I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 158

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

**Chapter 158**

“Wow, I hardly recognize myself,” Sage exclaimed, her eyes wide as she scrutinized her reflection in the mirror. The transformation was striking, and she couldn’t help but marvel at the image before her.

“You absolutely do,” Talya replied, a warm smile spreading across her face. “You’re stunning, Sage.”

With that affirmation, Talya turned her attention to her own makeup, carefully applying the colors that would complement her outfit. Soon, the moment arrived to don their dresses. Talya perched on the edge of the bed, slipping on a pair of flats. She had chosen these comfortable shoes, fully aware that her foot wouldn’t tolerate the torture of heels. Standing up, she took a tentative step, testing the fit. “This feels so strange,” she confided to Sage, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

“I can only imagine,” Sage replied, her tone sympathetic. “But you look absolutely beautiful, Talya.”

“Thanks! And so do you! Are you ready for this?” Talya asked, her excitement bubbling beneath the surface.

“More than ready,” Sage replied, and together they ventured into the living room, where Talya’s grandparents greeted them with delighted gasps and heartfelt compliments.

“Are you sure you two will be okay coming over by yourselves?” Talya asked, concern etching her brow.

“We’re perfectly fine. You girls go and enjoy your day. We’ll join you later for the ceremony,” her grandmother reassured them.

After exchanging hugs and sweet kisses, Sage and Talya set off, driving toward the school with a mix of anticipation and nerves. There were several tasks they needed to complete before the actual ceremony could begin.

“Are your parents coming today?” Talya inquired, glancing sideways at Sage.

Sage shrugged, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features. “I mentioned it to them, but who knows if they’ll show up.”

“I’m really sorry, Sage,” Talya said softly, her heart aching for her friend. She despised the notion that Sage’s parents were too preoccupied to celebrate such an important milestone. Sage remained silent, and Talya chose not to press the issue further, wanting to preserve the joy of the day.

Once they parked, Talya proceeded cautiously, careful not to aggravate her foot. They soon melded into the vibrant atmosphere of graduation day, surrounded by their classmates and the joyous festivities. Talya was resolute in her determination to savor every moment of the celebration. Remarkably, even Brandon seemed to be preoccupied with his friends, causing less trouble than usual.

Eventually, the time came for the ceremony to commence. Talya had ensured that her grandparents were seated comfortably, their faces glowing with pride. Now, all that remained was to endure the lengthy proceedings. She scanned the room once more, taking in the massive crowd—a sight expected for such a large graduating class.

As the ceremony dragged on, Talya felt her excitement mix with impatience. Finally, her name echoed through the auditorium. Heart racing, she approached the edge of the stage, focusing intently on her steps. Slowly and carefully, she made her way across, determined to avoid any missteps. She paused for her photo, a fleeting smile gracing her lips, before stepping off the stage. Only when she returned to her seat did she allow herself to breathe a sigh of relief.

Once the ceremony concluded, Sage spotted her and rushed over, her face alight with joy. “We did it!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Talya in a celebratory embrace.

“I need to find my grandparents. Will you come with me?” Talya asked, glancing around the sea of faces. Sage nodded eagerly, and together they wove through the crowd. Just as Talya was about to locate her grandparents, a sudden force grabbed her from behind, spinning her around.

“We did it!” Brandon bellowed, his exuberance overshadowed by his brashness.

“This is enough,” Talya finally interjected, her voice steady despite her racing heart. “I am not a possession to be fought over, and I am certainly not yours, Brandon.” She felt a low growl emanate from Liam, a primal sound that resonated deep within her. Turning to him, all the hurt and anger she had bottled up since he had vanished from her life surged forth. “I’m not yours either,” she shot back, her voice laced with fury.

A savage growl erupted from Liam, and both Garrett and Max snapped at him, trying to rein him in. Liam lunged forward, but Garrett and Max quickly seized him, with Kyle joining in to help restrain him. The others formed a protective circle around them, shielding the chaos from the prying eyes of onlookers.

Just when Talya thought the situation couldn’t worsen, Brandon seized her again, pulling her against him with a force that left her breathless. She stumbled as he yanked her backward. “Don’t touch her again,” Kyle roared, his fury palpable as he swiftly transferred Talya into Madison’s care.

Madison wrapped an arm around Talya, guiding her away from the turmoil. “Come on, Talya; let’s get out of here,” she urged, her voice soothing amidst the chaos. Sage quickly joined them, her worry evident.

“What is happening here?” a new voice interjected, sharp and commanding. Talya recognized it instantly—Brandon’s father.

“Are you kidding me? Could this day get any worse?” Talya thought, her heart sinking further. Just as that despair settled in, another wave of voices reached her ears.

“Talya? Are you okay?”

“What’s going on?”

Talya spun out of Madison’s hold, her eyes widening as she spotted her grandparents nearby, their faces etched with concern. The sight of them—along with the chaos of the guys restraining a furious Liam, an infuriated Brandon, and his equally furious father—made her heart ache. She wanted to cry. This was meant to be a day of celebration, a day that now felt like it was spiraling into chaos.

As her grandparents arrived, the world around them fell into an uneasy silence. It was as if time had frozen for everyone except Liam, who remained a storm of anger. Talya didn’t need to look at him to feel the intensity of his rage; she could sense it, a palpable force that hung in the air.