I Married His Brother For Revenge

The day I laid my parents to rest, two people who should have been there were conspicuously absentmy husband, Vincent, and my fraternal twin sister, Natalia. Their empty places beside me felt louder than the prayers spoken over the grave.

My parents had died together, swallowed by the sea. My father had planned a short island getaway for my mother, a rare escape from the vineyard they had devoted their lives to. It was meant to be romantic. Peaceful. But the skies turned vicious without warning. The storm tore through the water, capsizing their boat before it ever reached land. When the Coast Guard finally recovered them, they were still clutching each others hands, as if love alone could anchor them.

I was still standing at the cemetery when my phone vibrated.

A messagefrom Natalia.

I opened it without thinking. The image on my screen knocked the air from my lungs. Vincent was on one knee in front of her, pressing his lips to her rounded stomach like it was sacred. Like it was everything. Beneath the photo were the words: Guess whos finally going to be a dad?

My fingers trembled so badly I nearly dropped the phone. No. This couldnt be real. It had to be a sick joke. A lie.

Then another image loaded.

Any last shred of denial I had left vanished.

Natalia stood in front of my bedroom mirror, my silk robe wrapped around her body, phone lifted for a selfie. Behind her, sprawled across the bed I shared with my husband, Vincent slept like a man with nothing to hide.

I couldnt breathe.

My husband had impregnated my twin sister.

Natalia had always been trouble. The wild one. Self-centered, impulsive, forever chasing chaos. My parents spent years shielding her from the consequences of her choices while I stayed behind, helping manage the vineyard, carrying responsibility on my back. But after I married Vincent, she changedor pretended to. She began copying me. My clothes. My scent. Even the way I styled my hair or held a glass of wine. I used to brush it off as admiration. Now I understood the truth. She wasnt imitating me. She was replacing me.

The tears came fast and blinding. My legs gave out, and I sank to my knees before my parents grave. The soil was still loose, still raw. My sobs soaked into the earth as I fell apart in front of them.

I had noticed things beforethe lingering looks, the quiet smiles, the way conversations died the second I entered the room. But I refused to believe that the two people I trusted most could betray me so completely.

My phone buzzed again.

This time, it was Vincent.

Im sorry I couldnt come to the funeral, the message read. Something urgent came up. We need to talk when I get home.

I already knew what that conversation would be about.

That evening, Vincent walked in with Natalia beside him, suitcases in her hands like she belonged there.

Shell be staying with us, he said gently, as if kindness could disinfect the rot of his actions. Natalias afraid to stay alone at your parents place. Shes pregnant. Its not safe.

Natalia offered me a smile so sugary it made my stomach churn. Im really sorry, sis. I asked Vincent to wait, but the baby has to come first. You understand, right? Were twins. I know this isnt ideal timing especially with Mom and Dad just gone.

I stared at the floor, my chest tight, my lungs burning.

Vincent pressed on. Shes your sister. Your blood. You wouldnt want anything bad to happen to her.

I wanted to scream. To throw whatever was within reach. To hurt him the way he had hurt me. Instead, I sat there, hollow and silent.

I love you, he said, trying again. Only you. What happened with Natalia was a mistake. It wont happen again.

My voice shook when I finally spoke. Shes carrying your child. And youre calling that a mistake?

Yes, he said firmly. And weve already talked it through. Once she gives birth, the baby will be yours. Youve always wanted a child, Althea. Since you cant have one, this is fate giving us a solution.

Those words hit deeper than any slap.

Since you cant have one.

I whispered, You slept with my sister, got her pregnant, and now you expect me to be grateful?

He dragged a hand through his hair, irritation flashing across his face. Stop overreacting. This way, I finally get to be a father.

Natalia suddenly began to cry, her shoulders shaking dramatically. Vincent look what Ive done. Ive ruined everything. My own twin hates me.

I snapped. Enough, Natalia. Drop the act.

She gasped, crying harder. II should leave.

Vincents voice turned cold. Stop it. Youre upsetting her. No wonder you cant give me a child.

That sentence shattered what little was left of me.

He softened immediately, as if that could erase it. I didnt mean it like that. I just dont want the baby hurt.

Fine, I said quietly. Then I want a divorce.

His face drained of color. What did you say?

Behind him, Natalias lips curved in a satisfied smile.

I want a divorce.

Althea, please, Natalia said, fake sympathy dripping from every word. Were family.

Vincent shook his head. You dont mean that.

I do.

All this because of one mistake? He stepped closer, his voice dropping into something threatening. Im Vincent Ramirez. If you leave, Ill hunt you down. Ill drag you back. And Ill destroy that vineyard you love so much.

My blood ran cold.

The vineyardforty hectares of vines, barrels, legacy. My parents entire life. The last thing they left me.

Why? I asked, my voice breaking. Why are you doing this to me?

You brought it on yourself.

Tears streamed down my face. You humiliate me, move her into my home, threaten everything I lovewhat else do you want from me?!

That baby will be ours, he said. Why cant you just be happy?

Happy.

Something inside me finally broke clean. I wiped my face and forced my voice steady. I overreacted, I said. Ill stay for now. Just give me time.

Vincent smiled and kissed my forehead.

That night, I slept curled up on the floor of the guest room, sobbing until my chest ached. Upstairs, Vincent was with Nataliain the master bedroom. My bedroom.

I mourned my parents. I mourned my marriage. I mourned the woman I used to be.

When there were no tears left to cry, I reached for my phone and made a call.

I contacted the one man who despised Vincent as much as I didthe only person he truly feared.

His older half-brother.

Percival Ramirez.

Percival answered on the first ring. His tone was calm, almost polished, yet there was something underneath itsomething dense and suffocating, like pressure building before a storm.

Althea, he said slowly, each syllable measured, I dont usually answer calls from the dead. Tell me why youre calling.

Just hearing him sent a chill down my spine. Percival Ramirez wasnt merely Vincents older half brother. He was the man who ran Circolo Neroan ancient wine-smuggling syndicate masquerading as a refined luxury empire. In Percivals world, death wasnt loud or messy. People simply vanished, erased so thoroughly it was as if they had never existed.

I want Vincent destroyed, I said, forcing the words out. Not hurt. Not scared. Ruined. I cant do it by myself.

Silence followed. Not the awkward kindthe dangerous kind. Long enough for me to picture him weighing my usefulness against my mortality. Then came a low laugh, quiet and dark, not mocking approving.

So you finally called, he murmured. Go on.

I told him everything. The affair with Natalia. Bringing her into my home the very day I buried my parents. The way he threatened to burn down the vineyard my family had built vine by vine, generation by generation. Every cruel remark. Every calculated humiliation.

Percival didnt interrupt once. When he finally spoke, his voice dropped to something almost intimate. How soon do you want him erased?

Four days, I answered.

Plenty of time, he replied coolly. I can put a man underground faster than that.

For the first time in weeks, something warm flickered in my chest. Relief. Maybe even hope.

Ill take care of it, Percival added. But nothing comes free.

My fingers tightened around the phone. Whats the cost?

Marry me.

I sucked in a sharp breath. Excuse me?

Say yes, he said calmly, and you become untouchable. No one harms what belongs to me. Not the Ramirezs. Least of all Vincent.

Then the line went dead. No farewell. No hesitation.

That night, sleep refused to come. Percivals voice echoed in my headsteady, merciless, absolute. Becoming his wife meant stepping into a realm where executions were silent, smiles concealed knives, and wine cellars hid more than barrels. Power, in his world, was traded in blood.

But if I stood beside him Vincent would never come near me again.

---

By morning, fate struck again.

I sat alone in the clinics waiting area, staring at the slip of paper the nurse had handed me.

Positive.

Not one heartbeat.

Two.

I was pregnantwith twins.

A bitter laugh escaped me as tears blurred the words. Six years earlier, doctors had told me pregnancy was impossible. After the crash. After the night Vincent drove drunk and furious, raging about a failed deal. The car had slammed into a roadside barrier, the impact crushing my lower abdomen. I remembered drifting in and out of consciousness in the hospital while he whispered, I didnt mean it, before disappearing for days.

The doctors said the damage was irreversible. I believed them. I endured the whispers. The labels. Barren. Defective. Worthless.

And nowthis.

My phone buzzed.

A message from Percival.

Three days. Make your choice.

Three days. Three days until freedom but what about the lives growing inside me? Could I bring them into a world built on betrayal? On men like Vincent? Or worsemen like Percival?

I left the clinic numb and drove home on autopilot.

The door shut behind me.

Well, well, a voice drawled. You look like death warmed over.

I sank onto the couch without responding. Then I heard a car pull into the driveway. My chest tightened. Vincent. I stood up, intending to leave before he saw me, but Natalia stepped directly into my path.

Dont rush off, she sneered. Stay. Watch your husband kiss me hello.

I shoved past her and locked myself in the guest room, hands trembling so badly I nearly dropped the key.

It didnt matter.

The door flew open with a violent bang. I spun around just in time to see Vincents hand swing.

Pain exploded across my face. The slap knocked me off balance, ears ringing as I hit the floor. My vision went dark for a second, blood flooding my mouth with a metallic taste.

I didnt move. I couldnt.

He had never hit me before.

W-what was that? I gasped, my voice breaking. Why would you do that?

Vincents expression was stone cold. How dare you touch Natalia, he snapped. Shes pregnant with my child, damn it. Is this who you are now, Althea?

My stomach twisted violently. I didnt touch her. I swear.

Natalia stepped forward smoothly, as if shed been rehearsing. I went to check on her, she said softly. I brought her tea, Vincent. I just wanted to help. But she Her breath hitched. She slapped me. Told me I shouldve died instead of our parents. Said the world would be better without me. She glanced at me, tears shimmering. She said she hated me and that she wanted me dead.

My heart pounded. Thats not true

She grabbed a knife, Natalia continued, ignoring me. Pointed it at me. Said she wanted to see the light leave my eyes. I thought she was going to stab me right there.

And in that moment, as Vincents fury burned into me and Natalias lie settled perfectly into place, I realized something terrifying.

This house was no longer my home.

It was a cage.

Youre a liar. A damn witch.

She turned her face away as if my words had wounded her deeply, playing the victim to perfection. But I caught itthe brief flash of triumph in her eyes before she hid it.

Vincents voice cut through the room, sharp and dangerous. Get out of my sight before I completely lose my temper.

You actually believe her? My throat burned as I spoke, raw with disbelief.

He didnt hesitate. Not even for a second. Youve changed, Althea. Losing the baby back then shattered you. All thats left now is resentment.

A hollow laugh slipped out of me, harsh and broken. Blood trickled to my lip, warm and sticky. I brushed it away with the back of my hand. His gaze dropped to the red stain, and for the briefest moment, something like regret flickered across his face.

Li he began.

A soft whine sounded behind him.

My head hurts Natalia murmured weakly. She hit me so hard, Vincent.

He turned to her instantly, pulling her into his arms as if I no longer existed. Over his shoulder, Natalia met my eyes, her mouth curving into the faintest, cruelest smile.

Three days.

I only had to endure three more days.

---

The next morning, I left the house before anyone noticed. The air outside was crisp, but my chest felt unbearably heavy as I sat once again in the clinics waiting room. My hand rested over my stomachstill flat, still quietbut I knew what was there. Two heartbeats. Two lives I never believed Id be given.

When the nurse called my name, my legs felt unsteady as I followed her inside. The doctor looked up, surprise crossing his face.

Mrs. Ramirez, he said slowly. I remember you.

I managed a small nod.

He skimmed my file, then met my eyes again. Are you absolutely sure this is what you want?

I stayed silent.

Althea, he said gently, this pregnancy is nothing short of a miracle. If you terminate it, there wont be another chance.

His words landed hard. I pressed my palm against my stomach. I remembered every night I cried myself to sleep, begging for just one miracle. Every forced smile when someone else announced their pregnancy. Every quiet moment of heartbreak. And now that the impossible had finally happened, I was moments away from throwing it away because of Vincent. Because of his cruelty.

Something cracked inside my chest. Tears spilled down my face before I could stop them. My voice trembled, barely audible. Im Im keeping them.

The doctors expression softened. Youre making the right decision.

When I stepped outside, the world felt lighter somehow. I wasnt free yetbut in three days, I would be. I would vanish with my children and build a new life far from this rot.

Althea!

I froze.

Turning slowly, I saw Vincent walking toward me, his stride urgent.

Before I could move, his hand closed around my arm. Thank God I found you, he said, gripping me so tightly I knew bruises would bloom later.

What now? I asked dully, exhaustion weighing down every word.

Its Natalia, he said. Shes in the hospital. High fever all nightfrom stress, and from what you did to her. His stare was sharp, condemning. This is on you.

A dry, bitter laugh escaped me. Ive told you a hundred timesI never touched her.

He ignored me. She collapsed this morning. Her fever spiked. Shes weak. The doctors say she needs a blood transfusion.

I frowned. And why is that my problem?

His jaw clenched. Youre her twin. Youre a match. Youre the only one who can save her.

You expect my blood? After everything shes done? My stomach twisted violently.

His grip tightened until pain shot up my arm. This isnt about your feelings. This is about saving lives. You can wallow later. Right now, youre doing the right thing.

I tried to pull free, but he dragged me toward the parking lot. My heels scraped against the pavement. There are other donors. Find someone else. Im not doing this.

He stopped abruptly and turned to me, his voice turning icy. You will. Because this is your fault.

Youll never choose me over her, will you? I asked quietly.

He didnt respond. Just tugged me forward again.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding, then finally said the words Id been hiding.

Im pregnant.

That finally made him stop.

He turned slowly, disbelief written all over his face as he stared at me. What did you just say?

Im pregnant, I said again, my voice trembling but steady enough to carry. The doctor told me its practically a miracle I conceived at all. Its a high?risk pregnancy and its twins, Vincent. If you take my blood, you could kill them. Our children.

For a brief second, everything went quiet.

Then he laughed.

It was a harsh, ugly sound that cut straight through me. You really expect me to buy that? His lips curled in contempt. Youre disgusting enough to fake a pregnancy just to avoid helping your own sister?

Im telling the truth, I whispered.

No, youre not, he snapped. Youve always been a liar, Althea. Youll give the blood. End of story.

Something inside me finally shattered. Im not killing my babies for her!

His face darkened, fury rolling off him like a storm. Then Ill burn that vineyard your parents spent their lives building. Row by row. Ill make you stand there and watch while I rip out every vine, crush the soil until nothing ever grows again. No wine. No barrels. No trace that they ever existed.

My blood went cold.

That vineyard wasnt just landit was my parents legacy. Decades of work since the eighties, every vine planted by their hands. I grew up running between those rows, breathing in the sweetness of harvest season. It was our familys heart, and he knew exactly how to use it against me.

Y-you wouldnt, I stammered.

Vincent stepped closer, invading my space until I could feel his breath against my skin. His eyes were sharp, merciless. Test me.

I stared at him, my chest heaving. This was the man I once loved. The man who once swore hed protect me. Now he was the one I needed protection from.

My hand drifted to my stomach without thinking. The twins. My babies. Tears slid down my face, silent and helpless.

When he grabbed my arm and yanked me forward, I didnt resist. Fighting him had never ended well. I followed quietly, swallowing the sobs clawing at my throat.

He took me straight into the VIP hospital room hed arranged for Natalia. She lay in the bed, pale and frail, IV lines running into her arm, eyes rimmed red. She let out weak little whimpers, like she was barely holding on.

Vincent rushed to her side. Im here, Daph, he murmured, brushing her hair back gentlyso tender, so different from how he treated me. Youre going to be okay. I brought her.

Her lips quivered. Everything hurts, Vincent I feel so bad.

I stood frozen, watching my husband cradle my sister like she was made of glass. Then Natalia cracked one eye open and looked at me.

She smiled.

Noshe smirked. Just for a split second before closing her eyes again.

Bitch.

Anger churned violently in my gut.

I stepped forward to speak, but Vincent turned so fast I barely had time to react. His hand clamped around my wrist, grip iron?hard. One look from him told me exactly what would happen if I opened my mouth.

The door swung open, and a doctor entered, eyes flicking between us.

Shes deteriorating, Vincent said flatly, not even glancing at me. Start the transfusion immediately.

Shes stable enough to the doctor began, but Natalia whimpered again.

Were not waiting, Vincent cut in. The donors right here.

The doctors gaze settled on me. He nodded once and instructed the nurses to prepare.

My body went rigid when I saw the needle. Cold sweat broke across my skin. Id always been terrified of needles, and Vincent knew it. Years ago, he used to hold my hand, murmur reassurances, distract me until it was over.

Now, he didnt even look at me.

At Natalias next whimper, he abandoned me entirely and rushed back to her side.

I turned my head away as the doctor approached. In my mind, I begged anyoneGod, fate, even the devilto make this stop.

The needle hovered inches from my arm when the door slammed open.

Stop!

Another doctor rushed in, clutching a folder, breathless. You cant proceed.

The room fell silent.

Mrs. Ramirez is pregnant! he announced loudly.

The needle was lowered at once.

Vincent blinked, his face twitching. Thats impossible. She cant

The doctor stepped forward and shoved the file into his hands. She was here this morning for an abortion consult and cancelled it. Shes carrying twins. High?risk.

Relief crashed over me so hard my knees nearly buckled. Finally. Proof. Someone believed me.

But before I could fully breathe, Vincent lifted his head.

His voice was cold as ice. I dont give a fuck. Take her blood.

I stared at him, stunned. What?

You heard me, he said, jaw tight.

The room went dead quiet except for the steady beeping of machines.

One of the nurses hesitated, then spoke carefully. Mr. Ramirez, your wife cannot donate blood. Shes pregnantwith twinsand its a high?risk pregnancy. Proceeding could cost both babies.

Vincent didnt even blink. He stepped forward, voice sharp and commanding. I heard you. Do it anyway.

The doctor looked between us, shaken. Sir, this could endanger her life as well. We cant

You can, Vincent snapped. Im paying you enough to do exactly what I say.

My chest tightened painfully. This was my husband. The man I once trusted with my life.

Vincents gaze swept the room. I am Vincent Ramirez. Every one of you works here because I allow it. Defy meand youll regret it.

The nurses went rigid. The doctor dropped his gaze to the floor. No one in that room wanted to be the one who challenged him.

One of the nurses finally turned toward me, her voice hesitant, almost remorseful. Mrs. Ramirez we need your permission to proceed.

I looked straight at Vincent, tears slipping down my face one after another. Youve always said you wanted a child. And now that Im carrying your twins, youre willing to sacrifice them for Natalia and her fake illness?

He let out a harsh laugh. You were planning to get rid of them anyway.

I shook my head slowly. You just heard that I canceled the procedure.

Vincent sighed like I was being unreasonable. Althea, your pregnancy is unstable. The odds arent good. Natalias situation is safer. Her baby actually has a chance.

My stomach sank. So youre choosing to kill mine for hers.

He stepped closer, his tone softening as if that could justify it. Its not like that. Natalias condition is worsening. Yours He shrugged. You might not even make it another month.

I couldnt find my voice. I could only stare at him and finally understand the truththis wasnt about saving a life. It was about choosing a woman. And he had never chosen me.

Youve already decided, I whispered.

From the bed, Natalia let out a small, rehearsed cough. Vincents attention snapped to her immediately, as if Id vanished from the room.

The nurses hand brushed my arm, gentle, sympathetic. Mrs. Ramirez please.

Vincent never once looked back.

I swallowed, my throat burning. Go ahead.

The needle pierced my skin. I watched my blood flow into the tubing, my gaze fixed on the floor as I fought back sobs. My chest tightened, dizziness crashing over me in waves.

The nurse glanced at the monitor and gasped. Her vitals are dropping!

Stop the transfusion, the doctor ordered sharply.

Vincent shoved him aside. Dont you dare stop. Natalia needs it.

Shes stable, the nurse argued.

Youre blind if you think shes fine, Vincent barked.

Pain ripped through me. My vision swam, metallic taste filling my mouth. My body shook uncontrollably.

Somewhere through the haze, Percival crossed my mindhis voice, the way hed said finally, as though hed always known this moment would come. Id asked him to wait. Id never said yes.

The staff argued with Vincent, their voices overlapping. He never once looked at me. His eyes were only on Natalia.

With the last of my strength, I whispered, barely audible, Please save my babies.

Then everything faded to black.

---

When I woke up, I almost wished I hadnt.

My entire body screamed in pain, like Id been thrown down stairs and crushed for good measure. There was an awful emptiness inside me, a hollow ache that felt like something essential had been ripped away.

Oh, Mrs. Ramirez. Youre awake, a female doctor said softly from beside my bed. We were afraid we might lose you.

My throat felt raw. My limbs were heavy, sore, bruised in places I didnt even know could bruise. The harsh hospital lights burned my eyes as I blinked, confused for a brief second, hopingdesperatelythat it had all been a nightmare.

Then it came rushing back.

Vincent. Natalia. The transfusion. The agony. The fear.

My heart slammed against my ribs as I turned toward the doctor. Her expression was too careful. Too gentle. I already knew.

My babies My voice broke. Please tell me theyre alive.

She hesitated.

That pause shattered me more than any words could have.

Her eyes softened as she shook her head. We did everything we could. Im so sorry. The twins didnt survive.

The world stopped.

Then I broke apart.

I cried until my lungs burned, until my body shook violently, until pain ripped through my stitches and my vision blurred with tears. I mourned the two tiny lives I never got to hold, the soft kicks Id never feel, the future Vincent had destroyed without hesitation.

If I had known it would end like this, maybe I wouldnt have let myself love them. Maybe I would have ended it earlierbefore hope took root.

When my sobs finally slowed, I wiped my face with trembling hands. My thoughts drifted back to Percival. To his offer. To his certainty.

W-what day is it? I asked weakly.

Its Thursday, the doctor replied gently. Youve been unconscious for two days.

Two days.

Time was slipping away.

Please I need my phone.

Its in the drawer beside you.

I grabbed it, my fingers shaking as I typed out the message.

I accept your offer. Meet me at the airport.

The reply came almost instantly.

Finally. I was starting to think youd changed your mind, little grapes.

I typed back without hesitation.

Never.

The doctor asked if I needed anything else. I forced a smile, bitter and metallic on my lips. Has anyone come to see me?

Im sorry no one has, she replied softly.

A chill settled into my chest thennot the kind that makes your skin crawl, but the kind that sinks deep into your bones, leaving a hollow, frozen ache.

When she left, I stared at the blank wall for what felt like hours. Eventually, I shoved the blanket off me. Every movement sent jagged waves of pain through my body, but I ignored it.

Mrs. Ramirez? a nurse called as she entered. You shouldnt be up and moving. You lost a lot of blood. Your stitches

Im leaving, I said, voice flat, cutting her off. I dont care that Im still bleeding. Im not staying another second.

She tried to reason with me, worry etched across her face. Youre not stable enough

I said Im leaving. Just bring me whatever I need to sign, I snapped.

She stared at me for a long moment, hesitating, then retreated. A few minutes later, she returned with the discharge papers.

Every step toward the door was agony. My legs trembled, my back screamed, but I forced myself forward.

Halfway down the hall, I saw them. Vincent and Natalia, my twin sister, sitting side by side in another room. Laughing. Smiling. As if nothing had happened. As if my babies had never existed.

I turned away before they could notice me.

They had taken everything from me once. I wasnt letting them do it again.

This time, I had Percival. The man who concealed an empire behind a polite smile. The man whose name was spoken only in hushed tones, the man who could reduce the entire Ramirez dynasty to ashes without lifting a finger.

I was done being their victim.

Vincent was feeding Natalia soup, that fake gentle smile plastered on his face, the same smile he never bothered to give me. Natalia sat there, fragile-looking but smug, soaking in every bit of attention like she was royalty.

Once, seeing them like this would have shattered me. Now, I felt nothing. I turned to slip past them, but, as usual, luck had other plans.

Althea? His voice cut through me. I stiffened, jaw tightening.

I turned slowly, face calm, hiding the storm inside. When our eyes met, I glimpsed a flicker in himguilt, maybe, like he suddenly remembered I even existed.

I didnt realize you were awake, he stammered, pushing himself upright from the chair beside Natalia. How are you feeling?

I didnt answer. My silence said everything I needed it to.

Vincents shoulders slumped. Your sacrifice it wasnt in vain, he murmured, eyes locking on mine as if trying to force me to believe him. Natalias fine. Her baby is healthy. You saved them both.

I laughedsharp, bitter, humorless. He flinched.

Natalia placed her hand gently on her flat stomach, her sweetness feigned. Vincent hasnt left me alone for a second. Hes been so good to me.

I refused to stay and watch their sick charade. I turned to leave, but Vincent sprang to his feet, reaching for me.

Wait, Althea. Just wait.

I frozenot because I wanted to, but because I knew how ridiculous it sounded to even consider listening.

Im throwing a party tonight, he blurted. To celebrate your recovery and Natalia coming home safe. Its been difficult. My father will be there. He really wants to see you.

I said nothing.

He stepped closer, softer now, as if sincerity could make a difference. Let me drive you home. Were all going the same way.

Im not going home, I said flatly. Im going to my parents vineyard.

Percival had promised to watch over it once I accepted his offer. It was the only piece of my parents left. Something Vincent could never touch.

The vineyard? Why? Vincent blinked, confused.

I tilted my head, keeping my expression icy. I have business there. None of your concern.

Natalias eyes brightened suddenly, her fake charm on full display. Perfect timing. I was planning to visit too. After all, it is our parents vineyard.

That caught me off guard. She had always acted like it didnt matter.

Vincent nodded quickly. Then well come with you.

I stared at him, surprised at how eagerly he agreed. The same man who once called the vineyard a waste, a burden, now jumped at the chance to go because Natalia mentioned it.

I allowed a quiet sneer. Fine. You can come. But theres one thing I need from you first.

Vincent straightened, hopeful. Anything.

I reached into my bag and pulled out the papers Id held since he brought Natalia home. Divorce papers.

He took them, brow furrowed. Whats this?

My discharge form, I said flatly, not meeting his gaze.

He hesitatedalways so careful when signingbut glanced at Natalia. She fluttered her lashes, smiled sweetly, and suddenly he forgot all caution.

Im tired, Vincent, she purred. Lets go home quickly.

He nodded, barely glancing at the papers before signing.

The moment his pen lifted, a small, victorious smirk spread across my lips.

Thank you, I said, slipping the documents back into my bag. Now Im free from you.

He didnt even register the meaning behind my words. His attention was glued to Natalia, completely blind to what I had planned.

When we reached the car, Natalia immediately reached for the front passenger seat as if it were hers by right. But Vincent gently grabbed her arm and held her back.

Hold on, Natalia, he said softly, then turned to me with a tentative, hopeful smile. Althea, maybe you should take the front seat.

No way, Natalia pouted, stamping her foot lightly. I get so dizzy sitting in the back. And lately, the babys been making me feel awful, Vincent.

I rolled my eyes, unimpressed.

Vincent looked stuck between us, clearly trying to navigate how to keep us both happy.

Its fine, I said coldly. Let her sit up front. He opened his mouth to protest, but I cut him off. I said its fine. Let her have the seat. I dont care.

A tense silence fell. Natalia beamed triumphantly, and Vincent frowned, but he didnt argue.

I slid into the backseat, every muscle aching, and leaned my head against the cold window, staring outside as if I werent even there.

After a few minutes, Natalia started her usual act, fishing for a reaction.

Her hand found Vincents thigh, fingers slowly tracing circles. I didnt turn to look, but out of the corner of my eye, I caught her smirk, smug and deliberate.

Vincent stiffened immediately. Natalia, he muttered under his breath, moving her hand away.

What? she said, feigning innocence.

When he said nothing more, she tried again, this time letting her fingers wander higher.

I said stop! Vincent snapped, his voice sharp now.

She flinched, and tears welled up in her eyes. She turned her face away and began quietly sobbing into her hands.

Why are you yelling at me? she whimpered. Im carrying your child, Vincent. And youre yelling at me?

Vincent ran a hand through his hair, his expression softening. Sorry, alright? I didnt mean to yell. Just not with her here.

He never said my name, never acknowledged I existed in the backseat.

Natalia sniffled and leaned forward to rummage through the glove box. Just looking for tissues, she murmured.

What she pulled out was far from tissues: a small piece of bright red lace panties. She giggled, holding them up like a trophy.

Oh, Vincent, she said playfully. Remember when we couldnt make it to the hotel? You just pulled me into your lap right here.

Thats enough, Vincent said sharply, refusing to look at her.

Oh, relax, she rolled her eyes. Althea gets it. Hormones make you crazy. Lucky youre here to help.

Her hand slid back onto his thigh. This time, he didnt move it.

Vincent glanced in the rearview mirror, and our eyes met for a brief instant. I looked away before he could catch the storm brewing behind mine.

Once, that same glance could melt me. I remembered the first time we met: a charity dinner my parents hosted, him a last-minute stand-in for a flaky investor. Dark suit, broad shoulders, that half-smile that made my heart stumble.

Do you always stare at people like that? hed asked. Id been too stunned to answer. That night, he walked me to my car and kissed me under the moonlight. Back then, he saw me.

For the first two years, he treated me like I was the only woman alive. Friday night dinners at the vineyard, glass always full, always asking if Id eaten, sneaking away among the vines to laugh like teenagers.

Then Natalia returned.

She claimed to be studying architecture abroada term she loved to toss around to sound impressive. The truth? Shed never finished a degree. Hated studying. Changed courses like trying on clothes shed never buy. Paris, Rome, Tokyoshed been everywhere except where she was supposed to be.

Her return brought chaos, subtle at first: little laughs at my expense, innocent touches on Vincents arm at dinners. And now, here we were, her hand on his thigh.

The man who swore no one would ever come between us was now sitting next to the only woman who ever had.

**

By the time I reached the vineyard, I didnt speak a word. I exited the car and walked past Vincent and Natalia without looking back.

The wrought-iron gates loomed as they always had, familiar yet heavy with memory. My parents had bought this land in the early 1980s, transforming bare soil into sprawling rows of vines that fed generations. They were gone, leaving the vineyard as the only tangible piece of their lives I had left.

My chest tightened with memory, but I pushed it down. I had business to take care of.

Mr. Santiago, the estate manager, looked up from his ledger as I entered the main house. His eyes widened, then softened into a warm smile.

Miss Althea, he said, rising quickly. Welcome back.

I need to speak with you, I said bluntly, cutting to the point.

We were wrapping things up when a sudden, terrified scream split the air.

My heart leapt into my throat. Something was wrong.

I bolted toward the door, Mr. Santiago right behind me.

The moment I stepped outside, the acrid sting of smoke hit me like a fist.

Shouts rose from the west fields.

I ran forward and froze. Flames were consuming the vinesmy parents legacy, the lifeblood of their decades of work. My vision blurred, and my chest tightened as I watched fire devour everything my family had built.