My Billionaire Brother-In-Law Trapped Me

Jerk

As I sat at the Holland dining table, surrounded by the luxurious surroundings that once felt like home, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness wash over me. It had been so long since I last ate here, perhaps not since my husband was still alive.

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I glanced in Reese and Amelia's direction, where Alaric and I used to sit. The memories flooded back, reminding me of the countless meals we shared together. Oh, how I missed those moments, the simple joy of sharing breakfast, lunch, and dinner with my beloved husband.

But the sight of Reese and Amelia sitting in our places served as a plain reminder of what I had lost. I quickly averted my gaze when Reese glanced in my direction, unwilling to dwell on the pain that threatened to consume me.

Quietly, I focused on my meal, tuning out the conversation around me as Reese and Amelia discussed business matters. It was a world that held no interest for me, a stark contrast to Alaric's upbringing as a member of the Holland, known for their business empire. Despite our differences, I couldn't help but long for the comfort and familiarity of those shared meals with Alaric.

Of course, when it comes to business talk, Alonzo takes the lead, giving brief answers when asked. Mama and Ruby were asking him, sometimes Reese would answer when Ruby asked, while Amelia just nodded along... I know her, she hates business talks. Gossip might still be tolerated.

"Ruby, dear, where did you and my son Alonzo meet?" Hearing Mama's sweet voice sent shivers down my whole body. She never spoke to me in such a gentle way before.

A bitter laugh escaped me as I realized the answer. Ruby came from a wealthy family, with all the privileges and advantages that came with it. Meanwhile, I had grown up in a simple orphanage, devoid of the material wealth that seemed to hold such sway over Mama. But even though I lacked Ruby's pedigree, I had been surrounded by love and warmth during my upbringing, something that no amount of money could ever buy. And for that, I was grateful.

"I think it was two years ago, at a fashion week in Milan. Alonzo was invited, and he was introduced to me by my manager..." Ruby's voice trailed off, her laughter tinged with a hint of embarrassment. "And I admit... I was attracted to him, but, well, he said he was already married, and I was kinda disappointed... That's why I thought Mera... was his wife."

Since we were sitting next to each other, she quickly tapped my shoulder, prompting me to look at her. When I turned to her, she was already smiling sweetly at me.

"Again, Mera, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean it," she said with sincerity evident in her voice.

"It's okay... It's just nothing," I replied softly, feeling embarrassed.

Mama's response was gentle, a soft smile gracing her lips as she reached out to pat Ruby's hand affectionately. "Oh, my dear, I told you, someone like you is Alonzo’s type," she said, her tone filled with warmth.

“Mama…” There’s a hint of warning on Alonzo’s voice as he called her mother.

Mama's chuckle echoed throughout the room. "Alonzo... come on. Amelia is already ahead of you! She's already engaged, and here you are still single at your age. I'm doing you a favor here, dear!"

Her playful teasing drew my attention, and I couldn't help but raise my gaze, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mama's expression. But instead, my eyes were drawn to Alonzo, whose furrowed brows.

Alonzo sighed, his voice carrying a hint of annoyance. "Mama, if I'm interested in someone, I will immediately tell you about it. And what I said to Ruby the last time we met is a clear understatement; I'm not into a relationship right now."

His words hung in the air, a tangible tension settling over the room as the weight of Mama's expectations clashed with Alonzo's own desires. I couldn't help but inhale sharply at his words. Alonzo was indirectly rejecting Ruby! How could someone resist Ruby, the famous model from a prestigious family... Alonzo really is something!

"Ruby, too, she's just still playing in life, Aunt. I know her; she is afraid of commitment too," Reese suddenly said, his tone carrying a hint of defensiveness.

We all turned to Reese, surprised by his sudden assertiveness in the conversation. I felt a knot form in my throat, prompting me to take a sip of water to ease the dryness.

Reese smirked as he directed his gaze at Alonzo, his expression a mix of challenge and defiance. It was evident that he was offended by Alonzo's indirect rejection of Ruby, his cousin, and he wasn't about to let it go unaddressed.

"Good to know," Alonzo remarked, his voice laced with a hint of mockery. "You know, I hate people who always push themselves towards someone who doesn't like them. I really hate people who don't know their boundaries, as if they're not ruining someone's life by constantly forcing themselves onto someone who clearly doesn't want them anymore." His words dripped with bitterness as he shifted his gaze to Ruby, who sat beside him.

The atmosphere grew heavy with Alonzo's biting words, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Ruby, caught in the crossfire of Alonzo's pent-up frustration. Sometimes, Alonzo's straightforwardness can really be a handful. He needs a filter!

Reese, on the other hand, clenched his jaw tightly, his knuckles white as he tightened his grip on the cutlery.

I expected Ruby to be affected by Alonzo's words, but to my surprise, she simply laughed before taking a sip of water. Her nonchalant reaction caught me off guard, a plain contrast to the tension that filled the room. As I glanced around the table, I caught sight of Amelia, whose expression betrayed a sense of second-hand embarrassment towards Alonzo.

"Brother, you've just become filthy rich, you're taking life too seriously. Loosen up!" Amelia said, her tone light and playful as she chuckled lightly.

“I apologize, sweetheart…” Mama added, her tone sincere as she addressed Ruby, clearly feeling embarrassed by the tension at the table.

"Oh, no need to say sorry, Aunt. I'm really in awe of Alonzo's straightforwardness. In fact, it makes me... like him more... I'm not in a rush, though, and well, I am confident that I can make him like me because love, isn't it, is something that can be learned." She shrugged and smiled widely in front of us.

Ruby and Reese being cousins and both forcing themselves onto people who no longer want them struck me. I could sense that Alonzo was about to speak when Amelia suddenly exclaimed upon seeing the favorite wine of the Holland family approaching. Amelia and Mama cheerfully introduced the wine to Reese and Ruby. Once again, I felt left out because I don't drink alcohol. I couldn't wait for this dinner to end; I just wanted to rest.

As the clock struck 8 sharp, I seized the opportunity to excuse myself, faking a cough to catch their attention. It was time for my medication, and my prayer session awaited. Politely, I bid them farewell, revealing the true reason for my departure.

Only Amelia responded to my farewell, her understanding gaze a silent acknowledgment of my need to leave. However, Mama's expression spoke volumes, betraying her reluctance to see me go. It was clear that she viewed my departure as disrespectful, given that the family dinner wasn't over yet. But the truth was, I couldn't keep up with them any longer, and I saw no reason to prolong my discomfort by staying.

I saw how Alonzo's eyes narrowed as he looked at me, as if he didn't believe my reason. I ignored him. My gaze then shifted to where he and Amelia were sitting, but the man who was sitting next to her was no longer there. I was too engrossed in my own thoughts that I didn't notice him leaving. Where did he go? I hope I don't run into him, well, the mansion is quite big so it's unlikely, but still, I hope not!

"I'm leaving too, I still need to finish some paperwork," I heard Alonzo say before I even got far from the dinner room. My steps quickened as I moved away, but his words lingered in my mind.

Paperwork on a Saturday, really? Is that how billionaires are? No days off?

As I walked towards my room, my steps slowed when I noticed that our room, the one Alaric and I used to share, was slightly ajar. Since my husband's death, Mama forbade me from staying in our room, saying that I didn't deserve it, and she made me transfer to another small room. So, seeing our room slightly open now felt like a punch to the gut.

Why is it open? This room is usually locked and only opened when the housemaids clean it. Sometimes I offer to clean it myself, but Mama never allows me to.

Without hesitation, I entered, immediately catching the familiar scent of Alaric's cologne. My breath caught in my throat as I saw the broad back of... Reese, standing there, gazing at the life-size wedding picture of Alaric and me above the bed. I felt rage consume my entire being.

How dare he intrude upon this sacred space, a sanctuary filled with memories of the life I once shared with my beloved husband? The sight of him standing there, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, fueled the flames of anger that burned within me.

"Reese!" I spat out his name, my voice laced with fury as I confronted him in the doorway.

Reese quickly turned to look at me, his reddened eyes catching me off guard. Is he... crying? Why is he crying?! What right does he have to cry? Anger surged within me.

Without hesitation, I approached him, my fury boiling over as I pushed him out of the room.

"Leave, Reese! Leave! I don't want to see your face here! Leave us alone!" I shouted, my voice filled with anger and disgust.

Reese easily pinned me against the nearest wall, his grip on my shoulders tightening with each passing moment. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, his anger evident as his knuckles turned white with tension.

"I will f*****g leave this room if you answer my question... Mera," he seethed, his voice dripping with fury as he slowly gestured towards the handmade crib that Alaric had lovingly crafted for our future child. "You... You were pregnant when he ran away-"

"Let her go! You jerk!" The words cut through the air like a knife, the voice loud and filled with anger.

As I regained my bearings, I saw the furious expression on Alonzo's face, his eyes blazing with anger as he advanced towards Reese, his fists clenched at his sides. It was as if he wanted to tear Reese apart limb by limb.

“I will really strangle you to death, you jerk!” Alonzo’s last remarked as he threw another punch at Reese’s face.