CHASING MY SISTER'S HUSBAND; TAKING BACK WHAT'S MENT TO BE MINE

Chapter 3

Cynthia POV

Demetri bent down slowly, picking up my notepad, his expression darkening as his eyes flicked over the page.

When his gaze lifted to mine, it was filled with something that made my blood run cold. Suspicion.

I tensed, my mind racing for a way to fix this. How could I have been so careless?

“What’s this?” His voice was sharp, laced with disdain, as he turned the notepad toward me.

I swallowed hard. Why did it have to be him? Anyone else, and I could’ve spun a lie easily. But Demetri? He was the one person who had always seen through me.

“I… I…” I stammered, trying to find the right excuse.

Then, suddenly, his expression shifted. The hardness in his gaze melted, and—to my absolute shock—he laughed.

I blinked, confused. Laughed?

He shook his head in amusement and turned the notepad around. “I never knew a nerd like you could fall in love.”

My heart nearly stopped.

I looked down and exhaled in relief. He had flipped to the wrong page. Not the list—just some old scribblings from years ago. My childhood confessions.

“But how come you never told this guy you loved him?” Demetri asked, his tone shifting from teasing to something softer. “He must’ve been really lucky to have you in his life.”

I stiffened. He didn’t remember.

Of course, he wouldn’t. Why would he? It was years ago. A foolish crush, hidden in the pages of a notebook. He had never known.

I swallowed past the lump in my throat and forced a smile. “It was a long time ago, Demetri.”

But my voice betrayed me, trembling just slightly. He caught it. His brows drew together as he studied my face.

“You still love him, don’t you?” he murmured.

I sucked in a sharp breath. His gaze searched mine, and for a moment, the world felt too small, too quiet. His hand reached out before I could stop him, gently slipping my glasses from my face.

“Demetri—”

His fingers brushed against my cheek, wiping away the tear I hadn’t even realized had fallen. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine.

I shut my eyes. For just one second, I let myself pretend. Pretend that he was mine. That he had never been hers.

“Who is he?” His voice was barely above a whisper.

I opened my eyes slowly, and my breath hitched. His face was too close. His gaze had dropped to my lips, and I knew—I knew—he was about to kiss me.

And God helped me. I wanted him to.

His face inched closer. My heart pounded. I shut my eyes, waiting for it—

“Thia? Demetri?”

A sharp voice cut through the moment like a blade.

I jolted back as if burned. Demetri spun away from me so fast, it was almost comical.

Tasha.

She stood there, her wedding dress glowing under the mansion lights, her face a mix of shock and devastation.

“What the hell is going on here?”

Demetri ran a hand through his hair, visibly panicked. “Tasha, I—”

“You were about to kiss her, weren’t you?” Her voice cracked.

I clenched my jaw. Oh, please. The dramatics. The victim acts. It was exhausting.

She had taken him from me. And yet, somehow, she was the one acting betrayed?

Demetri stepped toward her, reaching for her hands. “Tasha, I swear, that’s not what it looked like. I was just—”

“Just what?” she cut him off, her voice rising. “Just neglecting me on our wedding night to be with my sister?”

My patience was wearing thin. I could end this now.

I sighed softly, stepping forward, my voice calm. “Tasha.”

She turned to me, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

“Do you trust your sister?” I asked, tilting my head.

She hesitated. “I… I don’t know what to believe.”

I fought the urge to smile.

“Then believe me.” I took her hand gently, my voice coated in warmth and sincerity. “You’re doubting Demetri for no reason. He loves you. He would never cheat on you.”

Demetri turned to me, his brows furrowing, but I ignored him.

“You saw it wrong, Tasha,” I continued smoothly. "He wasn’t trying to kiss me. "He was helping me put my glasses back on.” I let out a breathy laugh, shaking my head.

“I lost them when one of the maids bumped into me, and I was struggling to find them. Demetri just happened to be there.”

Tasha’s lower lip trembled. “But I saw—”

“You saw what you feared,” I corrected gently. “Not what really happened.”

She blinked at me, torn. Then, finally, she exhaled shakily. “You’re right." I overreacted.”

I smiled sweetly. “It’s your wedding night, Tasha. You should be happy. Demetri loves you.”

She turned to him, her eyes softening. “I’m sorry.”

Tasha’s face softened, and guilt replaced her anger. “I’m sorry, Thia,” she cooed, reaching for my hands, her fingers trembling slightly.

I gave her a small, understanding smile and gently wiped her tears away. “It’s fine, Tasha. You were just following the flow.”

She frowned. “What flow?”

I leaned in, lowering my voice. “Want to hear a secret?”

Tasha hesitated but then nodded. I motioned for her to turn her ear, and she complied.

“I heard married women get hyper about their husbands and get jealous really easily.”

She pulled back, giving me a weird look. “I wasn’t jealous,” she insisted, crossing her arms.

I let out a dramatic gasp. “Your earlier behavior didn’t exactly say that. ‘Thia… Demetri…’” I mimicked her tone with exaggerated dramatics.

She chuckled, shaking her head. “Okay, maybe I was a little jealous.”

“A little bit?” I raised an eyebrow playfully.

She sighed, rolling her eyes. “Fine." I was jealous.”

“Good girl.” I patted her shoulder jokingly. “Now, go appease your husband.”

At my words, her gaze shifted back to Demetri, her eyes searching his face. “I’m so… try,” she stammered, but Demetri silenced her by gently placing a finger on her lips.

“Sssshhhh… You don’t apologize in this relationship, remember?” He flashed her a charming smile, the tension between them melting away as she returned it. Then she hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest.

I watched the scene unfold, the sickly sweetness of it all making my stomach turn. I’d had enough drama for one day.

“Are you done with work?” Tasha asked after a moment, looking up at Demetri.

He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “No, I came home because I had a feeling the Minister’s killer might visit.”

Tasha’s face scrunched up in confusion. “Why would the killer come here, Demetri?”

I bit back a smirk. Clever, Demetri. He wasn’t just smart—he was wise. A worthy Assistant Commissioner of Police.

“I don’t know, Tasha. "I just… have a bad feeling.” His gaze flickered towards me briefly before he stepped away, his expression unreadable.

Interesting. So, he didn’t trust his wife after all.

Demetri exhaled, running a hand through his hair before turning back to Tasha with a smirk. “Anyway, I’m here now. "Don’t you think we should finish our wedding ritual?”

Tasha blushed hard, her hands instinctively covering her face. “I… I…”

Before she could finish, Demetri swept her off her feet, lifting her into his arms effortlessly.

She squealed. “Demetri! Put me down!”

“Not a chance, wife.” His voice was teasing yet firm as he carried her upstairs.

I watched, my hands balling into fists at my sides. They’re going to make babies…

Not if I have anything to say about it.

With silent footsteps, I followed them, watching as they disappeared into their bedroom, shutting the door behind them.

I waited. One… two… three… I counted to sixty before creeping forward and slightly pushing the door open, peeking inside.

Demetri and Tasha were on the bed, still seated, but he was already trailing kisses down her neck, unzipping her gown. I watched, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

He lifted her chin, gazing at her with a passion that made my skin crawl. She looked nervous and uncertain.

I smirked. Perfect.

I spun around and made my way to the power panel. I studied the wires for a moment before slipping on a pair of gloves and grabbing the pliers from the nearby toolbox.

With a sharp yank, I pulled out two wires.

The entire mansion was plunged into darkness.

I stifled a laugh as I placed the pliers back in the box and removed my gloves, shoving them behind the power panel where no one would find them.

Time for the grand finale.

“No… no… leave me alone! "Don’t kill me!” I screamed, filling my voice with raw panic.

The sound echoed through the house.

“Help me! Somebody, please!”

I ran to the kitchen, grabbing a knife. With a quick, deliberate motion, I slit my wrist just deep enough for the blood to spill onto the floor. The crimson liquid dripped, creating a macabre trail.

Pain? I felt none. Only satisfaction.

“Ahhhhhhh!!!” I let out another scream before crumpling to my knees, pretending to pass out.

Footsteps thundered down the stairs.

“Thia!!” Tasha’s frantic voice reached me first, followed by the sound of her heels clattering on the floor as she rushed to my side.

I felt her trembling hands grabbing my arm, desperately searching for a pulse.

“She still has a pulse, Demetri! Please take her to the hospital! Please!” Her voice cracked, her sobs making her words barely coherent.

“Calm down, babe. "She’ll be fine.” Demetri’s deep, steady voice came next, filled with authority.

Then, I felt it. His scent. His touch.

Demetri lifted me effortlessly into his arms, his warmth seeping into my cold body.

My eyelids fluttered open slightly. I stole a glance at his face, drinking in his sharp jawline, his focused expression, his lips so close… Then I quickly shut my eyes again.

They can kiss their wedding night goodbye.

I’d ruined it.

And I’d make sure they wouldn’t be having s*x for a long, long time.

I was carefully placed in the back seat of the car, my body sinking into the plush leather. Demetri slid in beside me, his presence steady, firm.

Without a word, he gently drew my head onto his shoulder.

Tasha stood outside, her hands trembling. “Demetri, which hospital?”

“Our family’s private hospital.” His voice was calm, but there was an odd gentleness to it—one that sent a spike of irritation through me.

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” She swallowed hard. “Please, take care of her until I arrive.”

Silence. Then the sound of a brief, soft kiss.

My heart clenched involuntarily.

“Let’s go,” Demetri ordered the driver.

The car made a sharp U-turn, jolting me sideways. Instinctively, I snuggled closer to Demetri, seeking comfort in his warmth. His breath, steady and calm, brushed against my cheek, sending a strange shiver through me.

Was I imagining things… or did Demetri tighten his grip around me just a little?

The car jerked to an abrupt stop. The warmth of Demetri’s hand slipped away for only a moment before his strong arms wrapped around me again, lifting me effortlessly.

The door slammed shut behind us, his hurried footsteps echoing through the quiet night.

“Doctor! "Doctor!” His deep voice rang out, urgent and commanding.

The scent of antiseptic filled my senses as I was rushed inside. The cold hospital air clung to my skin as Demetri gently laid me on a bed.

His hands lingered, hesitant, before he finally stepped back. Though he was no longer touching me, his presence was unmistakable—his scent, his heat, his concern.

I strained my ears, trying to catch a clue about where he was, but all I heard was the faint shuffle of movement. Someone approached—someone who wasn’t Demetri.

A sharp burn seared through my wrist. I knew without looking that the doctor had begun treating me, but instead of pain, something else stirred within me—an odd, almost pleasurable sensation.

Another sting followed, and I clenched my eyes shut, embracing the strange feeling.

My arm was lifted, cool gauze wrapped snugly around it. The room was silent except for the occasional rustle of fabric and the distant hum of the hospital beyond those walls.

A needle pierced my skin, but the discomfort barely registered. Then, the doctor’s voice broke the silence.

“I’ve administered the necessary treatment. She’ll be fine—she just needs rest.”

A pause. Then, Demetri’s voice—softer now, edged with something weary.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

Footsteps retreated, the door clicking shut behind them. Silence settled over the room once more.

Was he still there? Or had he left to be with his precious wife?

I cracked my eyes open, scanning the dimly lit room. There—on the sofa—Demetri sat with his head bowed, lost in thought. Shadows clung to his face, his usual composed expression replaced with something almost… vulnerable.

This was my moment. Time for phase two.

With a sharp gasp, I shot upright, my breathing ragged, my eyes wide with feigned terror.

“No… no… please! Don’t kill me! Spare me!” My voice trembled, perfectly executed.

Demetri was on his feet in an instant.

“Thia! "Thia, it’s me!” His voice was raw, urgent. In the next heartbeat, he was beside me, gripping my shoulders, his worried gaze boring into mine.

I let out a sob and collapsed against him, my fingers digging into his shirt, clinging as if he were the only thing keeping me alive.

“I… I thought I was going to die,” I whimpered, letting my body tremble against his.

His arms wrapped around me, strong yet gentle, pulling me close. “It’s okay, Thia. You’re safe. I’ve got you.”

His voice was soothing, laced with something that made my heart stutter. Was it guilt? Concerns? Did he really care?

He pulled away slightly, his eyes searching for mine. Without a word, he reached up, gently removing my glasses and wiping away my tears with his thumb. His touch was so tender it made my breath hitch.

Then, he cupped my face, his fingers warm against my skin.

“You’re beautiful, Cynthia,” he murmured, his voice hushed, intimate. My name—my full name—fell from his lips like a secret.

My heart pounded. He was leaning in, his lips just a breath away from mine. My stomach fluttered in anticipation. That was it. No one was there to stop us.

But then—

The door creaked open.

Natasha.

She stood frozen in the doorway, her wide eyes locking onto us. Her face paled, her lips parting as though words had failed her.

No. Not again.

Before Demetri could react, before she could speak, I grabbed his collar and pulled him down, crashing my lips onto his in a desperate kiss.