Sleeping With My Step Daddy-Chapter 47: "Cold Eyes, Melted Heart"

The Next Morning

Miles slowly opened his eyes, staring up at the ceiling. As his gaze shifted around, he realized he wasn’t in his own room—this was Kai’s. Confusion flickered across his face until his eyes landed beside him, where Ethan lay sleeping peacefully.

Miles stared at Ethan’s calm features, his heart aching with a longing to kiss him. But then, like a slap to the face, last night’s photo from Victor flashed in his mind—the one of Ethan with that girl. The warmth in his chest turned cold.

Silently, he got up and walked out of the room.

Downstairs, Bast and Kai were already seated at the breakfast table. When they saw him, Kai offered a gentle smile.

Kai: "Miles, good morning. Come sit."

Miles walked over, still a little dazed, and sat with them.

Miles: "Morning."

Bast: "Are you feeling better now?"

Miles: "A little bit. Just... a little headache."

Kai: "You drank too much last night. Eden tried to stop you, but you wouldn’t listen."

At the mention of Eden’s name, Miles’s eyes widened. The memories of what he did last night came rushing back in vivid, humiliating flashes. His heart pounded. He lowered his head onto the table, trying to block it all out.

Kai: "Miles? What happened?"

Miles (muffled): "Nothing."

Kai handed him a glass of water.

Kai: "Here. Drink this. Is Ethan still sleeping?"

Miles took a sip, avoiding eye contact.

Miles: "Yeah."

Kai: "He looked pretty tired last night."

Miles sat quietly at the table, the taste of water barely settling in his mouth as his thoughts swirled in chaos. How am I supposed to face Eden now... after everything I did last night? His stomach turned at the memory. The shame crept up his spine like a cold wind.

Just then, footsteps echoed from the stairs. Ethan appeared, walking over and joining them at the table.

Bast (smiling): "Hey, buddy. Still looking tired?"

Ethan: "I’m okay."

He glanced at Miles, his expression softening. Without hesitation, he reached over and gently patted Miles’s head.

Ethan: "Miles, why didn’t you wake me up?"

But Miles flinched slightly and pushed Ethan’s hand away, his tone flat.

Miles: "You looked tired. That’s why."

The sudden shift in his mood didn’t go unnoticed. Ethan stared at him for a moment, the air between them growing tense. Something had changed—and Ethan could feel it.

Kai and Bast exchanged glances, silently sensing the tension thickening at the table. Ethan’s phone rang, cutting through the awkward silence. He looked down—Victor.

Ethan sighed and stood up to answer.

Victor (on the phone): "Where are you, Ethan? Today’s the board meeting. Don’t be late."

Ethan: "Okay."

He hung up, eyes drifting toward Miles. He wanted to stay—wanted to ask Miles why he was acting like this. Why the cold eyes? Why the sudden distance?

But he couldn’t. He had already made a deal with his father to take on the responsibility of both companies. There was no turning back now.

Ethan sat back down, his gaze lingering on Miles, who still hadn’t looked his way. The coldness in Miles’s expression was undeniable.

Kai, trying to lighten the mood, slid a bowl across the table.

Kai: "Here. Hangover soup—it’ll help with the headache."

Miles nodded slightly but didn’t say a word or even glance at Ethan. Bast quietly observed the invisible wall growing between them.

After finishing the soup, Miles pushed back his chair and stood up.

Miles: "Kai, can I borrow your clothes today?"

Kai: "Sure, buddy."

Without another word, Miles turned and started heading upstairs toward Kai’s room. Ethan watched him go, something tightening in his chest. He couldn’t take it anymore.

He quickly stood and followed after him

In Kai’s room, Miles quietly opened the wardrobe, searching for suitable clothes. His fingers brushed over the hangers when suddenly, warm arms wrapped around him from behind. He froze for a second, recognizing the familiar embrace.

Ethan.

Ethan leaned in and gently kissed the side of Miles’s neck.

Ethan (softly): "I’m sorry... I was busy. That’s why I couldn’t pick you up at college. But—I have good news. Dad’s ready for our marriage."

For a moment, Miles stood still.

Then slowly, he reached down, removed Ethan’s hands from his waist, and stepped away.

Ethan grabbed his wrist gently, voice strained.

Ethan: "Miles, look at me. What’s happened? Why are you acting like this? It hurts me..."

Miles turned his face toward him, eyes cold.

Miles (bitterly): "Really? It hurts you? Then you should leave me... if I hurt you. Because I’m like this. Nobody wants me. They just want my body—to play with."

Ethan’s eyes widened, stunned by the words.

Before he could respond, Miles grabbed some clothes and walked straight into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

Ethan stood frozen outside the bathroom, his mind racing. What just happened? Inside, the sound of water running barely masked the quiet sobs.

Miles, alone under the shower, covered his face with his hands, tears mixing with the water.

Miles (whispering, broken): "Why, Ethan... Why did you do this to me? Why is it always me?"

—

After some time, Miles stepped out of the bathroom, fully dressed. His eyes were slightly red, but his expression was calm—too calm.

Downstairs, Kai was already ready for college, slipping on his shoes near the entrance.

Ethan turned toward Miles quickly, trying to reach him.

Ethan: "Let’s go together."

Miles pulled his hand away sharply.

Miles (coldly): "I’ll go with Kai. You’re busy, right?"

Ethan: "No, I’ll drop you—"

Miles didn’t even glance at him. He walked downstairs with quiet steps.

Miles (to Kai): "Let’s go, Kai."

Kai blinked in surprise.

Kai: "Aren’t you going with Ethan?"

Miles: "He’s busy. And we go to the same college—so what’s the problem if you give me a ride?"

Kai (hesitant): "No... no problem. Let’s go."

As the two of them stepped out, Bast glanced at Ethan, who still stood motionless.

Bast (quietly): "Let’s talk. In the office."

Ethan’s eyes were filled with pain as he watched Miles walk away without looking back.

Bast dropped Kai and Miles off at the college entrance. As they got out of the car, Kai glanced at Miles, who had been silent the entire ride.

As they entered the campus, Eden stood nearby, laughing and talking with a friend. His eyes caught sight of them, and his expression lit up. He walked toward them, casual and warm.

Eden: "Hey."

Kai (smiling): "What’s up?"

Eden: "I’m good. Miles, are you okay now?"

Miles froze slightly. His expression shifted to embarrassment. He avoided Eden’s eyes, then forced himself to meet them briefly.

Miles (mumbling): "Hi. I’m okay... and I’m sorry if I did something wrong last night."

Eden looked confused.

Eden: "You don’t remember anything from last night?"

Miles gave an awkward smile, scratching the back of his neck.

Miles: "I... don’t remember anything."

Kai raised a brow, surprised.

Kai: "Wow, Miles. This is the first time I’ve seen you totally black out after drinking."

Miles quickly looked away.

Miles: "Let’s just go to class."

He walked ahead, his steps fast, trying to escape the tension. Eden stood still, watching him.

Eden (thinking): He’s pretending he doesn’t remember...

At the office, Ethan sat at his desk, trying to focus on work. His fingers tapped restlessly on the surface while his eyes scanned the screen without really seeing anything. His mind—and heart—were still with Miles. The sudden shift in Miles’ behavior was eating at him. freeweɓnovel.cøm

He sighed and rubbed his temples, leaning back in frustration.

Suddenly, the office door swung open.

Bast, with his usual bold and confident aura, strolled in and sat casually in the chair across from him. Without saying a word at first, he reached forward and closed the file sitting in front of Ethan.

Bast: "Why are you trying to kill yourself taking all the burden on your shoulders?"

Ethan leaned back in his chair, sighing again.

Ethan: "I’m fine."

Bast raised a brow, not buying it.

Bast: "You’re not fine. Everyone can tell just by looking at your face."

He reached out and grabbed Ethan’s wrist gently.

Bast: "Get up. Let’s go for a coffee."

Ethan: "I’ll order it for you here."

Bast: "Nope. We’re going outside. I need some fresh air."

Ethan glanced at him, confused.

Ethan: "You literally just came in from outside, and now you’re saying you need fresh air?"

Bast (grinning): "Exactly."

Before Ethan could protest again, Bast stood and pulled him out of the chair.

Bast: "Let’s go."

Ethan and Bast sat across from each other at a quiet café. The soft hum of conversation and clinking cups filled the background.

Ethan (rubbing his forehead): "I have too much work to finish, and you dragged me here."

Bast took a slow sip of his coffee before answering.

Bast: "I just wanted to talk to you about Miles."

Ethan’s expression shifted instantly—his body tensed, eyes sharp with concern.

Ethan: "What about Miles?"

Bast set his cup down gently.

Bast: "There’s something he’s been hiding. From you. From everyone. And you didn’t notice."

Ethan: "What do you mean?"

Bast leaned forward, lowering his voice just slightly.

Bast: "Ever since your dad came back from America... Miles has been different. He looked... sad. Distant. Not like the cheerful Miles we know."

Ethan frowned, eyes narrowing.

Ethan: "But Dad is ready for our marriage now. He’s even trying to get along with Miles."

Bast shook his head.

Bast: "That’s what he wants you to think. But it’s not the truth."

Ethan (confused, quiet): "Then what is the truth?"

Bast placed a steady hand on the table.

Bast: "Don’t worry. I’ll find out. But in the meantime... stop working yourself like a robot. Miles needs you—more than you think."

Ethan turned to the window, watching people pass by outside. A weight pressed on his chest.

Ethan (softly): "I need to talk to Miles. I don’t want to lose him like this..."

Ethan stood up abruptly, grabbing his coat with urgency in his movements.

Ethan: "I need to talk to Miles. I feel like... I’m losing him. Slowly... bit by bit."

Bast gave a half-smile, a mix of relief and concern.

Bast: "Finally, you understand."

Ethan: "See ya."

Without waiting for another word, Ethan turned and rushed out of the café. He climbed into his car, buckling his seatbelt with shaking hands. As he started the engine, his secretary came running up beside the driver’s window.

Secretary (panting): "Sir! The board meeting is in fifteen minutes—"

But Ethan didn’t listen. He pulled away, tires screeching slightly as he sped off.

Inside the car, his thoughts spiraled.

Ethan (to himself): "Why didn’t I notice? How could I be so blind...? Miles needed me. And I ignored him."

His grip tightened on the steering wheel.

Ethan (softly): "Damn it, Ethan. Why did you do this to him..."