I Married My Ex’s Brother

The room was cold and thick with tension. Elara stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring down at Angel City, where everyone is moving about their life and here she is watching the life she built shatter. “It was a mistake, Elara. Seriously, you’re making this a thing when it doesn’t have to be a thing.” Elara turned slowly. She doesn’t look like someone whose boyfriend cheated on her or looked hurt in that matter. She looked done. “Ending up in a hotel suite with a nineteen years old model for three weeks is a lifestyle choice not a mistake Leo.” “She is an actress,” Leo snapped, his ego finally bruising. “Something you’d understand if you hadn’t given up on your dreams the second things got hard.” The words hit her harder than the cheating. He knew why she stepped back. He’d told her that his mother, the iron-willed Evelyn Vane, would never approve of a daughter-in-law who kissed other men for a living. She stepped down because he said it wasn’t proper for the future daughter-in-law of the Vane family to join such “low-life job.” She let go of her dreams only for him to turn it on her. “This relationship is over,” she said, her voice surprisingly steady. “Elara—” “For information, if you have forgotten, I gave up on my dreams not because ‘things got hard’ but because you said so. I put all my effort into this relationship and you do what? Cheat on me and point fingers,” Elara snapped. “Elara, listen—” “I said, this relationship is. Over. Go back to your ‘mistake’ and don’t you dare call me when you realize she doesn’t know how to handle your mother.” Elara picks her bag to leave. Leo laughed, a sharp and ugly sound. He moves to block Elara’s way. “Good luck, Elara. Without the Vane name, you’re just another pretty face in a city fullof them. Let's see how far your 'confidence' gets you when the trust fund dries up." "Good luck to you too, Leo Vane" Elara said and walked away. Walking down the street, Elara started to feel the c***k in her armor as the betrayal, humiliation and loneliness started to catch up to her, so instead of going to her apartment, she headed to the bar instead. In The Club. Elara headed straight to the bar after entering the club “What can I offer you, Miss?” the bartender asked. “A glass of sparkling wine” Elara said. While the bartender prepares a drink, Elara felt someone sit on the seat next to her. "Shouldn't you choose something stronger if you want to forget your messed up life for a night"a deep manly voice said. Elara tend only to see Killian Vane, older brother of her ex-boyfriend sitting next to her and looking like he owns the place. " Didn't think I will see the Great CEO of Vane global holdings here" Elara said. There was a long pause, which was soon broken by Killian." Heard of your break-up with my brother." " Nothing escapes you, does it?" Elara said dryly. "Are you here to be a d**k like your brother?" Elara asked. "One, my brother and I are can never be the same. I am not a saint and I am not a d**k as well. That's his job not mine. And two I am here with a proposal" Killian said. "A proposal?" "Yes, a marriage proposal. I am sure Leo already told you about my grandfather's will. I am to be the next CEO after my father but to have full sovereignty over the company,I need to marry. Something Leo wishes never happened for obvious reasons you already know." Killian stated. "Why me tho?" " Why not you?" What is in it for me?" Elara asked. " I help you become the actress you always dreamed of. Leo has 15% of shares. I will give you ten percent shares since those 15% shares automatically becomes mine after marriage. And lastly five percent shares of Aurelian Gems.”"Aurelian Gems… isn’t that a jewelry company for… Leo?" Elara asked, confused. "It is managed by Leo," Killian said. "But it is under Vane Global Holdings." "And if I agree?" "Then come to my office tomorrow. I will have my assistant draft the contract, and we can review it together—and then get our marriage license later," Killian said. "Okay." "Come in. Let me drop you back at your apartment." "I haven’t had my drink yet." "Forget it. Come on." "Fine.”