STEPBROTHER (R-18) novel Chapter 31

Scarletts P.O.V

The next few days go by in a blur with preparation of your graduation. Oliver's gone visiting his mom for a few days, and his absence is surprisingly more agitating than you thought. Finally, after hours of makeup and outfit choices, you and Bri have arrived at school for the graduation ceremony. You're eager to see Oliver gain.

"God, you still looking for him?"

"No. Just checking to see who's here."

Okay, well its not a total lie.

"Sure... you haven't taken your eyes off that door"

"So what? I'm looking for my parents too"

"Mhm. Or just super homed in on the dude who's fucking you"

"He is not!"

You narrow your eyes and glance around at the people passing you. Bri's lack of privacy always results in your business being spilled to strangers. You glare at her, and cross your arms over your chest.

"Can you say that any louder? Damn"

"Whatever. But you know its true"

"You're a pain in my ass"

"But why would he even go back there after the whole mom's boyfriend incident?"

"Its still his mom"

"Not worth it to me"

You shrug, purse your lips curiously as you continue to search the crowd in pursuit of his familiar dark eyes.

"Oh shit. Is that Theresa?"

"What?"

"Over there?"

Bri points over the other side of the hallway down towards the C entrance to the school. You squint, peering ahead only to frown when you make eye contact with her. And alongside her is Oliver, looking irresistible in dark slacks an a blue suit jacket, with his hair styled out of his eyes.

"What the hell is she doing here?"

Why the fuck is he with her?

And of all the days for this shit to happen, it happens when I have to walk on stage in front of the entire school.

You frown, about to pull your gaze away from hem when his gaze shifts and makes constant with your priori get stare. He narrows his eyes scrutinisingly, but his expression is unreadable. You run your tongue over your teeth, and roll your eyes before looking away from him.

"Yep. That's them"

"Did he really bring a fucking date to your graduation?... what the hell is his problem?"

Well, honestly, it seems like I'm the one who has the problem

I keep trusting a player

You run your hand over your styled hair, gently arranging the bangs slightly out of your eyes, before you clear your throat.

"Doesn't matter. I don't care."

"Scar-"

"No. Bri, its fine. I'm not going to let it get to me. I don't care enough about him to let me."

Liar.. and here they come... great.

"I'm about to say something-"

"God, please don't. I don't want to make a scene, and its the last thing my parents need to know"

"Where the hell are your parents? Why aren't they here with him?"

"He probably drove himself..."

"Or with her"

You shoot Bri a flat look for her comment and she gives you an apologetic half smile, before turning to Oliver as they stop in front of you both. With a quick, steadying breath, you manage to rid your face of anger, and just mould an expression of indifference.

"Oliver"

She spits his name like its an insult.

Bri was never one to shield how she feels about someone

Oliver seems to catch onto her ton, because when he acknowledges her, he uses the same one.

"Bri"

Bri tears her look of disdain from him, and settles it on Theresa who's eyes shift back and fourth between you and Bri cautiously.

"I didn't know you and Oliver were exclusively dating"

Theresa seems thrown off by Bri, and despite the look of disinterest on your face, your interest is piqued. Just as Theresa opens her mouth to respond, Oliver steps in, and crosses his arms over his chest with a smug grin on his face.

"Why is it any of your business, Briana?"

"Oh, just curious seeing how you're a manwhore"

Oh god... so much for making a scene.

"Is that so?"

"Mhm. Just wanted to remind you"

"Thanks for the useless announcement. Are you done?"

"Nope"

"Of course not"

Theresa firms her lips, remaining quiet as Bri and Oliver cast each other dirty looks. Bri scoffs, and turns to you.

"I'm gonna go use the bathroom too touch my makeup up. You coming?"

"I'll be there in a minute"

Bri shrugs, and disappears, tension in her shoulders as her heels click against the tile floor, feet carrying her away quickly.

And to think, he used to flirt with her. Now they are at each other's throats.

That's how quickly he flips up on people. Can't trust his emotions or a damn thing out of his mouth.

You place a hand on your hip, as you return your focus on them. Theresa's whispering something in his ear, and he's shaking his head. The jealousy that rages inside you is a destructive fire that makes you clench your jaw and cast them a dirty look.

He wants to play it this way? Fine.

"I'm surprised to see you here, Theresa."

You quirk your head, widening your ears to appear innocent as she gives you a small smile, and glances at Oliver with admiration.

"Uh, yeah. I didn't really plan on it. But I'm glad I'm here"

"Is that so?"

"Scarlett..."

His warning tone doesn't deter you. Nothing can. Your jealousy has taken over. Possessed you with blind rage, and now all you want to do is stir the fucking pot.

Oh yeah. Just as he has a million times with Jayden.

"I thought you were single Oliver... I mean, that's what you told me last night in my room"