Brandon's POV
I didn't think words could sting this much. But then again, I'd never had to sit and listen to Chloe talk about my brother like he was some kind of god.
She leaned forward, eyes bright, voice carrying this softness—like she was describing the best summer of her life.
"Seth just has this way, you know? He makes everything fun. Even when things are messed up, he still knows how to make you laugh."
I forced myself to nod, to play it cool, but inside? It burned. Like hot coal pressed against my skin.
Seth is my brother. We grew up together, we fought together. And I've defended each other more times than I can remember. I love him so much, I really do. And I knew Chloe was right about him but hearing her gush about him? It was different. Nothing personal. It just dug at something I didn't want to name.
Why did it hurt?
Why did every word she used to paint him as this perfect, golden version of himself feel like she was scraping my insides raw?
