Page 146 of Mine to Ruin

“Too late. Oh, and I froze your accounts.”

His eyes bulge and I swirl my glass.

“Man up already.”

“I am your brother.”

“No, you’re not, and even if you were, I would have never forgiven you for sleeping with my woman.”

“What are you talking about?” His eyebrows draw together, eyeing me as if I’m crazy for even suggesting that. I wave him off.

“Prove to me you’re man enough, and you will have my blessing to be with her.”

He slumps back, and he scratches his neck, avoiding my gaze. “You really love her… I was blind not to see it… I am sorry.” He could apologize for the rest of his life, it won’t be enough.

“Where do I start?” he asks me, apprehension clear in his tone.

“Start with where you are now. This is how you learn, survive, and grow.”

Fear stretches his features. It’s a good sign. It will keep him sharp and focused. He rises to his feet and grabs my shoulder. I watch him looking at my wife, a caring smile on his face, and his eyes seek mine, and he says, “She is the best thing that ever happened to you. You became bearable with her.”

“Well, you shouldn’t have ruined everything then,” I mumble. My chest might cave in with all the contradictory feelings ripping me apart.

“I... I’m sorry.”

He leaves me, and he gathers Ellia in his arms. Anger boils inside me. He kisses her on the cheek and whispers something, and my jealousy reaches stratospheric levels.

Today, it’s her turn to be miserable.

Chapter 54

Ellia

I just want to take this dress off and sleep. On the way to the elevator, everyone congratulates us. If I hear this one more time, I will throw up.

“Keep smiling.” He slides the key card in and the door opens. “Welcome to hell, my wife. Should I carry you over the threshold?”

Even with a hoarse voice and pained features, it doesn’t deter him from spitting venom. He pushes the door open and lifts me.

A surprised cry escapes my lips and I retort, “At least I won’t be alone… You’ll keep me company.”

He places me on my feet, and I remember all the times he scooped me up in his arms.

“An angel trapped in hell. It will be entertaining,” he says, and my heart threatens to split my chest open.

Nothing hurts like the nonchalance with which he says stuff like that. That first time it shattered me and annihilated all the unsaid promises, all the heavenly dreams I had in me for us, all the love that never developed because of him.

For all the harsh times I endured for a sin I didn’t commit, I have had enough. I can’t and won’t live like that.

“I am done, Kian.”

“You were fucking done the moment you spread your legs for my brother…”

“You started it.” I shout at him.

“You have no fucking clue…” His jaw twitches, and it’s such a contrast to the sadness emerging in his eyes.

“Then tell me…” My voice lowers into a plea. Even now, I want to understand.

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