Chapter 8

Brandon's POV 

As we stepped inside, I felt like I was walking into a nightmare. I didn't want to do this as well but it's either we do it now or never, I could never let Freya know I hated this entire charade as well. 

As we walked through the crowd, greeting relatives while making way across the room, I felt Freya's hand was wrapped tightly around mine, holding onto me as I led her along through the crowded room, making small talk, greeting. 

At the center of the room I turned to pick up a glass of clear wine."Everyone, You may be wondering who this beautiful lady beside me is, this is Freya, my wife, Freya Lefevre." I announced, my voice echoing through the room as they all looked around, silently chattering at the sudden revelation of a wife. 

Freya looked like she was going to throw up and I could only imagine the thoughts running through her head. 

How could he do this to me? I didn't even know these people, and yet he was introducing me as his wife.

It seems like the typical questions she would still ask if we get out of here

Some of the relatives looked pleased to see us and even congratulated us, smiling and welcoming her into the family. But others looked more skeptical, their eyes narrowing as they took her my appearance, those ones seemed to have known her as Brian's ex fiancee.

And then, I saw him. Brian's father, standing across the room with a scowl on his face.

"Wait a minute," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "You're the one who was engaged to my son, aren't you?"

I saw Freya's face heat up with embarrassment as all eyes turned to us once more. But before I could respond, Freya stepped in.

"That's right," she said, her voice battling the embarrassment she was facing. "But I think it's worth noting that your son didn't exactly end things with me on good terms. He married my best friend, after all."

The room fell silent, with all eyes turning to Brian's father. He looked like he'd been punched in the gut, his face reddening with anger. He never really expected a reply from either of us.

But I felt myself smile, the eyes of the guests in the room rummaging through the expressions on our faces. "I think that's all that needs to be said on the matter," I said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

And with that, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate. The relatives began to murmur among themselves, and Brian's father looked like he was trying to crawl under a rock.

The story shifted from Brandon who married his nephew's ex fiancee to Brian to cheated and married his ex fiancee's best friend. This scenery was not on my bingo card but it was worth it.

I, on the other hand, was still trying to process what was happening. Freya had just not only defended me but herself as well, despite the impending anger she must be feeling right now she stood up for me in front of my entire family. And yet, I still couldn't shake the feeling that I was trapped in some kind of surreal dream, although it was one I didn't want to wake up from.

I watched as Freya and I made our way through the crowd, exchanging small talk with my relatives. She was handling herself beautifully, charming everyone with her smile and wit. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as I watched her.

But my attention was quickly diverted as Brian and Rachelle made their way towards us, hand in hand. Brian's face was twisted in a scowl, and I could tell he was spoiling for a fight.

"Look what we have here," Brian sneered, his eyes fixed on Freya. "The shameless Freya, showing her face as part of the family. And with Brandon, of all people. The guy who takes over my leftovers."

Freya's face remained calm, but I could see the anger simmering beneath the surface. Rachelle, on the other hand, looked confused, glancing back and forth between Brian, Freya and I.

But before Brian could say another word, Freya stepped forward, her voice icy. "I don't appreciate your insults, Brian," she said. "And I won't tolerate anyone throwing shade at my husband."

"Considering you cheated with her best friend." An aunt yelled making Brian's face go pale 

"She even had the nerve to play queen after stealing her best friend's man, so shameless." Another countered as others started pouring in their opinions making Rachelle cower behind Brian.

But Freya was not done yet, she turned to Rachelle, her eyes flashing. "You might want to put your husband in check, Rachelle. Because I won't hesitate to defend mine."

Rachelle's face turned red with anger, but Freya just smiled sweetly and took my hand. "Let's go, Brandon," she said. "We don't need to subject ourselves to this kind of behavior."

As we turned to leave, I felt my heart flutter in my chest. No one had ever defended me like that before, and she did it not just once but twice in one night. No one had ever stood up for me with such passion and conviction.

I had always had a thing for Freya but now she is really making me go crazy. 

I looked down at Freya, feeling a sense of gratitude and admiration. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I was lucky to have her by my side.