Lahat ng Kabanata ng Trapped with My Brother's Forbidden Best Friend: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

The comment about the scarf hung in the air like smoke. Ryan had already left for work, but the words stayed with us. Ethan and I stood in the kitchen, the silence heavy between us.“He noticed,” I said quietly, wrapping my arms around myself. “That wasn’t just a random comment. He’s starting to put things together.”Ethan ran a hand through his hair, looking troubled. “I know. We were careful at the lake house, but one small mistake…” He stepped closer and gently touched my arm. “We need to be smarter now. No more risks at home.”I nodded, but my heart felt heavy. “The family dinner is in two days. Mom and Dad will be back, and everyone will be watching. How are we supposed to sit at the same table and act like nothing’s changed?”Ethan pulled me into a gentle hug. His arms felt safe and warm. “We’ll act normal. Polite glances, nothing more. I’ve known your family long enough to play the part. But after dinner, we need to talk seriously about what we’re doing.”We stayed like that fo

The morning after the family dinner felt heavy. Sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows, but the warmth did little to ease the tension in the house. Mom was humming while making breakfast, Dad read the newspaper at the table, and Ryan sat quietly, sipping his coffee. Ethan had left early for the garage, saying he had a busy day. I knew it was partly to avoid more questions.I helped Mom set the table, my mind replaying the dinner. Ryan’s comments, the way he watched us, the lie Ethan told — it all sat like a stone in my chest.“You’ve been quiet since we got back,” Mom said gently, handing me plates. “Everything alright, sweetheart? The snowstorm didn’t scare you too much, did it?”I forced a smile. “I’m okay, Mom. Just thinking about college and everything.”Ryan looked up from his phone. “Or maybe thinking about something — or someone — else?”His tone was light, but his eyes were sharp. Dad chuckled. “Leave your sister alone, Ryan. She’s allowed to have her own thoughts.”Rya

Ryan stood in the backyard, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. The night air felt thick and heavy. My legs felt weak as I looked between him and Ethan. The moment we had feared since the snowstorm had finally come.“Inside,” Ryan said quietly. “All of us. Now.”We followed him into the living room in silence. The house was dark except for one small lamp. Mom and Dad were already asleep upstairs, completely unaware of the storm happening below. Ryan sat on the armchair while Ethan and I took the couch. The space between us felt huge.Ryan looked at us for a long moment before speaking. “I’ve been patient. I’ve given hints. I’ve asked questions. But you two kept hiding it. So tell me the truth. What exactly happened at the lake house?”I took a deep breath, my hands shaking in my lap. “It started because we were trapped by the snowstorm. We had to share space, stay warm together. We talked more than we ever had before. About life, fears, dreams. And… we realized there was somethin

The following week felt like the calm after a long storm. Ryan still watched us sometimes, but his suspicion had softened into careful observation. He no longer made sharp comments or asked pointed questions. Instead, he started treating us like normal again — teasing Ethan about old memories and asking me about college like before.Mom and Dad were happy to see the house returning to its usual rhythm. “It’s nice having everyone getting along again,” Mom said one evening while we helped prepare dinner. She had no idea how much had changed.Ethan came over almost every day after work. Sometimes he helped Ryan with small projects around the house. Other times he sat with me in the living room, talking quietly while Ryan was nearby. We were careful — small touches, soft smiles, nothing that would make Ryan uncomfortable. But even those little moments felt special.One afternoon, Ryan surprised us. “I’m heading out with some friends for a few hours. You two… behave yourselves.” He gave Et

The rumors spread faster than I expected. By Monday morning, a few cousins had already texted me asking if “something was going on with Ethan.” I replied with short answers, but my stomach stayed in knots. The big family gathering had opened the door, and now everyone seemed curious.Ethan came over that evening after work. Ryan was home, so we kept things respectful. We all sat in the living room together, talking about normal things. But when Ryan stepped out to take a phone call, Ethan turned to me.“I heard the rumors too,” he said softly. “My cousin called again today. He was asking questions. I told him we’re close, but it’s new. I didn’t want to lie, but I also didn’t want to say too much before we’re ready.”I nodded, leaning slightly against him on the couch. “It feels scary. Like everyone is watching us now. But at the same time… it’s a relief that we don’t have to hide completely anymore.”Ethan gently squeezed my hand. “We’ll handle it together. I’m not ashamed of us, Ava.