My Billionaire Brother-In-Law Trapped Me

Absurd

"Mera, where is my coffee?!"

Her voice sliced through the air like a whip, prompting me to rush to the dining table with a steaming cup of coffee in hand, carefully setting it down before her.

"I apologize for the delay. I had to heat up some water..." I trailed off, my heart sinking as I uttered the next word. "Mama."

I winced inwardly, chiding myself for the slip-up. How many times must I remind myself not to address her that way?

In my peripheral vision, I noticed her dropping the newspaper she had been reading, her gaze boring into me with intensity.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that anymore?" Her tone was calm, but the emphasis was unmistakable.

My knees threatened to buckle under the weight of her question.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

I fought back tears, berating myself internally. Don't cry, Mera. You're better than that.

"Leave. Now." Her command was sharp, and I obeyed without hesitation, fleeing the room with trembling steps. Leaning against the nearest wall, I allowed myself a moment of vulnerability, silent tears streaming down my cheeks.

I instinctively reached for my wedding ring, finding solace in its familiar presence on my finger. Like my husband, this ring offered me a sense of peace.

Not far away, a large family portrait adorned the mansion's wall, prominently featuring the Hollands. A wistful smile tugged at my lips as I noticed my husband on the left side of the picture. Among the Holland family members, he exuded a calm and carefree aura. He was like a beacon of safety in the midst of tumultuous waters, offering comfort and reassurance.

"I miss you, Alaric," I whispered softly.

My gaze drifted to the right side of the portrait, though I immediately regretted it. That unsettling smile...

Pushing aside the discomfort, I chose to focus on the task ahead. With a determined mindset, I left the room as if nothing had occurred, preparing myself for an important appointment later in the day.

I happily wore the dress my husband bought for me on our second-year anniversary. It's a simple yet elegant knee-length navy blue dress with delicate white floral patterns scattered across the fabric. The neckline is modest, with a subtle V-cut that adds a touch of sophistication. The dress flows gently with my movements, exuding a timeless charm perfect for the occasion, and I also put on light makeup.

I looked at myself in the mirror. I have captivating eyes, often described as big and expressive, complemented by my long, lustrous hair and a symmetrical, beautiful face with smooth, flawless skin. My smile, radiant and warm, adds to my overall allure and elegance.

Everyone I met always complimented me on how beautiful my smile was. But when Alaric left me, I never heard their praises about my smile again. Maybe, I really lost my smile because I lost the reason to smile too.

I will never leave this house just so I can reminisce about every memory I have with Alaric here.

After finishing applying makeup on my face, I couldn't help but feel proud while looking at myself in the mirror. "Look at you, Mera, still breathing and surviving," I whispered to myself.

After finishing my preparations, I secretly left the mansion while carrying the cake I baked last night. I made the cake in the middle of the night while everyone was sleeping. When I saw a taxi, I immediately hailed it.

I stopped by a flower shop to buy our favorite flowers, the ones my husband and I love. I sniffed the beautiful flowers I bought, and it made me giggle. Its scent hasn't changed at all.

"Happy birthday, dearest..." I whispered to the wind as I gently caressed his gravestone.

Alaric Vincent Dela Merced

1996-2024

I miss you so much, Alaric. I miss my husband so much... A tear fell in my eyes unconsciously.

"It's been five birthdays of yours that I've celebrated alone, love. I miss you so much, and it hurts..." I couldn't help but cry in the midst of the quiet cemetery.

Almost three years have passed since my husband died in an accident. If only I had let him explain that night... If only we had stayed at home that night... For three years, every night my what-ifs always haunted me like a ghost under my bed.

"I wish you hadn't left me so early, Alaric..." I whispered softly, filled with self-blame. "Please come back to me, baby... Please..."

A wave of intense pain gripped my stomach. Alaric's forehead, bloodied. People crowded around us, snapping pictures. Police sirens pierced the chaos. Alaric's mother's cries echoed in the distance. And then, Alaric's whispered words:

“I love you so much, Mera... You’re my e-everything...”

His voice, his declaration, became my lifeline at that moment of despair.

As I recall the events of that harrowing night, I squeeze my eyes shut, knowing it's a memory I'll carry with me forever.

Returning to the mansion, my mind in a haze, the only clarity coming as I handed payment to the taxi driver for the ride.

Empty. Drained. Airheaded. That's exactly how I feel every time I go home after paying a visit to Alaric's tomb. When Alaric died, I also lost my home too. Aside from this mansion, it's the only place I know as my true home.

This is where our story was made. This was our home for three years in marriage. All of our memories were made here. Everything about it. From the first chapter to the last chapter of ours. That's why it's so hard for me when I leave this mansion. I would rather die than be far from this mansion.

I stopped walking when I saw Holland's garden, right where Alaric proposed to me. In the garden, a black gazebo stood proudly. Around it, three benches, weathered yet sturdy. Nearby, a large, spotless pond glistened in the sunlight, its surface reflecting the surrounding beauty. The scene was serene, inviting all who entered to pause, breathe, and appreciate the simple wonders of nature.

I closed my eyes, remembering the way he kneeled in front of me and pulled out a box of ring. The way he asked me, "Do you wish to spend this lifetime with me, Mera? Please, say yes, baby." The way I answered yes. The way he jumped in happiness and carried me, spinning our bodies, and shared a long, passionate kiss. I remember it all too well.

However, those memories were abruptly interrupted when I heard a voice behind my back.

“Where did you go?” A low and deep voice made me stop from walking as if my feet were glued from the pathway of this garden.

I know that voice… Why is he here?

I immediately searched for my ring on my finger to calm myself down. It may be disrespectful, but I won’t face him. Never. That man… I have some memories with him here too! An awful one!

“I…” Gosh, please mouth cooperate! “I-I paid a visit to Alaric’s tomb… Brother.” I wanted to clap to myself for not stuttering.

We were enveloped in silence. All I could hear were the birds chirping. I didn't know what his reaction was, since I didn't face him. One thing for sure, I might have irritated him. Unlike Alaric, who had the longest patience, he's the opposite one. Short-tempered. Heartless. Manipulative. Womanizer.

He embodies everything I dislike in men. So, when Alaric asked me before to get along with his older brother, I found it really hard! His eyes always pierce at me as if he's examining my soul!

“Excuse me, Brother. I have to go-”

"Why are you not using the money I wired you into your account? Even the black cards I gave to you were untouchable," he asked, his voice laced with a menacing tone that sent shivers down my spine. I can feel his eyes boring at my back, dark and intense, as if daring me to come up with a valid excuse.

I gasped, feeling a knot form in my stomach at the reminder of his huge wealth. The last thing I heard about him was in the news last month. The headlines boasted of his latest achievement: closing a monumental deal worth 10 billion dollars with the Count of Monaco. It solidified his position as the second-youngest billionaire in Asia, a testament to his perceptive business acumen and relentless ambition. The mere thought of his financial prowess sent a chill down my spine, enlarging the sense of unease in the air.

I smirked mockingly. If Alaric could still alive, I know he could do better than him!

“What are you smirking at?”

I blinked when I saw him in front of me. Am I really that preoccupied with my own thoughts that I didn't notice him?

“Nothing,” I answered in a low voice.

I probably look like a puzzled cat right now. I know tallness runs in their family, but why does he seem even taller than the last time I saw him? His body seemed to command the surrounding space, his posture confident and his presence undeniable. It was as if he had grown not just in height but in charisma too, drawing attention effortlessly.

I couldn’t help but scan his physique, from head to toe. It seemed like his body had become even bulkier since the last time he was here, probably because he had been going to the gym a lot. On the sleeves of his blue navy polo shirt, with a Ralph Lauren logo on the side, it looked like they were about to burst because of his triceps. I followed his left arm, and with one glance, I knew it was from a famous high-end brand in France.

He's so hard to reach... but here he is, in front of me asking why I'm not using the money he gave me.

When our eyes met, I could read three emotions from them: longing, sadness, and fear. But those fleeting expressions were quickly replaced by irritation. Or perhaps I'm just imagining things. Longing, for what? Sadness, for what? Fear. For whom?

“Meraluna-”

"I don't recall owing me anything, Brother, so stop sending me money because I have enough. Don't underestimate me, Alonzo. Excuse me." Each word I uttered was emphasized, conveying my lingering anger towards him even now.

As I turned away from him and continued walking towards the mansion, before I could distance myself from him, he spoke again, sending shivers down my spine.

“I still... I still do, Meraluna.”

My jaw tightened as I refused to acknowledge him. His feelings.

How could I ever see him in the same light again? Oh, dear Lord, please grant him clarity.

To be in love with his sister-in-law... It seemed utterly absurd.