever decent conversation I had with Mr. Grayson since he showed up at our doorstep months ago.

Well, Mom had pleaded with me to put up the best attitude shortly before he arrived. I leaned back again, a faint smile still lingering.

For the first time since everything started. For the first time since the marriage talks and arrangements, and this new life. For the first time since the signing of the papers. I felt lighter.

The car slowed before the gray low gates just as it entered the estate. One of the biggest estates in the city. Known to be occupied by elites only.

I sat up fully now, staring as the SUV rolled inside. The compound stretched endlessly. Green lawns, a parking lot by the side, three other cars lined neatly underneath the shade. Tall trees swayed lightly by the corners of the house.

"This is one of my homes," Mr. Grayson said casually, as he slowly killed the engine.

I knew that information wasn't for Mom. Of course, she knew that part already. It was for my ears only, I gulped hard. Rich people and their show off.

Then I glanced at Mom's face. She seemed to have missed this life. The luxury she was used to before Dad took everything and left. Somehow, I do not blame her. Not everyone was lucky to find love a second time.

The cool evening air wrapped around me as I stepped out, staring up at the building again. It looked like it was drawn out of a movie, but something about this life clawed at my chest.

All I wanted was Mom's happiness, and to repay that arrogant boy the next time I stepped into that school.

Mr. Grayson moved to the back, pulling out our boxes with ease. Mom followed him.

I grabbed mine, the weight dragging slightly against the ground as I pulled it along.

The doors opened into the foyer. Everything stared back grand and shiny. The space was massive, with high ceilings and soft lighting. But all I wanted was to rest my creaking bones.

I stopped suddenly in the middle of the living room.

"Where's my room?" I asked. Not giving Mom a chance to stop me. My head was banging and I needed to call it a day already.

Mr. Grayson turned, a small smile on his lips.

"Upstairs," he said, gesturing toward the staircase. "Take your time. Choose any room you like... we need you to feel at home."

"Okay," I nodded slightly. Dragged my box toward the stairs, the wheels bumping softly against each step as I pulled it up.

The hallway upstairs stretched long and quiet. Floors shining perfectly, catching the rays of light from the chandelier suspended from the ceiling.

Doors lined both sides, closed. I walked slowly, passing each one. I kept going until I reached the last door at the end.

Perfect.

This was far away. Quiet, lesser noise. Exactly what I needed. I adjusted my grip on the handle of my box, then reached for the doorknob. It turned easily. The door creaked open. Darkness greeted me.

Only a thin line of light slipped in through the window, cutting across the room, and falling on the light switch. I took a few steps till I stood beside the switch on the wall, and click!

Light flooded the room. And everything stopped. The air ceased at once. My breath caught.

There he was!

The arrogant boy from school earlier today. Right in the middle of the room, only a few feet apart. I could tell he had heard someone step in.

"You?!" I screamed.

He froze for half a second, then straightened quickly, his expression shifting from surprise to irritation in seconds.

My eyes fell on the tight gray boxers that clung to his lower body, outlining every part of his dick. The huge bulge in between his thighs stood in full view, pressing hard against the thin fabric.

"What are you doing here?" I shot at him. Fingers curling at my sides.

He let out a short, disbelieving laugh.

"I should be asking you that. This is my room... I get it, now you're stalking me!"

"I beg your pardon," I blinked. My brain struggled to catch up. "Are you insane?"

He raised a brow. Scoffed like some angry goat.

"First she showed up at my school. Now she's in my house. Brandishing insults, how sweet?"

"This is not your house!" I snapped. "This is..."

My words cut off. My stomach dropped. My mind replayed Mr. Grayson's words.

'My son attends that school...' 'Let your brother introduce himself...'

My heart skipped. No! No way.! This grumpy boy can not be my stepbrother! How was he even Mr. Grayson's son?

I looked at him again and took a step further. Hands clasped against my chest.

"Stay the heck away from my life," I spelled out in his face.

An ugly laugh tore out of his throat. "You walked into mine!"

The words reached me at the door.

RONAN;

I couldn't believe it. I almost couldn't believe Dad was thinking about wife-ing that lady he met just a few months ago. The thought had kept me up most nights.

He had broken the news like it was something I should jubilate over. Was he expecting me to applaud him after I had seen how much he adored her? A forty-three-year-old woman! Same love he never gave Mom. Gave her the same care he denied Mom.

I had seen how he laughed at every lame joke she made. How he gifted her even the smallest things. All of that he never did for mom. She had died lonely, her hands curled tight around my fingers till she went cold.

She spent weeks in the hospital but Dad only showed up once, paid the hospital bills, and vanished. Not once did he stay by her bed. Not once did he care.

I was only eight at the time. Grandma Julie, Mom's mother, and I, took care of her till she passed.

And now, Dad knows how to love someone? When he broke the news of his marriage to Marielle, and that her daughter, June, would be in the same college as me, my blood boiled.

"She has a daughter?!" I snarled. "You're settling for a forty-five-year-old woman with a grown-up daughter?!"

"You would watch your language when you speak about her, Ronan. She's forty-three, and I'm forty-eight. What's more important is that we make each other happy!" He gritted.

"And Mom?" I asked, a knot formed in my throat. "Didn't she make you happy?"

I hated that he never thought about her. I hated that another woman was coming in to take away the little peace we had.

I was not in the best father-son relationship with my father. I have had grudges against him since the death of my Mother, but this marriage? It would be the death of the little relationship we had.

He rested the fork in his hand against the plate. "It's complicated, son."

I scoffed. "Don't call me that... That's what you have always said. When will you ever admit you were a cheat, and now you can't wait to bring in your other family?" I hadn't intended it that way. But what else would you have me think? He never mourned my mom.

He had hit both hands hard against the table, so hard that the porcelain creaked against it. I stood up, and ran upstairs, taking the stairs two at a time. His eyes followed me all the way up.

That night, I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned. I wanted to know who she really was, what her daughter looked like. I wanted to know if they were Dad's second family.

I grabbed my laptop. It was easy to find her profile on social media. I typed in her name, Marielle Rourke, only a few profiles had that name. I scrolled till I found her picture.

Then I swiped into her pictures, she had quite a number of them. Then I stopped at one, her daughter, on her graduation day from high school, a few months ago.

I paused. Then I zoomed in on the picture. There was something about her, her hazel eyes, her bright smile. I felt my lips part as my eyes fixed on her smiling face.

No! Ronan. That was not the reason for the search. I clasped my laptop close at once. Shifted it away from me like it was some sort of evil. Then I fell asleep.

I found myself going back to the same profile every other day. I would scroll all night, rewatching every picture of the young girl till my eyes became heavy.

Luckily for me, I had found a comment from her profile under her Mother's picture, June Rourke. I smiled to myself. Then I swiped into her profile. Savouring every one of her pictures, my dick throbbing hard at some.

There was something about her beauty that radiated even in the simplest of dresses. I hated myself each time I came back to this page, but I couldn't help it. Her smiles had made me less cranky, and even Dad noticed that this morning. But I wasn't going to let her Mom break our home.

I lay in my room, lights off, laptop in my face, just the way I liked it. My thoughts flew back to some hours ago. I had met June at the college.

Dad had mentioned they were moving in today. But nothing got me ready for when I met her in college. Her bravery had caught me off guard, only then did I know I was in for a ride. A pretty long ride!

I could still see her lips rattling as she questioned me. A smile formed on my lips, I closed my laptop, both hands formed a pillow under my head as I stared at the ceiling. Every other person had allowed me. Of course, they knew my father was a co-founder of the college.

But she? She was definitely cut from a different cloth, and I honestly could not wait to unravel her, she was a mystery.

I chuckled lowly, I had caught myself doing that ever since I discovered June Rourke.

Then the door was pushed open, fast. I stood up, a ray of golden light fell into the room from the hallway. I wondered who it was. Dad never entered my room without calling out to me first.

And the maids? They would always knock and wait for a response. Then, click!

The light came on. There she stood with her luggage still standing in the hallway. Her eyes narrowed at me, eyebrows puckered at once even before she found her voice.

A laugh almost tore out of my throat at the way she screamed the moment she realised it was really me, the boy from school earlier today, but I swallowed instead.

I was expecting her at the mansion, but I wasn't expecting her in my room! Then her eyes flew to my boxers. Gosh! I loved that her eyes widened at what she saw. I already knew this whole arrangement was about to get messier.

Now we sat at the dining table, all hands clasped tightly on the table, awaiting the arrival of the princess, Princess June.