Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13: 13-Hold Me, Daddy

Helanie:

I kept staring at his face, imagining my life without a home. My heartbeat had slowed considerably. It felt as though I had only a few seconds to respond. I could either fall at his feet, beg for forgiveness, and ask to stay or just not care and let my fate decide my future.

But first, I needed to understand what I had done so wrong for them to make such a big scene out of it. I made a mistake, and I would have apologized for it—if only they hadn’t assumed I barged into the room on my own. Apologizing would mean admitting I entered his room willingly, rather than under Aunt Emma’s manipulation.

"Is there anything you want to say?" he asked, raising an eyebrow and narrowing his eyes at me, snapping me back to reality.

He stood casually, like a boss, with his hands in his pants pockets, his suit perfectly pressed. What could I possibly say to him?

"No. I will leave," I replied softly but with confidence. I wouldn’t stay where I wasn’t wanted.

I could see in his eyes that if I objected, he would drag me out. I’d be homeless either way, so why waste my energy begging before someone?

I had begged Alton to stay and save me, and he didn’t listen. Why would a complete stranger like Norman care?

"See?" Norman paced back and forth once. I raised my head to watch his face through my blurred vision, unsure when I’d become consumed by the horrifying memories of that night.

"All you have to do is apologize," he muttered.

But I refused to believe him. He had come downstairs after a huge argument with his brothers; there was no way my apology would change his mind.

"I would, if you believed me. I went to his room with Aunt Emma, who opened the door without knocking. I don’t know why she wanted to get me in trouble, but that was her doing," I said, watching him stretch his neck, as if he didn’t care at all.

Another thunderclap sounded, and this time, a vase near the window in the entrance corridor shattered from the force of the wind.

Norman glanced behind me and gestured toward the broken vase. "You’re leaving after this storm."

With that, he turned and walked away.

I stood in silence until the maids began rushing around. It had grown dark so quickly. Everyone was hurrying from one corner of the mansion to another. Taking a deep breath, I walked away from the living room and soon found my mother.

"Norman told me to leave after this storm. You should be happy—you won’t have to see me again," I said, my hands clenched tightly in front of me. I felt calm for now, but I knew I’d be devastated once I was truly thrown out.

She sighed, looking anxious. "Come, pray to the Moon Goddess that this storm passes without causing too much damage."

I noticed others heading toward the prayer room in the basement as well.

"Come on," Aunt Emma and Charlotte appeared behind my mother, both ready to leave for the basement. I steadily shook my head.