CONTRACTED TO THE CEO: MY EX'S BROTHER

Isabella

I sat in front of the mirror, adjusting my veil one last time as I admired myself in my white ball gown. "Wow! I look so beautiful," I smiled, supporting my chin with the back of my right palm. Kate was at the Hall downstairs with our guests.

Today's my wedding day, the dream day I've been longing for. I can't wait to be married into the Williams family. I can't wait to be addressed as Mrs Declan Williams, I smiled standing up and spinning with my beautiful white dress.

The day before today, we had just arrived at our hotel, De Bricks Hotel. The Hotel is very luxurious, spacious and sophisticated. It has good lighting, spacious Hall that is well ventilated, though it is quite expensive and could be afforded by billionaires. Declan Williams' family had chosen the hotel for our wedding event. We logged into the different rooms, Williams Family were on the first floor, and we picked the second floor. Mom's room was close to mine and that of Annabella and Kate, my best friend had accepted to stay with me in my room, in case I needed something.

It was a busy day for us as we were trying to make sure everything was set. Annabella had gone to sleep earlier because she had mentioned she wasn't feeling too well. Mom had been so helpful with getting me ready for the next day. Everything was in order and we were only waiting for tomorrow to arrive.

Mom had retired to her room while Kate and I sat on the bed gisting as we ate the chips, mom left for us.

Kate had been my childhood best friend. At the age of 6, she returned from my house one day and met her family, her dad, mom and brother in a pool of blood. She knew her family were murdered but couldn't find out who killed them, even though she said she saw a black... driving out as she entered her compound. Since then, she has been living with my family. People even thought we were triplet because of how close I and Kate were.

"Kikikiki..." I was giggling at Kate's silly jokes. "You better sleep now before you will be nodding in front of the crowds tomorrow." Kate said as she curled herself on the bed to sleep. I immediately joined her, but before I could say good night, she was already snoring.

"Gosh" I covered my ears and shut my eyes...

The loud knock on the room door snapped me out of my thoughts. I stopped and took a deep breath, I could feel butterflies in my stomach. After months of planning, my happiest moment had finally arrived. I am going to be a wife, build a beautiful home and have kids-one kid, no, two... just then, the sound of the knock became louder. "The door is open", I answered, heading to the mirror to continue in my admiration.

"Isabella, you look stunning!" my mom exclaimed, entering the room with a wide smile. "You'll make a beautiful bride."

"Thanks, mom!" I forced out a smile, as I turned to my mom.

My mom walked up to me placing her hand on my shoulder, "you look worried. My dear, you'll be fine. You'll see."

"Am I doing the right thing, is Declan really the right man for me? He doesn't really show me much love and affection, except that he had asked me to be his wife. He isn't into me like that. Sometimes, I feel he has a sweetheart somewhere. I'm so worried." I tried to hold back the tear that was almost dropping on my makeup cheeks.

"My dear, don't ruin your makeup with the tears. Declan is the man for you. He chose you out of the million of girls out there that are classy. Aren't you lucky like this? You know the Williams family is not just any family, Everyone wants to be a part of that family. I am sure Declan is nice and would take very good care of you. It is just that he might just be busy with work." Mom reassured me, removing the strand of hair lying close to my left eye.

Immediately, I shook off the thought, I have no doubts, Declan loves me, he will take very good care of me. I hugged my mom as we burst into loud laughter, and chorus my favorite line since the news of my wedding, 'today is the beginning of my forever...'

"Isabella, it's time, the guests are waiting" Kate's voice called from outside.

Mom raised her head , "it's time to march to the Hall."

I nodded in agreement but then, I remembered, Declan haven't checked up on me. Could it be he just went straight to the Hall without peeping to admire my beauty? I hurriedly rushed to go meet him in his room while my mom went to join the other guests. As I approached the door to his hotel room, I heard voices coming out.

Curious, I paused, thoughts started racing in my head. What could be going on? Who are the people in Declan's room? Is there another event happening and I am not aware? But his friends are already at the wedding Hall. At this time, my heart was panting faster. I hope my Declan is safe?

Just when I got so close to his room door, someone hurriedly bumped into me. My heart skipped again, what's going on? Why is he so unstable? Who is this person and why is he coming out from this direction? He walked past me without uttering a word.

Immediately, I hastened my steps and got to the door, I heard a woman moaning in pleasure, and suddenly, my heart sank. I could feel my heart beating faster than a cheetah running. It shouldn't be what I am thinking, because today is supposed to be about love and happiness. Just as I reached for the door, with a mix of fear and curiosity, I opened the door. What I saw made my world crumble.

Isabella

Declan, my fiancé, on top of my twin sister, Annabella, naked.

Immediately, my whole body stopped to function, I couldn't find my voice to scream. I stood still like a monument for minutes, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"Annabella!" I managed to find my lost voice. Just then, Declan and Annabella froze, with shock on their faces.

They hurriedly stood up to cover themselves.

"What the heck is going on here? What did I just see?" I yelled with my hands placed on my head like one that just lost a loved one.

Declan ran towards me, "I ca... can can ex... explain."

"Of course, you'll have to explain." I shoved his hand off and walked towards Annabella, fixing my eyes on her.

She sat up on the bed trying to wear her clothes without uttering a word.

"you should be ashamed of yourself, Anabella. I thought you were my sister? How could you do this to me?" I didn't notice Declan had left the room.

She laughed mockingly, "your sister? You better wake up from your slumber. You think I'll just fold my hands and watch you get married to Declan Williams? Not when I'm alive, bitch."

Immediately, I felt my feet stand still and my body covered with goosebumps. Does she even have a conscience, why does she find pleasure in hurting me? She always took what is mine and today, it is Declan she had sex with. I won't allow her to win this time.

I immediately turned and headed to the door. Still in pain, let me just wipe these tears and rearrange for my event. It is my big day. Nobody must know what just happened, as for Declan, he must explain after our wedding.

Back to my room, I was sitted in front of the mirror and redoing my makeup. Just then, Kate returned to call me, informing me that the guests were still waiting and the event was starting.

I quickly wiped my eyes, and tried to pretend like nothing had happened.

"Have you been crying? I have told you before, you will be fine in the Williams family. Your mum has assured you that Declan is a good man and he will take good care of you. Come on, get up, don't keep your guests waiting." Kate said, holding my right and helping me to stand.

I reluctantly stood, forcing a smile. We both left the room, heading to the Hall. Kate was behind me.

I sluggishly walked into the main hall, where guests were laughing and chatting, pretending to be fine. There stood Declan at the altar, smiling. I turned and saw Annabella sitting at the front row dressed in a long straight white gown with beading around the neck region.

Instantly, my heart skipped, everything in me stop working. The forced smile disappeared and tears dropped down my cheeks as I walked towards the altar with my veil covered.

The crowds were clapping. I could hear voices in the crowd, she is the luckiest woman on earth. I wish I was the one. That dress is very expensive. She really looks beautiful!

Just then, thoughts start playing in my head. Why would he choose our wedding day to cheat on me? Why did he choose Annabella as his sex partner? How long has this been going on? How did they arrive here?

Kate brought me back to reality, when she lifted my veil to wipe my tears. She then whispered in my ear, "you are beautiful, your union will be the happiest."

I wanted to tell her, not to be deceived by what she is seeing because I and Declan will surely have a long night after our wedding.

I got to the altar, standing and facing Declan. The service had long started and it was time to join us. Declan had been asked to unveil me. The crowd shouted and clapped, I forced a smile.

Declan was given the mic, and the pastor continued, "Declan Williams, will you take Isabella Jasper, to be your beloved wedded wife, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, in... till death do you...?

The whole hall was quiet, Declan has not said anything for 3 minutes now.

Instantly, I fixed my gaze on him, my eyes popping out from the socket. Using my left palm to place it on my left cheek, I whispered his name "Declan!"

At this point all gaze was on us with full focus. He cleared his throat, "Hello everyone, I want to bring to your notice that,..." Instantly, I could feel my breath stopping and my heart failing to pump blood. The answer is just a 'yes' why is he making a speech?

He looked away from me and faced the crowd as he continued, "I can't marry Isabella Jasper."

Immediately, I put my index finger in my ear as if to remove something blocking my auditory. What did he just say? I buried my face in my palm. I could hear his voice still echoing in my head.

"Isabella is a big cheat. She's been cheating on me." Declan did not stop talking.

Immediately, I heard Kate's voice... "Declan, stop it! What's the matter with you? What are you saying?"

His mum quickly came to the altar, "Declan, what is happening? You can't being everyone here and then say there's no wedding. Do we look like jokes to you? Your brother, Adrian had to travel back because of this wedding. You can't just say there's no wedding."

I turned, looking into the crowd, I could see the surprises on people's faces. Kate placed her hands on my shoulders trying to calm me while tears keep running down my cheeks.

Declan continued, "There will be wedding but not with her, not with this cheat."

Immediately, my ears stood firm like fans, my eyes wide open and my hands supporting my heart like it wants to fall off.

"I am getting married to Annabella" Declan said pointing at her direction.

Annabella immediately stood up walking towards the altar. I couldn't hold the tear anymore. I turned to my mom, she didn't look surprised. That means she is aware that Annabella and Declan were an item. I should have known that she had never wanted anything good for me but Annabella. I quickly ran out of the Hall to one of the rooms on the first floor and shut the door behind.

"How could they do this? How could they do this to me? What kind of betrayal is this?" I sobbed bitterly holding tight to the pillow close to me.

Just then, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Isabella

I turned my head with shock, and there stood a very handsome young man that should be in his early 30s. He is neatly dressed looking so dashing. He stood holding a bottle of champagne and a glass.

"Sometimes, life can be so tough and cruel but you don't have to beat yourself this much. Nothing is worth dying for. Most pain we go through is from the people we love. I just came in here to relax my head with a bottle of drink, and here you are sobbing. It won't be a bad idea if you try this." He said, handing me the glass and heading to the wine stand to get another glass, I guess for himself.

I tried to control the tears from coming out more, even though it keeps finding its way down my cheeks. He popped the wine and then poured some into my glass and his too. I gulped the wine without hesitating. He poured in some more while still talking to me.

"Try to be happy, life is not too difficult. We tend to dwell so much in our pain. Be strong, put yourself together and start living again." He continued sipping from his glass.

I sat there, gulping and staring at him like he was some kind of museum.

In my head, I was thinking, "What's he saying, does he understand the meaning of pains? Does he even know what it feels like to be hurt by the people that are so close to you? He really does not know what it means to see your sister and fiance having sex on the day that is meant to be your happiest day. He doesn't even know what it feels like to be rejected on your wedding day. He doesn't know how it feels to see your sister getting married to your fiance on the same day you were to be married. He..."

Just then, I heard his voice, "drink up, we've a lot more to finish." He said, helping me to the bed and sitting beside me.

At this time, I had drunk 3 glasses already, and I was feeling tipsy.

I rested my drunk head on his shoulder, and he helped place it properly, stroking the strands of my hair. We talk and laugh about things I can't remember now. It feels really good again to laugh out the pain, hurt, anger and loneliness, even if it's just for a short moment, as my heart feels lighter.

I turned to him and just then, his eyes met with mine. There was something about the way he looked at me, it was gentle but intensed. My heart raced and before I could think, we leaned closer, our breath fanning us.

And then, we kissed. His lips pressed against my own, soft yet firm. It was as if all the emotions I've been holding poured into the kiss. His hands found its way to the waist pulling me closer and I followed.

His hand moved through my waist and to my butts as I lifted myself. Suddenly, my clothes were leaving my body. I quickly helped him take off his clothes too because I never wished for the moment to stop.

Just then, he helped me lay with my back on the bed. His hands are still caressing every part of me. I let myself drown in the sensation of his touch.

Just then, the kissing became more deep with our tongues and saliva exchanging.

At this time, I could feel my pussy, very wet and ready to receive his hardened penis.

He penetrated my pussy and I let out a little scream. It's been a while since I had sex. I was in a relationship where romance happened once in a blue moon.

He thrusted faster and harder and deeper and I moaned. After some more minutes, he fell to the other side of the bed panting. Before I could turn to tell him how sweet the sex was, I heard snoring, that was from him. I closed my eyes feeling alive again and then dozed off.

It was morning and reality hit me like a wave. I turned and saw a stranger sleeping next to me, and we were both naked. Oh my God! I just had sex with a stranger. I don't even know his name. His touch still felt fresh on my skin, but now it all seemed like a mistake. I knew I couldn't stay. I had to leave before things got worse.

Quietly, I slipped out of the bed, careful not to wake him. My heart was pounding as I dressed, trying to erase every trace of the previous night. I grabbed a pen and paper with my hand shaking. I wrote, 'last night was a mistake, don't look for me!'

I placed the note on a pillow beside him, stealing one last glance at him before I left the room, closing the door softly behind me.

As I walked through the passage to the Hall, I felt a mix of regret and sadness. The whole place was empty. Out in the street, I could feel the morning air blowing on me. Part of me felt like going back to explain, but I couldn't. I had to keep going. I couldn't let myself get pulled into something more complicated than it had already been.

I hurried down the empty street trying to steady my breathing, the sound of my footsteps echoing. I kept looking back like I was expecting him to come after me but nothing.

I stopped at a corner to relax my feet, just then my phone buzzed. I froze, removing it from the small purse that was under my armpit with my hand shaking. Who could this be? I thought everyone had forgotten me and I was now alone in this world. I peep into the screen and saw a single message from an unsaved number.

'I'm not letting you walk away that easily'

My heart immediately stopped.