Bully stepbrother

37. Space

MADISON

I stood frozen, facing the door in the eerie stillness of the living room. I had anticipated this moment, knowing it would feel like bruises and cuts and scratches, maybe even fractures in my heart. It had been inevitable. With Caden, nothing ever seemed to endure.

Each passing second felt like an eternity, a cycle of pain spreading through me like a contagious disease, gradually consuming me. I couldn't pinpoint what brought tears to my eyes. If I were being honest with myself, I knew I had made many mistakes that had led to this moment.

He used all the selfish moments we shared and thrust them in my face as if I were nothing more than a one-night stand.

Perhaps I am. Maybe I'm truly a terrible person. Perhaps I deserve this treatment.

I closed my eyes tightly, partly to escape this place, but mostly because I feared the intensity of the pain that awaited when I opened them. I dreaded the realization that it was still Saturday morning, and I stood near the door of the person I couldn't stop wanting, even though I knew it was wrong and he despised me for it.

But this isn't you. You used to be brave. What happened? My inner voice taunted.

Yes, what had happened to me?

I used to detest Caden, to rebel against him. So what changed? Why was it so difficult to summon a retort whenever his piercing hazel eyes scrutinized me? Why did merely inhaling his rich cologne make it hard to breathe? Why was his touch so potent?

With a frustrated exhale, I suppressed the tears that burned in the corners of my eyes. Gritting my teeth, I guided myself to my room, seeking refuge.

All I required for escape was my bicycle, a change of clothes—black denim pants, a chunky knit sweater, and my Toms. After shoving my cell phone into my pocket, I hurried out of the building, quickly gathering my hair into a ponytail.

As the elevator door chimed, I emerged from the entrance and hopped onto my bike, riding away as far as I could.

***

Palo Alto proved to be enchanting as I pedaled around the vibrant town, a sea of yellow and orange leaves decorating the pavement. The sun's golden rays peeked through the clouds, casting a warm, friendly glow. Chirping birds filled the air above the tree-lined canopy, their almost-melodic tune matching my mood and soothing my restless mind.

I cycled along, absorbing the sweet morning atmosphere, surrounded by the activity of the town's residents—people on foot or riding bikes. The Saturday crowd wasn't overwhelming; cars moved steadily over the asphalt, emitting gentle honks. Couples donned workout attire as they jogged together, while the indistinct chatter of children blended seamlessly with the serenity of the weekend morning.

It was a comforting scene, and I found myself momentarily able to overlook the complications of the past week.

Deciding to take a break, I parked my bike beside a café and stepped inside, seeking a warm cup of morning coffee. The café was pleasantly uncrowded, and I secured a seat by the open double-door window.

After placing my order with the waitress, I settled back into my chair and retrieved my phone, realizing I hadn't checked it in a while. Tapping the screen, I saw emails and a single text message from an unfamiliar number.

Uncertain, I clicked on the thread.

"Good evening, Madison. I hope you don't mind my having your phone number. I'd like to suggest another meeting to get to know you better. Bryan Tatum."

Could this be real?

Did Bryan Tatum just text me?

A wave of excitement surged through me, and I grinned like a fool. I must have appeared completely ridiculous in the café, but I didn't care.