All Chapters of BETRAYED BY MY HUSBAND, LOVED BY HIS BROTHER : Chapter 21 - Chapter 29

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

Kendra left Knox’s mansion just after 4 a.m., the city still wrapped in deep night silence. The streets were empty, illuminated only by the occasional glow of streetlights that cast long shadows across the asphalt. He insisted on driving her home, even though she was reluctant, her body still humming with the aftereffects of their intense night together. The cool leather of the car seat pressed against her skin as she settled in, trying to maintain some emotional distance despite everything that had happened between them. “What are we?” Knox asked, his voice low and serious, breaking the quiet hum of the engine. “Two strangers that clicked, and fucked with each other,” she replied coldly and ruffled her hair, staring out of the window at the passing buildings that blurred into darkness. “What if that stranger wants to earn his way out of the stranger title?” He asked, glancing over at her with a mix of hope and determination. “Knox, you'll never be more than a stranger to

“Miss Kendra, how are you feeling?” One asked. “Please move no question,” Elena said but they're not listening to her. “Do you know your ex-husband is here with your best friend, as his girlfriend?” “Miss Ree, did you throw the divorce papers at him or you just walked out of the marriage?” “Richard Thompson is still claiming you did nothing for him.” Elena blocked their path, managed to get Kendra out of there, taking her to her seat. Immediately Kendra’s eyes met with Richard’s own, they both glared at each other before glancing away. “That bitch, she has the audacity to show up after ruining our family's name!” Evelyn gritted. “She's glowing, and I love it for her.” Grace murmured, she knows deep down that her grandson did her wrong. Knox bit his lips, smiling, he wouldn't stop staring at her from where he seated. He licked his lips, felt like standing up and going to meet her but his family is here. The lights in the ballroom dimmed slightly as the host returned t

Richard stood frozen in the center of the ballroom. Knox's lips parted in surprise. The applause that filled the hall felt less like admiration for Kendra and more like a public verdict against him. His face burned with humiliation. His fists trembled at his sides as every whisper, every stare, and every camera lens reminded him that he had just lost the only battle that truly mattered. "Richard..." Freya tugged anxiously at his sleeve, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please... sit down." For the first time all night, he had no words. The confidence that had carried him to his feet moments ago had vanished completely. His shoulders slumped as he slowly lowered himself back into his chair. The Thompson family sat in suffocating silence. Victor stared at the table, unable to meet anyone's eyes. Grace folded her hands elegantly in her lap, disappointment written plainly across her face. She had warned Richard countless times that pride without wisdom always ended in disgra