Between Two Brothers

               CHAPTER EIGHT

            Between Two Brothers 

Annie’s POV

My heartbeat hadn’t slowed since the moment Grey’s mother said, we’re proud of both of you.

Not him.

Both of us.

And then there was the lie I had let slip so effortlessly.

Oh no, ma’am. I’ve known he owned ApexLux before now.

God forbid.

I don't know him as the owner until fifteen minutes ago.

The air in the hall felt too thick, too warm, too crowded with curious glances and approving smiles. Every gaze that landed on me now wasn’t Annie, the event marketer from Pleasure Hills. No. It was Annie, Grey’s girlfriend… the supposed woman who had known his secrets for years.

My lungs constricted.

I needed air.

I slipped away before anyone could ask another question. The hallway felt quieter, darker, cooler—like a hand had released its grip on my chest.

I leaned against the wall, pressed my palm over my heart.

God.

What had I done?

Why did I lie? Why did Grey not correct it? Why did his parents accept it so easily? And why—why—did Diaman look like he’d swallowed a shard of glass?

I inhaled sharply, trying to steady myself.

Footsteps echoed behind me, quiet, controlled, familiar enough to make my breath hitch.

I didn’t need to turn.

Grey.

He stopped beside me, close enough that I felt his presence before his voice reached me.

“Why did you lie?” he asked, quietly.

I swallowed. “I—I didn’t think. Your mom asked so suddenly, and I panicked.”

He raised a brow, a twitch of amusement at the corner of his mouth.

“So you lied to cover the first lie.”

Ugh.

“When you put it like that… it sounds worse.”

“That’s because it is,” he said, calm, unwavering.

I crossed my arms, trying to salvage what little dignity I had left. “I just didn’t want her to think you were keeping things from me. Or that I didn’t know anything about you.”

Grey stepped closer.

Close enough that his cologne wrapped around me.

Close enough that his voice lowered without effort.

“Annie… My family believes everything you say. Once they accept someone, they don’t doubt easily.”

He paused.

“And tonight… they accepted you.”

My stomach tightened.

“Meaning?” I whispered.

His eyes softened, unreadable. “Meaning you're deeper than you think.”

I opened my mouth. Nothing came out.

He wasn’t scolding.

He wasn’t pushing me away.

He was… warning me.

Or… preparing me.

Then his mother’s cheerful voice floated down the hall.

“Annie dear, we’re about to serve dessert!”

I stiffened.

Grey leaned slightly closer. “See? No suspicion at all.”

My cheeks flamed. “That’s… not comforting.”

A faint curve of a smile touched his lips. “For what it’s worth… you handled yourself well.”

I didn’t know whether to say thank you or hide.

He glanced at his vibrating phone. “I’ll be back in a moment. Don’t move far.”

Then he was gone.

And instantly, my body stiffened again.

Because someone else was there.

Someone whose presence I could feel, a storm cloud looming behind me.

I turned slowly.

Diaman.

He walked toward me, measured, deliberate, his eyes fixed on mine with a weight that made my breath hitch.

He stopped too close, close enough that I had to tilt my chin to meet his gaze.

His voice came low, rough.

“Annie… Can I talk to you?”

Every nerve in me tensed.

I straightened. Arms crossed. “Talk to me about what?”

His jaw clenched. “What are you doing with Grey?”

My chest tightened with anger.

“Diaman, you have no right to ask me that.”

“I’m asking anyway,” he said, taut. “Why are you letting my family believe you’re with him?"

I blinked, stunned by the rawness in his tone.

“I owe you no explanation,” I said quietly but firmly. “You made your choice. You married someone else.”

He flinched. Actually flinched.

“That’s not the point—”

“That’s exactly the point.”

His eyes darkened. “You’re doing this because of me?”

“Doing what?” I snapped. “Standing beside a man who actually wants me there? Is that what you mean?”

“That’s not Grey,” Diaman hissed. “You don’t know him.”

I laughed, bitter. “And you do? You didn’t even know he owned the company you’ve been buying from for two years.”

His cheeks colored.

A devilish smile flickered across his face. Is this what you really are? Huh? Pretending to date Grey. Oh, how sweet of you.”

"I'm sorry, but I still have a lot of things to do," I said, turning, only for him to grab my arm.

"Don’t you dare turn your back on me! What do you really want to happen, huh? What do you want from our family? Is this how desperate you are for money?"

I brushed him off, meeting his eyes evenly. "Don’t you dare disrespect your elder brother's girlfriend."

"Annie!" His teeth gritted. "Stop this nonsense and stay out of our lives. Two years with my brother, have you forgotten we were together for five years?"

I laughed sarcastically. “Well, what if I actually two-times you? Come on, Diaman. You are not the only one who can do that. Don’t let Katy, your wife, see you here.” My eyes dragged over him, deliberate, bombastic.

"You…."

I was almost gone when Grey stepped into the hallway.

Grey’s POV

I knew my family well enough to read their eyes. They had already trusted and accepted Annie.

"Grey, we’re so proud of you and Annie. She’s perfect for you. You both will make a great couple, just like your brother and his wife. You should bring her home more often, even to family dinners. And… we’re expecting a baby from your brother soon. We want that from you too. What will you give us?" Mum’s hands fluttered, painting the air with enthusiasm.

I looked at her in disbelief. "Mum, we’re just dating. Not even married yet. And you’re talking about children?"

"I know, darling. I believe you love her enough to make her your wife someday. No pressure, but she’s perfect for you."

This was exactly why I came up with this plan. I’m tired of them dictating my life.

"Mum, we’re just been dating for two years. We’re still learning about each other. We’re not rushing into marriage."

"Take your time, my boy," she said, smiling, walking away.

I needed to control all these.

I was speaking to Annie in the hallway when an urgent business call came in. I left to handle it, only to return and see Diaman confronting her.

"Annie, go inside. I’ll join you soon."

She obeyed immediately. Diaman turned to me, tense.

"Grey, I need to tell you something. About your girlfriend. It’s obvious she’s after our family’s wealth. You don’t even know her that much."

"I know Annie, and I want her to be my girlfriend. My decision is final."

"Bro, that’s impossible. What did she tell you? I swear she’s not the kind of woman you’d want to date or marry."

I looked at him, calm but sharp. "Because she’s your ex-girlfriend?"

His eyes widened. "I… I…"

"If Mum and Dad knew what you did to her, you’d be dead. Now, stay out of my personal life, Diaman. I know what I’m doing."

"You’re stupid, Grey. I swear you’ll regret dating her. Don’t blame me later." He walked away, teeth clenched.

I massaged my temples. Grey is a spoiled younger brother of mine. Even when we were kids, I was always the one who takes the punishment of whatever he does.

Speaking of Annie. Of course I will definitely check her background. Even if it's a fake relationship, I need every detail.

Also, she seems decent. I just have to play along, support her briefly, then discard

her after. My empire allows no mistakes. I have built it all my life. There's no way I would let a mere woman ruin it all. Falling for a woman like her? Not in the plan. Everything is convenient… for now.