I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 103

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 103**

“No, I really can’t. I’ve got homework waiting for me. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she replied, her voice firm yet tinged with regret. With that, she swung open the car door, stepping out before he could muster any arguments to persuade her otherwise. The cool evening air greeted her as she hurried up the front steps, her heart racing slightly with the thrill of independence. Once inside, she exhaled deeply, a wave of relief washing over her as she shut and locked the door behind her.

Her gaze flickered to the clock on the wall, and she winced as the numbers registered: it was already past 11:00 PM. Time had slipped away from her once again. She dashed toward her room, the weight of her homework pressing on her mind. Ignoring the growl of her stomach—an unwelcome reminder of her skipped dinner—she resolutely decided that it was far too late to eat. The thought of gaining weight was enough to quell any hunger pangs.

Settling at her desk, she buried herself in her assignments, the soft rustle of paper and the scratch of her pen the only sounds breaking the silence of the night. The hours slipped by, and before she knew it, she had completed her homework. With a yawn that seemed to echo in the stillness, she prepared for bed, her eyelids heavy with fatigue. The moment her head hit the pillow, she drifted into an immediate, dreamless sleep.

As the days rolled into the following week and a half, time began to blur. Talya found herself caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities, with little room to breathe. Between the demands of school and her job, she was stretched thin. Joe had been generous enough to offer her extra hours, and she found herself working late into the night, often not finishing until 11:30 PM. The weekends were no different, filled with additional shifts that drained her energy further.

While the extra income was a welcome boost to her paycheck, the toll it took on her was becoming evident. She felt like a tightrope walker, balancing her studies and work, all while trying to keep her homework in check. Exhaustion settled in her bones, but she refused to complain. She understood the bigger picture, the reason behind her relentless hustle, and that kept her going.

Finally, Friday night arrived, ushering in the last game of the season. Talya had arranged for someone to take over her shift so she could leave early and support her team. A flicker of hope ignited in her chest as she wondered if Liam would show up again. It had been a while since she had seen him outside the classroom; he had yet to acknowledge her presence since that first day.

The hours at work seemed to fly by, each tick of the clock bringing her closer to the moment she could leave. She was just finishing up a round of drinks when she heard her name being called from the kitchen.

“Talya!” Joe’s voice rang out, pulling her from her thoughts. She stepped into the kitchen, her heart sinking slightly at the urgency in his tone.

“Talya,” he repeated, his brow furrowed as he flipped burgers on the grill. “Cally just called in sick. She can’t cover for you tonight. Do you mind staying? We’re already short-staffed because Sam’s out too.”

Talya’s heart sank further. Normally, she wouldn’t hesitate to help out, but tonight was different. Missing the game would undoubtedly infuriate Brandon, and she couldn’t bear the thought of letting him down.

“Is there anyone else we can call?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. “I wouldn’t usually mind, but it’s the last game of the season.”

Joe glanced at her, his expression apologetic. “I know, honey, and I’m really sorry. I just don’t have anyone else available.”

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