Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

"You have to. You'd love Jaden. He's a good man," Dad said, "Make sure you make a good impression and make us proud."

The drive to the restaurant was quicker than I anticipated, the quiet hum of the engine doing little to calm the storm brewing inside me. The city lights blurred past, golden against the night, but I barely noticed.

My fingers idly traced the cold chain of my gold necklace while my thoughts wandered in

different directions.

Before I could sink further into my thoughts, the car slowed to a smooth halt. The chauffeur stepped out and opened the door for me, and I reluctantly slid out, my heels

clicking against the polished pavement.

I lifted my head, taking in the restaurant before me. Velarié. One of the most exquisite

restaurants in town, known for its impeccable service and clientele who reeked of

old

money.

Everything about it screamed luxury.

As I stepped inside, the air was thick with the aroma of truffle, aged wine, and something faintly floral. The murmur of hushed conversations filled the space, and my heels sank into plush carpeting as I approached the host's stand.

"Reservation?" The man at the podium barely looked up, his tone very polished..

I cleared my throat. "I'm here for a reservation under Jaden Viero."

That got his attention. His gaze flicked up, scanning me for a second longer than necessary before offering a polite nod. "Right this way, Miss."

I followed him through the softly lit space, passing tables occupied by the kind of people who lived in wealth like it was second nature.

I wasn't new to such a setting. My family was wealthy, too.

The stares I got from men who admired me and women who looked like they'd die

of envy from how beautiful I looked tonight, almost made me lose my balance. But no. I was used to getting such attention.

Soon, we reached a private table nestled in the corner, separated just enough from the rest of the restaurant to give the illusion of seclusion. A single candle flickered at the center, illuminating the pristine white tablecloth, the expensive glassware, and the untouched plate settings.

But no Jaden.

Seriously?

I looked at my watch, and it was already ten minutes to seven.

That was so ungentlemanly of him.

But I sat either way.

And waited.

And waited.

Minutes bled into each other, the slow tick of the clock on the wall stretching my patience thin. I glanced at my phone. 7:18.

By 7:25, irritation replaced any nerves I might have had.

By 7:30, my fingers tapped against the table in a slow, rhythmic beat of frustration. By 7:35, I was done.

I huffed out a breath, gripping my clutch and pushing my chair back. Enough was enough. He could explain to my father why he decided to waste my time.

But just as I straightened to leave, I felt a shift in the air.noveldrama

I turned, and the sight I met nearly stole my breath.

A man walked through the entrance, the kind that commanded attention without even trying. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in an effortlessly expensive black-on-

du dali, Muelled hair framed a face that was obscenely handsome-sharp cheekbones, a

anging and months scaligned with the kind of arrogance that only men like him

The you the kind of dark that malluwas aandhing whole, a bottomless abyss laced ovallimest writhing

bu move will dien attentiond guess the dy verset the care gecued he walked on.

ribs. But I let it out.

"You kept me waiting for... I was saying when he rudely interrupted me.

"Sit back down, Kasmine. I have an important meeting to catch up with in..." He looked at his wristwatch, "Roughly an hour from now. We don't have all night."