My Billionaire Brother-In-Law Trapped Me

Mistaken Wife

“Ling? Is that a name or a nickname?”

I feel like a candle slowly burning out because of Amelia's questions, which I don't even know if they're meant for me or for herself. I feel dizzy watching her pace back and forth in front of me.

Ling.

That’s my nickname… Damn you, Alonzo. I don't know what to do with him anymore. Should I confront him or ignore him? I'm not the only one with that nickname in this world… So, stop assuming, Mera! Remember, you're a hardcore fan of the line "Don’t assume things unless they are stated directly to you."

Maybe this time is just a coincidence? And besides, only Alaric knows my nickname, no one else. Maybe Alaric mentioned it to Alonzo? But why would Alaric mention it to Alonzo? That would be so weird! My mind raced with questions, each one leading to another tangled thread of doubt.

Right now, I need to forget what Alonzo said and focus on Amelia, who can't seem to stop talking about her brother’s love life. Why is she so curious anyway? It's like she's on a mission to uncover every detail about the woman her brother is interested about. Maybe she's just bored, looking for a juicy story to spice up her own mundane existence. Or perhaps there's something more to it, a hidden agenda lurking beneath her facade of casual interest. Either way, I'll have to navigate her prying questions with caution, lest I reveal more than I intend.

I faked a cough to stop her from blabbering more, which I did successfully. She slowly turned to me, raising an eyebrow.

"Uhm... Amelia, I was just thinking... Why are you so curious about your brother's love life? I mean, it's understandable because you're his sister..." I paused, carefully choosing my words to avoid causing offense. "But Alonzo... he's old enough. He can handle himself, right?" My voice wavered slightly, betraying the unease I felt at broaching the subject. Amelia's relentless probing had begun to grate on my nerves, and I hoped she would take the hint and back off a bit. After all, some things were meant to remain private, even between siblings.

Amelia sighed deeply Yes, I don't want to offend her either, but no matter what words I use, I know I'll still end up offending her.

She stopped walking and sat down at her vanity table, glaring at me with a frown.

"Do you think I'm sticking my nose in too much, Mera?" Amelia's voice held a hint of uncertainty, a rare vulnerability that softened her usually confident demeanor. I took a moment to consider her question, realizing that beneath her probing inquiries lay a genuine concern for her brother's well-being.

"Not necessarily, Amelia," I replied, choosing my words carefully. "It's natural to care about your family, especially someone as close as your brother. But sometimes, giving him a bit of space might be what he needs. Trust that he can handle his own affairs, and if he needs your support, he'll come to you." My words carried a gentle reassurance, hoping to ease any lingering doubts she might have about her role in Alonzo's life.

Amelia, please, just stay out of this. I've known you for many years... and I'm afraid you might jump to a conclusion... a conclusion about Alonzo and me. Ugh, why do I sound like I'm having an affair with Alonzo? Gosh, I just really don't want Amelia to find out what her brother is doing to me. If she ever found out, that would really be my death!

Now, I couldn't look her straight in the eyes. Several seconds passed before I heard her speak.

"Yeah, you're right, Mera..." Her voice carried a sense of realization. "I'm just afraid. Alonzo is definitely someone who fools around with any woman he meets... What if all the women he's hurt will come back to haunt him? And the karma will be him ending up alone in this lifetime? Mera, he's already in his late 30s, for Pete's sake!" She chuckled bitterly, the weight of her concern evident in her words. "All I want for him is to end up with a decent girl, someone who would love him deeply... and unconditionally. That's all I really want for him. So, that's why I'm really curious about the woman he's so hung up with. Maybe she was already his karma?"

"I understand, Amelia. It's natural to want the best for those we love. And who knows? Maybe this woman will be exactly what Alonzo needs to find his happiness. All we can do is offer our support and hope for the best." I smiled genuinely and tucked the loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

And I really hope that the woman she's talking about isn't me... because I'll never wish the best for Alonzo, if ever.

Since I accompanied Amelia to her room, I haven't left. After our intense conversation, she suddenly pulled me towards the vanity table to dress up for dinner later. I just let her do whatever she wanted with my body. When I lost Alaric, I also lost the tiny bit of fashion sense I had in me. It seemed pointless to beautify myself when the reason why I always dressed up before was gone.

Yet, despite my reluctance, I allowed Amelia to work her magic, sensing that perhaps this small act of indulgence was her way of offering solace in the midst of our shared grief. And as she stepped back to admire her handiwork with a satisfied smile.

Amelia giggled. “Glad to know that I’m still in contact with your beauty, Mera!”

I'm wearing a simple white dress, its clean lines and gentle folds a plain contrast to the chaos churning within me. As I glance at myself in the mirror, the dress, once a symbol of elegance and grace, now feels like a facade, concealing the cracks in my fragile facade. Beside me, Amelia stands resplendent in a coordinated navy-blue dress.

Amelia go down the stairs ahead of me, and I followed closely behind her. As we made our way down, I spotted various people seated in the large living room. Alonzo and the woman I didn't recognize were seated together on one sofa, whom I assumed was the Reese’s cousin, Amelia mentioned earlier. Meanwhile, Mama and Reese were seated on the opposite sofa.

I involuntarily lowered my head as Amelia drew their attention. I couldn't help but feel a sense of lack, feeling like I didn't belong here...

"Ruby, my girl! Welcome to our house!" Amelia's cheerful voice echoed throughout the entire room. Her exuberance was infectious, drawing the attention of everyone present as she approached Ruby with a warm embrace.

I couldn't help but glance at Alonzo when I felt his intense gaze, which was now directed at me. I saw how he examined me from head to toe. When our eyes met again, I rolled my eyes at him and didn't look back. His gaze was annoying!

I was so invested in Alonzo that I didn't notice Ruby extending her hand in front of me.

I quickly accepted her hand and smiled warmly. "Hi, I'm Mera," I introduced myself briefly. Her hand was soft, a far cry from my calloused one!

The woman in front of me is so stunning that I feel starstruck in her presence. Her beauty is ethereal, like that of a goddess descended from the heavens.

She smirked. “Oh… So, you must be Alonzo’s wife!”

My brow furrowed, and I glanced at Amelia, who also seemed puzzled by what the woman in front of me said. Even from my distance, I could barely hear Alonzo's faint laugh, as if he won a victory.

I was about to correct her words but someone interrupted me.

Mama faked a cough, and we all turned to look at her. "Oh, no, dear, my oldest is single and definitely someone like you is his type!" She smiled genuinely at Ruby.

I tried to laugh to ease the bitterness in my throat. "I'm actually Alaric's wife, Amelia's twin brother."

Mama led Ruby to the kitchen for dinner, so I didn't see her reaction to what I said. The four of us were left in the living room, and a heavy silence descended upon us.

“I’m so sorry, Mera. I don’t know what’s gotten to Ruby and her confusion. I clearly told her that you are my twin brother’s wife,” Amelia sincerely apologized to me.

I simply nodded and offered her a reassuring smile, wanting to convey that I wasn't upset about what happened.

Amelia was about to say something when Reese suddenly spoke up, catching my attention. I forced myself to turn towards him, but the sight of him so close made my stomach twist in disgust. I clenched my jaw tightly, and quickly averted my gaze, hoping to avoid any further interaction with him.

"Let's go, babe. I'm hungry," Reese said firmly, his possessive gesture making my skin crawl as he put his arm around Amelia's waist and pulled her away from us.

My heart sank as I watched them leave. How could I save Amelia from him, from the toxic grip he had on her?

A subtle movement behind me caught my attention, and I turned to find Alonzo standing there. I met his gaze with a steely glare, silently daring him to make a move. Though a part of me burned with the desire to lash out at him, I knew that violence was not the answer. Alonzo should thank the heavens that I'm not the violent type of woman, but that didn't mean I wouldn't fight back in other ways.

Alonzo chuckled upon seeing my death glare, his irritating behavior. It seemed he wasn't the least bit intimidated by me. How could I become a truly terrifying person?

“You mistaken as my wife… Is the only nice thing that woman said ever since she arrived here,” he remarked, a hint of pride in his voice.

“And that’s the most terrifying thing ever said since I met her,” I fired back, refusing to let him revel in his misplaced sense of satisfaction.

Alonzo chuckled and pinched the tip of my nose. “Cute,” he remarked before turning and leaving me standing there, my mouth slightly agape in disbelief.

The audacity of his gesture left me reeling. Did he really just treat me like a child?