The temptation of my brother-in-law-Chapter 101 - one hundred and one

Chapter One Hundred and One

Alicia’s POV

I woke up with swollen eyes and a pounding headache. The kind that came from crying yourself to sleep. From emotional exhaustion that went bone deep.

Travis was gone from the bed. Probably already drunk somewhere or sleeping it off in another room. The passport he’d been clutching was on the nightstand. Emily’s face staring up at me.

I turned it face down. I couldn’t deal with her ghost this morning.

I dragged myself to the bathroom. Splashed cold water on my face. Tried to make myself look presentable. The reflection staring back at me was a mess. Red eyes. Pale skin. The necklace Malachi had given me still around my throat like a brand.

I took it off. Couldn’t wear it today. Couldn’t wear his claim while he paraded his girlfriend around.

When I emerged, I called for the maids. "Can you please take care of the room? Change the sheets. Air it out."

"Of course, Miss Alicia."

I left before they could ask questions. Before they could see the evidence of my breakdown.

Downstairs, I headed for the kitchen. Maybe I could grab something quick and disappear to my new office. Bury myself in work. Anything to avoid people.

But when I entered the dining room, she was already there.

Cecilia.

Sitting at the table with coffee and toast. Looking perfect in casual clothes. Her hair was effortlessly styled. Her makeup subtle but flawless.

She looked up and smiled when she saw me. "Good morning, Alicia. I was hoping we’d get a chance to talk."

I wanted to turn around. To leave. To avoid this conversation entirely.

But I couldn’t. That would be obvious. Petty. Exactly what someone who was jealous would do.

"Good morning," I said, keeping my voice neutral. I poured myself coffee and sat at the opposite end of the table.

"I know this must be awkward," Cecilia said. Her voice was warm. Friendly. Like we were already friends. "Me showing up suddenly. But I really want us to get along. To be friends, even."

Friends. She wanted to be friends with the woman whose... what? Lover? Whatever Malachi and I were, she wanted to be friends with me while dating him.

"That’s nice," I said, not committing to anything.

"I mean it. I know how important family is to Malachi. And you’re family now. Head of family affairs, I heard. That’s impressive."

"Thank you."

"I’d love to get to know you better. Hear about your role. Learn about the family dynamics." She took a sip of her coffee. "Maybe we could go shopping together sometime? Or lunch?"

I looked at her. Really looked at her. Trying to see what Malachi saw. What made her special enough that he’d claim to love her.

She was beautiful. Confident. Sophisticated in a way I’d never be. She belonged in this world of wealth and power. Fit naturally into spaces I still felt like an intruder in.

Maybe that’s what he wanted. Someone who matched him. Someone who understood his world without explanations.

"Maybe," I said. Non-committal. Distant.

"I know you’re busy. Malachi mentioned you have a lot on your plate with the trip coming up and everything." She smiled again. "But I’m here to help if you need anything."

Before I could respond, Layla swept into the room. Her eyes lit up when she saw both of us.

"Oh perfect! You’re both here!" She looked genuinely happy for the first time since being stripped of her position. "I was thinking we should have a spa day. Just us girls. Get to know each other better before the trip."

"That sounds lovely," Cecilia said immediately.

Layla turned to me expectantly. "Alicia? What do you say?"

I wanted to refuse. Wanted to make up an excuse. But Pa Wood appeared in the doorway behind Layla.

"Excellent idea," he said. "It would foster unity. Help Cecilia feel welcome in the family. And you girls deserve some relaxation before we leave."

It wasn’t a suggestion. It was an order disguised as a suggestion.

"Sure," I said. "That sounds nice."

An hour later, we were at Silver Lake’s most exclusive spa. The kind with private rooms and treatments that cost.

Layla had booked us the premium package. Massages. Facials. Manicures. Pedicures. The works.

We were in fluffy robes in the relaxation room, sipping cucumber water and waiting for our first treatment.

"So Cecilia," Layla said, settling into her chair like she was holding court. "Tell me everything. How did you and Malachi reconnect?"

Cecilia smiled. "It was actually quite romantic. I was going through a difficult time and I reached out. He was there for me immediately. Like no time had passed at all."

"That’s so sweet," Layla said. "Malachi can be cold sometimes but he’s loyal to the people he cares about."

"He is. He’s been amazing. So supportive." Cecilia glanced at me. Including me in the conversation. "We have history, you know. From his Dark City days."

"Oh yes, I remember," Layla said. "You two were quite the item back then. I always wondered why you broke up."

"Life got complicated. We wanted different things at the time." Cecilia took a sip of her water. "But now, the timing feels right. We’ve both grown. Changed. We’re ready for something serious."

Serious. The word made my stomach turn.

"Are you thinking marriage?" Layla asked, leaning forward with interest.

"Maybe. It’s still early but..." Cecilia smiled. "I could see it happening. He’s everything I want in a partner."

I gripped my water glass tighter. Trying to keep my expression neutral. Trying not to show that every word was like a knife.

"That’s wonderful," Layla said. "The family needs more stability. More solid relationships. Maybe you and Alicia can plan a double wedding." She laughed at her own joke.

"That would be something," Cecilia said, looking at me. "Though I imagine Alicia and Travis have their hands full with other things."

The massage therapists arrived before I had to respond. We were led to separate rooms. I lay face down on the table and tried to relax as skilled hands worked the tension from my shoulders.

But I couldn’t relax. Couldn’t stop thinking about Cecilia’s words. About marriage. About futures I couldn’t have.

After the massages, we reconvened for facials. Lying side by side with masks on our faces while estheticians worked their magic.

"So Alicia," Cecilia said. "How did you end up married to Travis? That must be an interesting story."

"It’s not that interesting. Arranged marriage. Family business."

"Oh." She sounded surprised. "I didn’t realize the Blackwoods still did that."

"Only when it benefits them," I said.

"That must be difficult. Being in a marriage without love."

I didn’t respond. What could I say? That she was right? That it was hell? That I’d found something real with her boyfriend?

Layla jumped in. "Many marriages start without love and grow into it. Alicia and Travis just need time."

"Of course," Cecilia said quickly. "I didn’t mean to imply anything negative."

The conversation drifted to safer topics. The spa treatments. The upcoming trip. What to pack for the Maldives.

But I could barely focus. Could barely participate. I was going through the motions. Smiling when expected. Responding when directly addressed.

But inside, I was screaming.

After facials came manicures and pedicures. We sat in massage chairs with our feet in warm water while technicians worked on our nails.

"Tell us more about how Malachi proposed getting back together," Layla said, unable to let the topic go. "Was it romantic? Did he do something grand?"

"Actually, it was quite simple," Cecilia said. "We met for coffee. Talked for hours. And by the end, we both knew. This was right. This was what we wanted."

Coffee. Talking. Knowing it was right.

Everything they had that Malachi and I didn’t. Simplicity. Openness. The ability to be together without hiding.

"He’s taking me to the Maldives," Cecilia continued. "I’m so excited. Two weeks with him and his family. Getting to know everyone better. Making memories."

Two weeks. Two weeks of watching them together. Two weeks of pretending I was fine with this.

"It’ll be wonderful," Layla said. "The estate there is beautiful. Very romantic."

Romantic. Perfect.

When we finally finished and changed back into our regular clothes, Layla insisted on lunch at the spa’s restaurant.

More conversation about Malachi and Cecilia. More stories about their past. More plans for their future.

I smiled and nodded. Played my part. The supportive family member who was happy for them.

But inside, I was dying. Piece by piece. Word by word.

By the time we got back to the mansion, I was exhausted. Emotionally wrung out. I excused myself immediately and headed to my room.

But as I walked through the hallway, I saw him. Malachi. Coming out of his room with his laptop.

Our eyes met. Just for a second. And in that second, I saw something. Guilt maybe. Or regret.

But then Cecilia appeared behind me. "Malachi! We’re back. The spa was wonderful."

His expression changed. Softened as he looked at her. "Good. I’m glad you enjoyed it."

She walked past me and kissed his cheek. Casual. Comfortable. Like they’d been doing this forever.

And I stood there. Watching. Hurting. Hating every second of this.

"I’ll see you at dinner," Cecilia said to me. Friendly. Warm. Like we were actually becoming friends.

"Yeah. Dinner," I managed.

I continued to my room. Locked the door. And finally let myself break again.

Argh!