Stella's P.O.V.

I'm completely lost in the way Alex is making me feel, but suddenly, reality hits me.

What am I doing? He's my stepbrother. In my desperation to find relief, I let him—

I can't even say that. It's so wrong. First, I let him kiss me and now this.

Oh, God! How could I let this happen?

I wasn't in my right mind, but Alex was. He could've stopped me.

I push him away with all the strength I can muster. My hands shake as I sit up and pull the covers around my body.

"Stella..." He looks at me, his eyes filled with worry.

Tears well up in my eyes again. "No, Alex... I can't do this. You're my stepbrother."

"Stella, please..." he tries to touch me, but I stand up, shaking my head furiously and clutching the bed sheet.

"You shouldn't have done this." I hurriedly wear his t-shirt, shedding tears. "You should've stopped me. You shouldn't have let this happen."

I see the hurt flash in his eyes, but I can't focus on that right now. All I can think about is escaping, getting away from him and the mess we've created.

As he stands up to say something, I turn and rush toward the door, my vision blurred by the tears that won't stop falling. My body feels weak and my legs tremble as I walk over to my room.

I slam the door and lean against it before sliding to the floor. Hugging my knees tightly to my chest and burying my face in them, I sob hysterically. I feel like I'm falling apart.

How could I let this happen? How could I be so reckless, so desperate? Now, how will I face Mom after this?

I curl up on the floor, hugging my knees to my chest, wishing I could just disappear. I don't want to face the reality of what I've done, of the line Alex and I have crossed.

This can never be undone.

As much as I want to blame him, deep down, I know it wasn't just his fault. I begged him to make me feel better.

And he did. He took all my pain away.

That's why, despite everything, I'm still yearning for him.

God, what is wrong with me?

Fuck my life!

***

The Next Morning

I'm curled up on the bed, still wearing Alex's t-shirt, and the events of last night keep revolving in my mind.

I can't deny the way Alex made me feel. I completely forgot about Jade's words. Alex made me feel desirable in a way I never felt before.

I wish he wasn't my stepbrother.

No matter how much I need him, I won't let what happened last night happen again.

I glance at the time on my wristwatch—I'm getting late for college. I don't want to go and I don't want to face anyone after what happened yesterday.

But staying here, in this house, alone with my thoughts and the memories of yesterday—it'll drive me insane.

I need to get out. I need to distract myself.

***

Alex's P.O.V.

I'm sitting at the breakfast table, waiting for Stella to come down, lost in thoughts of last night. I know I shouldn't have let things go that far, but I couldn't resist. The way Stella looked at me, the way she begged for relief—I lost all control.

I see her descending the stairs. She looks tired, her eyes swollen from crying. Fuck. It hurts so much to see her like this.

She doesn't say a word as she heads for the door.

I can't let her leave like this.

"Stella, wait." I follow her, and she stops but doesn't turn around. "Let me take you to college." I step in front of her.

She doesn't respond right away, but after a moment, she nods.

Without a word, she follows me outside to the car.

***

We remain silent the entire drive. I glance at her a few times, hoping she'll say something—anything—but she just stares out of the window, lost in her deep thoughts.

When we reach college, she finally breaks the silence. "I'm sorry, Alex. I know you crossed the line last night because of me, and then I blamed you."

"Stella, I can understand. I just want you to be okay. I don't know why, but I can't stand to see you like this."

As she turns to me, our eyes lock. Her eyes, which used to shine, are now filled with profound pain.

Stella, I vow to bring back the shine in your eyes and the charming dimple that brightens your smile.

I never thought a day would come when someone else's pain would affect me like this. When did her happiness start to matter so much to me?

Fuck. Stella, what did you do to me?

I know what I want now, and I'm willing to cross all the boundaries because I don't care if she's my stepsister anymore. I'll do whatever it takes to make her smile again, to bring back the spark in her eyes.

But only if she wants me to.

I brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "I just want you to be happy, Stella. That's all that matters."

"I have to go." Without another glance, she gets out of the car and walks toward the building.

When did she become so important to me? I wonder, watching her until she disappears.

I sit in the car for a moment, gripping the steering wheel, thinking about Stella. Only I know how much I want to make her feel better and how desperate I am to see her smile again.

But now it's time to make Jade pay for breaking her. I won't rest until I make him suffer for every tear Stella has shed.

Without thinking twice, I pull out my phone and scroll through my contacts. My finger stays over Gabriel's name for a second before I press the call. Gabriel and I went to school together, and though we lost touch over the years, I know his connections run deep—dangerously deep. His father is the mafia, and if anyone can help me make Jade suffer, it's Gabriel.

The phone rings a few times before he answers. "Hello, Alex. What's up? Long time."

"Gabriel, I need a favour from you." I don't waste any time and directly come to the point.

"Alex calling me for a favour. That's flashing news." He chuckles.

"I'm serious. Gabriel, I want you to find two people. I don't care where they are—just get them. I want them to suffer."

His tone shifts, becoming more curious. "And who are these lucky people?"

"The people whom I hate the most right now. I want to torture them because they hurt someone important to me."

My stepsister—Stella. I don't know how or when, but she has become so important to me. Her pain tears me apart, and anyone who dares to hurt her will face the consequences.

There's a pause on the other end of the line, followed by Gabriel's thoughtful hum. "Alright, alright. I can make that happen. Give me the details, and I'll get my guys on it."

My jaw clenches as I imagine Jade's face when he gets what's coming to him. "I'll send you their photos and numbers."

"Don't worry, Alex. I'll have my guys pick them up. I'll send you the location once they've been... taken care of," Gabriel says, his tone turning more serious. "But are you sure about this? Once we get involved, there's no turning back."

"I'm sure." My voice is ice cold. "They deserve every bit of what's coming to him."

Gabriel sighs, though I can hear the excitement in his voice. "Consider it done. I'll be in touch."

As I lean back in the seat, closing my eyes, Stella's vulnerable face flashes in my mind, and I feel a profound rage within me. Jade will pay, and when he does, I'll be there to make sure he feels every bit of the pain he caused her.