I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 95

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 95**

Talya forcefully zipped up her backpack, the metallic sound echoing in the quiet room, and turned to face her reflection in the mirror one last time.

She scrutinized her appearance critically.

Too short. That was the undeniable flaw she couldn’t seem to remedy.

Her long, golden hair flowed down her back, shimmering like a heavy chain of sunlight. For years, she had contemplated cutting it, dreaming of a fresh look, but Brandon had a peculiar attachment to it. He considered it his personal domain, a symbol of his preference. He adored long hair, and so she kept it that way—no questions asked. It was as straightforward as that.

Aside from her striking blue eyes, which she always felt were a window to her soul, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there wasn’t a single part of her body that truly belonged to her anymore.

“Talya, breakfast is ready in the kitchen,” her grandfather’s voice called out, breaking her reverie.

As she stepped into the living room, she saw Pops slouched in his recliner, his eyes glued to the newspaper, the world outside fading into a blur.

“Thanks, Pops, but I’m alright,” she replied, her tone smooth, masking the truth. The toast and bagels he had bought were nothing short of culinary landmines. If she gained even a single pound, Brandon would fix her with that cold, clinical gaze that sent shivers down her spine for days on end.

“Is Grams still in bed?” she asked, the knot in her stomach tightening with concern.

“Yeah, she’s not feeling too well this morning,” he replied, his voice edged with worry.

The weight of his words settled heavily on Talya’s chest. “Not well” translated to more medication, and more medication meant more money spent. She would have to plead with Joe for extra night shifts at the diner again, a thought that filled her with dread.

“Don’t worry, sweetie. She’ll be fine,” Pops reassured her, his smile an attempt to lighten the mood.

Talya leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on his cheek, feeling a flicker of warmth from his presence. “I’m off now. I’ll be back late tonight after my shift,” she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

“You work too much,” he grumbled, the concern etched on his face.

She offered no response. If she didn’t work, they wouldn’t eat. And Brandon? He was like a prince who had no concept of the word “wait.”

Just as she reached for the door, a car horn blared from the driveway, cutting through the morning stillness like a knife.

6:22 AM.

Chapter 95

At school, Brandon paraded her around like a trophy, draping his arm around her shoulders as if to showcase his prized possession. It wasn’t until first period ended, and he dashed off to handle “team business,” that Talya felt a momentary sense of relief wash over her.

“Hey, Talya,” a voice called out, breaking through her thoughts.

“Morning,” she replied, offering mechanical smiles to the faces of classmates she barely recognized.

It wasn’t until she spotted Sage that her expression softened into something genuine.

Sage was her anchor in the storm, quiet yet brilliant, a safe harbor in the chaotic sea of high school life.

“Ready for the physics quiz?” Talya asked, knowing full well that Sage could ace it in her sleep.

As they walked down the bustling hallway, laughter and chatter swirling around them, a sudden collision sent Sage sprawling to the floor, the impact echoing in Talya’s ears.

“Oops. My bad,” Brittany’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she loomed over them, a sneer playing on her lips. “Didn’t see you there.”

Rage ignited in Talya’s chest, a fire that threatened to consume her. “Are you blind?” she shot back, her voice laced with indignation.