His Brother Was My Sin

“Serena, are you done packing?” William’s voice came from the other side of the bedroom. “Almost!” “You said that twenty minutes ago.” Serena glanced at the suitcase lying open on the bed. Half of her clothes were folded inside, while the other half remained scattered across the mattress. She had been packing for nearly an hour, but her mind was somewhere else entirely. William stood by the bedroom door, already dressed in a black coat over his neatly pressed clothes. His golden-blond hair was perfectly arranged, and his glasses rested elegantly on the bridge of his nose. Even after a year in Sweden, he still looked like someone who had never experienced a bad hair day in his life. “Can you hurry up, darling? Our flight isn't going to wait for us.” “I'm trying.” “Try faster.” Serena threw a shirt into her suitcase and shot him an annoyed look. “You could help, you know.” William smiled faintly. “I could. But then you'd complain that I'm folding your clothes incorrectly.” She couldn't argue with that. He crossed the room and kissed her forehead before checking his watch. “I'll have the car brought around. Finish up.” “Okay.” William left, and the sound of his footsteps gradually disappeared down the hallway. Serena stared at the open bedroom door. They were finally going home. After spending a year in Sweden, she and William were returning to London, where the Blackwood family lived and where William's responsibilities as vice president awaited him. It was supposed to be the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship. So why did she feel as though she was about to face something terrible? Her fingers tightened around the shirt she was holding. Because there was something she had never told William. Something she had promised herself she would forget. And it all started a year ago. ~ A year earlier, Serena had been having the worst week of her life. Her relationship with William had reached a breaking point. He was constantly occupied with business, leaving her alone for hours and sometimes days. Whenever she tried to talk to him, he would listen politely, offer a few reassuring words, and return to whatever demanded his attention. She knew William had responsibilities. She knew his family expected a lot from him. But knowing those things didn't make her feel any less lonely. “Do you even want to be with me anymore?” Serena asked during one of their arguments. William looked up from his phone. “Where is this coming from?” “I'm serious, William. We barely spend time together anymore. Every time I need you, you're busy.” “I've told you that things are complicated at the company right now.” “And I'm tired of hearing that excuse!” His expression hardened slightly. “What do you want me to do, Serena? Abandon everything just because you're upset?” She fell silent. That wasn't what she wanted. She only wanted him to make her feel as though she mattered, too. But William seemed unable to understand that. “Maybe we should take a break,” she said quietly. He stared at her. “Is that what you want?” Serena swallowed the lump in her throat. “Maybe.” William put his phone down, his face unreadable. “Fine. If that's what you want.” She had expected him to stop her. To ask her to stay, or at least show some sign that the thought of losing her hurt. Instead, he let her leave. And that hurt more than their entire argument. That night, Serena went to a bar, hoping that a few drinks and loud music would help her forget everything. She didn't want to think about William, their relationship, or the fact that she had no idea where her life was heading. She only wanted one night without feeling miserable. That's when she noticed him. A man with short black hair sat alone near the bar, dressed in a dark shirt that emphasized his broad shoulders. His expression was serious, almost intimidating, and he carried himself with the confidence of someone who rarely needed to repeat himself. He was handsome. Unfortunately, he also looked like the sort of man who would ruin someone's evening just by opening his mouth. Serena found herself watching him anyway. When their eyes met, he raised an eyebrow. She immediately looked away. A few minutes later, he was standing beside her. “Enjoying the view?” he asked. Serena turned toward him. “Excuse me?” “You've been staring at me.” “I was looking at the television behind you.” He glanced over his shoulder at the blank screen. “Interesting television.” “Very entertaining,” she replied. The corner of his mouth lifted. Serena hated that she noticed. “Are you always this rude to people you meet?” she asked. “Only the ones who lie to me.” “Then you must have a very difficult life.” “You have no idea.” He ordered another drink and remained beside her. Somehow, their conversation continued, filled with sarcastic remarks and challenges neither of them seemed willing to lose. He didn't ask why she was alone. She didn't ask why he was there. For the first time that evening, Serena laughed without forcing herself to. When the bar began to empty, the man glanced at her. “Are you going home?” “Not yet.” “Good.” She frowned. “Good?” “I was going to ask if you'd like to continue this conversation somewhere quieter.” Serena studied him. “You mean a hotel?” “If that's what you want.” His straightforward answer nearly made her laugh. “You don't waste time, do you?” “I don't like pretending I want something when I don't.” There was something dangerous about his honesty, especially when Serena knew she was looking for an escape rather than a solution. She should have gone home. Instead, she finished her drink and stood. “Fine. But don't think this means I like you.” He gave her a slow, amused look. “Wouldn't dream of it.” ~ The hotel room was quiet except for the faint sound of traffic outside. Serena stood beside the bed, suddenly more aware of the man with her than she had been at the bar. Under the dim bedroom lights, his sharp features looked even more striking. He had barely spoken during the ride, yet somehow, his silence only made her more curious. “Do you always bring strangers to hotels?” she asked, trying to sound casual. He loosened his collar. “You came willingly.” “That doesn't answer my question.” “Then don't ask questions you don't want answered.” Serena rolled her eyes. “You're seriously annoying.” “And yet, you're still here.” She opened her mouth to argue, but he stepped closer. Her words disappeared when he stopped in front of her, close enough that she could see the faint amusement in his eyes. “Still want to leave?” he asked. For a moment, Serena considered it. She knew she could walk out, return to her apartment, and deal with her problems in the morning. Instead, she looked at him and shook her head. He studied her face before lifting a hand to her cheek. “Tell me if you change your mind.” Then he kissed her. The first kiss was slow, almost cautious, completely different from the sharp remarks he had been throwing at her all night. Serena gripped the front of his shirt, surprised by how gentle he could be when he wasn't trying to get under her skin. When he drew back, she found herself following him. His mouth curved into a small, satisfied smile. “You seem to like me after all.” “Don't ruin the moment.” “Wouldn't dream of it.” She pulled him down for another kiss before he could say anything else. This time, there was no teasing between them. His hand settled at her waist while Serena slipped her arms around his neck, allowing herself to forget about William, their argument, and the mess waiting for her outside that room. When they paused for breath, he brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face. “What's your name?” he asked. Serena hesitated. “Does it matter?” He watched her for a moment before giving a slight shrug. “Not tonight.” “Good. Because I don't want to talk about my life.” “Then we won't.” He pressed a brief kiss to her forehead, an unexpectedly tender gesture that made her look at him twice. “Why did you do that?” she asked. “Do what?” “That.” She pointed at her forehead. “You look like the kind of man who doesn't do sweet things.” He gave a low chuckle. “Maybe you don't know me well enough to decide that.” “I'm not planning to know you.” “Neither am I.” The words should have made everything easier. No names, no promises, no questions about the lives they would return to in the morning. Serena kissed him again, choosing not to think about what would happen afterward. Later, with the city lights spilling through the curtains, they stayed close beneath the covers, trading a few quiet remarks and occasional kisses. He held her against his chest while she traced a small line along his knuckles. For a little while, neither of them felt like strangers. By morning, they would pretend otherwise. *** Serena never expected to see him again. Yet a few weeks later, after another lonely evening and a message she eventually deleted without sending, she found herself returning to the same bar. He was there. The moment their eyes met, recognition passed between them. “Well,” he said when she approached, “look who's back.” “Don't flatter yourself. I came here for a drink.” “Of course.” “And I'm not staying long.” “Of course.” She narrowed her eyes. “You know, agreeing with everything I say is more annoying than arguing.” He smiled. “Then I suppose I should stop agreeing.” She laughed despite herself. That night, they ended up together again. And then it happened a third time. Their encounters became a strange arrangement neither of them bothered to define. Sometimes they met at the bar. Sometimes one of them sent a message arranging a place and time. Occasionally, they met at a hotel, where the world outside seemed to disappear for a few hours. They never exchanged names. They never asked about family, work, or the people waiting for them outside those rooms. They didn't discuss what they were to each other, either. It was easier to keep everything separate when neither of them knew enough to make the arrangement complicated. At least, that was what Serena told herself. The man could be infuriating, but there were moments when his behavior confused her. He remembered how she liked her coffee. He noticed when she was unusually quiet. Sometimes, after kissing her, he would rest his forehead against hers as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. Serena never asked what those moments meant. She wasn't looking for another relationship. She already had one, even if she and William weren't together at the time. And no matter how hurt she was, she knew sleeping with a stranger wouldn't fix what had gone wrong between them. But for a while, she allowed herself to enjoy the attention. Then William came back. ~ It happened on an ordinary afternoon. William showed up at Serena's apartment carrying flowers and a box of her favorite dessert. He looked as composed as ever, but his eyes lingered on her face longer than usual. “Can we talk?” he asked. Serena let him in. For once, William put his phone away and gave her his full attention. He apologized for the way he'd treated her, admitting that he had allowed work to take priority over their relationship. “I know I haven't been the boyfriend you deserve,” he said. “I thought providing everything you needed was enough. I didn't realize how much I was neglecting everything else.” Serena stared at him, unsure what to say. William reached for her hand. “I don't want to lose you.” Those words were what she had wanted to hear during their argument. Hearing them now stirred something inside her, even if it wasn't the overwhelming happiness she once imagined she would feel. “Then don't make me feel like I'm alone in this relationship,” she whispered. “I'll try to do better.” She wanted to believe him. Maybe because she still cared about him. Maybe because he had been there for her when her family had struggled financially, helping them build a more stable life when they had nowhere else to turn. Maybe because a part of her still felt she owed him more than she could ever repay. Whatever the reason, Serena agreed to give their relationship another chance. Not long after, William proposed that they spend a year in Sweden. “A fresh start,” he explained. “Just the two of us, away from the company's constant demands. We can finally spend time together without everyone pulling us in different directions.” Serena agreed. And before they left, she made a decision of her own. She ended her arrangement with the stranger. They met one last time in a hotel room. Serena sat at the edge of the bed while he stood near the window, his expression unreadable. “I don't think we should do this anymore,” she told him. He turned toward her. “Why?” “Because I'm getting back together with someone.” He studied her face for a few seconds. “Your boyfriend?” Serena nodded. “Are you happy with him?” The question caught her off guard. “That's none of your business.” “Fair enough.” She expected him to argue, perhaps tease her, or ask her to reconsider. Instead, he simply nodded. “Then I won't stop you.” Something about his calm response bothered her more than it should have. Serena stood and reached for her bag. Before she could leave, he stepped closer. “One last kiss?” he asked. She looked at him, then sighed. “You're unbelievable.” “That's not a no.” Serena shook her head, but a small smile betrayed her. She leaned up and kissed him. It was supposed to be brief. Instead, he rested one hand against her cheek and kissed her back with a tenderness that made her chest tighten. When they finally separated, he brushed his thumb across her cheek. “Take care of yourself,” he murmured. Serena looked away first. “You too.” Then she left without looking back. She told herself she had done the right thing. Whatever had happened between them was over. He was a stranger, and strangers weren't supposed to follow you into your future. At least, that was what she believed. ~ “Serena?” William's voice pulled her out of her memories. She blinked and looked toward the bedroom door. He had returned, his coat still perfectly arranged, his expression carrying a hint of impatience. “Are you finally ready?” Serena glanced at her suitcase. “Yes. Sorry.” William walked over and kissed her cheek before taking the smaller bag from the bed. “There's nothing to worry about,” he said. “We'll settle back into London, and everything will be fine.” She forced a smile. “I hope so.” He studied her for a moment, as though he had noticed something unusual about her expression. Then his familiar, gentle smile returned. “Come on, darling. Let's go home.” Serena followed him out of the bedroom. She had spent an entire year in Sweden trying to forget a man whose name she had never learned. She had convinced herself that returning to London wouldn't change anything, that their brief encounters belonged to a past she would never have to face again. She was wrong. Because the stranger she had kissed in hotel rooms, the man who had held her close without asking for anything beyond the moment, was not just some random man she had met at a bar.