บททั้งหมดของ Claimed By My Ex’s Stepbrother: บทที่ 31 - บทที่ 40

The Blackwood mansion had never looked more alive.From the balcony, Tessa could see the entire courtyard blooming with colour — rows of lilies, tulips, and white roses carefully arranged around the marble fountain. Workers moved quickly, tying silk ribbons along the railings, their laughter echoing faintly through the air.Inside, the sound of music floated through the halls….soft, classical, the kind that made you feel like everything in the world might be right again.Tessa stood before the mirror, barely recognising the reflection staring back at her. Her hair was pinned loosely, a few curls framing her face, and the dressmaker was fussing over the delicate lace of her gown.“Hold still, Miss Quinn,” the woman murmured. “It’s your last fitting before your big moment.”Big moment? The word made her chest tighten.Tessa had dreamed of her big moment, but it was nothing like this in her imagination.This was duty…wrapped in war and revenge. She smiled politely at the woman, but her

“Roman, move!” Tessa snapped. “Don’t let me repeat it.”“I’m not letting you go.”“I said move!” She shoved at him, fists pounding his chest. “Get out of my way, Roman—move!”“Tessa, stop it.” He caught her wrists mid-swing, pinning them together with ease. “Stop it please.”“No…” She twisted, voice breaking. “Let me go! Leave me!”Roman’s jaw tightened. “You’re not leaving like this.”Her breath hitched as he lifted her effortlessly, his hands steady but careful, as if he was terrified she might break apart. She kicked, pushed, hit — all the anger she had left poured into him — but he took it, every blow, every curse, like he deserved it.“Listen to me,” he said roughly, trying to steady his breathing. “Just—listen.”“Why should I?” she shot back, eyes glassy. “You lied. You hurt me. You don’t get to talk your way out of this!”“I’m sorry,” he said again, quieter this time. “I’m sorry.”She froze for a split second — not because she forgave him, but because she’d never heard him say

“Do you, Tessa Quinn, take Roman Blackwood to be your lawfully wedded husband?”Tessa stood frozen at the altar, every heartbeat louder than the murmurs rippling through the courtyard. The grass carpet felt soft beneath her feet, the scent of lilies hung heavy in the air — everything immaculate, elegant, expensive. Her gaze flicked briefly to Roman, who looked maddeningly composed. His dark suit fit like a weapon, his jaw tight, his eyes fixed on her as if daring her to no.Her fingers trembled.Before she could force out a word, she took a slow step back. “I… I need a minute.”A collective gasp rose from the guests. Cameras clicked. Roman didn’t move at first, his expression unreadable. Then, with a curt nod to the priest, he followed her.They stepped aside, toward the grand column near the back of the courtyard— far enough that the voices became whispers, but close enough that everyone could still feel the tension.Tessa turned on him the moment they were out of earshot.“So this

Tessa lingered by the counter, watching as Klara crouched on the floor, gathering the broken pieces of the mug. Her fingers trembled slightly, though her face remained calm.“You know,” Tessa said softly, “you could get someone to clean that up for you.”Klara didn’t look up. “I’m fine. I can do it myself.”“Are you okay? You seem a little off.”“I just heard my husband was murdered, how do you expect me to feel?” Klara shot at her.“I’m sorry about that. I really am.” Tessa whispered. “Keep your pity. I don’t need it.” Klara scoffed. She struggled to arrange the pieces on her palms until — “Fuck!” She winced as one of the shards gave her a slight cut.Tessa frowned. “You’re bleeding.”“I said I’m fine.” She snarled.For a moment, silence filled the space, only the faint clink of ceramic against ceramic as Klara dropped another shard into the bin.Tessa shifted, uneasy. “I didn’t notice you at the wedding,” she said, trying to lighten the mood. “You sort of vanished on us.”Klara let

“You know we don’t have to do what she says,” Roman said standing cross-legged on the dressing table in Tessa’s room. “If I talk to her, I can talk her out of it.”“There’s no need for that,” Tessa said. “Let’s just do what she wants.”Roman tilted his head. He could swear he heard a bit of excitement in her voice.“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you actually wanted this.” Tessa stopped folding the clothes in her hands. Staring into the half-full suitcase.“I….why would you say that? Did I say something to make you think that?”“No, but you just don’t seem to be against it so much.”“I’m just saying…maybe it’s not such a bad idea. We’ve been through a lot so it could be a nice getaway.” Tessa said, not looking up.Roman squinted his brows. “Okay then.”“Do you need help packing?” She asked.Instantly she closed her eyes, cursing herself internally for even asking that. Why?Roman tried to hide a smirk. “I’m good. Thank you.” The silence settled between them like smoke after a fi