All Chapters of Want Me Back? Ask My Brothers First: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

~LORETTE~ “Good morning.” A smile spreads across my lips as I glance over my shoulder at Lucas and Ella, who are just stepping into the kitchen. The omelette sizzles softly in the pan as I flip it with ease. Beside me, buttered toast and warm bagels have already been neatly arranged, while the potatoes and vegetables mixed into the eggs give off a mouthwatering aroma. Truthfully, I had woken up ridiculously early just to keep my mind occupied. After everything Nate had done last night, after the endless calls, accusations, and sheer audacity of disturbing my peace again, sleep had become difficult. Cooking seemed easier than lying awake drowning in frustration. I really need to stop letting him affect me, even in the smallest way. Thankfully, the divorce papers would be delivered to him today. Soon, all of this would finally be over. Lucas pauses mid-step, one brow arching in surprise as his gaze falls on the breakfast spread, while Ella lets out a soft gasp. “Oh my G

~NATE~ “What the hell?” I stop short the moment I step out of the bathroom, water still dripping faintly from my hair. My eyes narrow at the empty space on the bed. Every single morning, without fail, my suit and tie are always neatly arranged there, pressed to perfection and ready for me to wear. But today, there’s nothing. The bed is empty, and I’m already running late. A sharp irritation crawls through me. “These incompetent maids.” I mutter through gritted teeth. Quickly, I throw on my robe and storm out of the room. The moment I spot the head maid hurrying down the hallway, I call out sharply. “You.” She freezes instantly. “Get here. Now.” Her face pales as she rushes toward me, bowing her head immediately. “S-Sir?” “What exactly do you people get paid for?” I snap. “Why the hell hasn’t my suit been prepared yet? Do you have any idea how important this morning is? I have a board meeting in less than an hour.” The poor woman visibly trembles. “I-I’m very sorry, sir

~LORETTE~ “Are you absolutely sure you don’t want one of us to drive you there?” Lucas asks for what feels like the hundredth time, concern written all over his face as we stand outside the house. “I’m really not comfortable with you taking a cab alone, Lori. It’s dangerous.” All of them had insisted on escorting me outside before I left for Grandma Nessa’s birthday party. And judging from the worried looks on their faces, you’d think I was heading off to war. “I promise, I’ll be okay.” I say gently, offering them a reassuring smile. The last thing I want is for my brothers to get dragged into the Hawthornes’ toxicity. They’re good people. Far too good to have anything to do with that family. “I’ve always taken care of myself,” I add softly. “And I can still do that now. It’s just a birthday party, guys. Besides, Grandma Nessa will be there. She’s kind and won’t let anyone bully me.” Even as I say it, none of them look convinced. Hunter’s jaw tightens. Jace looks one inconvenie

~LORETTE~ “Mother…” Stella quickly says, visibly flustered as she tries to calm Grandma Nessa down. “Please, calm down. She’s a guest.” “A guest?” Grandma Nessa repeats sharply, sounding even more offended by the explanation. Her brows knit together in irritation as she looks between them. “I certainly cannot remember inviting her.” Then, her eyes land directly on Ava. “You,” she says coldly, pointing her walking stick in Ava’s direction. “Get out before I have you thrown out.” Ava visibly stiffens. For the first time since arriving, she suddenly looks small and fragile, her eyes turning glossy as she instinctively leans closer to Nate like someone seeking protection. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, not remotely prepared for tonight turning into this level of drama. To be fair, I had always heard about Grandma Nessa’s dislike for Ava. Though I never bothered asking questions because I didn’t want to pry into family matters that had nothing to do with me. Still, I definite

~LORETTE~ Nate almost chokes on his drink at Grandma Nessa’s words. He coughs hard, quickly reaching for his glass while Ava immediately leans closer, gently rubbing his back as though he might collapse any second. I notice the faint redness creeping up his ears. Oh. He’s embarrassed. “Mother…” Stella lets out a strained laugh, trying to ease the awkward tension thickening around the table. “Come on now, you know Nate doesn’t have any issues. If Lori hasn’t gotten pregnant, then maybe it’s her fertility problem. Not Nate’s.” But Grandma Nessa shakes her head stubbornly, looking utterly unimpressed. “You may not be the brightest, Stella, but I didn’t think you were this prejudiced.” She says bluntly. Stella’s face immediately reddens in embarrassment, and for once, she suddenly seems very interested in everything else around the table except looking anyone in the eye. Deep down, I’m enjoying every second of this while keeping my expression perfectly neutral. If there’