His Brother’s Ashes My Only Love
On the day the selection was held, every suitable young woman from the East Coast elite avoided the fate, terrified of becoming a mere pawn in their little game.
Only I, Anya Scott, spent a small fortune to secure the winning slot, marrying Gideon the moment I returned from overseas.
After the gossip rags uncovered my seven-year-old secret admirer accounts dedicated to him, everyone swore I was madly in lovea woman desperate enough to claw her way to the top and tear his "protge," Skye, limb from limb.
Yet, five years in, I was the picture of grace.
I was patient and generous.
I tolerated their on-again, off-again affair.
I accepted that Gideon chased Skye across every continent.
I even sent them a fresh box of ultra-thin condoms every wedding anniversary.
Finally, the man decided I was pitiful enough for a crumb of attention.
Outside the hotel entrance, he captured my jaw and gave me a searing, pitying kiss.
If youre this good, he murmured, his breath smelling faintly of Scotch, how about I give you a child?
But as I handed him the pack of contraception Id just picked up, I suddenly said,
Lets get divorced.
1
The moment his lips left my cheek, they took with them the familiar, cold scent of cedarwood and rain.
As always, Gideon was about to graze my hairthe closest he ever came to a tender touchbefore heading off for his rendezvous.
But he froze, his hand mid-air. He hadn't heard me, his attention already elsewhere, looking down at me as the thick raindrops hammered the glass of the hotel hallway.
Knowing he missed it, I repeated the words gently, my usual polite tone intact.
I said, we should divorce.
Our eyes met.
The seriousness in mine must have been palpable. Yet, my soaking wet, disheveled state made the defiant words sound strangely pathetic.
This time, Gideon heard me.
He raised a cynical eyebrow and slowly exhaled a plume of smoke, letting the wisps drift across my face.
Is this because I made you cross half the city in a downpour just to deliver a pack of rubbers?
His eyes were full of a mocking amusement, assuming I was throwing a tantrum.
No.
I shook my head. But the rainwater running down my hair dripped into my eyes, stinging them and forcing out a tear.
It made him laugh.
He extended an arm, pulling me into a dismissive half-hug, and then glanced up at Skye Miller, who was standing a few feet away.
How about you head back, Skye? We can reschedule. He tightened his grip on me. The little woman has been so good; I almost feel guilty about how pathetic she looks.
Gideon's tone was light, but Skye only looked at my soaking form and curled her lip in contempt.
She didn't move.
She wasn't worried.
She was certain Gideon loved her. He hadn't touched me in five years; he certainly wouldn't start now.
I knew he was placating me, dangling a future that would never arrive. And he was banking on my compliance, certain I would manage a weak, dutiful smile and remove myself from the scene, just as he wished.
But this time, I evaded the finger that was about to land on my cheek. Just before his lips could touch mine, I turned my head away.
Gideon. I used his full first name.
Im serious about the divorce.
The air thickened instantly. Gideons eyes went cold.
Third times the charm, Anya?
You think because I offered to give you a child via IVF to cement your place as Mrs. Shaw, you can push your luck?
His voice was laced with menace. Skye couldnt help but let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
Some people just dont know when theyre well off, she spat. If you dont appreciate the opportunity, then leave. Dont interrupt Gideon and me.
He was indifferent to her tone. Pushing me away, he pulled the pack of ultra-thins Id delivered from his pocket, then immediately kissed Skye with a hungry possessiveness.
He wanted me to retreat, to take the hint. But I stood rooted to the spot, stubbornly waiting for his answer.
When his lust was finally overpowered by annoyance, he scowled and barked, Get lost.
If you actually want a divorce, then wait right there until Im finished.
He was certain his little wife, who was pathetically in love with him, would understand the implication of his words and use this as a chance to slip away gracefully.
But this time, I watched them with unnatural calm.
As I reached out and gently pulled the heavy hotel door shut behind me, I gave a clear, quiet answer.
Fine.
I agreed.
But my voice was too soft. The people inside didn't hear. The only response was Skye's soft, eager moan and Gideon's deep, low grunt.
It was the first time I had ever waited outside the door during their trysts. And it was the first time I truly understood how sharply the sounds of their intimacy could pierce through a thick slab of wood.
My first instinct was to flee.
But then I remembered my purpose.
I stayed by the door, head bowed like a child punished to stand in the corner.
The weather was worsening. The slightest gust of wind in the hallway sent an icy chill through my pores and straight into my bones, blurring my vision.
Through the haze, the door to the adjoining suite opened.
A pair of black loafers stopped in front of me, and a dry towel was gently offered.
Wipe your hair, Anya. Youll catch a cold.
The warm, familiar voice belonged to Rhys Weston, Gideons childhood friend, who had witnessed my humiliation countless times.
Just like before, I ignored his gesture. Rhys, used to my refusals, leaned against the doorframe and let out a soft, pitying click of his tongue.
Anya Scott, you staying hereare you serious about divorcing old Gideon?
Look, you should just head home. Youre soaked. Youre just suffering here. He sighed. Skye comes from nothing; shell never be allowed into the Shaw family. You can relax. No matter how much Gideon messes around with her, hell never replace you. As long as you keep playing the obedient wife, he wont let you go.
He understood Gideon. He believed he understood me. Even after five years, he was convinced I loved Gideon with a desperate, self-sacrificing devotion. He thought my refusal to leave was just grief-stricken helplessness.
But I am serious about the divorce. I explained earnestly.
Rhys laughed as if I'd told a joke.
Who doesnt know youre completely obsessed with Gideon?
Youve been pining for him since college. Youre telling me you want a divorce now? Who would believe that?
He found it absurd. His gaze softened slightly when he saw the redness around my eyes, where the cigarette smoke had stung.
Just stop the drama, Anya. Old Gideon hates drama.
He didn't believe me. I couldn't blame him.
Everyone knew the story. Gideon had only agreed to the arranged marriage to spite Skye.
Because everyone knew theyd continue their affair, all the eligible women had shunned him, terrified of marrying a husband whose heart belonged to someone else.
I was the outlier. I had actively pulled strings and paid a small fortune to win that seemingly fair selection. I had married him in a whirlwind of fanfare.
The discovery of my seven-year secret fan accounts had only confirmed their suspicion: I was crazy in love with him. They expected me to be a raging nightmare, hell-bent on destroying the mistress.
Instead, I became the picture of graceful tolerance, never interfering with Skye, even cooperating with Gideon when he needed me. My annual gift of ultra-thin condoms made everyone believe I loved Gideon so much I would endure any humiliation and betrayal.
But no one knew that the person I truly held in my heart was his twin brother, Jude Shaw.
We had promised each other forever.
But he died. His ashes were returned to the Shaw estate.
The Shaw family rules were absolute: only a direct descendant or a woman who had been married into the family for a full five years could enter the family vault.
So.
To be close to him. To finally take him away.
I had married Gideon.
For the five years Gideon chased Skye across the globe, everyone assumed I was home, weeping into my pillow every night.
They didn't know that in the quiet solitude of the mansion, I was happily counting down the days.
Today.
It was my five-year wedding anniversary with Gideon Shaw.
It was the day I was finally entitled to enter the vault.
I had Jude's ashes.
The marriage to Gideon, naturally, had reached its end.
Seeing that I was immovable, Rhys decided not to waste his time. He placed the clean towel on the hallway railing, turned, and closed the adjoining suite door.
I didnt touch the towel.
I stood there like a forgotten statue, letting the cold light stretch my shadow long and thin down the corridor.
As the rain intensified, my chilled body began to heat up.
The corridor lights blurred in my vision. I knew I had a fever.
But I didnt leave.
I waited until the door finally opened.
Gideon stepped out, his eyes holding the lazy, sated look of a man whod just enjoyed himself. But when he saw me standing there, his face immediately darkened.
The fever-induced dizziness made me groggy, preventing me from fully registering his anger. But I hadn't forgotten the business at hand.
I lifted my hazy eyes and grabbed his sleeve.
You promised. The divorce.
My words cut through Gideons lingering contentment, immediately replacing it with irritation.
Anya Scott, enough is enough.
You should know by now. You arent Skye. I dont have this kind of patience for your theatrics.
He gave me a stark warning, reminding me of my place and who truly held his heart.
But all I wanted was the divorce.
Seeing that he refused to hear me, a wave of profound unfairness washed over me, and tears suddenly spilled from my eyes.
But I quickly wiped them away before the man could register his triumph. I pulled the pre-drafted divorce papers from my bag.
I know how much Skye means to you.
So, lets get divorced.
Gideon looked at the neatly printed document as if it were the most ridiculous thing hed ever seen.
Is this some kind of reverse psychology? he scoffed.
Anya Scott, since when did you learn to play these ridiculous games?
His eyes were full of scorn. Skye, now wearing Gideons large button-down, emerged from the room. A flash of skin revealed various kiss marks, and she smiled through her flushed face.
I actually thought you were generous enough to watch us together. You finally cant pretend anymore, so you think using a divorce threat will make Gideon turn back?
She walked closer intentionally, ensuring the marks on her body were in sharp focus.
Reverse psychology is effective. Too bad your threats are utterly useless. After all, everyone knows Gideon only married you because he was mad at me.
Her words were meant to sting. But I remained impassive to her boasting and provocation, not even lifting my gaze.
I simply held the divorce agreement and a pen out to Gideon.
I repeated: Sign it.
Seeing my continued defiance, the fury in Gideons eyes fully ignited.
When the sheer pressure of his rage bore down on me, I instinctively recoiled, bracing myself for a blow.
But when I squeezed my eyes shut, he simply seized my wrist and violently yanked me back into the room.
Slamming the door shut on Skye, he reached up and unbuttoned the shirt hed just fastened, revealing a set of toned abs marked with fresh redness.
You really want to push things this far?
He crowded me, his breath hot on my face, carrying a barely contained anger.
When I remained silent, he laughed, a cold, harsh sound.
Fine, Ill play your game. Ill admit your theatrics worked.
Ill spend our anniversary with you. Will that do?
His eyes swept across the remaining foil packets on the bedside table, his throat bobbing. Lust returned to his expression.
Only two left.
When were done, stop the drama. Hm?
From outside, Skye, whod heard the unexpected compromise, started banging on the door in disbelief.
Gideon!?
He ignored her, shoving me hard onto the bed.
The bed accepted my weight, followed immediately by the possessive pressure of his body. I tried to struggle, but the high fever made me too weak to evade his hot kisses.
When he paused, catching my tears with his fingertip, his eyes were heavy and dark.
Im giving you what you wanted, arent I?
Why are you crying?
Dont tell me you regret it.
He smiled wickedly, intent on giving me a deep humiliation on the bed hed just shared with Skye.
Thankfully, just as his fingers brushed the collar of my shirt, Rhys burst through the door with a keycard.
Rhys paused, noticing my tear-streaked face. He stepped forward to physically restrain Gideon.
Gideon! Skye is on the roof!
She said if you touch Anya, shes jumping!
At the mention of Skye, Gideon immediately got off me and bolted out of the room.
He didnt look back.
Anya Scott, do you hate me? Rhys asked, assuming Id resent him for interrupting the closest Id ever gotten to my husband.
But as the light streamed into the room, I clutched the necklace holding Judes ashes beneath my clothes.
I said only one word.
Thank you.
With the tension broken, I swallowed the fever reducer Rhys offered. Clutching the unsigned divorce papers, I followed them to the rooftop.
The moment the elevator doors opened, the wind and rain-damp chill hit us, whipping my hair around my face.
Twenty minutes had passed.
Skye was still perched precariously on the edge of the rooftop, her face tear-streaked as she looked at Gideon.
Gideon! Either divorce Anya and marry me, or Im jumping right now!
The sight of his choice at the hotel entrance had pushed her over the edge. Shaking, she gave him a stark ultimatum.
Gideon, too, had lost his usual cool.
Rhys turned to me suddenly. Anya, do you think Old Gideon will choose you?
Watching the confrontation, I slowly shook my head.
His choice has always been Skye.
Hasnt it? My voice was flat, devoid of emotion.
Gideon, watching Skye lean forward as if to jump, finally broke, his voice raw.
Skye! Dont jump!
I promise you! Ill divorce her, and Ill marry you
Skye instantly burst into relieved laughter. She threw her arms around his neck like a triumphant child.
She expected me to be devastated. But watching her embrace Gideon, I smiled.
Without waiting for Gideon to speak, I walked over and offered him the divorce agreement.
I extended the document, and he accepted. Our fingertips were both icy cold from the wind.
Gideon paused when his gaze landed on me. He picked up the pen to sign, and his hand trembled slightly.
But he tightened his grip on the pen and slowly put his name down.
After signing, he seemed relieved, yet strangely lost.
Anya, when Ive calmed Skye down, well remarry.
I frowned. I didnt understand why he would say something so ridiculous.
But I knew it didnt matter.
I carefully scrutinized the fresh divorce agreement. I barely heard him mutter, Just wait for me a little longer, and subconsciously nodded.
It didnt matter. We were done.
Gideon carried Skye away without daring to look back at me.
Only Rhys watched me calmly fold the divorce papers and let out a sudden curse. Damn it!
Anya Scott, how can you be this compliant?
Gideon is a fool!
He stared at me for a moment, then grinned cheekily. How about you consider me?
If you were my wife, Id treat you like a queen.
His tone was teasing, but I wasn't oblivious; I saw the genuine sincerity beneath the casualness in his eyes.
I refused him gently but firmly.
Thank you for the compliment.
And goodbye.
I didn't return to the Shaw family mansion. I immediately hailed a cab to the airport and booked the earliest flight to Iceland.
Gideon, perhaps having already placated Skye, sent a text message.
Skye wants to travel to clear her head, so Im taking her away for a few days.
Stay home and be a good girl. Ive ordered you the new Cartier necklace as compensation for this mess.
His tone was comforting. But I was unmoved.
He always used this method of compensation after every one of his escapades with Skye. Over five years, Id collected countless expensive jewelry, designer bags, and wire transfers.
I never cared for any of it.
And I hadn't taken a single penny or item with me.
Which is why, after cutting all ties, I felt perfectly entitled to toss the burner phone Id used for five years into an airport trash can.
Then, I boarded the plane.
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