My Stepbrother's Dirty Little Secret novel Chapter 583

Chapter 583

IMPORTANT:

Before everyone continues reading this chapter, I’m going to say it one more time: please read the disclaimer.

I’ve already explained the update schedule from the very beginning of this book. I usually only take 3-4 days off each month, and I even keep calendars documenting my updates if anyone thinks otherwise.

So please don’t complain about the update schedule when it’s something that was clearly communicated before you chose to read the book. I work very hard to keep my updates consistent, and all I ask is that you respect the schedule that’s already been shared.

Thank you, and enjoy the chapter.

Gianna | Age 16

Six months had a strange way of changing people, not all at once, not enough to erase old scars.

Just enough that one morning you realized you no longer jumped every time the front door opened.

Rose Garden had become familiar.

Gianna knew which floorboard outside the kitchen squeaked. She knew Morgan always stole strawberries while Denise pretended not to notice. She knew Jasmine sang terribly whenever she cleaned, and Brianna insisted she sounded amazing despite everyone else’s protests.

For the first time in years, she lived in a house where laughter happened almost every day.

She still searched for Hazel.

Every morning.

Every afternoon.

Every evening.

She visited churches, hospitals, libraries, and community centers whenever she could. She asked questions. She showed old photographs. She followed every tiny lead.

Nothing.

It hurt.

But Rose Garden always gave her somewhere to return to.

That afternoon music drifted through the living room, loud and happy music.

Gianna followed the sound with a curious smile. The large room had been transformed into complete chaos. Garment bags lay open across the couches. High heels covered half the rug. Feathers, sequins, glitter, and colorful fabrics were scattered over nearly every chair.

Morgan held up a sparkling blue outfit, “What do we think?” she asked dramatically.

Jasmine looked up once, “It needs more sparkle.”

Emma appeared carrying another handful of costumes. Denise sat in the middle of it all with a cup of coffee, watching the argument like a proud mother watching children fight over crayons.

Gianna stopped in the doorway, “…What happened in here?”

Morgan grinned, “Perfect timing.”

Gianna looked around the room, “Did someone explode?”

Denise laughed so hard coffee nearly came out of her nose, “It certainly looks like it.”

Jasmine tossed another outfit across the couch, “We’ve got a themed event tonight.”

Brianna held two dresses against herself, “I can’t decide.”

“You never can,” Emma answered.

“It’s beautiful.”

Brianna smiled, “You know… I’ve never actually seen you dance.”

Gianna blinked, “I don’t dance anymore.”

Emma looked over, “Anymore?”

Gianna shook her head, “I used to.”

“When?” her fingers brushed lightly across the black fabric, “When I was little,” a small smile appeared without her realizing it, “My mom used to take me to Ballet classes every Tuesday. I started ballet when I was really young. My mom sat in the studio every lesson. She always clapped even during practice…”

The mernory warmed her chest.

“If I landed one turn, she clapped. If I remembered one routine, she clapped. If I completely fell over..” a tiny laugh escaped her, “…she still clapped.”

The room had gone completely still.

Gianna looked down, “Then… she left. I haven’t danced since.”

No one spoke for several seconds. Then Jasmine crossed the room, “That’s stupid.”

Gianna blinked, “What?”

“You stopped doing something you loved because life was cruel.”

Brianna nodded, “I hate that.”

Emma folded her arms, “I vote we fix it.”

Gianna laughed nervously, “I don’t think that’s how it works.”