Engaged To One Brother But Craved By The Other

4. The Older Valencia

Emily and her grandfather followed Noah back into the dining hall. Nicholas was still seated, eating leisurely, but the moment Noah stepped in, he pushed back his chair with a harsh scrape and stood.

“Where are you going? Won’t you finish your food?” Noah asked, his voice calm but firm.

“None of your business,” Nicholas replied coldly. As he passed Emily on his way out, his shoulder brushed lightly against hers. “See you around, sister-in-law,” he murmured before disappearing through the door.

Emily tensed at the contact but said nothing. She could feel the tension between the brothers like static in the air. Noah didn’t react; he simply guided her grandfather to a seat before pulling one out for her.

“I hope you weren’t too stressed at work, son,” Madam Catherine said as she was wheeled into the room.

“Not at all, Grandma. There’ll be time to rest after the expansion,” Noah replied smoothly, taking his seat.

Emily dared to steal a glance at him. He looked even more composed up close—broad shoulders, sharp jawline, a calmness that was almost intimidating. He was undeniably more striking than in the magazines. But what truly caught her attention were his eyes—black, almost too black, and they seemed to darken every time his brows furrowed.

“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting, sir,” Noah said to her grandfather, tone polite but distant. “Let’s eat.”

Emily’s eyes drifted to the doorway again, half-expecting Nicholas to return. The way he had abandoned his meal the instant Noah appeared—it was clear who held the power in this family.

Dinner continued in silence. The only sounds were the soft clinking of cutlery and porcelain. It felt more like a formal meeting than a family dinner. Emily kept picking at her food, forcing bites she couldn’t taste.

When the maids cleared the dishes, she felt her heart begin to race. This was it—the moment they’d finally be left alone.

“Noah,” Madam Catherine said, breaking the silence. “Why don’t you give Emily a tour of the house? It’ll be good for the two of you to talk and get to know each other.”

“Of course, Grandma.” Noah rose immediately, all politeness again.

Her grandfather’s expression softened when Noah approached him. “Son, I trust you’ll take good care of her.”

“Of course,” Noah said with a small smile. “She’ll be my wife, after all.”

Her grandfather beamed with pride, but Emily’s chest tightened. Wife. He said it so easily, like it meant nothing. And somehow, he’d already won her grandfather over—turning this arrangement into something that looked wholesome and genuine.

Before she could overthink it, Noah extended a hand toward her. “Come, Emily.”

Exhaling shakily, she placed her hand in his. His touch was warm, steady—reassuring, almost. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to believe maybe he wasn’t so cold after all.

“They’re a perfect match,” she heard her grandfather say as they exited.

Perfect match indeed, she thought bitterly.

But the illusion shattered the moment they stepped outside. Noah abruptly pulled his hand away as though her touch burned him. The charming smile vanished, replaced by a scowl that made her stomach sink.

“I don’t know how you managed to charm my grandmother into believing we’re a good match,” he said coldly, his words slicing through the air, “but I’ll play along.”

Emily blinked, speechless.

“You’ll act like the perfect fiancée,” he continued, his tone laced with disdain. “Play the devoted wife when the time comes—until the merger between my father’s company and mine is complete. Then…” He looked at her with unfeeling eyes. “We’ll get a divorce.”

“A divorce?” Emily scoffed, her tone clipped yet steady. “We’re not even married, Mr. Noah Valencia. We can end things right here if this union is such a burden to you.”

This family was something else. First the younger son insulted her, now the older one treated her like she was worth nothing.

Noah laughed softly — a sound that made her skin crawl. “End things? My grandmother has already pulled out funds to send your brother overseas for surgery and recovery. She’s cleared your grandfather’s debt, and that necklace—your mother’s heirloom—has been retrieved from the pawn contract. Until the last dime is repaid, we’re engaged.” His tone was casual, like they were discussing the weather. “You will not give my grandmother or your grandfather any reason to doubt this engagement. You’ll act like we’re madly in love and can’t wait to marry. Then, after two years, I’ll give you the honor of asking for a divorce.”

He was about to continue, but the sharp ringing of his phone interrupted.

Emily exhaled shakily, her mind racing. She couldn’t go through with this. How could she marry only to be discarded two years later? This wasn’t just any family—this was the Valencia family. Scandal here wouldn’t just stain her name; it would destroy everything she’d built.

“No, Mr. Morris,” Noah’s voice cut through her thoughts, low and businesslike. “We’ll reschedule and talk this over properly. You can’t pull out of a deal without reason.”

Emily muttered under her breath, “Face of an angel, heart of a devil,” and turned back toward the dining room. She needed to talk to her grandfather. Did he really owe that much? There had to be another way.

The door swung open before she could reach for it, and her grandfather nearly bumped into her.

“Emily,” he said hurriedly, “Noah will drop you off later. I need to sign some papers at the hospital for your brother to be flown out tomorrow.” He rubbed her arm gently. “Don’t wait up, and don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

He rushed past her and out of sight.

It was like a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. She couldn’t speak—not when Grandpa’s expression looked so relieved. Could she really endure this for him and Kevin?

A hand suddenly slid around her waist, making her flinch. Noah’s face appeared beside hers, his voice low against her ear.

“What are you doing?” she demanded, glaring up at him.

He smirked, tightening his grip slightly.

“Playing lovey-dovey.”

Just like that, he pulled her back into the house. Emily could barely resist.

Madam Catherine was wheeling herself out of the dining hall.

“Emily, my dear, thank you so much for honoring my invitation,” she said warmly. “Noah will drop you off, and you can stop by anytime.” She reached out and clasped Emily’s hands. “Both of you should love each other. The future of the Valencia family rests on you two—since Nicholas has proven he’s nothing but a shameless son.”

Noah chuckled lightly. “Let me grab my keys so I can drop her off,” he said, flashing a charming smile before leaning in and brushing his lips against Emily’s cheek.

“Adorable,” Madam Catherine inhaled with pride, her eyes gleaming.

Emily forced a smile, but inside, her thoughts screamed. Noah Valencia is scary.

He released her waist and headed upstairs.

“I’ll leave you two, my dear. Have a wonderful night,” Madam Catherine said before turning her chair toward the corridor.

“You too, ma,” Emily murmured, grateful the tension was easing for a second.

Footsteps echoed down the stairs. Emily looked up, expecting Noah—but it was Nicholas. Their eyes met. He gave her a crooked smile, his dimples appearing faintly.

“Still here, sister-in-law? Sorry I didn’t keep you company,” he teased.

Emily rolled her eyes, biting back a retort.

“Nicholas! Where do you think you’re going?” Madam Catherine’s sharp voice rang through the living room.

“Stop screaming. I’m going out,” he replied coolly.

“Nicholas Valencia! Come back here! If you make headlines again, the Valencia family will disown you!”

But he didn’t stop. He just grabbed the door handle and stepped out.

For a split second, before the door closed, Emily noticed something — a dark stain below his hand. Blood.

Her brows furrowed. He’s hurt… That must have been the blood that stained her the previous day. She opened her mouth to ask—but the door slammed shut before she could speak.

She exhaled shakily. Nicholas made headlines often—bars, fights, scandals. Whatever this was, she shouldn’t get involved.

“This boy will be the end of me one day,” Madam Catherine muttered before wheeling herself away.

The sound of footsteps echoed again—firmer this time. Noah reappeared, holding a set of car keys. His expression changed the instant he realized his grandmother was gone.

The polite smile vanished. His voice dropped into a scowl.

“Let’s go,” he said flatly. “I’ll drop you off.”