The Divorce

ARIA’S POV

“I want a divorce.”

Those were the first words that fell from my husband’s lips the moment I showed him the video… a proof of his balls deep in another woman's cunt.

There was no apology, no remorse, not even an attempt to lie or give an excuse. Just those four words that are cold enough to split us apart.

 The tablet slipped from my fingers and landed on the bed with a dull thud. I forced my hands to my sides, nails digging into my palms as I fought the urge to scream.

“Is it because of her?” I asked, my voice steady even though my chest felt like it was caving in. “Are you asking for a divorce so you could be with my cousin?”

His eyes widened so fast I thought they might pop out of his head.

I hadn’t asked because I needed clarification. I’d already recognized the familiar curve of her legs, the sweetness of her voice, even the exact nail design we once admired on our favorite celebrity in that video.

No. I asked because I needed to see the truth on his face. 

And there it was.

Clear as day.

He did it. He cheated on me just three months after I gave him one of my kidneys to save his life.

I blinked back the tears threatening to spill from my eyes. “You cheated on me with Isabella?”

“Aria…” He took a step toward me, hands raised like he could calm the storm in me. “You know what’s at stake. I’ll lose my inheritance to my brother if he has a child before me. We’ve been together for five years and you’ve refused to give me one.”

“I refused?” I shot back at him. “Dean, I begged you,” My voice shook despite my effort to hold it together. “I tried to book appointments so we could find out what was wrong, but you wouldn't let me.”

The silence that followed was so deafening you could hear a pin drop. 

For two years, I'd carried the weight of that blame. I’d cried myself to sleep wondering what was wrong with my body. I endured his mother’s sharp comments, even her prayers said a little too much at dinner. I listened as his friends joked about my empty womb and laughed about it like it was the joke of the year.

And I carried it alone.

Every ounce of shame, I carried it until I got tested… and everything came back normal.

So I did something desperate.

I took his semen from a used condom to a fertility clinic… one far away from our usual doctor.

Just before I saw the video, the results came in. 

I regretted every choice I'd make for the past five years as the truth stared back at me in black ink.

My husband had a severe low sperm count. One that made natural conception almost impossible.

He shrugged like none of it mattered. “That's because it's obvious that you're the problem, not me.”

Those words hurt almost as much as the betrayal. 

I swallowed hard, forcing the words down… but he had to know.

I took a step closer. “Dean, the result…”

With a sharp flick of his wrist, he tossed a document at me. It fluttered through the air before landing at my feet.

“That’s the divorce paper,” he said coldly. “Sign it and leave everything I bought you, including the car. And never come back here again.”

A bitter laugh slipped past my lips as I wiped at my tears. “So you had this planned.”

It wasn't even a question.

There's no point in telling him now, no point in trying to fix this. I've done enough of that for the past two years.

My tears fell freely as I bent down, picked up the paper, and pulled a pen from my bag. My hands shook so badly I had to steady them against my thigh.

Five years, five long years of marriage reduced to a light signature on a piece of paper.

And just like… it was over.

I turned away from him and walked to the closet, pulling out a single box. Inside were only the things I bought with my own money. Nothing else. Nothing tied to him.

Then I walked past him without a word.

“Don’t cry, Aria,” I whispered to myself as I stepped into the hallway. “Don’t waste another tear on a man who barely remembers your birthday.”

The elevator ride down felt endless. 

My reflection stared back at me from the mirrored walls… I looked pale, broken but still, I'm standing.

And somewhere inside me, a thought settled deep in my chest.

If he doesn’t see me as worthy to stand beside him… then I’m free. Free to become whoever I want.

My phone felt heavy in my hand as I dialed the number I’d been avoiding for days.

“I thought you'd never call back.” the deep voice on the other end answered instantly. “Have you thought about my offer?”

I closed my eyes and exhaled slowly.

“You see what he did, Aria.” He added. “He doesn't love you.”

I clenched my fist, thinking of the risk I'm about to take, of the life I'm leaving behind,

of the consequences of getting involved with my ex-husband’s brother and his biggest rival.

 I almost turned him down and crawled back into that cage I've been in for five years.

But Dean's voice echoed in my head again.

‘You’re the problem, not me.’

My grip tightened around the phone so hard the case cracked.

“I’ll take the offer,” I said to my brother-in-law in my lowest voice. “I'll sign the contract and get married to you.”

Dean divorced me, convinced my cousin would give him the child he needed to secure his inheritance.

Well…

jokes on him.

Let’s see how he plans to do that with a condition as severe as his.

And I’ll be right there…

 As the eldest daughter-in-law of the Weston family…

watching closely from his brother’s arms as everything he plans falls apart.

The Shocking News

XAVIER’S POV

“Siri, call my wife.”

My phone lit up instantly, the familiar tone cutting through the quiet office as it dialed her number.

My wife.

The word still felt new… but not wrong in the way it used to when she still belonged to that asshole I call my brother.

It had been two weeks since Aria signed those papers. Two weeks since she moved into my penthouse. Two long weeks of her sleeping behind a different door… keeping her distance like I was someone she needed protection from.

And two weeks since I sent her that video that ended her marriage.

I leaned back in my chair, staring at nothing as the line rang.

To her, it must feel like a curse. Like her life was torn apart overnight.

But to me? Marrying the woman I had wanted for years felt like a blessing. If only she could get it out of her head that I only wanted her for a child.

“Hello?”

Her soft voice came through, and something in me eased instantly.

“Hi, Xavier. Are you there?”

“Sir.”

I looked up sharply as my assistant appeared at the door, already speaking before I could stop him.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but your father called. He said he couldn’t reach you.”

My gaze dropped back to my phone.

The line had gone dead. She hung up.

I dropped the phone onto the desk harder than necessary, irritation flaring in my chest.

“The next time you walk into my office without knocking,” I said coldly, pointing at him, “I’ll have you replaced before you finish your sentence.”

He stiffened. “I’m sorry, sir.”

“Now, why are you here?”

“The family dinner, sir. You’re five minutes late.”

I checked my watch. “Fuck.”

I stood and grabbed my phone. “Tell the driver to get the car ready. I’ll be down in a minute.”

“Yes, sir.”

He left quickly, shutting the door behind him.

If only she had stayed on the line a little longer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time I arrived at my father’s mansion, it was already late.

The first thing I noticed was Dean’s car parked in the garage.

Of course that piece of shit was here.

I walked inside without slowing, barely sparing my step mother, Allison, a glance as I passed her.

She scoffed loudly. “How can you be this late and still walk in with an attitude?”

I stopped mid-step, turning just enough to look at her. 

“You’ve been married into this family for years, Allison,” I said flatly. “Either get used to it… or file for a divorce and leave.”

Her lips parted, but nothing came out.

I didn’t wait for a response.

“Look who finally remembered he has a family,” Dean’s voice echoed the moment I stepped into the dining room.

It took everything in me not to put a bullet through his brains.

I loosened my jacket and took my seat across from my father. “Shut the fuck up and eat your food, Dean. Since it’s the only thing you’re good at.”

His hand slammed against the table, but our father didn’t even look at him.

“Sit your ass down.” Our father, Victor, ordered.

Dean clenched his jaw and obeyed.

Then Victor turned to me, his expression hard. “For someone who chose to be late, the least you can do is not cause a scene. We have a guest.”

“A guest?” I leaned back slightly, scanning the table… then froze.

Isabella.

Aria’s cousin sat beside Dean… close enough to make my stomach turn.

My gaze snapped back to Victor. “Why is she here instead of Aria?”

I already knew Aria wouldn’t be here. But Isabella sitting in her place?

What the hell was Dean playing at?

Before anyone could answer, Allison walked in and took her seat.

Dean suddenly straightened, a grin spreading across his face.

“We have something to tell you guys.”

I don't like that tone. That grin alone was enough to set me off.

With us, it had always been simple… if one of us was happy, the other was about to suffer.

He reached for Isabella’s hand, intertwining their fingers.

“We’re expecting a baby.”

For a second, I thought I misheard him.

The wine in my mouth burned down my throat as I coughed.

“What?” my father asked sharply.

“You’re expecting a child with your wife’s cousin?” I asked, even though I already knew he had divorced Aria.

Dean smirked. “You mean Ex-wife.”

“Ex-wife?” Allison repeated, confused. “What do you mean?”

I leaned back slightly, masking my reaction. “You divorced Aria?”

“Yes,” he said proudly. “Two weeks ago. I found out she can’t have children. She’s been lying to me for years.”

My grip tightened around the glass.

This bastard.

Aria went through this for years?

“See?” Allison said, walking over to Isabella and placing a hand on her stomach with a satisfied smile. “I knew my son wasn’t the problem.”

My jaw clenched painfully.

“If she couldn’t give you a child, then she had no place in this family,” she continued. “Now my son can finally claim what’s his.”

My father cut in. “Don’t you think it’s too early to celebrate? She still has to give birth to the child.”

Allison scoffed. “We all know Xavier isn’t bringing anyone home anytime soon. He’s too cold for that.”

The audacity.

Victor turned back to them. “Congratulations.”

What the fuck did I just heard?

“Dad, that’s all you have to say?” I asked, disbelief creeping into my voice. “After everything Aria went through in that marriage?”

“She couldn’t give him a child,” he replied simply. “What good is that to this family? Either be happy for them… or get married and give me a grandchild yourself.”

A bitter laugh almost escaped me.

My twin is also his son and the rightful heir to Weston Group. Yet he gave the same man who killed him a chance to inherit his wealth.

Now Dean will have a child and have it all?

Not happening. I'll burn everything to the ground if I have to.

I stood abruptly, grabbing my phone. “Excuse me. I have somewhere to be.”

Victor turned to me. “You’re leaving?

We haven’t even discussed the company anniversary yet.”

“It’s handled,” I replied. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I walked out without another word.

The moment I got outside, I called Aria.

No answer.

“Get out,” I told the driver, opening the door.

He blinked. “Sir?”

“You heard me, Rafael.”

He wasted no time in stepping out when he saw the look on my face.

I got in and slammed the door, dialing another number.

Ian picked up almost immediately, his breathing uneven. “Nice of you to remember I exist, brother.”

I frowned. “Are you having sex right now?”

A low chuckle came through. “Maybe.”

I rubbed my temple. “Is the phone on speaker?”

“Yes. But my mouth is about to get busy, Xavier. Can we talk later?”

I exhaled slowly, irritation rising again.

“Listen to me dude. Whoever the fuck you are, I'd advise you to get my brother's dick out of your stinking ass before I make sure it's the last one you enjoy.”

There was shuffling on the other end. 

Then silence.

“What’s wrong with you?” Ian snapped. “I was about to finish.”

“What’s wrong with me?” I shot back. “Ian, you’re supposed to be dead. What happens when this one finds out who you really are? You’ll kill him too?”

He sighed. “Relax. I will clean up my mess if it comes to that.”

“You better. And keep your fucking dick in your pants while at it.”

Ian chuckled. “Now tell me why you called.”

So I told my twin everything that happened during dinner. 

He went quiet for a full minute.

Then laughed bitterly. “You’re lying.”

“I’m not.”

“He can’t… that fast?”

“He announced it in front of everyone. Dean’s a lot of things, but he wouldn’t lie to dad.”

Another pause.

“Alright,” Ian said finally. “I’ll figure something out before the end of the anniversary.”

Of course he would.

Ian always has a solution to every problem.

“Does Aria know?” he asked.

I frowned. “That her ex-husband got her cousin pregnant?”

“No, dummy.” Ian replied.

“That she married both of us by signing those papers.”

The Report

ARIA’S POV 

“Hello, Aria, what’s up?”

“I can’t reach him.” I paced back and forth across the living room, dragging my fingers through my hair for what felt like the hundredth time. “Zara, it’s almost midnight and he’s not picking my calls.”

The silence of the penthouse pressed in on me, heavy and suffocating. Every ticking second made my chest tighter.

I knew getting involved with another Weston was a mistake. What I didn’t know was that Xavier would turn out to be another version of his brother.

It all felt too familiar. Way too close to the life I had just escaped.

It’s like I married Dean all over again. Xavier doesn’t care about me. He doesn’t even share a room with me. I figured the only reason I'm here is to give him children so he can inherit his father’s wealth.

 Thinking about it made something inside me twist painfully.

If I hadn’t told my best friend everything, if I had kept it all bottled up like the contract demanded… I was certain I would have lost my mind by now.

But what Xavier doesn't know wouldn’t hurt him.

“Aria, calm down,” Zara said gently. “Maybe he’s just working late.”

“It’s midnight, Zara,” I snapped, stopping in my tracks. “He’s a workaholic, yes, but he never stays out this late without saying anything to me.”

She chuckled softly. “Now you sound like his wife.”

“I am his wife,” I blurted.

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

My heart skipped.

There was a long pause on the other end.

“Aria, did you just…”

“No. No, that’s not what I meant,” I rushed out, shaking my head even though she couldn’t see me.

Before she could press further, the sound of a car pulling into the garage cut through the silence.

My breath caught.

“Zara, I’ll call you later.”

I hung up immediately and rushed toward the door.

The moment it opened, the faint smell of alcohol hit me.

My brows furrowed.

Has he been drinking?

Xavier stepped out of the car, his expression unreadable, his movements steady but kind of shaky.

He didn’t even look at me. He just walked past me like I wasn’t standing there.

That hurt more than him coming home late without a call.

Still, I followed him inside.

“Xavier,” I called, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ve been calling you for hours. Where have you been?”

He shrugged off his jacket and tossed it onto the couch carelessly before turning to me.

He knows I hate it when he leaves his things lying around the house.

“What have I told you about your phone, Aria?”

I glanced at the jacket behind him, irritation flickering through me despite everything. “Please pick that up.”

He frowned slightly but walked back and grabbed it.

At least he listened.

“Now answer me,” he said, his tone sharper. “Where was your phone when I was calling you?”

“I was doing laundry when you called,” I replied quietly. “I’m sorry.”

“Laundry?” His brows drew together. “Aria, we have maids for that.”

“I know. But I can’t just sit around doing nothing all day.”

He stared at me for a moment, something unreadable passing through his eyes, then turned and walked down the hallway.

I followed closely behind him.

“Xavier, you haven’t answered my question. Where were you?”

“If you hadn’t hung up on me earlier,” he said without looking back, “you would’ve known I was at my father’s house for dinner.”

I blinked.

What the hell is wrong with him tonight?

He's an asshole and a control freak, yes. But he never talks to me like this.

“Can I have your assistant’s number?” I asked suddenly.

He stopped so abruptly I almost walked into him.

“Can you repeat that?” he said slowly.

I exhaled loudly. “I was worried, Xavier. I just want to be able to reach someone else if I can’t get to you.”

He turned fully this time, crossing his arms.

“And the first person you thought of is my assistant?”

“Xavier, he's the only one that knows we're married. I can't just…”

“If he gets your number,” he cut in coldly, “he’s fired. And if you go to him to ask for it, he’s fired.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “What is wrong with you?”

He didn’t answer. He just walked into his room without saying a word.

I followed him anyway, my frustration bubbling over. “Did I do something?”

He turned slowly, his gaze locked onto mine.

“Isabella is pregnant.”

The words hit me, but they didn’t land the way he expected.

My frown came instantly. “I don’t give a fuck about what’s going on in that bitch’s life.”

“It’s Dean’s child,” he added.

For a moment, all we did was stare at each other.

Then I burst out laughing.

I couldn’t help it.

The sound came out sharp, almost hysterical.

I must have done something right in my past life. Because how could life turn around this fast?

“You think this is funny?” Xavier asked, his voice tightening. “Do you know what this means if she has that child?”

I pressed a hand against my chest, trying to steady myself.

“Xavier…” I shook my head, still breathless from laughing. “That’s not possible.”

His expression hardened. “What do you mean it’s not possible? He brought Isabella to the family house and announced it in front of everyone.”

I quickly grabbed my phone from my back pocket and scrolled through it, pulling up the report.

The same report that had shattered me… and then set me free.

I walked up to him and handed it over.

“Read it.”

His eyes moved across the screen, and I watched the exact moment it registered.

The shift in his body.

The realization in his eyes.

“Does this mean…” he started, his voice lower now, “he can’t have children?”

I held his gaze, my expression steady.

“That man can’t have a child even if he had a vagina.”

His eyes widened. “So he lied to our father? Aria, are you sure about this?”

I didn’t hesitate.

“Dean is not the father of that child.”

A bitter smile tugged at my lips.

“Isabella cheated on him.”

Two Strangers

ARIA’S POV 

The loud crash from outside my door woke me from a deep sleep, making my heart leap into my throat.

I groaned, blinking against the early morning light filtering through the curtains.

“Isn’t it too early to piss people off?” I muttered under my breath.

Dragging myself out of bed, I shuffled toward the door, eyes still heavy with sleep.

 I barely turned the handle when it swung open, and two women rushed in like they owned the place.

“Thank goodness you opened before we knocked,” one of them said quickly, dropping several shopping bags onto the bed, my bed. “These bags are killing my arms.”

I froze, confusion written all over my face.

“What is going on here?” I demanded. “Who are you, and why are you in my room?”

They exchanged a glance before the second woman stepped forward, forcing a polite smile.

“We’re sorry for waking you so early, ma’am. But we’re working on orders.”

“Orders?” I repeated, my brows furrowing. “From who?”

“Mr. Weston,” she replied. “He asked us to get you ready for an event.”

I blinked at her, unsure if I’d heard correctly.

“What are you talking about?”

“Ma’am, if you’ll just sit down…”

“You know what?” I cut her off, “I’ll go ask him myself.”

Without waiting for a response, I stormed out of the room. My steps quickened as irritation settled in my chest. Xavier had a way of making decisions without consulting me, and it was starting to get on my fucking nerves.

I checked his bedroom first. 

Empty.

Then I headed to his office and pushed the door open without knocking.

Big mistake.

Two men in sleek suits sat across from him, looking like they belonged in a boardroom.

But still, I didn’t let that get to me.

“Xavier, we need to talk,” I demanded, my voice shaking with anger. “Now.”

He looked up, his gaze meeting mine for a second before he turned back to them.

“Gentlemen,” he said smoothly, rising to his feet. “If you’ll excuse me, my wife seems to be in a bad mood.”

 My wife.

My breath hitched slightly at the way he said it so casually, like it wasn’t just a secret arrangement between us.

He was hell bent on keeping the whole thing a secret. Now he calls me his wife in their presence?

The men immediately stood, nodding respectfully at him, then flicked their eyes toward me, bowing slightly before leaving.

I watched them go, still trying to process his words before finally sitting across from him.

“Aria,” He pointed a finger at me, “you better have a good reason for interrupting an important meeting.”

“How about you give me a good reason for cutting my sleep short?” I shot back.

He leaned back casually. “What are you talking about?”

“Xavier,” I pressed, trying to keep my voice calm, “why did two strangers barge into my room so early in the morning?”

“Oh,” he said it so casually it made me want to throw something at him. “About that… we’re going to an event in a few hours.”

“We?” My voice echoed. “You mean both of us? Why?”

He removed his glasses slowly, placing them on the desk. “Because you’re my wife.”

“I know that,” I snapped. “But why do I have to find out through strangers?”

He clasped his hands together, a hint of apology softening his expression. “I should have told you earlier. I’m sorry. Now, will you let them do their job?”

“I’m not doing that,” I said firmly.

“Aria!” He warned.

“I said no. I’m staying here until you get them out of my room.”

His jaw tightened, eyes darkening. “You can either walk back to your room, or I’ll take you there myself. Either way, you’re going.”

I stayed put, glaring at him.

Seconds later, he was standing right in front of me.

“What are you doing?” I asked, voice trembling. “Why are you so close…”

Before I could finish, I was hoisted over his shoulder in one swift movement.

“Xavier!” I screamed, hitting his back. “Put me down this instant!”

“How hard is it for you to listen to me?” he asked, striding down the hall as if carrying me were normal. “Aria, I’m your husband.”

“Yes, on paper!” I snapped.

He hissed. “Let’s see how long it stays that way.”

I threw my hands in the air dramatically.

“What does that even mean?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he kicked open my bedroom door and carefully set me on my feet.

The two women froze, wide-eyed.

“Get to work,” he instructed. “Both of you.”

“That won't be necessary.” I pushed past him. “I'm leaving.”

His grip tightening around my arm froze me in place.

“One billion dollars.” He whispered. 

I blinked. “What?” 

He smirked. “That's how much you are paying if I sue you for going out of the contract. So you better fix that attitude and play the perfect wife for me.”

My hands clenched into a fist beside me.

What was I expecting from him anyway? He's just another Weston with a different last name.

Suddenly, he turned to the girls. “Step outside.”

They obeyed instantly.

Then he turned back to me, stepping closer, his hand brushing lightly against my cheek.

“We’ll have people at the event today,” he said softly. “Lots of them. And I’ll need you to turn heads with your looks and behave impeccably.”

His scent, his proximity, made my chest tighten.

“My little Aria,” he whispered. “Can you do that for me?” 

I looked down at my feet and nodded quickly. “Yes.”

He chuckled. “Look at that. My obedient little wife.” 

Fucking asshole.

“I’ll be waiting for you in our living room.” He added.

Our.

The word made my heart pound. The way he always said it… like this home, this life, was ours. Like I belonged here, like I belonged to him.

I swallowed hard, my heart suddenly racing for reasons I didn’t understand.

He looked… unfairly handsome up close it became annoying at some point.

I forced myself to nod. “Okay.”

He held my gaze a moment longer, then turned and walked out. 

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving the room achingly silent.

I stood there, staring at the door, my chest rising and falling too fast to be normal.

Why the hell is my heart beating this fast around him?

The Public Reveal

XAVIER’S POV

“Pick up. Ian, please… pick up.”

I paced across my office, my phone pressed tightly to my ear as the call rang endlessly.

He had to know.

He had to know that child wasn’t Dean’s before he did something reckless. Before he turned this entire situation into something bloody and irreversible.

And now he wasn’t answering.

I pulled the phone away, glaring at the screen like it had personally offended me.

“What is it with people around me and not picking up their damn phones?” I muttered under my breath.

The line suddenly clicked.

“Hello, sir.”

I stilled. “Kai.”

Ian’s bodyguard. 

“Why are you with his phone?” I asked sharply. “Where is my brother?”

There was a brief pause. “He’s… taking a shower, sir.”

I closed my eyes slowly, my patience thinning.

“Kai,” My voice came out dangerously low. “Take a good look at that screen and decide if lying to me is worth your job.”

He went silent for a moment.

“He has someone over, sir.”

I scoffed. “So he’s fucking again,” It wasn't a question. I knew he was.

 “He has thirty minutes to call me back, Kai. If he doesn’t… whatever damage he causes next will be on you.”

I ended the call without waiting for a response.

For a moment, I just stood there, breathing slowly, forcing the irritation down.

For a second my mind drifted back to last night. To what Aria said about the result. 

Dean can’t have a child?

A slow smile spread across my lips.

Pathetic.

I should have known something was off the moment he blamed her for their divorce. I had done my research before bringing Aria into my life. Unlike Dean, I never walked blindly into anything.

Marrying Aria had been a calculated move.

But what no one knew… not even her… was that our interest in Aria had started long before she married my brother. She was just so blindly in love with Dean she couldn’t see it.

And now? Now it felt like I had won in every possible way.

Finding out that my brother’s chance at inheritance, his entire future, was dependent on a lie?

That was just the bonus.

Now all I have to do is wait. Then destroy him with a single DNA test.

I adjusted my cufflinks, glancing briefly at my reflection before checking my watch.

“Sir, we’re done.”

I turned.

And for a second… I forgot how to breathe.

Holy shit.

Dean had to be the dumbest man alive to let this woman go.

Aria stood there, framed between the stylists, and for a moment, I could not reconcile this woman with the one who stuttered around me years ago, the one Dean treated like she was invisible.

Her blonde hair fell effortlessly over her shoulders. Her skin glowed under the soft light. And her eyes… those blue eyes that had drawn me in from the very beginning… looked even more striking tonight.

And the dress…

Jesus Christ.

If she told me to get on my knees right then, I probably would.

“Sir?” The stylist's voice snapped me out of thoughts.

“Yes,” I said quickly, straightening. “You can leave. Your payment will be made before you reach your destination.”

They both smiled. “Thank you, sir.”

The moment they left, Aria walked toward me slowly, her hips swaying with every step she took.

“You look…” I paused, searching for the right word.

Beautiful didn’t feel enough.

“You look stunning,” I finished quietly.

A faint blush crept up her cheeks.

“Thanks,” she said softly. “You don’t look bad yourself.”

I let out a small chuckle. “I’ll take that.”

Without overthinking it, I reached for her hand and led her out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The moment we arrived at the venue, the cameras started flashing even before the car fully stopped.

Aria's grip tightened slightly around my arm.

“Xavier, what’s going on? That’s a lot of cameras out there.”

I sighed. “It’s the company’s anniversary. As the president of Weston Group, I have to be here.”

She frowned slightly. “Then why am I here?”

“For support?” I said lightly.

“I'm not supposed to be seen with you.”

I smirked and stepped out. “Wait for me. I’ll get your door.”

I walked around and opened it for her, offering my arm.

The noise doubled the second she stepped out. Cameras flashed endlessly in our faces.

I leaned closer to her. “Ignore them.”

“And how am I supposed to do that?” she whispered. “I'm not used to this.”

I know she's not. Dean never brought her into the spotlight. He had always been ashamed of her because he believes she has nothing to offer.

We moved through the crowd, greeting people along the way. No one questioned her presence. They all assumed she was still my sister-in-law.

My assistant, Reid, approached quickly. “Sir, you’re on in five minutes.”

I turned to Aria. “Go with him. He’ll bring you to me when it’s time.”

She didn’t move. She just cling to my side more.

“I’m not going with him,” she said quietly.

I reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Just for ten minutes,” I murmured. “I promise.”

Her eyes searched mine. “You promise?”

I smiled. “I promise.”

Reluctantly, she followed Reid.

I watched her walk out of sight before turning…

“Xavier.”

I looked behind me.

Victor, Dean, Allison, and Isabella. All in one place, looking closely at me.

Perfect. They needed to be here anyway.

“Dad,” I said casually. “You’re late.”

“That’s because I trust you have everything handled,” he replied.

Dean scoffed. “You talk like he’s some genius.”

I smirked. “Compared to you? Genius is an understatement.”

I didn’t wait for a response.

“Excuse me,” I said. “I have a speech to give.”

I stepped onto the stage, adjusting the microphone slightly as the room quieted.

“Good evening, everyone,” I began smoothly. “Thank you for being here tonight as we celebrate another milestone for Weston Group.”

I glanced around the room.

“Over the years, this company has grown beyond expectations. Not just because of leadership, but because of every single person who has contributed to its success.”

A few nods. Some applause here and there.

“We’ve faced challenges, we’ve made progress, and we’ve built something that will continue to stand strong for years to come.”

I paused briefly.

“So tonight, we celebrate not just our achievements… but our future.”

I lifted my glass. “To growth, success, and to everything ahead.”

Applause filled the room.

I smiled slightly. “Before I step down, I’d like to invite my wife to join me and say a few words.”

Murmurs erupted instantly.

Everyone started exchanging glances, whispering among themselves with a shock expression on their faces.

“Please welcome… Aria Weston.”

I looked to my side and saw her mouth wide open, standing closely beside my assistant.

I walked down, took her hand gently, and guided her up the stage.

The look on my family’s faces when they saw her? Priceless. I almost laughed looking at Dean’s expression.

Aria held the microphone, her hands slightly unsteady.

“Hi… everyone,” she began softly. “I’m Aria Weston.”

The room went silent.

“Thank you for being here tonight… to celebrate something truly remarkable with us. I’m honored to be part of it.”

She glanced at me briefly, forcing a smile.

“And to my loving husband, thank you for seeing me as worthy enough to stand here beside you.”

I couldn’t help the huge smile that spread across my face despite knowing she didn't mean a word she said. 

I leaned in and kissed her forehead. “You’re welcome, my love.”

I took her hand and led her off the stage.

Straight toward my family.

“Wife?” Dean barked. “Have you lost your mind?”

I smiled faintly. “Not as much as you have. Getting your ex-wife’s cousin pregnant two weeks after your divorce? That’s a new low.”

He grinned. “At least she can give me a child.”

That was it.

My fist connected with his face before I could stop myself.

“Xavier!” Aria grabbed me from behind.

“Say one more thing about my wife,” I said coldly, stepping closer, “and I will make sure you regret the day you came out of your mother.”

My father stepped in. “Your sister-in-law, Xavier? Really?”

“Ex sister-in-law,” I corrected. “And now she's my wife.”

“Xavier!” He warned.

“You had no issues with Dean and Isabella having a child together. So don’t make a big deal out of mine, father.”

Silence fell between us.

“Wait… where’s Isabella?” Allison asked suddenly.

We all looked around in search of her.

She was gone.

“Sir!”

Dean’s assistant rushed in.

“What?” Dean snapped.

“You need to come outside.”

We all moved at once.

I heard people yelling even before we got outside.

But nothing could've prepared me for the sight in front of us.

Isabella.

Lying in the pool of her own blood.

And in that moment… The realization slowly hits me.

Ian. He did this.

Doctor Noah

XAVIER’S POV 

“Stay out of the way!”

The sharp yell echoed through the hospital entrance as a gurney burst through the sliding doors. Nurses rushed around it in practiced chaos while doctors barked instructions over one another.

For a second, everything moved too fast.

Dean was the first to chase after them, panic practically dripping from his skin. My father and Allison followed right behind him with hurried steps and strained faces.

I reached for Aria’s hand instinctively, trying to guide her through the madness before someone slammed into her.

But the moment my fingers touched hers, she jerked away like my skin burned her.

“I can walk just fine on my own.”

The venom in her voice was quiet enough for only me to hear, but it still landed like a knife.

She shot me one furious glare before walking ahead into the brightly lit hallway.

I watched her disappear around the corner, and for the first time in a long while, I genuinely did not know how to fix something.

“Sir.”

Reed caught up beside me, lowering his voice. “Don’t you think she has to know? You did what you had to do to protect her.”

Protect her.

Now it feels like I've done the worst thing possible.

Revealing Aria to the world as my wife without her consent had been a mistake. A massive one. I know that now.

But it had also been necessary.

Just hours before the event, Reed had walked into my office with information that turned my blood cold.

“Sir, I think your brother is closer than we thought.”

At first, I thought he meant business. Another one of Dean’s pathetic attempts to compete with me.

Then he slid the file across my desk.

There were photos, locations, and reports.

Dean had been searching for Aria, while pretending she meant nothing to him.

Why? That was the only question I could not answer. And I hated questions I could not answer. That's why I'm getting to the bottom of this.

I shoved both hands into my pockets as I walked deeper into the hospital corridor.

Now that I finally had her beside me, the only thing that could take her away from me was death itself.

And I would destroy anyone who tried.

“She will know when the time is right, Reed,” I had told him before leaving.

Now I was beginning to wonder if there would ever be a right time.

The VIP waiting area reserved for the Weston family was quiet when I stepped inside.

My father sat beside Allison, both looking tense. Dean stood a few feet away from them, pacing like a madman. Aria sat at the far end of the long chair, her fingers trembling slightly as she dragged them through her hair.

She looked angry and exhausted.

And somehow, still breathtaking.

I walked over and lowered myself beside her. Carefully, I placed a hand on her shaking lap.

She slapped it away immediately. “Don’t touch me.”

A frown pulled at my face. “Not here, Aria,” I muttered quietly. “Not in front of my family.”

“Oh, really?” She let out a disbelieving laugh and leaned closer. “But why is that, Mr. Weston?” she whispered harshly. “Can’t handle a little disrespect from your…” She air quoted with her fingers. “Little wife after throwing a surprise bomb her way?”

Her words hit exactly where she intended them to.

I clenched my jaw. “You have every right to be angry.”

“Oh, how generous of you.”

“Aria…”

“No.” She shook her head. “You do not get to stand there acting calm after what you did.”

I stared at her profile for a moment.

She looked hurt more than angry. That was the dangerous part. Because anger fades, hurt lingers.

Before I could say another word, rushed footsteps echoed through the hallway.

A nurse stepped out of the VIP ward with a blank expression on her face.

The moment I saw her eyes, my stomach tightened.

Something was wrong.

Dean was on his feet instantly.

“How’s my wife?” he demanded. “What’s going on in there?”

I scoffed quietly under my breath.

They were not even married yet.

The nurse visibly swallowed before speaking. “Sir, you have to calm down. The doctor is working on her.”

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” Dean barked. “This hospital is standing because the Westons made it so, so you better give me a positive answer or so help me God, I will…”

“Have your mouth sealed and locked if you don’t shut the fuck up and sit your ass down.”

My father’s cold voice cut through the hallway like a whip.

Dean’s fists clenched at his sides, rage flickering across his face, but he obeyed anyway.

Victor Weston had that effect on people.

Even his own sons.

Father gave the trembling nurse a small nod, silently dismissing her.

She hurried away immediately.

Silence settled again, heavy and suffocating.

Then Dean opened his mouth and ruined it.

“You did this, didn’t you?”

At first, I barely reacted. I thought grief had finally cracked whatever little sanity he had left.

Then I realized he was staring directly at me.

I slowly pointed at myself. “You’re referring to me?”

“Yes, you,” he snapped. “You tried to kill her.”

I leaned back slightly, studying him carefully.

“I know you’re going through a lot right now,” I said calmly. “So I’m going to pretend you don’t mean what you just said.”

“I meant every word.”

His voice rose louder.

“You just couldn’t stand the fact that I’m going to have a child before you. That I’m going to inherit Dad’s wealth while you’re left with nothing.”

“Dean,” my father warned sharply.

“No, Dad.” I raised a hand without looking away from my brother. “Let him speak.”

Dean pointed a finger at me, his eyes burning with hatred. “If I investigate this and find out you had anything to do with it…”

“What are you going to do, Dean?” I interrupted quietly. “What the fuck are you going to do?”

“I’ll make sure you spend the rest of your life in jail.”

For a moment, I simply stared at him.

And suddenly, all I saw was a wounded man.

A man terrified of losing someone he loved. 

A man who had spent years hating me because our father never truly treated us equally.

I almost pitied him. Almost.

Until the image of my twin brother drenched in his own blood flashed before my eyes.

“You know what, little brother?” I said slowly. “I had nothing to do with this…”

I paused deliberately.

“But I wish I had everything to do with it.”

“Xavier!”

Aria’s horrified voice came from behind me just as Dean lunged.

His fist flew toward my face, pure rage driving him forward.

But another voice stopped him before the impact landed.

“Mr. Weston.”

Dean froze mid-step.

We all turned and rushed forward.

Doctor Noah stood a few feet away in blue scrubs, exhaustion written all over his face.

Dean immediately straightened.

“Doctor,” he breathed out. “How is she? How’s my wife?”

Noah removed his gloves slowly, his expression careful.

“She lost a significant amount of blood, but we managed to stabilize her. Her vitals are steady now, and she’s responding to treatment.”

The relief in the room was immediate.

Allison exhaled shakily and pressed a hand against her chest. Dean closed his eyes briefly like he had just been handed his life back. Even my father’s shoulders relaxed slightly.

But I remained still. Because Noah still looked uneasy.

There was something else. I could feel it.

“Can we see her now?” Allison asked quickly.

Noah shook his head. “No. You can’t.”

My father frowned immediately. “What do you mean we can’t?”

The doctor hesitated.

And that hesitation confirmed everything.

His gaze shifted across all of us before finally landing on Dean.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Weston,” he said quietly.

The silence that followed felt endless.

Then came the words that shattered the entire room.

“We lost the baby.”