I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 15

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

Sophie found herself in a predicament, one that felt increasingly suffocating with each passing moment. How was she going to escape this situation? First and foremost, she had no car at her disposal, and there was absolutely no way she was going to let Liam accompany her all the way to Hope House. The thought alone was mortifying; it felt like a public admission of defeat. Besides, that journey was far too long for someone dressed in a sleek designer suit and polished shoes—hardly the attire for a casual stroll.

“Um, I just need to go to the bathroom. Then I’ll be ready,” Sophie said, her voice laced with feigned innocence, hoping he would buy her excuse.

Liam nodded, his trust evident in his demeanor. “I’ll wait right here for you,” he replied, his tone reassuring.

As she turned away, a grin crept onto her face. He was far too trusting for his own good, and she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of mischief ignite within her. With a quickened pace, she retraced her steps back into the library, heading toward the restrooms. But instead of continuing on the straight path, she began to zigzag through the towering shelves, her heart racing with the thrill of her little escapade. It was a game of cat and mouse, and she was determined to win.

Eventually, she reached the back exit she had discovered during her last escape from Liam at the coffee shop. She cautiously opened the door and peeked outside, scanning for any sign of him. To her relief, he was nowhere in sight. Taking a deep breath, she slipped out onto the sidewalk and made her way down the street that led to Hope House.

With each step, she felt a mixture of anxiety and exhilaration. She managed to reach Hope House without being caught, though the chill of the evening air seeped through her clothes, making her wish she had worn her new coat. But leaving it at the shop had been a calculated risk—she couldn’t afford to lose it to her roommate, who might see it as an irresistible temptation. Not to mention the cash she had stashed in the pocket; she needed every bit of it when she returned it to Torin.

As Sophie stepped into Hope House, she headed straight for the dining area. The moment she entered, her stomach growled in protest, reminding her just how long it had been since she last ate. She joined the line, her heart sinking as she caught sight of the evening’s dinner spread. A casserole of some sort paired with lima beans—a combination that made her stomach churn. Lima beans were her absolute least favorite.

She took her plate and found a seat at a table, her appetite battling against the unappetizing meal before her. The previous dinners had been quite enjoyable, but this one was a struggle. With determination, she forced a few bites down, but the taste was simply unbearable. Just when she thought she might gag, her eyes caught a glimpse of a fruit bowl on the counter.

With newfound hope, she jumped up and grabbed an apple, relishing the crispness of the fruit as she returned to her table. As she was finishing her snack, Amy and Olivia appeared at her table, their presence a welcome distraction.

“Hey, how’s it going?” Sophie greeted them, her spirits lifting.

Amy beamed at her while Olivia waved enthusiastically. “I found something that might work in the afternoon and evenings,” Amy announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“That’s great!” Sophie replied, genuinely happy for her friend.

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