The Bride He Never Chose: Married to my Dead Sister's Husband

Brianna’s POV

I couldn't believe what I stared at. Piercing dark eyes that were capable of ripping me apart at the slightest chance.

“What are you doing here?” Nikolas asked in a rough voice.

An unwanted shudder ran through my body.

“I…I…”

I couldn't bring myself to speak. How could I even bring up our surprise marriage when he looked every bit furious because of it? Again, didn't it seem stupid to apologise for being his wife? It wasn't my fault.

“I was finding my way around and mistakenly… I'm sorry I didn't mean to piss you off.”

He tightened his grip around my arm. “Now listen and listen good. I really don't care where you decide to sneak into, but you see my room? It is off-limits.”

My heart shattered as soon as he said that. I hadn't seen him this way before, bitter and furious. It felt like he took me as an enemy.

He let go of me and I rubbed my arm, the sting wearing away. “I'm sorry,” I muttered. “I know you're mad at this whole situation. I didn't want this either. For some reason our families thought it's best for us to—”

“There's no us. There never will be.” His eyes were cold and distant.

The bite of rejection burned. Tears pricked at the back of my eyes.

“You know, you're a coward for not standing against this. You could have walked away. You should have.”

“I tried.” A teardrop fell.

“Apparently, you didn't try well enough,” he scoffed, a glint of mockery rested in his eyes. “It's clear to me you never liked your sister. She meant the world to me. I can't say the same about you.”

That did it for me. It was the last straw that destroyed me. Stifling my sobs, I yanked the door open and sped towards my room.

Hot tears streamed down my face, soaking up the carpet the moment I reached my room.

***

A throbbing headache woke me several hours later. Weirdly enough, I laid in bed. I couldn't remember leaving the floor because the rest of yesterday had gone in a blur.

Ploughing through my morning routine, I changed into a sundress and headed to the kitchen. My stomach rumbled in annoyance since I’d starved myself.

Just as I was about to get in, someone bumped into me and glassware clattered to the ground, shattering.

“Oh my God. I'm sorry,” I said, horrified at the sight of shattered glass and spilled coffee.

“You little…You've ruined my dress!”

“I'm so sorry.” I looked away from the floor and almost gasped, unable to believe who I saw.

She cocked her brow before putting on a bored expression. “Oh. It's you.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Conti.” I didn't expect to meet Nikolas's mother anytime soon. She'd been away on some vacation. I hadn't really paid attention to Alice yesterday when she'd told me about it. “It's good to see you. I hope your flight was good.”

She regarded me, eyes sweeping me up from head to toe. “I can't say the same.”

I didn't know what she meant by that. But the statement was eerily similar to the one Nikolas had made.

She meant the world to me. I can't say the same about you…

A lump grew in my throat.

“What a way to welcome your mother-in-law. With a coffee bath.”

I caught sight of the ugly stain on her robe. “I'm sorry. I should have been more careful.”

“Indeed. Since you destroyed the coffee I intended to enjoy, you can surely fix another, can't you?” A cold smile tugged at her lips.

I nodded.

Casting me one more unfriendly look, she left. I picked a broom and began clearing the shards of glass.

“Ma’am?” Alice rushed in, trying to take the broom away. “No, you shouldn't. This is my job.”

I chuckled. “It’s fine.”

“Master will be mad if he finds out,” she whispered, eyes wide with fear.

Not wanting to get her into trouble, I let her have the broom.

“Fine. But you won't stop me from making coffee though.”

I went about getting the coffee ready and even rustled up some chicken sandwiches. Nikolas's mom was annoyed at the accident; it only made sense that I appease her.

With her breakfast arranged in a tray, I started towards the living room just in time to hear voices.

That of Nikolas and his mother.

“Let’s not start this, Mother. It's too early.”

“But I'm talking about your happiness, Nikolas. Your future. That girl and her family mean bad luck,” his mother retorted. “I can't believe this is even happening.”

Were they talking about me?

“I blame your grandfather. I honestly don't know what he sees in the Mallorys.”

It was confirmed. They were talking about me. Trying my best to look clueless, I made my way to the dining room. Nikolas's eyes were the first to meet mine before his mother’s.

I silently served breakfast.

“What is this?” she asked, her eyes fixed at the covered dish.

“Chicken sandwich. I thought it'd go well with—”

“I don't remember asking for one.” She uncovered the plate, instantly sighing. “And it's chicken. Nikolas, you didn't tell her I’m vegetarian?”

Nikolas wouldn't spare me a glance. He simply sipped his coffee.

His mother turned to me. “Well, honey, I don't eat chicken, but since you have time in your hands, you can switch this up with something I'm more comfortable with.”

She pushed the tray aside.

Hiding my hurt with a smile, I picked the plate and headed back to the kitche but not without hearing those words from her:

“I don't like her. Daphne was far better.”