My Stepbrothers Stole My Heart
propose
Joud — ML 1 (The Dangerous One)
Quiet. Intense. Watches everything but says nothing. The kind of guy who makes you nervous without even trying
Rayan — ML 2 (The Crush)
Charming. Warm. Everyone's favorite person in the room. He never meant to hurt Hessa
Hessa — The FL
The girl who feels too much and says too little. She's soft on the outside but breaking on the inside.
The birthday lights were warm and golden.
Music hummed low in Joud's living room, and Hessa stood near the snack table, pretending to care about the chips in her hand.
But her eyes kept finding Rayan.
He was laughing with someone across the room — that easy, effortless laugh that made her chest do something stupid every single time.
...
Okay. Just breathe. It's just his birthday. You've known him since 10th grade. You're fine. Totally fine.
...
You've been staring at him for like ten minutes."
...
Your eyes literally have not moved."
hessa(fl)
I'm looking at the wall.
...
He's standing in front of the wall, Hessa.
She looked away. Took a sip of her juice. Focused very hard on a random balloon.
Then she felt someone beside her.
She already knew the smell of his cologne.
hessa(fl)
It's your birthday. Of course I came."
Rayan
A lot of people say they'll come and don't
hessa(fl)
I'm not a lot of people.
She didn't know what to do with that. So she laughed softly and looked down at her cup.
The music shifted to something slower.
Rayan
Can I tell you something
Rayan
Yeah. I've been wanting to say it for a while actually
Her heart stopped.
For a while.
hessa(fl)
(trying to sound casual): "Okay... say it then
Rayan
I think I'm in love with someone."
Everything went quiet in her head.
In love.
He said in love
Rayan
Like genuinely. I can't stop thinking about this person. They don't even know
hessa(fl)
Maybe... you should tell them."
Rayan
That's why I'm talking to you right now."
Right now. He's talking to ME right now.
She felt her face grow warm. The lights felt softer. The music felt like it was playing only for this moment.
He stepped a little closer.
Rayan
You think they'll say yes?"
hessa(fl)
I think... yeah. I think they will."
He leaned in.
She felt the distance between them shrink — slowly, slowly.
Her breath caught.
This is it.
She closed her eyes.
Heart absolutely hammering.
Lips slightly parted.
Waiting.
The music played.
The lights glowed.
And Hessa stood there —
eyes closed,
completely still —
not knowing that Rayan had already turned his face...
toward someone standing just behind her.
.
The smile on Hessa's face didn't waver.
Not even for a second.
Rayan
(walking toward her, hand in hand with someone): "Hessa... meet Sara. My girlfriend."
Sara.
Her best friend Sara.
Rayan
"I was telling you about her earlier remember? The person I love?
hessa(fl)
(voice completely steady): "Yeah. Of course
hessa(fl)
Surprise.
Yeah. Sure.
hessa(fl)
I'm happy for you both. Really. Congratulations."
Rayan
Thanks Hessa you're the best
The best.
The best at standing there and smiling while her chest quietly caved in
hessa(fl)
Excuse me for a second.
She walked.
Not fast. Not slow.
Just... walked.
Found the washroom. Closed the door. Locked it.
Stared at herself in the mirror.
hessa(fl)
You're fine. You're completely fine.
She wasn't fine.
But she would be. She had to be.
She splashed cold water on her face just as a knock hit the door.
...
Hessa? It's me. Open up
She opened it.
Sara stepped in and closed the door behind her. Her smile was different now. Slower. Sharper.
hessa(fl)
Hey are you okay—
...
I'm great actually. Better than ever
hessa(fl)
Okay... you seem weird.
...
Do I?" (tilting her head) "Or am I just finally being honest?
hessa(fl)
I only became your friend because of Rayan. You know that right?
...
You were always close to him. I needed that access. And you were so easy Hessa. So embarrassingly easy
...
We're together now. I got what I wanted. So..." (smiling sweetly) "Shoo shoo.
hessa(fl)
(voice barely above a whisper): "Are you serious right now?"
She fixed her hair in the mirror. Smiled at her own reflection. Then walked out like nothing happened.
Hessa stood there alone.
Water still dripping from her fingers.
Heart completely silent
Some people show you exactly who they are.
You just have to be brave enough to believe them.
.
The bar was loud and messy and smelled like bad decisions.
Hessa liked it here. Nobody knew her name. Nobody knew her face. Nobody was going to walk up to her with their girlfriend and say surprise like her heart was some kind of joke.
She signaled the bartender again
hessa(fl)
One more please. Actually no — make it two. Just line them up I'll figure it out
...
You sure? That's your fourth—
hessa(fl)
I have money and you have drinks so can we please not do the concerned citizen thing right now. Thank you
The bartender slid the glasses over without another word.
She drank. Stared at the bottles lined up behind the counter. Counted them just to give her eyes something to do that wasn't crying.
Sara's voice kept replaying.
Shoo shoo.
Shoo shoo.
Like she was a stray cat. Like three years of friendship was just a transaction that had finally closed
hessa(fl)
You're so stupid Hessa. You're actually so incredibly stupid. She was always like that and you just... you just smiled and bought her coffee and told her your secrets and she was just using you the whole time. The whole time. Three years. Three whole years and you didn't see it. What is wrong with you.
She laughed a little. The kind of laugh that sits right next to crying.
That's when she felt someone sit beside her. Too close. The kind of close that immediately made her uncomfortable even through the alcohol fog.
...
A beautiful girl like you shouldn't be drinking alone. That's such a waste.
hessa(fl)
I'm not alone. I'm with my drinks. We're having a great time."
...
Funny. I like funny girls. Let me buy you another one."
hessa(fl)
I can buy my own drinks."
...
Come on don't be like that. You look like you're having a rough night. I'm just being friendly. What's your name beautiful?
hessa(fl)
Not interested."
...
Just one drink. My car is outside we can talk properly—"
hessa(fl)
(pulling back): "Let go of me—
...
(tightening grip): "Relax. Stop making a scene—"
...
Take your hand off her.
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