Chapter 26

I lingered in the bathroom longer than I needed to.

The cool air felt nice against my flushed skin, and the quiet was a relief after sitting through dinner with Megan, pretending everything was fine. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the tense expression staring back at me.

I washed my hands slowly, watching the water swirl down the drain. If I stayed here long enough, maybe they'd just forget I existed. Maybe I wouldn't have to go back out there.

But I knew that wasn't how this worked.

I exhaled heavily, gripping the edge of the sink. My stomach twisted into a tight knot of frustration, embarrassment, and something else I didn't want to name. No matter how much I wanted to disappear, I had to go back.

Eventually.

Finally, after one last deep breath, I forced myself to leave.

The restaurant was just as stuffy as before. The clinking of cutlery, the occasional pop of wine bottles opening, and the low hum of conversation blurred together into an overwhelming noise. My brothers were still chatting away, completely at ease, as if nothing had happened.

No one even looked up when I slid back into my seat.

Except Megan.

She gave me a small, polite smile, her eyes scanning me quickly before she turned back to whatever Henry was saying.

I ignored her and stared at the plate in front of me. My pasta had gone slightly cold, but I picked up my fork anyway.

Elijah glanced over, like he was expecting me to start something again. When I just ate without a word, his shoulders relaxed slightly, and he went back to his conversation.

Good. That's what he wanted, right? For me to sit here and behave?

The conversation flowed around me like I wasn't even there.

Henry was still dragging out his one glass of wine, dramatically swirling it like he was some kind of expert. "This is actually not bad," he mused.

"Not bad?" Megan laughed lightly. "That bottle costs more than your shoes."

Henry raised an eyebrow. "Exactly. Not bad."

The twins were busy bickering about a football game, debating who had scored the best goal of the season.

Elijah and Easton had moved on to talking about work, something about schedules and clients that I couldn't bring myself to care about.

And Megan? Of course, she was involved in every conversation, laughing at the right times, nodding when needed. She fit in too easily. Too perfectly.

I hated it.

I hated how no one else seemed to notice.

I shoved another bite of pasta into my mouth, barely tasting it. I wasn't even hungry anymore. I just needed something to do, something to focus on that wasn't them.

I wanted to go home.

Finally, the plates were cleared, and the waiter returned with a bright smile. "Would anyone like to see the dessert menu?"

I expected Elijah to say no. He was usually the one keeping us all in check.

But before he could, Henry leaned forward eagerly. "Yes. Absolutely."

Miles grinned. "Same."

The twins were already whispering to each other about what they were going to get.

Megan smiled. "Oh, dessert sounds good."

The waiter handed out menus, and I took one out of habit.

Chocolate cake. Cheesecake. Crème brûlée.

My usual choices.

Except... I didn't want any of it.

I set the menu down.

When the waiter went around the table taking orders, I barely listened.

Miles and Alex both got sundaes.

Henry ordered the most expensive dessert just to be difficult.

Elijah got coffee, and Easton went with some kind of tart.

Megan ordered something chocolate.

Then the waiter turned to me. "And for you?"

"I don't want any," I said.

The table went silent for a second.

It wasn't loud or dramatic, but I could feel my brothers' surprise. Even Easton looked up, his eyebrows raised slightly.

"You sure?" Elijah asked, his tone casual, but there was an undertone of disbelief.

I clenched my jaw.

"Yes," I said shortly.

Elijah frowned slightly but didn't push.

The waiter nodded and walked away, and the conversation resumed, but I could still feel the weight of their unspoken questions.

Since when did I turn down dessert?

Since when did I not want something sweet?

I kept my gaze locked on the table, trying to block it all out.

I just wanted this night to be over.

When the check was finally paid and everyone got up to leave, I moved quickly.

I didn't want to linger for goodbyes or last-minute conversations.

The others were still talking, saying their goodbyes to Megan.

"It was really great meeting you," Easton said, shaking her hand.

Henry smirked. "You survived dinner with us. That's impressive."

The twins gave her their usual charming grins.

"See you around," Miles said.

"Yeah, we'll have to do this again," Alex added.

Megan smiled warmly at them all, then turned to me.

"Goodbye, Adrian," she said sweetly.

I didn't even look at her.

"Bye," I muttered, turning away.

I could feel her watching me for a second longer, but I didn't care.

Let her think whatever she wanted.

The car ride home was quiet at first.

I stared out the window, watching the streetlights blur past. The others were still in a good mood, relaxed and full from dinner.

Elijah was the first to break the silence.

"So... what did you all think of her?"

Easton was the first to respond. "She seems nice."

Henry nodded. "Yeah, she's cool. Not super annoying, which is rare for people Elijah likes."

Elijah rolled his eyes.

"She's fun," Alex added.

Miles grinned. "And she said she might get us free stuff, so obviously I like her."

They all laughed.

Except me.

I just stared out the window, gripping my hoodie sleeves in my hands.

Elijah glanced at me in the rearview mirror. "Adrian?"

I didn't answer.

I didn't trust myself to.

Elijah sighed but didn't push.

The conversation moved on without me.

But all I could think about was how Elijah had snapped at me.

How he had never taken that tone with me before.

How, for the first time, it had felt like he wasn't on my side.

When we got home, I didn't wait for anyone.

I went straight upstairs, my footsteps quick and silent.

I heard the others talking downstairs, their voices distant and muffled, but I didn't care.

I just wanted to be alone.

The second I stepped into my room, I shut the door and exhaled sharply.

The air felt stuffy, or maybe it was just me. Either way, I needed out of these clothes.

I yanked off my stuffy and uncomfortable jumper, tossing it into the corner, followed by my shirt. My jeans felt too tight, too stiff, so I kicked them off, letting them crumple onto the floor. Even my socks felt unbearable.

Standing there in just my boxers, I finally felt like I could breathe again.

My bed was a welcome escape. I climbed in, burying myself under the covers, staring at the ceiling.

My mind wouldn't shut up.

Footsteps approached my door.

A soft knock.

"Adrian?"

Easton.

I closed my eyes.

The door creaked open slightly.

"You awake?"

I stayed completely still.

A pause.

Then a quiet sigh.

"Goodnight, Bunny," Easton said softly.

The door clicked shut.

I waited a few more seconds before rolling over, facing the wall.

I exhaled slowly, blinking against the darkness.

Maybe tomorrow, everything would feel normal again.

But somehow, I doubted it.

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Word count: 1187

Hey Guys Thanks for reading this story so please be nice and kind. I am sorry if there are any spelling mistakes or bad grammar.

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More chapters will be coming out soon.

*EMMA HETHRON*