Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 180

Chapter 180: 180-A Sour Sight

Helanie:

It was a beautiful beach hidden in a peaceful place. The sand was soft and golden, and the sea was clear, shining in many shades of blue. The water was so calm, gently touching the shore, and the air was warm with a light breeze. Tall palm trees stood along the beach, their leaves moving softly in the wind, making relaxing sounds.

I had stepped out of the car with Norman behind me, and instead of heading over to see my hut, I walked straight to the water.

The cold wind was blowing my hair all over the place. I wore blue skinny jeans and a purple top with my purple sweater. I always washed this sweater and wore it back.

“It is so calming out here,” I spread my arms and giggled. I wondered if I had given up on my life, would I have been able to witness victories and visit places like these?

“It is,” Norman replied, and I put my arms down.

“Thank you for giving me a ride,” I mumbled. He only gave me a head nod and then started walking toward the huts.

On the beach, there were many small huts made of wood, each one special and charming. The roofs were covered with straw, giving them a traditional look. The walls were a mix of light wood and smooth stone, with big windows so people could enjoy the view of the blue sea and the colorful sky at sunset. These huts were built on stilts, raised above the water like small houses on the sea. I could tell this was a good tourist spot, but it had been booked just for us for a few days. That made it even more beautiful.

I could tell the others were still sleeping, so I was excited to wake them up and surprise them.

Norman had told me earlier that my friends had been so worried when Lamar called him.

I followed Norman to the hut that was assigned to me. The lights were still out, so he gave me a hand gesture to proceed inside. I took the bag from him and entered the hut.

The inside of the hut was very nice, with simple yet elegant furniture. Soft white curtains hung by the windows, blowing with the wind. There were cozy chairs and hammocks outside on the small wooden decks, perfect for resting and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Around the huts, there were small shaded spots with comfortable chairs, where you could relax in privacy.

But it was dark inside, so I had to tiptoe to the curtains, and the minute I drew them back, the hut lit up. I got a good look at who was in the hut with me.

It was Jenny and Lucy, which meant Penn, Gavin, and Lamar were likely in the same hut. That wouldn’t be a good mix, but I didn’t want to focus on it for now. The single beds looked so comfortable, but I had a good sleep last night, so I wasn’t even going to lie down.

“Ugh!” Lucy was the first one to groan. As she rubbed her eyes and rose from the bed, her eyes landed on me.

“Helanie?” she yelled happily, jumping off the bed and rushing over to hug me. I giggled and laughed, feeling another pair of arms wrap around my body. It was Jenny. Her eyes were still half-closed, but I guess she heard Lucy say my name and got up.

“I am sooo happy you’re here,” Jenny said, tightly hugging me. I hugged them both back before we parted.

They started getting ready while I sat on the deck, waiting for them. The whole scene was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but smile.

Sometimes I remember Lucy’s words and wonder—am I indeed lucky?

I survived Salem and Sydney’s every attack, and today, here I was, sitting victoriously. But my smile was short-lived as I saw Kaye appear in my sight.

“Baby, stop!” Right behind him was Kesha. She rushed to catch up to him and held his hand, resting her head on his shoulder as the two stared at the ocean.

She wore a long blue dress with a round hat, and Kaye was in all black again. Just the sight of them was a reminder that I wasn’t entirely lucky.

It’s just that I focus on little happiness now.

I think he didn’t know I was watching them because once they were done admiring the view, and he turned, his eyes landed on me. He looked so shocked, like he’d seen a ghost.

I noticed him steadily pulling away from Kesha before beginning to walk toward my hut. But I didn’t want to hear anything from him.

“Lucy? Do you need my help?” I yelled as if she had been calling for me and instantly got up from the chair, heading back inside the hut.

Jenny was on her bed, holding a mirror and perfecting her makeup.

“Hey, are you done admiring the view? You know, we missed you so much last night that we didn’t do anything. The boys were so bummed you didn’t come that they went to their huts while the rest of the class was dancing on the beach,” she said, yapping away. But my eyes were on the deck from inside.

I wondered if Kaye had left.

He must have. He has his chosen mate now, and I didn’t want to come between them.

“So, did you and Lucy talk?” I suddenly remembered what had happened the other day and found Jenny looking down sadly.

“I think she’s still upset after last time, and I don’t blame her. You know, she still tried talking to Gavin, and he was taking care of her too. So, I think maybe—maybe they can get back together someday,” she smiled weakly, probably not happy to be dragged between mates.

That’s what I didn’t want to be in Kaye and Kesha’s story. I didn’t want to be like Jenny, who everyone was side-eyeing for causing a rift between Lucy and Gavin, when the truth was far from that.