My Husband's Rival Wants Me

Cracks in the foundation

I barely slept that night. The photo from the bar stayed open on my phone screen until the battery died. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Nikolas’s mouth on mine in the hallway. Guilt clawed at my stomach, but it couldn’t drown the heat still lingering under my skin.

The birth certificate Noah mentioned kept circling in my head too. A hospital that didn’t exist. What kind of lie started that early?

Morning came gray and heavy. Adrian was already gone and he left a note on the counter: *Meeting all day. Don’t wait up.* No goodbye, just instructions.

I made coffee I didn’t drink. Sat at the island staring at the city skyline. My reflection in the window looked like a stranger. I looked pale, my eyes were too wide, and my lips, still swollen from last night.

I needed answers.

I texted Noah: *What else did you find?*

His reply came fast: *Not much yet. But the certificate lists a hospital in upstate New York that closed in the 90s, except it never existed under that name. I’m digging more. You okay?*

I typed back: *Fine. Keep me posted.*

I wasn’t fine. I was far from it.

I opened my laptop. Searched the hospital name. Nothing. Just dead links and error pages. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, then typed my mother’s name instead. I saw old obituaries and a short article from twenty years ago: *Local philanthropist passes unexpectedly. Survived by husband Edward and twin daughters.* No details on cause. No mention of a previous marriage.

I slammed the laptop shut.

Adrian came home that evening smelling like Olivia’s floral perfume. He dropped his briefcase by the door, and loosened his tie without looking at me.

“Dinner?” I asked, trying to sound normal.

“Already ate.” He walked past me to the office and locked the door.

I stood in the kitchen, hands gripping the counter. The silence pressed in.

Later, when he emerged for water, and I tried again.

“Adrian, can we talk?”

He paused, glass halfway to his mouth. “About what?”

“Us. This.” I gestured between us. “You’re never here. When you are, it’s like I’m not.”

He set the glass down. Exhaled. “Aria, I told you. This is a partnership. Expectations were clear.”

“They weren’t clear to me.”

He looked at me like I was being difficult. “You wanted security. You got it. The family business is stable. Your father’s legacy is safe. What more do you want?”

“I want to feel like your wife. Not a signature on a deal.”

He laughed mockingly “Romantic. You think that’s what this was ever about?” He stepped closer, voice lowering. “I married you because your father’s connections were useful. You married me because you felt obligated. Let’s not pretend otherwise.”

The words hit like a slap.

I stared at him. “You don’t even like me.”

He shrugged. “I don’t dislike you. You’re… fine. But I don’t have time for feelings. I have a company to run. And you have a role. Play it.”

He turned away and walked back to his office.

I stood there until the door clicked shut again.

The next day Aurora came over unannounced. She breezed in wearing designer jeans and a silk top, hair perfect, carrying two coffees like she was doing me a favor.

“Thought you could use caffeine,” she said, handing me one. “Married life treating you well?”

I took the cup. “It’s… fine.”

She laughed. “You sound like a robot. Come on, spill. Is Adrian as boring in bed as he looks?”

I flushed. “Aurora.”

“What? We’re twins. We tell each other everything.” She leaned against the counter, eyes sharp. “Or we used to. Before you got all quiet and dutiful.”

I sipped the coffee to avoid her gaze. “I’m just adjusting.”

She studied me. “You look tired. And… different. Like you’re hiding something.”

My pulse jumped. “I’m not.”

She gave a knowing smile. “Everyone’s hiding something, sis. Even Mom did.”

I froze. “What does that mean?”

She shrugged. “Nothing. Just… she wasn’t perfect. None of us are.” She pushed off the counter. “Anyway, I’m meeting friends. Thought I’d check on my favorite twin.”

She left before I could ask more.

That evening, another “business” meeting was scheduled at the penthouse. Adrian had mentioned it casually. Something about the Landmark Project needing “external consultation.” I didn’t think much of it until the doorbell rang.

I opened it

Nikolas stood there. Dark suit. No tie. Blue eyes locking on mine the second the door swung wide.

“Aria,” he said.

I stepped back. “You’re… here for Adrian?”

“Among other things.” He walked in without waiting for an invitation. The door closed behind him with a soft click.

Adrian appeared from the office. “You’re early.”

Nikolas didn’t look at him. His eyes stayed on me. “Traffic was light.”

Adrian glanced between us. Frowned. “We’ll talk in my office.”

They disappeared down the hall. Door shut.

I stood in the living room, my heart hammering. Minutes dragged. I heard low voices from the office for a while, then silence.

The office door opened and Adrian walked out first. “I need to step out. Forgot something at the office. Nikolas will wait here. Don’t disturb him.”

He left without kissing my cheek. Without a glance back.

Nikolas emerged a minute later. Leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed.

We stared at each other.

“You shouldn’t be here,” I said.

“I’m exactly where I need to be.”

He stepped closer.

I backed up until my spine hit the window. Cool glass through my shirt.

“You ran from the gala,” he said quietly. “But you kissed me back.”

“It was a mistake.”

“But you did.”

He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from my face. His fingers lingered on my cheek

My breath caught.

“Tell me to leave,” he said.

I opened my mouth and nothing came.

His thumb traced my lower lip. “Tell me.”

I didn’t.

He kissed me again. Soft this time. Almost careful. Like he was giving me one last chance to stop.

I didn’t.

The kiss turned hungry fast. His hands slid to my waist, pulling me against him. I gasped; he took advantage, tongue stroking deep. My fingers dug into his shoulders. He groaned low in his throat, backing me harder against the window. One hand slipped under my shirt. His palm hot on my bare skin. I arched into it. His mouth moved to my neck, teeth grazing, sucking lightly. I moaned, head falling back.

We were spiraling again. Faster this time. His hand slid higher, cupping my breast through lace. His thumb circled my n****e and I whimpered. He pressed harder against me, letting me feel how much he wanted this.

The elevator dinged down the hall before we went too far.

Adrian.

I shoved Nikolas back, breathing ragged.

He didn’t look guilty. Just… patient.

“Later,” he said quietly.

The front door opened and Adrian walked in, briefcase in hand. “Forgot my tablet.”

He glanced at us, frowning. “Everything okay?”

Nikolas straightened his jacket. “Fine.”

Adrian looked at me. “You look flushed.”

“It’s warm in here,” I lied.

He nodded once then went to the office.

Nikolas met my eyes one last time and gave a knowing smile, then he left.

An hour later, after Adrian disappeared into his office again, I went to the bedroom.

Something was slipped under the door.

A plain white envelope.

I picked it up with trembling hands.

Inside, there was one photo.

Baby me in my mother’s arms. who looked exhausted and happy. Holding me like I was the only thing that mattered.

On the back, handwritten: *She loved you first.*

My knees buckled and I sank to the floor.

The phone buzzed in my pocket.

Nikolas.

*We need to talk. Now.*

I stared at the screen, at the photo, then at the door.

Everything was cracking open.

And I wasn’t sure I wanted to stop it.