One Night Stand (stuck between two brothers).

OneNightStandTurnsOutToBeMyBrotherinlaw

Kaia pov.

I stepped out of the car, the warm afternoon sun kissing my skin. I spotted Rena and Sonia waiting for me at the entrance of the grocery store. Rena’s eyes lit up the moment she saw me, waving her hand frantically like I was some kind of celebrity.

"Finally!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying over the chatter of the parking lot. "We’ve been waiting for you forever. What took so long?"

"Sorry," I said, adjusting the strap of my bag as I walked over to them. "I got caught up . Caspian called to tell me his brother will be arriving today, and I’m a little… nervous. What if I don’t make a good first impression?"

"Nervous? You?" Sonia teased, her lips curling into smile. "Come on, you’re the queen of first impressions. Caspian’s brother is probably just another version of him—charming and ridiculously nice."

I chuckled, but the knot in my stomach didn’t loosen. Rena linked her arm through mine, pulling me toward the automatic doors. “Let’s get this over with. You’re overthinking, as usual.”

Rena and Sonia had been my friends since high school, the kind of friends who knew everything about me—everything. They were the only ones I’d told about Caspian’s real appearance. The man I’d married wasn’t the ruthless, ugly beast my parents had forced me to marry. No, Caspian was something else entirely—a 35-year-old, handsome, and impossibly kind man who had turned my arranged marriage into a world I never wanted to leave.

Still, I couldn’t shake the thought: Why did he hide his identity? Why did he choose an arranged marriage? Sometimes, late at night, I’d wonder if his kindness was just a ploy, a mask he wore to keep me close. But then he’d smile at me, and I’d push those thoughts away.

As we walked into the store, Sonia grabbed a cart, and Rena fell into step beside me. "So, how are things with Caspian?" Sonia asked, her tone casual but her eyes sharp.

"Good," I said, feeling the warmth of a blush creep up my cheeks. "He’s been nothing but helpful and caring. I’m… happy."

"Happy?" Sonia added, her tone teasing. "That’s an understatement. You’re practically glowing."

Rena glanced at me. "And… do you still think about your one-night stand?"

The question hit me like a bucket of cold water. I wasn’t prepared for that—not today, not ever, really. "Rena!" Sonia snapped, glaring at her . "What’s wrong with you?"

"What?" Rena fired back, tossing a bag of broccoli into the cart. "I’m just curious. It’s been, what, a year? I’m just wondering if she ever thinks about him."

Sonia turned to me, her eyes apologetic. "Don’t answer her. She’s being ridiculous."

But Rena wasn’t one to let things go, and I knew she wouldn’t drop it until she got an answer. "It was just a one-night stand, nothing more. I don’t think about it.”

"What would you do if you ran into him again?" Rena pressed, her tone light but her gaze intense.

"Rena, seriously—" Sonia started, but I cut her off.

"Nothing," I said firmly. "It’s not like I’d even recognize him. And it’s been so long. I’m married now, and I’m happy. That’s all that matters."

But the words felt hollow, even as I said them. And then, as if the universe had decided to test me, something caught my eye or rather someone. I turned my head, and there he was—standing a few feet away, his profile unmistakable. My heart stopped. It was him. My one-night stand.

He turned and disappeared down another aisle. I froze, my breath hitching in my throat. "I’ll… be right back," I stepped away from the cart, my feet moving on their own as I followed the path he’d taken.

But by the time I turned the corner, he was gone. I stood there, my heart pounding, my thoughts racing. Had I really just seen him? Or had Rena’s question conjured up some phantom version of him in my mind?

"Are you okay?" Sonia’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see her and Rena standing behind me, their faces filled with concern.

"I… I thought I saw someone I knew," I said, forcing a smile. "But I must’ve been mistaken."

Rena’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t press. Instead, she looped her arm through mine. "Come on," she said, her tone light. "We still need to get everything for your big dinner. Let’s focus on that, okay?"

I nodded, but my mind was elsewhere. What if it was him? What if he was here, in the same grocery store? And what if he recognized me?

Even if it was him, what was I thinking? It was just one night. Just a fleeting moment that had no place in my life.

I pushed it aside. I had a husband who loved me, a brother-in-law to impress, and a dinner to prepare. I couldn’t let the past ruin my present.

But as we continued shopping, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something—or someone—was about to turn my carefully constructed world upside down.

__________________________________

The savory aroma of garlic and herbs wafted through the kitchen as I stirred the simmering sauce on the gas cooker. My heart was pounding in anticipation, not just because tonight’s dinner had to be perfect, but because he was coming. Caspian’s brother. I hadn’t met him yet, and the thought of making a good first impression was gnawing at me. I glanced at the oven, where the roasting chicken was almost done, its golden skin glistening under the heat. Everything was ready—the guest room was spotless, the dining table immaculately set, and the wine chilled to perfection. All that was left was to add the chicken and sauce to complete the feast.

The sound of the front door opening snapped me out of my thoughts. I smiled instinctively, my hands still gripping the wooden spoon. Caspian’s footsteps echoed in the hallway, growing closer with each second. I could feel his presence before I even saw him.

“This smells delicious,” Caspian’s voice was low as he wrapped his arms around my waist, his breath fanning my ear as he planted a soft kiss on my cheek. I let go of the spoon, turning to face him. “Welcome,” I murmured, leaning in to kiss his lips.

He pulled back, his hands still resting on my hips. “Is he here?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Caspian nodded, “Yes. He can’t wait to meet you.”

My heart skipped a beat. What if he doesn’t like me? I shoved the thought aside, pulling off my apron and smoothing my dress. Caspian took my hand, leading me toward the living room. My gaze dropped to the floor as we walked, my mind racing with questions and doubts.

“Kaia, meet my brother, Ethan,” Caspian announced, his voice brimming with pride.

I raised my head, putting on my most charming smile. “Hi, my name is—” The words caught in my throat. My eyes widened as they landed on his face, and it felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me.

No. No, no, no. This can’t be happening.

The room spun, a sudden, sharp headache slamming into me. My legs buckled, and I would have hit the floor if Caspian hadn’t been there to catch me. His arms were solid, grounding, but even his warmth couldn’t stop the icy dread spreading through my veins.

Of all the people in the world that could be Caspian brother, why did it have to be him? ...

My one night stand was none other than Caspian brother. I'm officially doomed.