One Night Stand With My Husband’s Brother

Mackenzie and Chase returned to the Richard’s ward, laughing with a cup of hot chocolate in each hand. As Chase moved to push the door open, Mackenzie started to walk in, still laughing. Her laughter came to an abrupt halt immediately she caught sight of Eleanor in the room.

She was seated on the bed, beside Richard, running her fingers through Calista’s blonde hair. Eleanor smiled as Calista continued to playfully pinch Richard’s bearded chin.

Mackenzie stared at Eleanor, her blood drained from her face, and her limbs lacked the ability to move. She hated seeing her daughter with the old and conniving woman. Innocent Calista was not aware of how callous the woman was. She turned and smiled at her innocently as they chatted on.

“The shareholders are thinking of revolting, Richard. The stock prices are plummeting, what are you going to do about it?”

When Richard remained silent, Eleanor made sure to continue.

“The company needs a better leader, Richard. Listen, I know Chase is the rightful owner, but…”

“What do you mean by rightful owner, Eleanor?” Richard finally spoke up, silencing his wife.

“Chase has been taking care of the company since I retired. And you’re saying he’s the rightful owner? I never saw him as the rightful owner, but the only person competent enough for the job. Chase and Jeffery are both my sons.

Eleanor heaved a sigh and continued.

“I understand, Richard, I do. But we have to remove sentiments. We can’t afford to be emotional about this while our family business crumbles.” Richard narrowed his eyes on her, and she flashed him a sympathetic smile.

“I know that the children are a disgrace, a stain to our reputation, to the Axford name. But they are just kids, they do not know anything.” She tapped Calista’s head as she smiled.

“Still, you should remember that the children are illegitimate, and in our world, with our social status, children like this are not accepted.”

Eleanor turned to smile at Cameron and Calista, they seemed too engrossed in Calista’s painting of the sun. The little girl was taking her time to explain shades and colors to her brother like a true artist.

Mackenzie’s jaw hardened from where she stood. With her clenched jaw, she rolled her fists into balls and threatened to burst into the room. Before she took take one step forward, Chase’s palm wrapped around her wrist. She looked up at him and found him shaking her head, urging her to be still.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“She’s not worth it.” He mumbled.

She knew. She had tried to convince herself of that fact several times, but it didn’t make the woman’s venom sting any less.

“The kids are there, Chase. How can she say such things in front of them!” She whispered, fairly alarmed.

Mackenzie closed her eyes and allowed a breathless sigh escape her lips.

Chase looked over Mackenzie to Calista and Cameron. He let out a small smile before moving closer to Mackenzie. As her shoulders trembled with anger, he placed both his hands on them, before raising his right to cup her rosy right cheek.

She looked up at him, her tears caused her hazel eyes to glitter. He leaned into her and kissed the top of her eyelids.

“My father won’t let her getaway with it. I trust him.” He whispered softly. Mackenzie closed her eyes, breathless from his touch, she allowed a sigh escape her parted lips.

“Don’t you ever speak about my grandkids in that manner again.” They heard Richard bite back, and Mackenzie’s heart softened a tad bit, at least Richard was on their side.

“See?” Chase smiled at her, holding her hand.

“I told you. Let’s go in, I think she’s had enough fun already.” He continued.

When Mackenzie nodded, Chase pushed the door open completely and walked into the room, startling Eleanor.

“Chase!” She called out, reeking of fake enthusiasm as she kept her smile plastered on her face.

“We were just talking about you.”

She rose from the bed and started to walk to him.

“How are you? I know that it must be a lot for you, with everything that’s going on. You get what I mean, right?” She reached for his shoulders but he politely moved away.

“I know that there must be a lot of things going on in your mind, so I am just trying to suggest what’s best for the family.” She completely ignored Mackenzie’s presence when their eyes met, and returned her focus to her husband.

“Richard, darling. I really should go home and get your some fruits. I know how much you love oranges.”

“You don’t have to worry yourself, Eleanor. I’m doing just fine. The hospital staff are taking care of me.” Richard mumbled, sounding tired.

Was Eleanor aware that Richard needed as much rest as possible? How could she bring up subjects like these when he looked so sick?

“I’m here too, Eleanor. You do not have to worry your pretty head about anything.” Chase chipped in, sarcasm dripping from his voice, his lips spread into a thin line.

Mackenzie looked down at her hand and felt his grip grow firmer. The muscles on his hands had flexed up, and she was only just aware of how much he truly despised Eleanor.

“Alright then!” She called out, a fruity laugh followed her exclamation. She walked to pick up her back from his bedside drawer, and held it in her right arm.

“Since everyone is doing well, I guess it’s time to take my leave. I have a pedicure and manicure appointment in a matter of minutes anyway.” She turned her back to her husband and walked past Chase, only stopping when she stood in front of Mackenzie.

The latter woman swallowed hard, and Eleanor looked over at her.

“I just say, Mackenzie. The children are so adorable. Thank you,” She held up Mackenzie’s free hand and smiled at her.

“Thank you so much for bringing these bundle of joy to our family.”

Mackenzie’s heart froze in her chest. Even though Eleanor had a smile plastered on her face, Mackenzie could not see past everything she had done, everything she was capable of doing.

Seeing Eleanor now, Chase couldn’t ignore the feeling in his gut. He knew that the identity of the person who has revealed the news of the children lay between Selene and Eleanor. However, he was more convinced it was Eleanor because he had discovered some shady businesses she ran underground. She was the only one with the brains and resources to pull something like that off.

He could not tell his father yet, but only because he was waiting for the right time.

He pulled Mackenzie closer to him to help ease her anxiety. He had started to investigate her movements two years ago, but she had been smart enough to know he was on to her, and did her best to cover her tracks.

Chase continued to watch as Eleanor blew kisses to both of Mackenzie’s cheeks before strolling out of the ward.

It was the same way he had found out what they had done to Mackenzie. How they made her sign the prenup when she did not know what it actually was.

Once she was out to the room, Mackenzie drifted her gaze to Chase. He could see the dread in her eyes and he wanted nothing more than to pull her and enclose his arms around her, to hide her in his arms forever.

“Don’t worry, Mackenzie.” He said, cupping her cheeks.

“Everything would be fine.”

Tears welled up in Mackenzie’s eyes. Chase wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his embrace. She didn’t want to cry knowing the kids were going to see her.

She sniffed her tears in, and Chase continued to pat her back.

“I’ll make sure of it. She would never be able to hurt you or the kids again.” He whispered into her right ear, and Mackenzie believed him. She trusted him.