Marrying My Jerk Ex-Husband Brother After Divorce

Episode Three

Aurora’s POV

The last time I had seen Colton was the day I had told him I was getting married to Reid. He couldn’t believe I was getting married to his jerk half brother, and no matter how much I explained that Reid was no longer that kind of person… it didn’t matter, and I didn’t blame him.

Four years had passed since then, and Colton was unrecognizable. His once-lanky frame had filled out with broad shoulders and a chiseled chest. His jawline was stronger, more defined, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to see right through me.

His dark hair was messy, as if he'd just rolled out of bed, and his sharp nose was slightly upturned, giving him a perpetually curious look.

A scattering of stubble across his cheeks added a rugged edge to his features, and his full lips curled into a gentle smile as he looked at me.

Despite the changes, his eyes still held the same warmth, the same kindness that had always made me feel seen and heard. “Nova?” I heard his husky voice call out softly, pulling me back to the present.

“Col…” I trailed off, my voice barely above a whisper.

Colton's expression turned fierce with his eyes blazing in anger. “What the f**k was that? Are you asking for a death wish?” He took a step closer to me, his voice low and menacing.

I shook my head, still trying to process everything that had happened. “If I hadn't been there, the next time I'd be seeing you would have been at your burial, Aurora!” Colton growled, his eyes flashing with anger.

“Take me home,” I whispered.

“Aurora…” Colton trailed off, his eyes searching mine.

“Take me to your place, Colton, please,” I pleaded, my voice cracking. He stared at me for a moment before tucking me into the car seat and driving off in silence.

I had so many questions for him, but It was all too much to process.

The thought of going back home flashed. I had thought Reid and I would work things out before I returned home but now, I was a divorced woman.

When we arrived at Colton's penthouse, he led me to his room and handed me a set of clothes to change into after my bath. “Something happened, and I'll hear all about it during dinner,” he said firmly, leaving no room for argument. I was too exhausted to argue anyway.

As I soaked in the bath, the events of the day came flooding back, and I burst into tears. I cried for what felt like an eternity, mourning the loss of my marriage, my dignity, and my sense of self-worth. But as I wept, I made a promise to myself; never would I shed tears for anyone who treated me like dirt again.

If it ever got to Grandpa's ears, Reid was done for. If only he knew the girl he threw out and used was the only daughter of Adams, sole owner of Parallax Inc.

I didn’t blame him though, I had let him… basically reducing myself to nothing for love.

After cleaning up and slipping into Colton's oversized clothes, I sent a quick text to Alvin, my brother and the temporary CEO of Parallax Inc. “Get an invitation ready for the award event. I'll be attending with a guest.”

"Will you come back home, Nova?" he asked calmly, but I could almost hear the hopefulness in his voice. It had been four long years, yet he had waited patiently, never giving up on me.

"Yes," I replied, my voice firm, "and cancel whatever deal we have ongoing with the Millers."

"Right now?" he asked. "And companies promised partnership because of him? Done!" he added, almost immediately.

It was stupid of Reid to have ever thought that his company ever stood a chance even with those proposals, They had all been done by me pulling the strings from behind his back.

Parallax had partnered with a lot of companies which we didn’t even need just for him!

“Calm your horses Mister, Not now, Al. After the award event." With that, I ended the call, feeling a faint sense of calmness wash over me.

Colton's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled as I joined him in the dining. “Hey, cheese balls,” he teased, his voice low and warm before He pulled me into a soft hug. “You have no idea how much I've missed you,” he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I whispered back, “I haven't really thought of you, four eyes.” It was a lie, of course. I had thought of him often, wondering how he was doing, but I couldn't bring myself to admit it out loud. Instead, I leaned into his warmth, letting his presence soothe my rattled nerves.

“When did you get back?” I asked as we sat to eat.

“Yesterday,” he replied, holding my gaze before adding, “And Reid?” His tone turned serious.

“Do you want to tell me what you tried to commit suicide in front of his office or not?” He wasn't amused, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“I was just lost in thought, Colton”, I took a deep breath and explained, trying to be as brief as possible. “You warned me, though,” I chimed in, trying to accept some of the blame.

Colton's expression turned stern. “You loved him, Nova, I can never blame you, but you stooped too low to let him treat you like that. And to think, no one knew you're November Adams, the secret face behind Parallax!”

“He didn't deserve to walk on the same ground you walked on!” Colton added, his eyes blazing with anger.

Shock etched on my face as I stared at Colton, taken aback. “You know?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Colton nodded. “I didn't sit back for four years, Nova. I still had my eyes on you. I did my research, and I still couldn't understand why you chose him.” His eyes searched mine, seeking answers.

Before I could respond, the words tumbled out of my mouth in a rush. “Marry me, Colton.” I blurted, my face heating with embarrassment. I immediately apologized. “I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to…"

“Stop apologizing when you did nothing wrong and talk to me Nova!” Colton's soft laughter cut me off. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight.

“I apologize, but I have to make them pay, and I can't return home, a single woman. I had severed ties, and the only way back is marriage. I shouldn't have asked you,” I said, feeling a pang of guilt.

I moved to excuse myself from the table as unwanted emotions began riling up.

Colton's eyes narrowed. "Who's going to teach Reid a lesson, Nova? And who better person than the brother they threw out with nothing when he turned eighteen? Alongside the useless wife, as he called you?”.

“I…”

“So you don’t have to apologize, You have overlooked enough and now… you will make him pay, Nova, for making you cry, for reducing you to nothing and crushing your self-worth” he added, his hand finding mine and squeezing tightly.

I felt a surge of emotion at his words. “I can't do that to you, cut your life short while you're in your prime, all for me,” I protested.

“Who said I was doing it for free?” he asked, his eyes glinting with amusement.

I raised an eyebrow. “What's in it for you?” I asked.

Colton's response was straightforward. “One year. We'd ruin Reid Millers' empire, and then all I want is a partnership with your company to take mine online.” He paused, his eyes searching mine.

“And?”

“And nothing Nova, after everything this is the least I could do” he shrugged.

That definitely couldn’t be all he was asking for, I have read books where money was offered but never have it been just a union to ruin another in exchange for a partnership, “Stop overthinking this, That's it.”

I looked at him, unsure, as I tried to read his mind. “So, will you marry me?” I asked again, my voice barely above a whisper.