My Heartless Stepbrother

5. You will pay

MEGHAN

I was so stunned by his words that I couldn't speak the entire time.

I just stood there, frozen while he said those nasty words to me. I couldn't even shed a tear.

I watched him slam the door on his way out and then burst into tears. My body shook as I attempted to choke back my sobs, but I couldn't stop. I have never felt so humiliated, so small.

So I made one mistake a year ago? Don't I deserve a chance to explain myself? And what was that about him 'almost not making it?' What did he even mean by that? I was so confused.

I didn't know how I would go back to the party and have a good time after he made me feel like shit, so I decided to look for Luke. He promised to drive me home after all.

I went to the living room and looked around, my eyes frantically searching for Luke. Maybe I should call the rideshare company again.

"There you are, Maggie. I was looking for you."

I released a sigh of relief. Luke found me again. "Did you find Adrian?"

"Yes," I said meekly. I had wiped my tears already, but new ones streamed down my cheeks.

"Oh shit, Maggie! What's wrong?" Luke exclaimed. He quickly went back inside and then came back with a box of tissue in his hands. "What's going on? Did something happen with Adrian?"

"You said you could take me home, right?" I sniffled. I couldn't stand to be here for another minute.

"Are you trying to leave? I am not letting you until you tell me what the hell is going on. Do I need to kick Adrian's ass?" Luke tried to laugh but stopped as he saw the serious look on my face. "Seriously, Maggie. You can talk to me."

I exhaled slowly to calm myself down. "Adrian and I are just dealing with some personal issues. It's nothing."

"It's not nothing. You are crying your eyes out," Luke said grimly.

I managed to smile. I didn't want to ruin Luke's day because I was being sensitive. "I am fine. I will work things out with him later, don't worry."

"Then, will you stay?" Luke's eyes were hopeful.

Should I stay? My initial urge was to run home, jump in bed, and cry myself to sleep. Pathetic, I know.

But then again, my mom and Steve weren't expecting me home until later, so if I went now, they would know something was wrong and ask me a hundred questions. I was not ready for that either. "I will stay," I said quietly.

"Great. I will cheer you up. I won't pressure you to say anything else but just know that I'm here for you." Luke smiled.

"Why are you so nice to me?" I asked. I expected him to side with Adrian.

"I don't know what Adrian's problem is. But I will find out, don't worry. Let's just forget about him and try to have fun," Luke said and smiled encouragingly.

Easier said than done.

But I listened to Luke's kind words and then returned to the party. "Let's dance, shall we?" Luke offered his hand.

I've always loved dancing. Back in Boston, I used to meet my friends at the club all the time.

And with Chase...

Shoot, I should probably call him. He asked me to call him as soon as I got home, but I never did. I was secretly hoping to break things off with him as I didn't think I wanted this long-distance relationship. But now, it seems like it's a bad idea. I really needed someone to talk to, someone who could lift me up and not pull me down as Adrian does.