Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

KASMINE.

Jaden had begun our "date" with questions and answers. No one told me I was coming for

an exam.

"So, tell me, Kasmine..." He leaned back against his chair, swirling the wine in his glass like he was some aristocrat about to interrogate the help. "You're what now? Twenty-

two?"

I blinked, fork freezing midway to my mouth. "I'll be Twenty-one in two weeks."

He smirked. "Ah, still a baby."

My jaw tightened. "I wouldn't call myself that."

He let out a short, amused breath. "Of course, you wouldn't. You probably think you're all

grown up, don't you?"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

'It's just dinner. Get through it and go home.'

Was he always this arrogant, or was he was just excelling at it tonight?

I adjusted the napkin on my låp, keeping my expression neutral as I took a sip of water. This was our first meeting, and within ten minutes, I already wanted to leave.

I stared at him, debating the best way to answer. With words? Or by throwing my drink in

his face?

Instead, I forced a smile. "I'd like to think so."

"Right,” he drawled. “I suppose as a grown-up, you're busy with... what? Shopping? Gossiping? Maybe some charity work when you feel generous?"

Wow.

I let out a slow breath, forcing my fingers to relax around my fork. "I'm studying Computer Science and Technology."

Jaden chuckled. "Cute."

Cute?

I blinked at him. "You don't think women can handle such?"

He shrugged like the answer was obvious. Some can. But let's be honest, Kasmine, you're never going to struggle. Your family has money, connections, almost everything. He set his fork aside before continuing. My family, which you'll be a part of soon, is also one of the most influential in the country. Whether you succeed or fail, you'll always be comfortable. That's not ambition. That's just...' He smirked. "A hobby."noveldrama

That's it. I'm done..

I set my napkin down carefully, pushing my chair back. "Well, it's been a pleasure. Jaden.

Truly. But I think I've had enough."

He frowned like the idea of someone choosing to leave his presence was inconceivable.

"Sit down."

"I have to go." I said, checking my phone. 8:30 PM.

"I'll take you home when I feel like it," he said condescendingly.

I stood up anyway, grabbing my purse.

And then his hand shot out, gripping my wrist.

I sucked in a breath from the sheer audacity

Lit.

Slowly, I turned to him, meeting his amused, unbothered gaze. “Let go."

He didn't. Instead, he tugged me back down, forcing me to sit again.

"Relax, Kasmine, he murmured, smiling and showing his perfectly white dentition

like he was doing me a favor. "I'm enjoying your company."

I stared at him, disgust curling in my stomach.

If there was ever a single doubt in my mind about rejecting this arranged

nightmare, it

was gone now.

Chapter 202.

Over. My. Dead. Body.

I didn't want to create a scene because the first time I tried to leave, Jaden had made at spectacle of it, ensuring every pair of eyes in the restaurant turned toward me, making me look like some hysterical woman causing a scene.

The embarrassment had forced me to sit back in my seat, my dignity burning to ash with every second 1 spent here.

So now, I sat, my right foot tapping restlessly against the floor, listening to him drone on about his oh-so-impressive achievements.

Gods. Goddess. Any divine being willing to listen, please get me out of here.

I wasn't even listening. At this point, his voice was nothing more than background noise. like the distant hum of a fly too stupid to know it was about to be swatted.

...That's why the wedding needs to happen as soon as possible," he concluded a statement, and I immediately wished I had paid attention.

What stupid wedding was he talking about?

I felt my stomach drop. The audacity. The absolute nerve to think that I'd ever agree to

this nonsense.

"What? Why does what wedding need to happen immediately?" I blinked rapidly, focusing

my attention on him now.

"Right," he bared his teeth before taking a sip of his wine, "You weren't listening."

I was quiet.

"Am I boring you?" He asked, and I couldn't be more glad to answer his question. "Yes, you are, Mr. Jaden," I answered honestly. "Didn't you say you have a meeting to

attend to?"

He was silent for a while as if weighing if I was worthy of a response, 'I canceled

it. Apparently, I'm enjoying your company more than you are mine." He leaned back in hist