My Brother-in-law is my Ex

Chapter Four

The break-up

Audrey's pov

I stepped outside. And there he was—kneeling in the rain. His clothes were soaked. His head hung low. I wanted to reach for him, to tell him everything, to hold him. But I couldn’t, I had to stop myself.

I grabbed the umbrella from the maid. Each step sent puddles splashing. I shielded him from the rain. He looked up. Stood there, drenched, his face full of pain. I wanted to cry. I couldn’t. I clenched the umbrella.

Then he hugged me. I let go. The umbrella fell to the ground. His arms were warm against me, even as the rain soaked me.

“Why are you still here? Didn’t I say we’re done?” I whispered coldly, my chin resting on his wet shoulder.

He gripped my shoulders, eyes desperate. “Babe… please… tell me it’s not true. It’s not true you’re engaged to my brother.”

Even with the rain pounding around us, I could hear his sobs. Full of shock. Full of disbelief. He sounded like he was trying to convince himself.

“Audrey… answer me… Babe… I would always believe you, no matter what.”

I froze. My throat went dry. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

It’s true. And it’s Audrey Morgan. Don’t… don’t call me that again. We’re done.”

"I just don't understand… Where did I go wrong?”

“That’s all you need to know. And one last time, Asher… don’t call me ‘babe.’”

He tried to step closer. “But… babe—”

I shoved him back, my voice rising. “I said don’t call me that! I hate it. I hate you!”

“Audrey…” He stepped back, hurt clear in his eyes.

“That’s it. Call me by my name.” My chest tightened. My body shook—not from the cold, but from the tension.

“Why?”

“Because… you’re nothing. Worthless. Marcus can give me everything I need. You… you have no dream. Are you even worthy of me?”

He dropped to his knees. “Babe… I’ll do anything. Anything to give you what you want.”

“Really?”

“Yes… just say the word.”

“I want you… out of my life. My parents were right. This isn’t love. It’s just a fling—a distraction from reality.”

“Audrey…”

The security grabbed him.

“Audrey! I’ll prove you wrong!”

I could no longer hold back my tears from falling from my eyes as I watched him being dragged away. This is all my fault. If it weren’t for me, he wouldn’t be hurt like this. If he hadn’t met someone like me, he could have been happy with someone who wouldn’t break him.

I changed my clothes, feeling blank and weak. Tomorrow… why all of a sudden were they in such a hurry to send me abroad?

I packed my clothes and belongings into my suitcase. When I opened my drawer, I came across a picture of Asher and me—our anniversary day, playing music in the streets. I traced the patterns on the frame. We always played music; it was our dream.

“Babe… don’t worry. One day, we’ll perform for the world and live our dream,” he had said.

“Oh yeah? And how will we do that?” I teased.

“We’ll work hard together, without relying on our parents. And when that day comes, I won’t hide our relationship anymore. I’ll finally tell the world that my girlfriend is more beautiful than a goddess,” he had said proudly, puffing out his chest.

“That’s why I love you…” I chuckled softly.

He kissed my forehead. “I love you more, babe.”

Those were the days I wished would never end. Life was truly unfair—why wouldn’t they let us be happy?

I didn’t realize I was crying again. Tears dropped onto the frame. I wiped them away and clutched it to my chest.

“Asher…” I whispered, crying in bed all night until sleep finally claimed me, holding the frame close.

Morning arrived, and I went downstairs to have breakfast, my face pale and my eyes red from the whole night of crying. I didn’t even have the appetite to touch my food.

Lily spoke, pretending to be concern. “Sister, you have to eat… it’s bad for your health, you know.” She put shrimp on my plate, even though she knew I was allergic. “Eat more… you’ll eventually forget Asher once you go abroad.”

I just looked at my food. I didn’t have the strength to argue or fight.

My mom glared at me. “Don’t be so dramatic! Why can’t you be more like your sister? Eat that—your sister is already being considerate, and you’re just staring at the food!” She raised her voice, and I weakly grabbed the fork with trembling hands.

“Mom, it’s okay if she doesn’t want to… it’s my fault. I insist too much.”

“It’s not your fault, dear. You’re just so kind… Audrey is just being spoiled and dramatic again.”

Even my own parents had forgotten that I’m allergic to seafood. Had they already forgotten I almost died because of it?

“What are you looking at? Just eat it!” my dad said sternly.

When the spoon was almost in my mouth, I snapped. I slammed my hand on the table.

“Enough! Did you really both forget that I’m allergic to seafood, or are you just eager to get rid of me already? Isn’t it enough that you’ve ruined my only home and are sending me abroad?"I stood abruptly. "Now you want me to eat something I’m allergic to? Unbelievable!” My voice came out loud and sharp.

Then, when I thought they would feel guilty, my mom slapped me—hard enough that it stung.

“Don’t shout at us… we forget sometimes, and you could have just said something,” she said.

And I swear I saw that smug look on Lily’s face before she masked it with fake Innocence.

“Mom… it’s my fault. I didn’t know she was allergic,” she cried, letting small tears fall.

Mom and Dad rushed to her side to comfort her. I left the room and went to my bedroom, my cheek still sore and red. I touched it and flinched. A maid brought me an ice pack, and I pressed it to my aching cheek.

I'm already used to it.

Then my phone rang. It was Marcus.

What does he want from me this time?