Chapter 5
1425 Words
Guinevere’s POV
“Husband…?”
The word slipped out before I could stop it.
The man in front of me was tall and broad-shouldered, devastatingly handsome in a way that felt intentional. It was as if he knew exactly how striking he looked and believed the world could handle it. His expression was stoic, unreadable, as if emotions belonged to other people. Power surrounded him effortlessly.
Could this really be him? I wondered.
“Finally, we meet,” he said, a gentle smile forming on his lips.
But it didn’t reach his eyes.
Something about it felt rehearsed. Cold. Like a mask worn too many times.
His gaze shifted past me, locking onto Gregory with a blank, unsettling stare.
“I haven’t seen you since… what? Three months?” the man continued, stepping closer before pulling Gregory into a hug.
Gregory stiffened.
He hugged back, but reluctantly, like someone forced into unwanted contact.
My chest tightened.
Are they friends… or enemies?
The air between them felt heavy, tense, like a wire pulled too tight.
“I’m glad you recognized me even without seeing me before, my dear wife,” the man said suddenly, turning back to me with a smirk.
My heart stopped.
“I… I didn’t—”
The words wouldn’t come.
The shock kept me frozen.
Before I could collect myself, Gregory grabbed my hand and pulled me to his side, positioning himself slightly in front of me—protective, instinctive.
“So, you don’t know each other?” he demanded, frowning as he glanced between us. His voice was sharp and suspicious. “Then how did you get married?”
The other man stepped closer.
Now they were inches apart.
Then he laughed.
A deep, carefree laugh that made my skin crawl.
“What are you up to this time?” Gregory snapped.
“And what business do you have with my affairs, Gregory?” the man replied coolly.
“Guinevere is my friend,” Gregory stated, his voice rising.
I stepped between them, pulling Gregory back before things escalated.
I couldn’t take sides.
I shouldn’t take sides.
One was my friend.
The other… held my entire life in his hands.
“Please,” I said, my voice trembling. “Just stop.”
I turned to Gregory.
“We’ll talk later. Let me handle this.”
“But you have to explain,” he insisted, worry etched deep into his face—pity, maybe. “You can’t trust this man—”
“Come with me,” I said quickly to the other man, already walking away.
Toward the end of the hospital hallway.
Toward the truth.
When we reached the VIP parking lot, I saw Albert standing beside a sleek black car.
He bowed when he saw me.
The man beside me nodded once.
That was when it hit me.
This is real.
This man… is my husband.
“My darling wife,” he said softly.
I raised my hand, stopping him mid-sentence.
The surprise on his face was brief—but satisfying.
“Feisty,” he teased.
“I like that.” A smirk tugged at his lips.
“So this is how you choose to show up?” I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady. “You can’t just pop into someone’s life without notice.”
“Oh yes, I can,” he replied calmly. “Especially since it’s my wife—whom I own.”
The way he emphasized wife sent a shiver down my spine.
“Well then,” he continued, clapping his hands lightly, “since you’ve met the whole family, no need for formal introductions.”
“Whole family?” I scoffed. “Who—Alfred?”
“No,” he said. “My brother.”
My heart dropped.
No…
I stared at him, realization crashing over me like a wave.
“Gregory… is your brother?” I whispered.
“Yes,” he replied easily. “I’m the elder of the two. Gabriel Grand. Nice to meet you.”
He extended his hand—formal, businesslike.
Like we’d just signed a contract.
Ah.
This marriage is a business deal.
“I doubt it’s nice to meet you,” I muttered, ignoring his hand as I walked past him.
He chuckled.
“How is my brother?” he asked casually. “And oh—did you like the diamond necklace I sent you?”
He stepped closer.
Too close.
I could feel the heat of his body, his presence surrounding me.
I wanted to snap back, to push him away—but Ethan’s face flashed in my mind.
Just until it’s over.
Just until he gets better.
I turned to face him, my expression blank.
“Yes,” I said. “It was… nice.”
“Nice?” He tilted his head, confused. “I suppose it wasn’t to your taste.”
“Anyway,” he said, gesturing toward the car, “shall we?”
We rode in silence.
Albert drove. Gabriel took calls.
I folded my hands in my lap, my thoughts spiraling.
Gabriel and Gregory. Brothers.
So Gregory was a Grand. From that family.
Did he know I was married to his brother?
No… he’d looked shocked too.
I swallowed hard.
I’m married… and I have feelings for my husband’s brother.
The realization made me feel sick.
“Here we are,” Gabriel said suddenly.
“The ring will fit perfectly.”
“What ring?” I asked.
He ignored me and stepped out of the car.
I followed—only to freeze.
Dolly & Diamonds.
The most exclusive jewelry store in the world.
My mouth fell open.
Inside, everything was elegant—marble floors, crystal lights, gold accents that whispered wealth without shouting it. We were taken to a private VIP section, secluded and lavish.
“Welcome, ma’am,” a middle-aged woman greeted warmly. “It’s lovely to finally meet you. I’m sure you’ll adore the ring Mr. Grand designed for you.”
Designed… for me?
Another staff member brought tea.
I stared at the cup.
I was always the one serving tea.
“Thank you,” I murmured.
The woman returned with a velvet box.
Inside lay the most beautiful ring I had ever seen.
“Wow,” I breathed before I could stop myself.
Gabriel laughed softly. “You like it?”
Heat rushed to my cheeks.
He lifted my chin gently.
“This is your life now.”
He slipped the ring onto my finger.
It felt heavy.
Like a shackle.
I forced a smile.
“It fits perfectly,” he said.
I nodded, staring at the ring—wondering when my life had stopped being mine.
Back at the mansion, we barely spoke.
He disappeared into his study.
I went upstairs to the bedroom.
I collapsed onto the bed, Gregory’s face haunting my thoughts.
Maybe I should call him.
I picked up my phone and dialed Gregory's number.
No answer.
Again.
Nothing.
I sighed and stood up to enjoy the sunset view.
I went to the balcony just as a black car pulled in.
A man stepped out—tall, blond, stern.
Another Grand?
Curiosity pulled me downstairs.
He entered Gabriel’s study.
The door shut.
I crept closer.
“You said you’d take care of it,” Gabriel’s voice snapped. “Now we’re in this mess.”
“It was your brother who—”
A loud bang cut the man off.
“Don’t ever mention his name in this matter again.”
My blood ran cold.
“Leave him there,” Gabriel continued. “Once he leaves the hospital… kill him.”
My heart stopped.
Kill who…?
A thought hit me like a blade.
“Gregory,” I whispered.
Footsteps.
I hid.
“I need to see Gregory,” I muttered to myself.
Then—
“And why do you need to see Gregory?” Gabriel’s voice said behind me.
I turned—and collided with him.
My husband.
He pulled me closer.
His grip tightened around my waist.
Dangerously close.
“I asked you a question,” he whispered.
Fear replaced everything.
He yanked my hair back.
Pain exploded.
“Were you
eavesdropping?” he asked calmly.
I couldn’t breathe.
“Albert,” he called.
Albert rushed in.
“Yes, sir.”
“Prepare the room.”
He dragged me away.
“This is your new life,” he said coldly.
He took me to a room.
The room was dark.
Then.
The door slammed shut.
GBAM.
And I realized—
I had married a monster.
- Writer
