Tied To My Fiance's Forbidden Brother

wedding Rings and warzones

Chapter 12 — Wedding Rings and Warzones

He turned to look at me, brows furrowed in confusion. “What?”

“I…” I hesitated, words tangling themselves in my throat. “I just wanted to tell you—no, what I mean is—ugh!” I groaned, running a hand through my hair. Why is this so hard to say? “I just wanted to tell you to have a nice day at work. And please, could you… be back a little earlier today? Let’s get our wedding rings.”

For a moment, silence fell between us. It stretched, awkward and heavy, until James finally broke it with a simple, indifferent “Hmm,” before walking away without another glance.

The door clicked softly behind him, but that sound felt louder than any argument.

I stood there for a while, staring at the space he’d just left. Why do I even bother?

At first, I thought this marriage would be completely dominated by him—his rules, his decisions, his pace. But I wasn’t about to be controlled by any man. Not even one like James Edwards. As long as the money was there, I’d play the perfect wife on the outside and keep my freedom tucked deep inside me.

When I finally lay down, I slept like a log, drifting in and out of dreams that made no sense. It wasn’t until the maid gently shook me awake that I realized the sun was already high.

“Ma’am, breakfast is ready,” she said softly.

I groaned, rubbing my eyes. “Five more minutes.”

But the smell of food eventually pulled me out of bed. I brushed my teeth lazily and went downstairs, still in my loose sleepwear. The moment I stepped into the dining room, though, my jaw almost dropped.

Everyone else was fully dressed—like they were attending some grand morning meeting.

Mrs. Edwards sat at the head of the table, wearing a pearl necklace that probably cost more than my entire life savings. Jonathan looked sharp as usual, sipping his tea with that smug expression I’d love to wipe off his face.

I sat down quietly, pretending not to notice their stares. It’s breakfast, not a royal banquet. Why’s everyone so overdressed?

The silence was deafening until Mrs. Edwards’ voice sliced through it like a blade.

“So uncouth. I wouldn’t expect a poor girl to know how people in our social circle behave.”

I clenched my fork. Here we go again. I was actually having a good morning until her face ruined it.

I smiled sweetly, though my tone dripped with sarcasm. “Yes, Mother, I really don’t know how you wealthy folks behave. But if you’ve got time, could you teach me?”

Her eyes flashed with annoyance. “I’ve told you not to call me Mother! And you think you’re wealthy just because you married into it?”

I leaned back in my chair, resting my chin on my palm. “Oh, come on. My husband gave me his bank card yesterday and told me to shop without limits. Isn’t that sweet? In no time, I’ll be wearing the same luxury items you do. Marrying Edward was the best decision ever!”

The wide grin on my face made her flinch—it was fake enough to sting.

Jonathan slammed his teacup down, his jaw tightening. “You think my brother married you because of love? He only married you to secure his company shares. He knows if I get in with my seven percent, I can easily rise to the top. So quit your little act—it hurts the eyes.”

I froze for half a second, pretending to be shocked. Oh, Jonathan, you just exposed more than you intended.

I met his glare and smirked. “So you’re saying you wanted to marry me for the seven percent shares?” I pressed a hand dramatically against my chest. “Oh my God, am I really that expensive that two brothers are fighting over me?”

His expression twisted, but I didn’t stop.

“I chose right then,” I added, voice sweet but sharp. “At least my baby is more handsome, stronger, taller, richer, and more capable than you. Who knows—maybe your family didn’t even want primogeniture, but because of how useless your lifestyle is, they had no choice but to trust the business to a real man. Not a pathetic joker.”

Gasps filled the table. Jonathan’s face turned red, Mrs. Edwards’ mouth hung open slightly, and I couldn’t help but smile wider. Perfect shot.

I stood up slowly, stretching. “Oh my, this food is so delicious. So many dishes, so little appetite.”

Then, with the sweetest fake smile I could muster, I turned to the head chef. “Why does the food here taste so bland? I could puke. Remake everything and send it to my room within an hour. You wouldn’t want to offend me, would you?”

The poor man froze like a statue, and before he could stutter out a response, I sauntered off toward my room.

As soon as the door closed behind me, I exhaled heavily, my fake confidence melting away. Okay, Anna, maybe that was too much.

Or maybe not enough. I flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. If acting was a crime, I’d be serving a life sentence.

That afternoon, fueled by equal parts spite and boredom, I went on the wildest shopping spree imaginable. Eight million dollars gone in a few hours—on clothes, bags, jewelry, shoes, and everything shiny enough to annoy James.

He forced me into this marriage, right? Fine. I’d make him regret it. And when he finally snapped, I’d divorce him in style.

By nightfall, I was exhausted but strangely satisfied. The pile of shopping bags around the room looked like victory trophies. I kept glancing at the clock. Ten o’clock. Where is he?

I told him to be back early. I wanted those wedding rings. Not because I cared about the ceremony, but because a diamond ring that expensive could always be resold later. Always plan your exit, girl.

I drifted half-asleep when suddenly, I felt a hand wrap around my waist.My heart jumped into my throat as another hand slid gently—but boldly—up my thigh.

“Could you not?!” I jerked, spinning around to find James behind me.

“Whoa,” he said, blinking. “Could you stop shouting? I almost had a heart attack.”

“You almost had a heart attack?” I hissed, shoving his hand away. “You scared me half to death!”

He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “Fine, fine, I’m sorry. Sleeping so early though? I thought we were going somewhere.”

I sat up, glaring at him. “Are you mad? It’s ten p.m.! How can you call that early?”

He smirked slightly, clearly amused. “It is early for me. Midnight’s when the day really ends. Come on, let’s go.”

I stared at him suspiciously. “You’re notmad about the money I spent today?”

“Should I be?” he asked casually, grabbing his car keys from the table.

I blinked. “You’re serious?”

He gave me a look that was both teasing and unreadable. “I said spend as much as you want. Don’t tell me you’re feeling guilty now.”

“I’m not!” I shot back instantly, though the heat rising to my cheeks said otherwise.

He just smiled faintly. “Good. Then get dressed.”

A few minutes later, we were in the car, the city lights blurring past the windows. The silence between us wasn’t tense this time—it was strangely calm, comfortable even.

When we arrived at the jewelry store, it was nearly empty, dimly lit with soft golden lights reflecting off the glass cases. Rows of glittering rings sparkled under the display lamps.

As I walked beside James, something inside me softened. For once, he wasn’t the cold, distant man who treated everything like a business transaction. He was quiet, thoughtful—even gentle—as he pointed to a display.

“Do you like this one?” he asked, nodding toward a pair of simple gold bands.

I turned the ring in my hand. It wasn’t the flashiest, but it was beautiful—elegant, timeless. “It’s… nice,” I admitted, surprised by my own honesty.

He chuckled. “Just nice?”

I smiled faintly. “Fine, it’s beautiful. Happy?”

“Very,” he said softly.Something in his gaze made me look away quickly. My heart thudded faster than I wanted to admit. Get it together, Anna. Don’t fall for him.

We were standing side by side, the warmth of his arm brushing against mine, when a sharp, familiar voice sliced through the quiet.

“James, love!”

I turned instinctively—heart stopping mid-beat.