While My Husband Cheated, I Married His Powerful Brother

The walk-in closet was silent.

Dorian stood with his phone pressed to his ear, the door closed behind him. The light was dim. The racks of suits cast long shadows.

Wesley’s voice came through the speaker. "Dorian. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"You sent my wife a photograph."

There was a pause. Then Wesley laughed. "Ah. You saw it."

"I saw it. She saw it. She had questions."

"Questions?"

"She thought you had feelings for me."

The silence on Wesley’s end was longer this time. When he spoke, his voice was strained.

"She thought what?"

"Exactly what I said."

Wesley coughed. "That’s absurd."

"I know."

"We’ve been friends for fifteen years."

"Fifteen years."

"I’ve never shown any interest in you."

"None."

"So why would she—"

Dorian’s voice was flat. "Because you followed her. You took a photograph. You sent it to me. To create a misunderstanding."

Wesley was quiet.

"Wesley."

"I was curious."

"Curious about what?"

"About her." Wesley’s voice was slower now. More measured. "She’s interesting. She slapped Xavier Lala and he didn’t even flinch. She handled Caspian and Xiomara like they were children. She caught a janitor before he hit the floor."

"And you decided to send me a photograph of her with Xavier?"

"I wanted to see your reaction."

Dorian’s hand tightened around the phone. "My reaction."

"Yes. You never react to anything. But with her..." Wesley paused. "You react."

Dorian said nothing.

"I was right," Wesley continued. "You did react. You called me. You’re defending her. You’re warning me off."

Dorian’s voice was ice. "You crossed a line."

"I’m aware."

"She thinks you’re in love with me."

Wesley laughed again. This time it was genuine. "That’s the best thing I’ve heard all week."

"Wesley."

"I’ll explain it to her. Directly." Wesley paused. "I’ll apologize. In person."

"You will."

"I’ll do it tonight. Or tomorrow. Whenever you—"

Dorian cut him off. "Tomorrow night."

"Tomorrow night it is."

"Good."

Dorian hung up.

He stood in the closet for a moment longer. Then he walked out.

*

*

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains.

Veyra was already awake. She was sitting up in bed, her hair a mess, her eyes still heavy with sleep.

Dorian stood by the window. He had been awake for hours. He had already showered and dressed.

Veyra blinked at him. "You look so serious."

"We have plans tonight."

"We?"

"Yes. You and I."

Veyra’s brow furrowed. "What kind of plans?"

"We’re going to Bordeaux."

She stared at him.

"To meet someone," he added.

"Who?"

"A friend."

Veyra studied his face. Her eyes narrowed slightly. She was quiet for a moment.

Then she said, "Fine."

She swung her legs off the bed. She stood up. She walked past him toward the bathroom.

"Tonight," she said.

"Tonight."

She stopped at the door. She turned back.

"It’s Wesley, isn’t it?"

Dorian said nothing.

Veyra shook her head. She walked into the bathroom and closed the door.