Share

14

Author: Minnah
last update publish date: 2026-06-21 16:46:47

Evelyn and Sofia said nothing, but with their expressions they're waiting for the right time.

Grace leaned forward slightly, studying Freya. “So, young lady. Who exactly are you? Richard, introduce her properly to your grandmother.”

Richard placed his hand over Freya’s on the table. “Grandma Grace, this is Freya. My girlfriend, the only woman that will always choose me.”

Grace’s expression remained cool. “Girlfriend. I see. And where exactly did you meet my grandson, Freya?”

Freya smiled nervously. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mrs. Thompson. Richard and I connected through mutual circles. I run a PR firm and I’ve helped him with some client work.”

"You talk way too much, I never asked you what you've done for him," Grace said with a scoff.

Freya swallowed, she exchanged a glance with Richard who gave her the look: Please don't listen to her.

Evelyn took a spoonful of soup. “PR firm. So you were helping him while he was still married to Kendra?”

Freya shifted in her seat. “It wasn’t planned, and it wasn't supposed to be like that, besides Kendra and I were friends, but Richard and I…” she smiled at Richard. “...we developed real feelings.”

Sofia stirred her soup. “Real feelings. That’s one way to describe it. The whole city saw Kendra slap him because she caught him cheating with you and the video is everywhere. And now you’re here as the new girlfriend? As a woman, I'm not in support.”

“Your support is not needed and I've always told you to mind your business when it comes to personal matters related to me.” Richard muttered and Sofia scoffed.

Victor grunted. “The timing is interesting, after his divorce with Kendra.”

Grace didn’t touch her soup yet. She fixed Freya with a steady gaze. “Look at me, girl. You were her best friend. You sat with her, laughed with her, and then went behind her back with her husband. How do you sleep at night?”

Freya’s cheeks flushed. “Mrs. Grace, I never wanted to hurt Kendra, she had become so distant and cold meanwhile Richard needed someone who truly admired him and I gave him that support.”

“Have some shame my dear, it won't kill you,” Grace said, her voice filled with irritation.

Richard nodded quickly. “Grandma, Freya has been there for me when things were hard. She understands the pressure of the company and loves me dearly.”

Grace shook her head slowly. “Admiration. That’s what you call it? In my day, we called it betrayal and someone like you is called a snitch.”

Evelyn set her spoon down. “If you can betray your best friend for someone else, what's the assurance you won't betray my son?”

“I can't betray your son, he's my everything and I love him so much.” Freya said sweetly.

Richard smiled, her words warmed his heart. Grace felt irritated, she doesn't like Freya at all.

“You seem to love each other,”Evelyn said and Richard nodded.

“What do you bring to the table apart from loving Richard?” Victor questioned.

Freya took a breath. “I can help with the company’s image. My firm specializes in crisis management. And I'm sure you've heard of the Reens company. With the Reens gala tomorrow, where the CEO is finally appearing, I can help present a strong front.”

Sofia laughed lightly. “Strong front? With the mistress-turned-girlfriend on his arm? Investors are already whispering about Reens Group and funding questions after Kendra’s speech.”

Richard glared at Sofia, and she scoffed.

The servants cleared the soup bowls and brought the seared salmon.

Grace tasted a small bite, then looked at Freya again. “Salmon is good tonight. Freya, answer me honestly. Did you ever feel guilty? Lying to your friend while sleeping with her husband?”

Freya’s voice trembled slightly. “Of course I felt guilty. But love isn’t always clean and Richard needed me. Afterall Kendra wasn’t giving him what he deserved.”

Victor cut into his salmon. “The fish is excellent. Richard, you really think this is wise? Bringing her here right before we meet the mysterious Reens CEO tomorrow? We don’t even know who runs that company, but they have power in cars and vaults.”

Richard smiled confidently. “It’ll be fine, Dad. Freya is an asset. She’ll help manage any press that comes up at the gala.”

Grace wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Asset. Hmm. Freya, look me in the eye. Do you love my grandson, or do you love the lifestyle he can give you because for me a snitch will always be a snitch?”

Freya met her gaze seriously. “I love him, Mrs. Grace.The lifestyle is secondary. And trust me I’ve waited so long to be accepted openly by his family.”

"We've not accepted you, and that will never happen. Kendra will always be the daughter in law of this family, and you'll always be the mistress!" Grace snapped at her.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Latest chapter

  • BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER    22

    Kendra's fingers threaded through the wet strands at the back of his neck, holding him there as the second kiss turned slower. It was not a frantic devouring, but a push and pull—like the water around them, testing resistance before giving way. His mouth tasted of whiskey and salt from the pool spray, and when his tongue traced the inside of her lower lip, she answered by sucking gently on his, drawing a low rumble from his chest that vibrated against her breasts. They drifted together in the shallow end, feet finding purchase on the smooth tiles. She was expecting Knox to grab or pull her closer in that typical urgent way. Instead, his hands stayed broad and steady on her lower back, letting the buoyancy of the water press their bodies together naturally. Every small shift sent ripples between them—her hips brushing the front of his trunks, the cool night air tightening her nipples against the thin black fabric of the bikini top. She broke the kiss again, not for air this time

  • BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER    21

    He laughed, settling back but not breaking the connection. Kendra’s mind raced with inner thoughts. “Who is this guy? I know nothing about him. Not his last name, not his story, not why he’s looking at me like I’m the only woman in the world right now. Richard destroyed me, and here I am, diving headfirst into whatever this is. Am I stupid? Or just tired of feeling nothing?”She took another sip, letting the silence stretch comfortably before speaking. “What’s your definition of love, Knox?” He paused, swirling the liquid in his glass, staring out at the pool. The lights danced across his features. “Love…” he smirked. “It’s not fairy tale shit. It’s choosing someone even when it’s messy. It’s fighting for them when the world tries to pull you apart. Trusting them with your scars, and them trusting you with theirs.” Kendra licked her lips, nodding at him. “But it's not perfect, and at the same time it's worth the burn.” Kendra’s throat tightened. His words hit deeper than she e

  • BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER    20

    Mrs Harlan and Chef Amara both sighed as she walked out.“I pray she heals one day, she has lost her parents and now she just got divorced.” Chef amara remarked.“I really think she's trying her best to be fine but nothing is helping at all.”Kendra opened the heavy front gate, the cool night air brushing against her skin like a secret. Knox stood there under the soft glow of the porch lights, leaning casually against the frame of his sleek black car. He looked like the storm he called her—tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a dark button-up that clung just right to his chest, sleeves rolled up to reveal his strong forearms. His eyes, dark and intense, swept over her in that short deep V-neck gown, lingering on the curve of her thighs, the plunge of her neckline. A slow, predatory smile curved his lips.“Who are you?” Kendra questioned, then dismissed the bodyguards with a gaze.“You know the name, Knox.” He said and she smirked, stepping out of the mansion and closing the gate beh

  • BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER    19

    Kendra smirked bitterly, even after everything—after the lies, the betrayal, the way he had shattered her life into jagged pieces, he still had the audacity to send a message like that. She dropped her phone onto the silk sheets, her chest tightening so sharply she had to press a hand against it, as if she could physically hold her heart together. The pain wasn’t just emotional anymore; it sat heavy in her ribs, squeezing the breath from her lungs.His actions had already carved deep wounds in her heart, but what hurt worse was the complete absence of remorse. Not even a hint of guilt from him. No late-night confessions or desperate pleas for forgiveness. Just this casual, entitled message, as if he still had any right to reach across the ruins he’d left behind. Maybe he didn’t even understand what he’d done. Or maybe he did, and simply didn’t care. He married her for the money, for the security her family name provided, he never married her for love. All the proposals, the sweet

  • BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER    18

    Elena brightened. “I’d love to. Should we go to Aurelia Grand Mall? Your mother’s place always has the best options.” “Perfect,” Kendra said. They tidied up the last bits together, then headed out.Employees watching her as she walked with Elena, bodyguards trailing behind them.In the car, the city lights gliding past, Elena asked, “What style are you thinking for the gown?”Kendra kept her hands on the wheel. “Elegant but confident. Flowing silk maybe. Nothing too safe like before.”“The midnight blue ones always look stunning on you,” Elena offered. “Or that deep burgundy.”The drive to Aurelia Grand Mall was relaxed. As they reached one of the largest and most prestigious malls in the city, Kendra parked the car in the garage, they both stepped out, jamming the car door behind them.Its grand entrance glowed with fountains and elegant lighting. Kendra’s mother had built it into a landmark, and stepping inside always felt like a quiet homecoming.They took the escalator to the p

  • BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER    17

    Kendra leaned back in her chair, watching as Elena cleared the main plates from their dinner setup in the office lounge. She just had roasted salmon which was flaky and perfectly seasoned, the garlic mashed potatoes creamy, and the herb-roasted vegetables still carried a faint, appetizing aroma. When did she last eat with someone, maybe when she just married Richard or when she goes to family dinner or friends gathering or with Freya sometimes. Richard never stays home to have breakfast or dinner or lunch, he'd eat at work, who knows if he's always with Freya.She eats alone most of the time, the maids at Richard's mansion can testify. And one of the things she loves is eating with someone, maybe dinner or anything, someone should just be there. She sighed out. At least her heart is at peace now, she's not loving someone that doesn't love her anymore. Elena worked quietly and efficiently, stacking the dishes on a tray. She returned from the small kitchenette with two steaming mug

  • BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER    7

    Kendra felt like refusing, she had never been in a situation where she'd want to hook up with a guy in a hotel bar. "You look like a storm, don't bother... "Kendra Ree, where are you from?" Kendra cut in sharply. Knox smirked. "From heaven, and I can see an Angel who refused to recognise me."

  • BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER    6

    Kendra's palm stung from the impact, the sharp crack echoing across the now-silent executive floor like a gunshot. Richard staggered back a step, his hand flying to his reddening cheek, eyes wide with shock and fury. For a second, the great Richard Thompson looked small—vulnerable, exposed under

  • BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER    5

    Richard's fingers tightened around the documents. His face darkened with every page he turned. The confidence that had always surrounded him was beginning to crack."Kendra. What exactly are you trying to do? Because I chose your friend and you..."Kendra folded her arms. "No, no. If you'd rather c

  • BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER    4

    Richard's hand froze where it rested on Freya's waist and Freya pulled away from the kiss. Freya's face drained of color when she saw Kendra, she stood up from his laps and Richard immediately stood from his chair. "Kendra—" Kendra simply stared at both of them, the sight before her should have

More Chapters
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status