Page 138 of Branded Hearts

I stand here, stunned.

She’s right. I never told her I loved her. I’ve been such a coward, stuck in my head, letting fear and vulnerability dictate my actions.

Since when do I fucking cower away from doing what’s right?

I should have told her I loved her back when I had the chance. It wasthe right thing to do, and I just... didn’t. I drop my head to my chest, absorbing my sister’s words while my brother stays quiet beside me. Deep, burning embarrassment runs through me.

I fucking hate the way I am.

I fucking hate being so caught up in my head all the time. I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to fight off the chaos swirling in my mind. Hearing it all out loud is a brutal wake-up call.

It’s like everything is now finally crystal clear.

“Bradley?” Olivia’s voice is softer this time, laced with concern. I take a deep breath, exhaling loudly as I wipe at the tears that have begun to prick the corners of my eyes—tears I hadn’t even realised were there.

I lift my head, meeting my sister’s gaze. Her eyes are glistening with her own tears. “I’m so sorry,” she says, her voice trembling. “I was so fucking hurt, blinded by my own pain, that I didn’t even see you both were hurting, too.” She reaches up to gently wipe the rogue tears that have started to fall down my cheeks.

Hearing Liv’s words, a sense of relief washes over me, yet it does nothing to ease the ache in my chest. We’ve been stumbling around in the dark, each of us hurting without even knowing the full extent of our own pain.

“How do I even get there?” I ask, frustration seeping into my voice. “I don’t even know where she’s staying.”

“One step ahead of you,” Olivia says, typing on her phone. Xavier, who’s been silent throughout this whole ordeal, does the same. In an instant, an address in Sydney appears on my screen, along with anemail from Xavier containing a link.

I frown and click on the link—a return ticket to Sydney. Time of departure: ten fifteen a.m..

I glance at my phone. Eight thirty-five a.m.

“Fuck. I need to get dressed. I don’t even have a suitcase.”

Just then, Isla, who must have been standing at the door, walks in unannounced.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t eavesdropping, but I brought this by,” she says, with a small suitcase at her side, wheeling it into my room. “Xavier sent a text saying you’d be needing it.”

My heart swells with love for these people—my family. There’s justoneperson missing.

“Go get your girl, brother,” Xavier says, clapping me on the back. I pull him into a tight hug, tears welling up in my eyes.

“I love you, Xavier.”

Xav freezes at my words, his breathing quickening as he tightens his embrace. “I love you more,” he replies.

I hear Isla sniffle, and I pull away from Xavier to find her wiping at her eyes. “Sorry, pregnancy hormones,” she says with a shaky laugh, and we all chuckle.

Xavier glances around and says, “Did we all catch that? Bradley just said he loves me—out loud.” He points at me while nodding with a grin.

I chuckle and reply, “Fuck off, you idiot.”

“I truly am sorry, Bradley,” Olivia says, her voice cracking. “I acted so immature. I was justhurt.”

“I know, and I’m sorry, too,” I say. “We both meant our apology. Amelia loves you so much. She cares about you a lot.”

“I know. I care too,” she says softly. “So, we’re good?”

“Yeah, we’re good,” I reply, giving her a gentle punch on the shoulder.

“If you ever lie to me again, I’ll chop your nuts off,” she warns, half-jokingly.

“Yeah, yeah. No need for drastic measures, princess,” I chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

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