My Husband's Billionaire Brother Wants Me

Alexander's POV

"Sir, the board of directors is already waiting for you."

Hindi agad ako nag-angat ng tingin mula sa dokumentong binabasa. Instead, I continued reviewing the financial report in front of me, checking every figure before placing my signature at the bottom of the page.

"How long have they been waiting?"

"Almost fifteen minutes, sir."

I finally looked at my secretary.

"And you allowed them to wait?"

Napayuko siya nang bahagya. "I'm sorry, sir. They insisted that the meeting should start immediately."

I closed the folder and stood up, adjusting the sleeves of my black tailored suit.

"Then let's not waste another minute."

Agad siyang sumunod sa akin habang naglalakad kami palabas ng opisina.

Del Fuego Empire occupied almost the entire upper floors of the building. From banking and real estate to hotels and international investments, our company had grown into one of the most influential business empires in the country.

And as its CEO, I made sure that everything remained under control. I didn't tolerate mistakes, excuses, or people who thought they could waste my time. Perhaps that was why people often described me as intimidating. I didn't particularly care. Respect was earned, not demanded.

After almost two hours of discussing our company's upcoming expansion, I finally returned to my office.

My secretary immediately approached me. "Sir, there's another matter."

I loosened my tie. "What is it?"

"Your mom called. She wants you to attend dinner at the family mansion tonight."

I stopped walking. "Did she say why?"

"She mentioned that she wants the whole family together. Mr. Nathaniel and his wife will also be attending."

Nathaniel, my younger brother.

I hadn't seen him properly in weeks. Not that we were particularly close, but we usually managed to catch up whenever our schedules allowed it.

"Alright. Tell her I'll be there."

"Yes, sir."

I entered my office and closed the door behind me. For a moment, I stood beside the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking down at the busy streets of Manila.

Another family dinner, hopefully, it wouldn't turn into another lecture from my mother about settling down. She has been bringing up marriage far too often lately. Unfortunately for her, I had absolutely no intention of getting married.

I had enough responsibilities running an empire. The last thing I needed was another complication in my life.

Pagdating ko sa mansion, sinalubong agad ako ng isang housekeeper.

"Good evening, Sir Alexander."

"Good evening, is everyone here?"

"Yes, sir. They're waiting in the dining room."

I handed her my car keys before making my way inside. The mansion looked exactly as I remembered it. Elegant interiors, expensive paintings, crystal chandeliers, and furniture imported from Europe, nothing had changed. Except perhaps the people living in it.

"Alexander!"

My mother appeared from the hallway, wearing her usual warm smile.

"Good evening, Mom."

I kissed her cheek.

"You're late again," she complained.

I glanced at my watch. "Seven o'clock. Exactly the time I said I'd arrive."

"Still, you could have come earlier."

I chuckled. "Did you invite me for dinner or to receive a lecture?"

She lightly hit my arm. "Don't be ridiculous. C'mon, your brother is already waiting."

We entered the dining room together. Nathaniel was sitting at the table, casually checking his phone. He looked as polished as ever, wearing a navy blue suit with his expensive watch resting against his wrist.

Beside him was his wife, Arabella Ruiz.

I had only met her a few times since their wedding. She was beautiful, with delicate features and long dark hair that fell gracefully over her shoulders. Unlike the women usually seen around our family, she didn't seem particularly interested in expensive things or unnecessary attention.

She stood when she noticed me.

"Good evening, Alexander."

I gave her a polite nod. "Good evening, Arabella."

"Finally, brother," Nathaniel commented, putting his phone down. "I thought you weren't coming."

I pulled out my chair. "Unlike you, I actually have a company to run."

He laughed. "Still arrogant as ever."

"Still irresponsible as ever."

Mother immediately interrupted us. "Can you two stop arguing? We're having dinner, not attending a business meeting."

I simply reached for my glass. Nathaniel grinned, clearly amused, some things never changed.

Dinner started with the usual conversations. Mom asked about the company's expansion, while Nathaniel talked about a possible investment opportunity. I listened occasionally, offering a few comments whenever necessary. Then I turned toward my younger brother.

"So, how's married life?"

Nathaniel immediately smiled. "Perfect."

"That good?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't it be?"

I leaned back slightly. "Just asking. I haven't heard much from you lately."

"Well, I've been busy."

I glanced at Arabella. She was quietly eating, barely participating in the conversation.

"How about you, Arabella? Are you enjoying married life?"

She looked up, seemingly surprised that I had addressed her. "Yes, Alexander, everything's fine."

"Good."

I returned my attention to my brother. "Make sure you spend time with your wife. Business can wait occasionally."

Nathaniel chuckled. "Don't worry. I know how to handle my marriage."

His answer sounded confident enough. But something about Arabella's expression bothered me. She didn't look happy, not even when her husband mentioned their marriage.

"Arabella, hija," Mom suddenly spoke. "Are you comfortable in your new home?"

"Yes, mom. Everyone has been very kind to me."

"That's wonderful. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to tell me."

"Thank you, mom."

She smiled, was polite, and had a gentle smile. But there was something missing behind it. I couldn't quite identify what it was.

A few minutes later, Nathaniel's phone started ringing. He glanced at the screen before standing.

"Excuse me. I need to take this call."

"Can't it wait until after dinner?" Mom asked.

"It's important, Mom. I'll be right back."

He left the dining room without another word. I watched him disappear through the hallway before returning to my meal.

"That boy is always busy," Mom muttered.

I shrugged. "He's a businessman."

"You're also a businessman, Alexander. But at least you know how to make time for your family."

I chuckled. "Noted, Mom."

Then I noticed Arabella putting down her fork.

"Are you alright?"

She looked at me. "Yes?"

"You're barely eating."

She glanced at her plate before giving me a small smile. "I'm just not very hungry."

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"No. I'm perfectly fine."

I nodded, although I wasn't entirely convinced.

Mom continued talking about an upcoming charity event, and the conversation eventually moved to something else. Still, I couldn't help noticing how quiet Arabella remained. For a newly married woman, she seemed unusually distant.

After dinner, I decided to leave. I had an early meeting the following morning, and there were still documents waiting for my approval. I was about to head toward the main entrance when I noticed someone standing near the balcony.

Arabella.

She was holding a glass of water, staring at the garden below. I slowed my steps.

"You're not joining your husband?"

She turned around. "Oh. Alexander."

I slipped one hand into my pocket. "Where is he?"

"He said he needed to take care of something."

"Business?"

"I think so."

I raised an eyebrow. "You think so?"

She gave a small, awkward laugh. "He didn't really explain."

I looked at her for a moment, strange.

I knew Nathaniel could be irresponsible at times, but leaving his wife without even explaining where he was going seemed rather inconsiderate.

"Are you going home with him?"

"Yes. I'll just wait."

I nodded. "Alright."

I was about to walk away when she suddenly spoke again. "Alexander?"

I turned toward her. "Yes?"

She hesitated, as though she was trying to find the right words.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

She looked down at the glass in her hands. "Do you think it's normal for married couples to barely spend time together?"

I frowned slightly. "Depends on their circumstances. Why are you asking?"

She immediately shook her head. "Nothing, I was just curious."

I studied her expression. "Arabella."

She looked up.

"If something is bothering you, you can say it."

For a moment, she remained silent, then she smiled again. "I'm alright, Alexander. Really."

I wasn't convinced, but I wasn't going to force her to tell me something she clearly wasn't ready to share.

"Alright. Good night."

"Good night and drive safely."

I gave her a brief nod before walking away.

The moment I stepped outside, I noticed Nathaniel's car still parked near the entrance.

Apparently, he hadn't left yet. I pulled out my phone and checked the time, it's almost eight-thirty. Where the hell was he? I was about to call him when I heard familiar footsteps approaching.

"Leaving already, brother?"

I turned around. Nathaniel was walking toward me, casually putting his phone inside his pocket.

"Obviously."

He glanced at his watch. "Going somewhere?"

"Back to the office."

I frowned.

"At this hour?"

He shrugged. "There's something I need to take care of."

I looked past him toward the mansion. "Your wife is waiting inside."

He barely reacted. "She'll be fine."

I stared at him. "That's all you have to say?"

He let out a short laugh. "What's your problem, Alexander?"

"Nothing. Just reminding you that you're married."

His expression changed slightly. "I know that."

"Then act like it."

For a moment, neither of us spoke. Nathaniel eventually shook his head. "You're making a big deal out of nothing."

He walked toward his car, leaving me standing near the entrance. I watched him drive away.

Something was definitely wrong, and for reasons I couldn't explain, I suddenly found myself thinking about Arabella's earlier question.

Do you think it's normal for married couples to barely spend time together?

I exhaled and ran a hand through my hair. It wasn't my responsibility to fix my brother's marriage. I had my own life, my own company, and more important things to worry about. At least, that's what I believed.