Page 137 of Corrupt Me

“Bailey?” Cassandra asks me once we’re in the car and driving to my new home for the foreseeable future.

“It’s okay. I mean, I am not okay, but…”

She palms my arm. “It’s the hardest thing to do, isn’t it? Doing the right thing when it’s everything we don’t want to do?”

I offer a slight nod. Once we reach the estate, she tells Samuel, “Bring her to the west wing. Thank you.”

I follow him up the curved staircase. Every step drags slower as if my legs transform into stumps of lead, making me stop after every step. My heart refuses to go along with what I know is the only viable choice I have.

Once Samuel opens the door, the spacious room unfolds before me—Italian-crafted furniture, high ceilings, and sophisticated curtains perfectly match the wide rug that stretches across the hardwood floor. Samuel excuses himself, reminding me to call for him if I need anything.

I climb into the queen-sized bed, sniffling into the pillow. Emotions roll over me, and my chest rocks with silent tears.

Not ready to face Hunter, I send him a text, hoping he will give me the time I need, knowing he won’t while my heart shrivels to a damn raisin forgotten in the sun.

He calls me right back, and pushing through the conversation is so hard I can barely suppress my sobs. All I want is for him to tell me we’ll be fine, but will we? I drag out that conversation we need to have in person because I can’t meet Hunter yet.

I am a damn coward, so I call Blake next, and he answers right away. We’re brother and sister, and I need to share that news with him first.

“I am at the estate. Could you come over, please?”

It doesn’t even take him a beat to reply, “I’m on my way.”

“Tell Mia I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

I hang up, my phone dropping to the floor with a loud clack. I don’t bother picking it up.

One talk changed everything. One choice alters everything. The disconnect between my heart and my brain leaves me stranded in this quagmire I will live in indefinitely.

It doesn’t take long for Blake to show up.

In the silence, only the moon casts a dim light over the room. The trees outside paint a scene of shadows haunting the living’s dreams.

Sobs rip through my chest, and he rushes to my side, holding me close.

“What happened, Bailey?” His tone is gentle.

I don’t even know where to start, but I gather the strength to calm down and tell him everything.

“We’re siblings?” he asks, sounding incredulous but excited, putting a smile on my face.

“Well, half…”

“There is no half between us. We’re brother and sister.”

I throw myself in his arms and in my brother’s embrace, I let it all out until the emotional turmoil tsunami that has been ravaging my insides sweeps into a smoother ebb and flow becoming bearable. I am not alone in this world and never will be. I might not have parents anymore, but I gained a brother tonight. Blake is the only blood relative I need. Plus, I already have a found family and the man of my dreams by my side which strengthens me. This whole messed-up situation won’t break me. I am a survivor. I am a fighter. I am a winner.

He holds me close to his chest, his soft voice warming my insides. “I have a sister. And not just any sister, but the best one.”

A small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “That’s the only good news. I couldn’t have picked someone better to be my brother, either.”

“This is so fucked up, but it doesn’t even surprise me. So much betrayal and secrets, no wonder we inherited a corrupt legacy.”

We’ll change that though. All the sacrifice and fighting can’t be for nothing.

“Hunter won’t react well to your engagement.” He voices what I’ve refused to acknowledge.

“I don’t know what to do…” I feel so lost.

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