The Stepbrother’s Hidden Desires

On the 4th was the Mid-Autumn Festival, but neither Annabel nor Logan were at home, leaving the house feeling cold and empty.

Bonnie hadn’t been in a good mood these past few days because Annabel wasn’t coming back. The argument between Thomas and Annabel about college had escalated, and if it weren’t for Bonnie’s intervention, Thomas would have kicked Annabel out long ago. Now, the father and daughter were still in a cold war, and it seemed like they might not even reconcile by New Year’s.

“The biological ones don’t care, but the stepsons are suddenly so beloved. No wonder Bella doesn’t want to come back,” Bonnie said, pounding the table in frustration.

Thomas and Brenna were in the study having a video call with Logan. Every now and then, Thomas’s laughter could be heard from the study, which only made Bonnie feel more choked up and uncomfortable.

Eve hurriedly poured Bonnie a glass of water and consoled her, “Bella just went to a new school; everything feels fresh to her now. Give her some time, and I’m sure she’ll come back on weekends.”

Eve was the one Bonnie had hired to take care of Bella, and she was genuinely concerned about both Bonnie and Bella.

Bonnie shook her head. “Don’t deceive me. I know Bella doesn’t like this house. Now that she’s grown up, she’ll probably be even less willing to come back in the future. Her dad is unreliable. If I die one day, Bella might not even have a place to stay. We have to rely on ourselves for everything. Tomorrow, call Liam and tell him I need to see him.”

Eve understood what Bonnie meant; she was planning to buy a house for Annabel.

At dinner, Bonnie had a grim expression, Thomas was forcing a smile, and Brenna was being extra cautious.

“Just now, who were you calling in your room?” Bonnie asked.

Brenna knew that this was a deliberate question, Even though she felt uncomfortable, she remained submissive on the surface. “It was Gan calling back. I thought you were resting upstairs, so I didn’t dare disturb you.”

Everyone could tell it was an excuse. Bonnie never liked Logan and didn’t see him as her grandson.

As expected, Bonnie brought up Annabel next, venting all her frustration on Thomas. “You’re just going to abandon your biological daughter?”

Thomas felt his anger rising at the mention of Annabel. “Mom, don’t spoil her. If she doesn’t want to come back, am I supposed to beg her?”

“If you didn’t scold and berate her all the time, do you think she wouldn’t come back? You care for your stepson so much more. Let me remind you, Bella is already eighteen. If you don’t get close to her now, you might never get the chance.”

Brenna gently tapped Thomas’s hand under the table, signaling him not to speak. With a helpless expression, she said, “Mom, it’s not that Thomas doesn’t care about Bella. You know Bella’s temperament. She’s never been willing to get close to us since she was young, and there’s nothing we can do about it.”

Bonnie sneered, “Stop pretending. Bella is a soft-hearted child. What does Thomas do to your son? If you treat Bella the same way, she has long opened her heart to you. You’re just putting on a show in front of my foolish son.”

Thomas couldn’t stand it anymore. “Mom, you always assume the worst of people. Brenna and I have been married for over a decade, and she’s always been obedient to you. Can’t you treat her better?”

Brenna’s face showed a hint of distress, but she still forced a smile. “Thomas, stop it. Mom doesn’t mean it. I won’t take it to heart.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

The meal ended on a sour note, leaving Bonnie furious.

Fortunately, after dinner, Annabel called and shared many interesting stories from school, cheering Bonnie up.

“Sweetie, when are you coming back? Grandma misses you so much,” Bonnie said.

Annabel had only been away for a month. “Sure, How about you buy back the old house? I’ll come back to accompany you once I’m on break. Otherwise, I won’t be back for New Year’s.”

Bonnie knew this cunning little fox would say something like that. “We can’t buy back the old house, but tomorrow I’ll have Liam come over to take me to pick out a new one. I’ll buy you an apartment so you can have your own home, instead of wandering around like an unwanted stray cat.”

Annabel was ecstatic on the phone, cheering for her grandma.