I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 115

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

Talya stirred awake after what felt like an eternity, her senses clouded with grogginess and a dull ache radiating through her body. A quick glance at the clock on the wall revealed the unsettling truth: it was well past 3:00 PM. “No,” she murmured, her heart racing in a panic. She propelled herself out of bed, taking a few unsteady steps before a wave of dizziness washed over her, threatening to pull her back into the abyss of unconsciousness.

“Whoa,” came Liam’s voice, a grounding presence amidst her disorientation. He reached out, grasping her arms with a firm grip, steadying her as the world around her swayed like a ship caught in a storm.

“I’m supposed to be at work! Why didn’t you wake me?” Talya’s voice was laced with a mix of irritation and confusion, her frustration bubbling to the surface.

“Talya, you’re in no condition to go to work,” Liam replied calmly, his eyes filled with concern. “I already spoke to your boss. He understands you’ve been injured and won’t be making it in today. He even suggested you take a few days off to recuperate. Besides,” he added with a hint of humor, “you really don’t want to show up at work with a bandage on your face, do you?”

Talya sighed, the crankiness within her simmering. “Well, no, but I should have been the one to decide,” she retorted, crossing her arms defensively.

“Are you hungry?” Liam shifted the topic with a gentle smile, as if sensing her mood. “I went out and picked up some soup from a nearby restaurant. I thought it would be easy for you to eat with your injury,” he said, his tone lightening the atmosphere.

“What time is it?” Talya asked, her mind still foggy as she tried to grasp the situation.

“It’s a little after 4:00,” Liam answered, placing a comforting hand on her back as he guided her to a small table. Talya sank into the chair, her body still protesting the movement. Liam rummaged through a brown paper bag, pulling out a container with a lid. “It’s broccoli and cheddar soup. I figured you’d like that,” he said, setting it down along with a spoon.

He then produced a small baguette, offering it to her. “You can have this; I won’t eat it,” Talya said absentmindedly, her focus already shifting to the soup. “Thanks for the soup. I love broccoli and cheese soup.”

“Do you not like bread?” Liam asked, pulling out another container of soup from the bag.

“Oh, I love bread. I just can’t have it,” Talya replied, blowing gently on her spoon before taking a cautious bite of the soup, careful not to open her mouth too wide to avoid pain in her cheek.

Liam settled into the chair across from her, his brows furrowing in curiosity. “Are you allergic?”

Talya blinked at him, caught off guard. “To the soup?” she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

“No, the bread,” he clarified, gesturing to the baguette still in his hand.

“Oh, no, I just can’t eat carbs,” she explained, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her voice.

“Why can’t you eat carbs?” Liam pressed, genuinely curious.

Talya met his gaze, a mixture of frustration and resignation flooding her. “Because look at me,” she said, gesturing vaguely to herself.

Liam frowned, clearly not grasping her implication. “I don’t understand.”

Talya rolled her eyes, exasperated. “Look at me. Do I look like someone who should be eating carbs?”

His frown deepened. “I’m not following you at all.”

“Do I have to spell it out for you?” she replied, her tone sharp.

“Apparently, yes,” he said, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

“I’m fat, Liam,” Talya stated bluntly, the words hanging heavy in the air.

Liam stared at her, his expression shifting from surprise to disbelief. Then, unexpectedly, he burst into laughter. Talya set her spoon down, crossing her arms in defiance. But as Liam’s laughter faded, his expression turned serious. “You’re serious,” he said, disbelief lacing his voice. “You think you’re fat?”

“Well, I’m definitely not thin,” Talya shot back, her tone defensive.

“Talya, you’re not fat,” Liam insisted, his voice firm and unwavering.

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