My Stepbrother Wants Me Chapter 34: Throwing A Party For Her

Julian’s POV

Lucy sat beside on the couch, our hands linked loosely between us. She looked up at with a small, uncertain smile. "Seems like Catherine doesn’t like ," she said quietly.

I leaned back, exhaling through my nose. "Don’t overthink it, Catherine can be... very annoying."

Her lips parted, like she wanted to defend for saying that but didn’t know how. I shrugged. "When she first ca here, we didn’t get along either. Still don’t, most days."

Lucy nodded slowly, brushing a strand of red hair behind her ear. "I really hope she’ll co around," she murmured. "Maybe I should talk to her, try to make things better?"

I gave her a half smile. "You can do what you want," I said, "but I’d advise you not to waste your ti. Trying to reason with Catherine is like pouring water on stone."

Lucy blinked, then let out a loud laugh, covering her mouth too late. "You’re terrible. She would draw her claws all over your face if she heard what you just said," she said between giggles.

I grinned despite myself, but before I could respond, a sharp voice echoed from the hallway.

"So much noise in this damn house!"

It was Catherine’s voice.

Lucy froze mid-laugh, her eyes going wide. We both turned just in ti to see her striding past the living room, bag slung over her shoulder, heading for the door.

The slam that followed made the floor vibrate.

For a mont, neither of us spoke, then Lucy turned to slowly, her expression looked pale and anxious. Her eyes spread wide. "Do you think she heard us?"

I pretended not to care, shrugging lazily. "Doesn’t matter," I said but inside, a small pinch of guilt twisted in my chest. The last thing I needed was her thinking I’d actually ant that, though maybe part of had.

I pushed the thought away. "Anyway," I said, forcing a lighter tone, "we have more important things to think about. I’m throwing you a party tonight."

Lucy blinked. "A party? For?"

"You, of course," I said, watching her face brighten a little. "You need to et people. Make so friends. That way, when I’m not around, you’ll have soone to talk to."

Her expression shifted, her lips pressing together. "I don’t want any other friends," she said softly. "I’m fine with just you."

I rubbed the back of my neck, trying not to sigh. "Lucy, I’ve got responsibilities. I can’t always be around. You’ll get bored of fast if you don’t find people to hang out with."

She hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Okay... if you say so."

"That’s my girl," I said, flashing her a small grin. "Now, about tonight, you’re gonna need sothing to wear."

She looked down at her outfit and frowned. "I don’t really have any expensive clothes," she said, sounding almost embarrassed. "I didn’t bring much."

I waved it off. "Don’t worry about that. You’re in the Vaughn mansion, rember? We’ve got designer fits stacked in closets. I’ll make a call, and a stylist will bring you sothing. You don’t have to worry, you will look perfect."

She shook her head quickly. "Julian, you don’t have to waste your money on . I don’t need all that. I’m a simple girl. I don’t know how to do extravagant."

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. "I don’t care and there is nothing like a waste of money. As long as you’re under my roof, I’m going to spoil you. That’s not up for debate."

Her eyes softened, and before I could react, she threw her arms around . "You remain the best. Thank you for always treating special

I stiffened imdiately.

"Lucy—"

She buried her face against my chest, laughing quietly. "I don’t want to ever lose you."

I looked around quickly, my eyes darting toward the hallway. The last thing I needed was Catherine walking in right now.

"Okay, okay," I said, prying her arms off gently and standing up. "Save the hugs for later. We’ve got less than an hour to prepare."

She pouted playfully, but I ignored it and started up the stairs. "Go take a bath," I called over my shoulder. "The stylist will be in your room soon."

She followed behind , her footsteps light. "Okay, boss."

When I reached the top of the stairs, I turned toward my room, but my thoughts weren’t on the party anymore.

I didn’t know why Catherine’s voice from earlier kept replaying in my head. Shut up. She was really jealous about Lucy and it was making her have the wrong ideas in her head.

I hesitated outside her door. Should I invite her?

Part of said no. The last thing I needed was drama in front of my guests but another part of wanted her there, so she wouldn’t feel left out.

Or maybe I actually just wanted to see her reaction about throwing a party for Lucy. It was petty. I knew that but the truth was that I was enjoying seeing how jealous she was.

When I finally knocked and opened her door, the room was empty. She hadn’t returned yet. Where did she go?

I frowned and went to Gabriel’s room next, knocking twice before opening the door.

Gabriel was sitting by his desk, doing sothing with his laptop. He looked up imdiately. "Hey. What’s up?"

"You seen Catherine?" I asked, leaning against the doorfra.

He shook his head. "No. Why?"

"Nothing serious," I said quickly. "Just wanted to invite her to the party I’m throwing for Lucy tonight."

Gabriel raised a brow. "You’re throwing her a party already?"

"She’s new here. She doesn’t know anyone. Thought it’d help."

He smirked faintly. "Right."

I ignored his tone. "Anyway, if you see Catherine, tell her she’s invited."

"What about ?"

I gave him a hard stare. "This is your house, of course you are invited."

He let out a low laugh, "of course. Just wanted to be sure."

I rolled my eyes and left before he could ask anything else.

—-

By the ti the sun went down, the backyard was alive with music, laughter, and the shimr of pool lights. People moved around with drinks in their hands, so already splashing in the water.

Lucy stood beside , dressed in a pale blue outfit that made her red hair glow under the lights. She looked happy, almost glowing, and I was glad I’d insisted on the stylist.

"Lucy," I said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "this is Ethan."

Ethan grinned, holding out a hand. "So you’re the one who’s stolen my best friend from ."

Lucy laughed lightly, shaking his hand. "Ouch, I’m sorry but Julian Vaughn is all mine."

"Sure he is," Ethan teased, glancing at . "Julian’s been MIA since you got here."

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up man. Stop over exaggerating."

Ethan just chuckled.

Lucy excused herself after a few minutes, saying she wanted to grab another plate of steak.

The mont she was gone, Ethan turned back to . "She’s pretty," he whispered. "But not up to Catherine."

I froze for half a second, turning to him sharply. "What?"

He shrugged casually. "Just saying. Catherine’s got that look and body, man. The kind that makes people look twice."

I stared at him, unsure if I wanted to punch him or agree but before I could respond,

Ethan’s eyes shifted toward the entrance.

"Oh, speak of the devil," he muttered.

I turned just in ti to see Catherine walk in and she wasn’t alone.

Collins was with her, his hand linked with hers, both of them laughing about sothing. My jaw tightened instantly. My hand clenched around the cup I was holding, the plastic crumpling in my fist.

"Easy, man," Ethan said quietly. "Don’t ruin Lucy’s party."

I forced my hand to relax, but my pulse was still hamring.

Catherine noticed then. Her laughter faded as her eyes landed on us. She walked straight over, still holding Collins’s hand.

"What’s going on here?" she asked coolly, her gaze shifting between and Ethan.

"A party for Lucy," I said, deliberately ignoring Collins. "Wanted to make her feel special and welcod."

Her expression twisted slightly. "As usual. It’s about that girl," she muttered, and before I could reply, she turned on her heel and walked inside with Collins still by her side.

I took a step to follow her, but Ethan’s hand landed on my shoulder. "Don’t," he said quietly. "You don’t want to cause a scene at Lucy’s party."

I clenched my jaw, staring at the doorway she’d disappeared through.