Chapter 82-The Stepbro I Needed
Helanie:
"They have the best coffee," Emmet said as he placed an order for both of us. He ordered a variety of dishes, making it clear he was ready to devour them all.
He had casually rolled up his sleeves, even the cuffs of his coat, without a second thought about ruining the sharp creases.
The weather was pleasant. This pack was a small one but I believe they had some affiliation with the rogue king.
"I’m sorry for not accepting that bag. I just don’t want your brothers to think I’m a gold digger," I said, initiating the topic myself. Sitting across from him made my cheeks flush with heat.
"Why do you care what they think?" he asked, his gaze steady. "You see, they’ve realized that by calling you a gold digger, they can manipulate you. The moment you stop accepting help, they win. Tell me something."
He leaned back in his seat, awkwardly trying to adjust his legs under the small table without touching mine. The space was cramped, and his tall, broad-shouldered frame made it even more challenging.
"Have you always been this quiet? Always so concerned about what others think of you?" he asked. His question made me nod instinctively, without hesitation. That was exactly how I had lived my life until now.
Every day, I’d feel self-conscious when delivering baked goods to the pack members, overhearing their whispered remarks. If someone commented that my dress looked too tight, I’d starve myself to loosen it because I couldn’t afford to buy new clothes.
It happened often.
I’d even change my hairstyle just to avoid giving the pack members any reason to criticize me.