Deceiving My Bully Stepbrother

***Trigger Warning For Situations of Potential Self-Harm***

(Heather)

I looked across the table, watching as my once happy family stood up to leave. How did it all come to this?

"What if I prove myself? If I show you I have changed!" I rushed out, reaching for Johnnie's hand as Capsian quickly intercepted.

"You've already gotten your answer, Heather, if I were you..I would try to keep what little dignity you have left." Caspain snapped, making my jaw clench as I wished I could slap that boy across the face right now.

That man has done something to my daughter..ever since the summer we spent in Florida, he has changed her. Johnnie never went against me before that. But with Caspian in the picture, there is no way I can get through to her..

He was the whole reason this all started..if he hadn't told people about the affair..if he hadn't brainwashed my daughter and convinced her I was this evil villain, then everything would have been perfect..

"Johnnie, if you ever want to reach out or just talk..I am here..I promise I will make this up to you one day, to both you and Ben." I said, ignoring Caspian completely as I quickly grabbed my bag and turned to leave..even Neal wouldn't look me in the eyes.

I thought at least he would want to reconnect..maybe even give our relationship a second chance. I mean..it wasn't me who tried to have him killed..

I stepped outside, my hands trembling as I quickly reached down, grabbing my phone from my purse as I realized I had ten missed calls.

That's when I saw the private number pop up again, knowing exactly who it was.

"Hello?"

"I only have ten minutes..how did it go?" Dave asked, making me scoff as I headed for my rental.

"How do you think it went, Dave? Caspian wouldn't even let me speak half the time.." I gritted through my teeth as I knew Dave would be annoyed.

"What about Ben? Was he open to giving you another chance?" Dave asked, making me go quiet.

"No...so can you please leave me alone now? I'm done playing your games Dave.." I snapped, truly despising this man as he continues to torment me..even having him behind bars didn't help me. Dave was a very charismatic man and was able to sway a guard to give him a cell phone.

He even had a few of his old friends come to "check" on me when I stopped visiting him. But he won't go anywhere near the kids..not since Alder took control of King Corporations. Considering he works with Viva's family now..apparently, Dave King does have a little fear in him.

But me..I have no one to protect me..and Dave said if I could keep an eye on the kids, and tell him what's going on..he would leave me alone. Besides..I wanted my family back..I wanted them to forgive me and to forget this ever even happened. So much for that..

"I want you here tomorrow Heather. You know the drill.." Dave said lowly, making my eyes widen.

"No, I'm not doing that again!" I rushed out, feeling a shiver tremble through me as memories from our last visits rushed through me.

Dave always made me do things when I was there..disgusting things during our conjugal visit..

It didn't start out that way..at first it was sweet and emotional when we met up..but then something changed.

I went to meet Dave in the same room I was always taken to but when I walked in, it wasn't just Dave waiting inside this time.

Dave had asked me to perform a favor for him in exchange for some money he had hidden away.

I was desperate..having to work as a waitress and live with an old friend was degrading from how far I had come..so I was desperate.

It was only oral sex..but still..the act was demeaning and Dave watched the entire time. I learned later on that the man I did it to was a prison guard.

I don't know why I said yes..but I got the money a couple of hours later and things started to look up. I came back, expecting to do the same and within three months I was able to get my own place. "Heather..this is the last time I promise..it is very important okay?" Dave said firmly, causing me to scoff.

"That's what you said last time..do you know that I'm being followed now? I think it's that same man Dave.." I whispered harshly before glancing around me, feeling paranoid that I was being watched.

The fbi knows Dave has other accounts that they were never able to locate..and they are after me now..I'm sure of it. "Heather..you aren't being followed..it's all in your head. Listen...just come tomorrow and do this one thing for me and then I will set you up with a nice place in Washington and give you some spending money okay?" Dave said, making me glance down at my chipped nail polish as I bit my lip anxiously.

I had spent the last of my money on a first-class ticket here and the hotel I was staying at.

I couldn't take another let down...after meeting with Johnnie and Ben..seeing the hatred they held for me in their eyes... just needed to feel wanted. "Fine..I'm serious though Dave..this is it..and then I'm done with that shit."

"Good girl..be here at one..and wear something sexy." He added before hanging up the phone as I gripped it tightly in my hands.

Why did this have to happen to me? I have done nothing wrong here..Dave was the one who ruined everyone's lives..Dave and his prick son Caspian..

I unlocked my car before sliding in, my hands gripping the steering wheel as I couldn't believe Johnnie refused to give me a second chance.

I could tell it was Caspian who made her say that..he is so controlling over her..and if I could just somehow get her alone without him..I could convince Johnnie to give me a second chance.

Then I wouldn't even need Dave or his money. Johnnie would be able to take care of me..and then I could meet my Grandson. It kills me knowing that he hasn't even met his Grandma before.

And Ben's precious girls..Viva isn't even their blood relative!! How dare she take my place..

What would it take to get them to realize they need me in their lives? They didn't take the Dave thing seriously..but if they could see my life was truly in danger..then my children would have no choice but to believe me.

I turned on the car, my eyes scanning the parking lot as I felt my heart start to race.

Then I began to drive..

This might be my ticket out..

If I do this, then Dave won't be able to touch me either..I will be free of him..

That thought alone made me press my foot down on the gas, the car lurching forewarned as I pulled onto the main road and began driving down.

I turned on a hill, the car tires screeching as I took deep rapid breaths, trying to psych myself up for this as I narrowed my eyes at the small bank to the right.

"No matter what..this will fix everything." I whispered to myself as my mouth twitched into a smile and I shut my eyes tight.

They will have to forgive me after this...and then everything will be right again. It just has to be..