I Married My Ex’s Brother

Episode 2

Killian parks in front of Elara’s apartment building.

“See you tomorrow, Elara,”

“See you tomorrow, Killian Vane.”

The Next Day

At 7:30, Elara stood at the entrance of Vane Global Holdings. Elara stared at the building.

Elara paused, gathering herself at the building’s threshold, as her shoulders straightened, and stepped forward, crossing the invisible line between the city and Vane Global Holdings.

Even with Uncertainty lingering in her bones, she still walked in like she belonged. She walked straight, heading for the elevator, expecting someone to stop her… to question her about what a non-worker needed here. But she was never stopped and fortunately the elevator was empty. She pressed on the thirteen floor and waited anxiously in the elevator.

The elevator soon arrived at the thirteen and opened to unveil a woman in her mid thirties in front of her. She wore a suit that spoke of experience rather than ambition.

“Miss Elara Sterling?” the woman questioned.

“Yes, please.”

“Please follow me. President Vane has been waiting for you.”

You step out of the elevator. The atmosphere on the executive floor of Vane Global Holdings didn’t just feel like business, it felt like a kingdom. As Elara followed the silent assistant towards the corner office, she caught her reflection in the glass partitions. She looked polished, but beneath the designer coat her heart was thrumming a frantic rhythm.The assistant stopped at the door of the office.

“This is it, Miss. Please enter,” she said.

Elara pushed open the heavy door. Killian Vane was seated behind a desk made of dark, polished stone. He didn’t look up immediately. He was signing a stack of documents.

“You are early,” Killian said.

“Says the man whose assistant said you have been waiting for me. Do you miss me that much or am I late?” Elara said and sat opposite him without waiting for permission.

She crossed her legs, tilted her chin and waited.

Killian finally closed the folder he was working on and slid a freshly thick document across the stone surface towards her.

“This is the first and only draft,” Killian said, his blue eyes locking into hers. “It was drafted by Arthur Sterling,my family lawyer himself this morning. Read it carefully. Once you sign, there is no going back.”

Elara pulled the document toward her. The weight of it felt like a weapon. She began to read, her eyes scanning the document with the intensity of someone looking for a hidden trap.“Elara raises her head after reading the document.”

“So, if I sign this, you are going to help me rise in fame and take down your brother?” Elara asked.

“Leo will be two steps down after you sign the marriage contract. And you will be meeting your manager and assistant after the marriage certificate is signed,” Killian said.

“I want a written contract so I can trust you,” Clara said.

Killian handed her another document.

“All what we talked about yesterday is in here.”

Elara opened the new document and read, she nodded her head In approval after reading the document. She took the pen on the table and signed both documents.

“Done. Now let’s go finish the last step.”

Killian stood up, picking up his suit jacket.

“The car is waiting. We’re headed to the courthouse. Arthur has already cleared the back entrance to avoid the press.”

As they walked toward the door, Killian reached out, his hand hovering at the small of her back. He didn’t touch her, but she could feel the heat of him.

“Are you ready, Mrs. Vane?” he asked.

Elara looked at her reflection in the glass doors—strong, radiant, and dangerous.

“I was born ready, Killian. Let’s go give your brother a heart attack.”

In the Courthouse

The courtroom was a monolith of grey stone and polished brass, smelling of floor wax and old secrets. Killian had chosen a private judge in a district two hours away from Argent District. Ensuring that no prying eyes or vengeful brother would see them until everything is over.

They were led into a small,wood- paneled hearing room. Elara stood there in her cream dress...there was no flowers, no music no white dress ..just two people doing what they think is right.

Arthur Sterling stood by the door, acting as their witness,his expression neutral as a tombstone.

"We'll keep this brief." The judge said, peering over his oversized glasses."

You've both reviewed the legal requirements for a binding union in this state?"

"We have" Killian said.His voice was deep,resonating in a small room.He stood with his hands clasped behind his back and a posture of absolute authority.

The judge turned to Elara

“And you, Miss Sterling? You are entering this of your own free will?”

Elara felt the phantom sting of Leo’s voice in her ear. Without the Vane name, you’re a nobody.

She looked at the man standing beside her.

“I am”,Elara said with her voice clear and unwavering .

“Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. Sign here.”

The ceremony had taken less than five minutes.

Clara picked up the heavy fountain pen. As she signed the marriage certificate, she watched her name transform: Clara Vane. It felt heavier than sterling. It felt like armor.

Killian signed beneath her, signed his signature, shading across the page with a finality that made it feel as though he were claiming a territory.

When he finished, he turned to her. For a second, the judge and Arthur faded into the background. Killian reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box. He didn’t ask. He took her left hand in his. His skin was warm, his grip firm, the steadying presence she had started to crave in the middle of the storm.

He slid a massive, emerald-cut diamond onto her finger. It was flawless.

“Or a bit much, isn’t it?” Clara whispered.

“A Vane heirloom,” Killian murmured, his head leaning down toward her, “It’s meant to be noticed. It tells the world exactly who you belong to now.”

His thumb grazed her knuckles, a slow, deliberate movement that sent a jolt of electricity up her arm. She looked up, found his blue eyes fixed on hers. There was no business in his gaze in that moment; there was something dark, possessive, and entirely

real.

“Is it done?” she asked, her breath hitching.

“It’s done,” Killian replied. He checked his watch, the CEO returning to the surface. “Maren and Jules will meet us at the penthouse. They will be coming with a designer.

As the first lady of the Vane household, you need a change of clothes to suit your status.”

“Maren and Jules? Who are they?” Clara asked.

“Your manager and assistant,” Killian replied.