MY HUSBAND'S BESTFRIEND AND I

AUBREY POV

I have been living with my Aunt, Kayla and Uncle Robert since my parents died. My aunt treats me like a maid because she blames me for my parent's deaths, since they had died on their way to get me my 10th birthday present. I have two older brothers, Paxton, who is the kind one and Kaden who hates me and treats me like dirt like my aunt. Even though I do well in school, no one notices. I work at a cafeteria to support myself because my aunt stopped giving me money. My uncle on the other hand is very nice to me however he is barely around because of his job and does not know how my aunt treats me when he is not around.

Like every other day, I woke up at 4:30, not because I had things to do, but because I couldn't sleep, the room was so cold to the extent that I had to increase the heater. I went to the kitchen and made breakfast for everyone, then I started preparing lunch because my aunt would be home and if her lunch was not ready by the time she gets home, she will make me regret being born. I made her lunch and put it in the fridge.

After setting breakfast on the table, I got ready for school. I checked my clothes once more.

I tie my long, silky black hair into a ponytail. I go to college without any makeup, not because I don't like it, but because I can't afford it. My aunt has some lipstick and blush, however, I am not permitted to use it. The last time I tried using it, my aunty caught me and dealt with me. I had snuck into my aunt's room to use her lipstick. Just as I was leaving, she caught me red-handed. The expression on her face made me nervous. I knew I was in big trouble for touching her precious lipstick collection.

"You dare touch my lipstick, you brat!" She yelled at me, her face twisted with anger.

"Aunt, I'm sorry, I just-" Before I could finish, she slapped me hard across the cheek.

I realized I didn't need any blush now, her fingerprints were clearly visible on my face. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I didn't cry loudly because I knew she enjoyed seeing me suffer. After that, I never went into my aunt's room again.

I got to college 20 minutes early because I don't take the bus, it was too expensive and my aunt does care enough to pay it for me, and I need to save money for my projects. So, I walk to school every day from home.

I review the lessons we did the previous day before the lecturer got to class. While I'm studying math, someone threw a book at my face, and it was no other person than my brother, Kaden, wearing his usual wicked expression.

"Who's going to do my assignment?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

Nobody at college knows that he's my elder brother, and He doesn't want to associate himself with me because it he thinks it'll make him look bad.

"I'll do it," I reply, grabbing his book and standing up.

Then one of his friends throws another book at my desk, asking me to do his too. I look at Kaden, expecting him to say something, but he just smirks and leaves.

My brother bullies me the most in college, followed by his friends.

After

When I got home, I was surprised to see my uncle.

"Uncle?" I said

"Uncle" I shouted out of excitement.

"Princess," he said, smiling at me and tapping the couch next to him. "Come here."

I walked over and sat down next to him.

After talking about random things like the weather and sports, he suddenly asked me quite the weird question

'Aubrey, do you have a boyfriend" He asked with a straight face.

Though I was reluctant to answer the question, I eventually answered him

"No uncle, I don't have a boyfriend" I said feeling kind of awkward and ashamed

He smiled as if he was happy to hear I didn't have a boyfriend and then said something that shocked me.

"You know, Aubrey, sometimes I feel like you're not happy here. You turned 22 this year, so you're not a kid anymore. I want to see you happy and settled with someone. So..." He paused and smiled gently at me. "I have a proposal for you."

"A what?" I asked, confused.

"A marriage proposal. I've been thinking about it for a while before bringing it up to you. It's for my friend's son."

I waited a little bit for him to say he was joking but that never came

"Oh goodness, he was serious" I thought to myself.

I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to process his words. I couldn't just say no right away or react harshly. He's always been like a father to me, caring and supportive.

"I need time to think, uncle," I said, keeping my lips pressed together.

"Of course. Take your time. I won't pressure you into getting married if you don't want to. But I want you to know, they're really kind people. You could be happy," he said gently.

I nodded and walked toward my room.

"You better say yes to this marriage, Aubrey," a sharp, agitated voice came from behind me, making me jump.

I turned to see Aunt standing at the door, her eyes full of anger.

I bit my lip and stared at her.

"Say yes and leave this house and our lives, or I'll make your life a living hell," she said through clenched teeth before slamming the door shut.

"Living hell? As if my life isn't already a nightmare" I muttered to myself.

I dialed Paxton's number. He's the only one who can help me figure out what to do.1

"Paxton, Uncle's at home and he mentioned a marriage proposal..." I said quietly.

Paxton sighed on the other end. "Uncle already told me about it, Aubrey. From what I've heard about this guy, he's good. He'll take care of you. You need to leave the house," he advised.

"Okay, I'll talk to you later," I replied, ending the call.

So both Uncle and Paxton think marriage is the best option for me.

A while later after I had gone to my room to think about it, I came out resolved to give my uncle my response to the marriage proposal, however as I was about to talk, he interrupted.

"Hey, do you know Mr. Palmer?" my uncle asked me.

Who doesn't know Mr. Palmer? He's the big shot who owns clubs, hotels, and a multinational company.

"I've heard about him and his success, but why do you ask?" I wondered.

Did Uncle get a job at his company? If so, we should celebrate!

"Oh, well, the marriage proposal I mentioned this morning was for his son," Uncle said casually between bites of lasagna.1

I stared at him wide-eyed, feeling like my eyes might pop out. "What...?" I asked, confused.

"There seems to be some misunderstanding," I thought to myself.

"What's the matter?" My uncle asked, acting like it wasn't a big deal.

Clearing my throat, I turned to my uncle. "So, you're saying I'm going to marry Mr. Palmer's son?" I asked again, still finding it hard to believe.

"Yeah," he confirmed.

Wow...! This feels like a fairy tale.

"Why me?" I asked.

"I've been working at his company for eight years now. He sees me as family. He wants his son to settle down, and since his son doesn't have anyone in mind, when he asked if I had any suggestions, I thought of you," my uncle explained.

After a moment, I asked, "... And what did he say?"

"He was happy about it and when he found out you're my niece, he was even happier about the proposal," Uncle said.

"Oh... Okay," I murmured, lowering my eyes.

"Have you thought about the proposal? Are you ready for this marriage?" Uncle asked, looking hopeful.

I nodded, and Uncle patted my head with a smile. "You'll be happy, princess. Anyway, his son's name is Bradley Palmer."

What?

"The one studying at Oxford University...?" My heart suddenly raced as I asked.

Uncle looked surprised. "Yes..."

Wow!

I'm going to marry BRADLEY PALMER...

Almost every girl at our college knows him. They never miss an interschool basketball match at Oxford University, all because of Bradley Palmer. Girls go crazy for him. They've even painted his pictures on their locker doors. Whenever he visits our college, girls can't stop talking about his amazing personality. I've seen his pictures on magazine covers, and honestly, he's really handsome.

What I admire about him is that he doesn't flirt around like other guys. Many girls have tried to get his attention but ended up heartbroken. He keeps his distance in that regard. He's just perfect... and the worst part is that this perfect guy is going to marry someone like me...

"What are you thinking, Aubrey?" my uncle's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Um... I was just wondering how Bradley is here when his dad stays in LA."

"Mr. Palmer wanted Bradley to be away from the family. He wanted his son to face challenges. You'd be surprised to know that Bradley earned a scholarship to Oxford."

Wow... He's really talented. Handsome, check, good at studies, check, filthy rich, check...

How could anyone be so perfect like Bradley?

After dinner, Uncle flew back to LA for some important work.

I was washing dishes when Kayden walked into the kitchen with a smirk on his face.

"Don't get your hopes up, little sister. The moment he sees you, he'll reject you," Kaden said, taking a bite of an apple.

Let's be honest, what Kaden said wasn't wrong. I'm sure Bradley has certain expectations for his future wife, and I don't come close to meeting them.

Drying my hands with a towel, I sighed. "I know..."

"Oh, look who's talking back now. That's progress," Kaden teased.

"I'm sorry," I apologized, even though I wasn't sure what I was apologizing for.

BRADLEY POV

My parents had asked me to visit home the next day. I sensed something was up because Mom sounded unusually happy over the phone. I wondered what could have been making my mom that happy.

When I arrived at my parents' place, everything seemed normal, except Mom was unusually excited about something. I couldn't figure out what it was.

Finally, after a whole day, Dad decided to spill the beans. He asked me to come to his study before bedtime.

As I pushed open the study room door, I was hit with the strong smell of coffee. Mom was sitting on the couch, something she hardly ever did in the study room. Dad, as usual, was in his majestic chair.

I was surprised to see Mom there. She hardly ever enters the study room unless it's important.

"What's going on, Dad?" I asked, moving towards the couch.

"Take a seat, Bradley" My Dad said, resting his elbow on the desk.

"Your mother and I have something to tell you. But first, I need to ask you something" My dad said looking serious.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" my dad asked still looking serious and deadly calm

I looked at my dad, puzzled, then I glanced at Mom, who was now looking at me with hopeful eyes.

Don't they know me? I'm not interested in relationships right now. I just want to focus on my future. I can deal with all that stuff later, once I'm settled in my life.

"No, I'm not dating anyone, and I'm not interested in being in a relationship at the moment" I said firmly not liking where I suspect that line of question is going.

"But what's going on? Why are you asking me this?" I asked.

A small smile appeared on Mom's face, and her eyes sparkled with delight. Dad's lips curved into a smile too.

"Wait! What?" I panicked within myself

"What the hell are this people up to" I muttered to myself

"Something is definitely up with my parents, my mum seems really excited that I'm not in a relationship" I thought to myself

"God... I knew it! I can't wait to meet Aubrey now," Mom exclaimed, clapping her hands.

Aubrey? Who's that? I wondered.

"Aubrey...?" I looked at Mom, waiting for an answer, but all she gave me was a cheeky smile.

"Haa!" I screamed inside myself because I could guess where the conversation was headed but I appeared cool and composed outside.

"Seriously?" I shrugged, confused about the source of this happiness she is feeling.

"Bradley, do you know at what age I married your mom?" Dad's voice broke the silence, making me turn to him.

I remembered Dad married early because Grandpa was ill, and he had to take on the responsibility.

But why are you bringing this up now? and how does it relate to me? I asked as I was confused.

"I don't understand, Dad. What are you trying to say?" I asked.

"Bradley, since you're not seeing anyone right now and you're not interested in relationships, I want you to marry my friend's daughter!" Dad announced casually, as if it wasn't a big deal.

Seriously? Get married so soon, and to a girl I don't even know?

"Why do you want me to marry so early?" I questioned.

"Your mom and I have decided it's time for me to take a break from work. I started early, so I want you to take over the company when you finish college," Dad said.

Did I hear him right? Dad doesn't want to work anymore, and he wants me to take over his company. Is that why he's asking me to marry some random girl? What's wrong with my parents? I asked myself a lot of questions that I didn't have the answer to.

"But Dad, I'm only 22!" I protested.

"No, baby, you'll be turning 23 tomorrow," Mom corrected me.

Great!

"But I don't like this girl, Aubrey, or whatever her name is. Dad, I don't even know her. How can you expect me to marry a stranger?" I exclaimed, running my fingers through my hair.

"You'll get to know her soon. She's very sweet, Bradley!" Mom insisted, clearly fond of this girl.

Sighing in defeat, I looked at my dad. "Whose daughter is she?"

"She's Robert's niece," Dad replied.

Uncle Robert is someone I really respect. He's almost like family to us.

"I thought you wanted me to marry some billionaire's daughter to help expand our business," I said, surprised that Dad didn't seek out a wealthy girl for me.

"Our business doesn't need anyone's support, son. I believe in your abilities. You'll take our business to the next level without anyone's help. Plus, your mom doesn't want a girl focused on business to be her daughter-in-law," Dad explained with a smile that confused me.

"Yes, I want someone who will take care of you. I want someone who will understand you, and this girl is perfect for you. Bradley, do you trust my choice? I only want what's best for you. So, do you agree with us?" Mom asked, looking at me hopefully.

"I'm okay with this marriage as long as she doesn't expect anything from me. You know me, I'm not like other guys. If she expects a fairy tale husband, she'll be disappointed," I clarified. I really wanted my parents to know that they were making a mistake; I have no interest in getting married.

At the end of the day, I'm okay with my parents' choice since I wasn't really interested in finding a girlfriend or a wife.

"Oh, dear, I believe in Aubrey. I know she'll change you," Mom said confidently, as if she could already see my future.

"Change me, huh? Mom, please stop reading novels," I replied with a shrug, getting up from my seat. I sighed and slipped my hand into my pocket, turning around to leave.

"So, is that a yes from you?" Mom's curious voice interrupted me.

"Yes," I replied, rolling my eyes as I walked away. But before I could close the door, I heard Mom say, "I can't wait to bring Aubrey home..."

So, it's Aubrey, then!

_________________________

I was scrolling through my Instagram feed when I heard a knock on the door.

"It's open, Mom!" I called out, my eyes still glued to the phone screen.

Mom placed a glass of juice on the nearby table and cleared her throat. I raised my head to look at her.

"Um, thank you, Bradley... I never thought you would agree to this proposal, but I'm really happy you trusted your parents' decision," she said, happiness evident in her eyes.

"How could I not agree, Mom? You guys didn't give me much of a choice!" I pointed out.

"Well, we did ask if you had any girl in your life, if you were dating someone. If you were, we would never have asked you to accept this marriage proposal," she explained.

"Yeah, right... You guys didn't call me here to ask, but instead to inform me about my marriage," I rolled my eyes, leaning against the headboard.

"We wouldn't have forced you if you had said no," Mom shrugged.

"Really mom? I know you for how long now? Two decades! I know to what extent you would go to make me agree... God, marriage is better than your emotional drama and speeches. You've caught my weakest nerve. Just because I love you a lot, you use your powers in very wrong way... "

"Aww, I love you too my son and now tell me when are you going to meet Aubrey?!" she asked.

"I'm busy until next week mom. I have inter college basketball." I say returning my gaze back on phone.

"Oh, which college are you going for match?!" Mom asked plopping down on the edge of bed.

"Springfield High."

"Oh, wait what? Really?" Suddenly mom voice was filled with excitement.

I kept my phone aside and diverted my entire attention towards her. I studied her face for good three seconds trying to predict reason behind her sudden happiness.

"Yeah and why are you so happy? From when did you gain interest in basketball matches? "

"Aish! It's not about basketball match. It's about college... You will be happy to hear this, your wife to be and my future daughter-in-law studies at Springfield High."

"So?" I raised my brow, I don't know what exactly my mom is planning.

"You can meet her Bradley!" she gushed like a child who has got her favourite candy. I stared at mom with my brows furrowed.

"You've got to be kidding right now! I'm not going to meet anyone there, if you are so much interested; you can call her home but I will not go there and search for that girl... I'm fine even if I won't meet her, " I shrug rolling my eyes.

Mom narrowed her eyes at me... Here she goes again! Emotional blackmail.

"Please Bradley!"

"No mom, not this time... You very well know you can't change my decision in this matter. "

Muttering under her breath she stood up, "You are so boring! I'm going to speak with your dad about this matter and if you accidently see her at college, a simple hi do you no harm. I'm keeping her picture on the table."

Mom is super fast in matters like this.

"I can't believe you even got her picture!" Shaking my head at her I strolled towards rest room.

"She has very pretty eyes!" Mom spoke, I turn my head to see mom staring at picture in awe.

"Drink you juice before sleeping Bradley! " Saying this she placed the picture next to juice glass and walked out of room.

After a quick shower I picked up the juice from table and that's when my eyes darted towards the picture on the table. Placing the glass back on table I picked the photo and stared down at my would-be-wife.

Like mom said, her eyes are very intense just like angel eyes. A unique kind of glow radiated from her eyes. It wasn't completely blue or green, it was a mixture of green and yellow... Her eyes are the softest eyes I have seen till now. They scream about her being pure soul.

I hope she doesn't act like other typical girls, I hate girls who throw themselves on me. For good few seconds I stare at her picture and then place it inside the drawer.

It's not like I feel in love with Aubrey after looking at her picture but I'm sure about one thing, she isn't like others... At least she won't disturb me, she seems silent just like I am!

---------------------------------------

The next week came quickly, and I was getting ready for the inter-college basketball match against Springfield High.

As our college team entered the court, the crowd erupted in cheers. All I could hear was the loud screams of girls. I lazily scanned the crowd, noticing it was mostly filled with girls as usual.

Sitting down on the cool hardwood floor, I laced up my basketball shoes, observing the opponent team. The match started with the opponent team having the ball, as they had apparently won the toss. I kept my eyes on the player dribbling the ball, waiting for my chance. When the ball finally came to me, I took control. I played in the power position.

To my surprise, the score wasn't as expected. Our college team, usually the strongest in basketball, had only 8 points while the opposing team had around 5. They had some good players, especially the guy playing in center.

As I stuffed my towel into my bag, I heard a voice behind me.

"You must be Bradley Palmer?" the guy who played against our team asked.

I turned around to see him extending his hand.

"I'm Kaden Hawkins," he introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you!" I shook his hand.

"Hawkins? He's probably Aubrey's brother." I thought to myself

"Your last jump shot was quite impressive. I never knew we could do it that way!" he said as we walked together.

"Thanks, you played well too," I replied.

As we walked out of the changing room, he asked, "So, Bradley, why did you agree to marry Aubrey?"

His tone sounded confused, and I sensed he had a problem with Aubrey. He made me stop, and I looked at him with confusion.

"A guy like you deserves someone better than her... She isn't your type," he said, surprising me. Is he really her brother? One thing's for sure - he doesn't seem to like his sister.

"I've seen her picture, and if you're talking about looks, she's not bad. Plus, she's my parents' choice, and I don't judge based on appearances," I replied, feeling it was my responsibility to defend Aubrey to her own brother. I mean, she has angelic eyes, for God's sake.

He was about to respond when his friends came by. "See you around," he said before leaving.

I was hungry, so I went in search of the cafeteria.

BRADLEY POV

As I was trying to find my way to the school's cafeteria, I realized that I had gotten lost. I then saw a girl walking towards me so I decided to ask her.

"Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the cafeteria?" I asked a passing girl.

She just stared at me with wide eyes, not saying anything.

"Um, hello?" I cleared my throat, feeling irritated and pissed as to why she was just staring at me.

She shook her head, her face turning red. "Uh, sorry! Take a right from the library," she finally said with a smile.

"Thanks," I replied and walked away.

What's wrong with the girls in this college? They keep staring at me like I'm some kind of candy.

I rolled my eyes and ignored all the flirtatious glances and whispers I received. It was something I was used to already, however I didn't like it.

As I passed by, I stopped by the impressive library and took a couple of steps back to peek inside. It was vast and quiet, with only a few people reading books.

One book caught my attention: "Wuthering Heights." It intrigued me to see someone else interested in the same book I had liked.

The person reading it was a girl, her face hidden behind the book. I felt curious as it's rare to find people with similar interests.

She placed the book on the table and tied her hair into a bun with a pencil. Then, she tilted the book slightly, revealing her eyes.

I observed her every move, not sure why.

Suddenly, she glanced at the large clock on the wall, and for a moment, I felt breathless. I stared into her captivating eyes, indeed, I stared into the eyes of Aubrey Hawkins.

Her eyes looked even more beautiful and mesmerizing in person. I blinked and ran my fingers through my hair, a small smile forming on my lips.

"She's is not bad" I said to myself.

While all the other girls in her college were trying to impress me, she was busy reading a novel.

I slipped my hand into my pocket and glanced at her once more before walking away. At least we had one thing in common - books. We both loved reading.

After grabbing a cold coffee for myself, I was walking around in the corridor when Archie called me.

Archie has been my best friend since childhood. Our parents were friends so automatically we became friends.

"Where were you, man? I looked for you all over campus," he said, throwing his arm around my shoulder.

"I went to the cafeteria to grab something." I said

While walking, my eyes landed on the giant notice board hanging majestically on the wall. Archie and I made our way towards it. I had always wanted to get into this college through a scholarship, but they only offer full-time scholarships to one student, and to my surprise, it wasn't me. I thought my scores were the best, but it turned out I didn't get a seat in this college.

Anyway, my parents suggested enrolling here, but I declined and went to the second-best college with a full-time scholarship.

The board was filled with pictures of students who excelled in various departments, but what caught my attention was the picture of a girl at the top.

"So she's the reason you couldn't get into this college," Archie commented, looking at the notice board.

I sighed, putting my hands in my pockets and turning to face him. "Yes, and apparently she's going to be my wife."

Archie smirked for a moment, then his eyes widened in disbelief. "She's what?!" he whispered loudly, raising an eyebrow.

"My fiancée!"

"Wow..." Archie said, his reaction surprising me. I had expected him to lecture me about marrying too early.

"Are we going to meet her?" he asked.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "We? I never thought you'd ask that..."

Archie knew I had no intention of meeting this girl.

"Okay, just kidding... I can meet her, right? Wait for me at the parking lot. I'll quickly visit my future sister-in-law," he said, not waiting for my reply before turning and walking away.

"You'll find her at the library!" I yelled, immediately regretting it.

Archie stopped in his tracks, turned around with a smirk, and said, "I never expected that answer from you."

"Whatever, man! I'll wait at the parking lot."

ARCHIE POV

As Bradley had said, Aubrey was in the library reading a novel.

She seemed to be interested in novels, just like Bradley.

"Hey!" I greeted, sitting down next to her.

She jumped up, her hand covering her mouth and her other hand over her heart.

"Sorry, did I scare you?" I asked, standing up. My voice was low because we had already attracted everyone's attention in the library.

"God, I almost had a heart attack," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and blinking.

Damn! Why was Bradley so lucky? She had captivating eyes and a sweet voice.

"Do I know you?" she asked quickly, putting the book back on the shelf and grabbing her bag. "We need to get out of here before the librarian kicks us out." She pointed towards the librarian's desk, where the librarian was watching us.

I just nodded and followed her outside. People around us were staring as if they'd seen a ghost.

Once we were out of the library, she turned around and asked, "So who are you?"

"I'm Archie," I replied.

She blinked, staring at me for a moment. "Sorry? Which Archie? I think you've mistaken me for someone else. I don't know you," she said, looking around nervously before turning to leave.

"Aubrey, I'm Bradley Palmer's best friend," I said, stopping her.

She froze. I stepped in front of her. "You weren't at the basketball court, so I thought I'd come see you."

"I don't like basketball," she said, her eyes darting past me with sudden fear. She fidgeted with the book in her hand. "I - I need to go... Nice meeting you, Archie," she said quickly, giving me a tight smile before running away.

I looked back and saw basketball players from the college approaching. Was she scared of them?