Alle Kapitel von Married to my Ex’s Brother: Kapitel 11 – Kapitel 20

CleoThe rest of dinner continued with more conversation than I expected. We talked about random things and basically got to know each other a little more.After dessert, we left the restaurant. Xavier dropped me off at my apartment and left.By the next morning, pictures of us were everywhere. I had expected it. Still, seeing my face beside his on gossip blogs felt strangely surreal.Lexi called first.Then Amaya.Then my mother.I gave all three of them the same explanation: Xavier and I were simply getting to know each other. Nothing serious was happening yet, and I would tell them myself if that changed.None of them seemed completely convinced, but eventually, they let it go.Over the next few weeks, we went on more dates. Dinner became the easiest option, but there were also a few lunches, a movie, and an evening at a charity event.The more time we spent together, the easier the act became.At first, every touch felt deliberate. Every time he reached for my hand, put his arm ar

CleoI was discharged from the hospital a few days later. Thankfully, everything was fine. The doctor simply advised me to rest, avoid unnecessary stress, and anything that could put unnecessary strain on my body.Xavier took the advice very seriously.He came over almost every day to check on me. He made sure I ate, reminded me to rest whenever he thought I was doing too much, and insisted on driving me whenever I needed to go somewhere.He was… different.More attentive. More patient.And, if I was being honest, a lot more caring than I expected him to be.And I wasn’t sure what to make of it.Finding out about the pregnancy had changed things between us in a way I didn’t expect. We had started this arrangement for a completely different reason, and now there was a baby involved.We still went on dates. We still attended events together. We still held hands and smiled for cameras whenever we needed to.Except now, things felt different.The touches didn’t always feel like part of an

Cleo “How long have you and Xavier been together?” Damian asked.I thought for a moment before answering.“Not very long.”“How long is not very long?”“A few months.”He nodded slowly.“A few months.”His gaze shifted briefly toward Xavier before returning to me.“And how did you two meet?”I hesitated for a second.“Through work.”Xavier glanced at me. I knew he had noticed the hesitation.Damian leaned back in his chair.“Interesting,” he said, taking a sip of his wine.“So, are you guys serious?”“We are,” Xavier answered before I could.His voice was noticeably colder.Damian raised an eyebrow.“Really?”“Yes.” Xavier’s jaw tightened.Damian looked between us. “I find that hard to believe.”“And why is that?” Xavier asked.He leaned back, looking perfectly relaxed, yet his eyes held a dangerous glint.“Well, we all know you don’t do relationships,” Damian said.“I guess I hadn’t found someone worth doing it with until I met Cleo.”My heart skipped a beat.I glanced at Xavier, bu

Cleo “Half brother, actually,” Xavier said. “My father had an affair, and Damian is the product of that affair.” “Okay.” I said slowly. “But that still doesn’t explain why his last name is Hale and yours is Voss.” “My grandfather didn’t want the public knowing about the affair.” Xavier leaned back against the seat. “It would have caused a scandal, so to make sure Damian’s identity was kept private, he was given his mother’s last name.” “Wow.” I let out a small laugh. “How could I date someone for three years and know absolutely nothing about him?” I whispered, more to myself than Xavier. “And now he’s engaged to my friend.” Xavier’s brows drew together. “Your friend?” “Yeah.” I swallowed. “Serena and I have known each other for years.” My mind went back to all the years we’d spent together. All the secrets I’d shared with her. My chest tightened at the memory. “Maybe they had been together while Damian and I were still…” My voice cracked. How could Serena do t

Cleo I woke up to the sound of my alarm and immediately regretted being conscious. For several seconds, I lay beneath my duvet, staring at the ceiling while my mind slowly caught up with the events of the previous night. I turned my head and spotted the diamond ring on my bedside table. It sparkled beneath the morning light filtering through my curtains. I really hoped yesterday had been one long, terrible dream and that I would wake up to discover none of it had happened. But apparently, it wasn’t. Xavier and I were actually engaged, and so were Damian and Serena. If someone had told me three months ago that this would be my life, I would have laughed in their face. My phone buzzed on the bedside table. I reached for it, squinting at the screen. It was an email from the hospital. Dear Ms. Marsh, this is a reminder of your scheduled OB-GYN appointment today at 2:00 p.m. Please arrive a few minutes early for your consultation. Right. The appointment. I’d almost forgotten abou