Remarried Again: My Husband's Brother.

(Scarlette's )

The Anniversary.

"Woman? You're nothing but a man in a woman's body. Your womb is useless-can't even carry a child. So tell me, what makes you different from a man?"

The words of my mother in law still echoed in my head as I stood beside my husband, forcing a smile at the guests gathered in the hallway.

The voices of the gathered guests echoed loudly, cheers filling the room. The chandelier shone brightly on my face, showing the mixture of genuine and forced smiles around me. I stood at the center of it all, a massive cake in front of me, a knife poised in my hand, and my husband's hand resting over mine.

The man who had stood by me through thick and thin. The man who had loved me for five years, despite my childlessness. Ethan Thane Newton. The world had been cruel, but he had remained my anchor.

As the guests counted down for us to cut the cake, laughter rippled through the space.

"Come on, kitten," Ethan's voice cut through the noise, his smile perfectly fitting his handsome, fair face.

"Tell me....What would you like for this year's anniversary?" His voice was calm, sharp, his eyes locked onto mine.

I ran my fingers through my hair, thinking. I had everything-the luxury, the wealth. What more could he give me? He had already given me everything. And yet, something was missing. A child. Children.

"Ethan... I should think about it. I have everything now," I said, smiling as I gently covered my mouth.

"No way. With you, nothing is ever enough. I want you to have more. And more you shall get," he said flatly, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"Now, kitten, tell me what you desire?" he urged again, his hand resting gently under my chin.

My lips parted slightly, my eyes widening just a little. I was about to say something-anything at all-when a voice cut through the crowd.

"A child. That's all she should ask for."

Heads turned. My breath caught. I followed the direction of the voice immediately.

My mother-in-law. She was back.

I stepped forward instinctively to greet her, even though I knew she would never acknowledge me. To her, I had always been bad luck to her son.

"Don't you dare touch me!" she thundered, her voice slicing through the room.

"You have everything but you lack the most important thing in life," she continued. "A child. You should give us a child, woman. Right now, I'm beginning to see you as a man, not a woman anymore. Rubbish."

She spat the words with venom before striding past me toward Ethan.

I stood there, frozen. Silent. I couldn't even defend myself.

My hands trembled as I turned slowly, watching her stop in front of Ethan. I couldn't grasp what they were talking about at first, but as I moved closer, her words hit me like a slap.

"Ethan, I have told you countless times-you should throw this woman out of this house! She doesn't deserve to be called a woman. She's like a stick! And I don't see any reason why a stick should be with you!" she yelled.

"Mother, just stop this nonsense! Can't you see how you're rubbing dirt on us in front of all these people? Can't you at least wait until the guests have left?" Ethan barked sharply.

"Ethan... you are not going to speak to me that way, do you understand? And certainly not because of a barren woman who has refused to give this family a child."

"No, Mother. I won't let you talk to my wife like that-not anymore. If she can't have a child now, it's not a problem. Have I ever complained to you about this?" Ethan shot back, his voice steady.

"I know..." she said, shaking her head. "You're blind to all of this. Your love for her has blinded you too much to see reason."

She paused, then continued with cold finality. "You should get another wife. A wife who will give you a child-not just one, but many. You deserve better, my son."

She placed her hands on his shoulders, her voice lowering as she added, "Not this old and foolish girl you call a wife. God only knows what kind of garbage she has done to her womb."

She spat out the last words with disgust.

"If you waste one more year waiting for this man in a woman's body to give you a child, you're going to ruin everything. Everything, Ethan."

Her voice was sharp, too loud as she continued.

"Tell me," she said, creasing her forehead, her furious eyes locked on her son. "Would you still sit here, wasting time, and let your younger brother, Liam- find a wife, have a child before you? Let his child become the heir to this family first? Huh, Ethan? Is that what you want?"

She didn't even spare me a glance. Like I wasn't standing right there.

To her, I wasn't a woman. I was a broken machine. A failure. A waste of time.

And Ethan just stood there. Silent.

"Enough! Mother, enough already!" Ethan snapped. "You just got back from a trip. I suggest you go inside and rest."

Ethan turned to me, his hand gripping mine. I was frozen to the spot-shame, pain, and humiliation crushing my chest, making it hard to breathe.

I tried to move toward her, desperation clawing at me. "Mother, I'm sorry. I swear.... I will do better. I'll take my treatments seriously. I will make sure to give you a grandchild. Please.... Mother, forgive me. I'll go see the family Doc-"

She shoved my hand away before I could finish. "Get lost. It's already too late."

Then, without another word, she turned and strode out of the hall, heading upstairs. To her room.

People watched. Whispers filled the space. Murmurs scattered like falling leaves.

I leaned into Ethan's chest as he pulled me close, his warmth the only thing keeping me upright.

"Please, everyone, the party is over. Thank you very much for attending," Ethan said, dismissing the guests.

One by one, they left, their curious stares lingering until the last person was gone.

And then, we were alone, standing in the vast silence of the sitting hall.

"Hey, hey... my kitten, look at me." Ethan tilted my chin up, his deep eyes locking onto mine.

"Don't take anything mother had said to heart, okay? She can say whatever she wants, but we...." he exhaled sharply "we'll always be together. Always and forever. Promise..."

I shook my head and slowly turned away from him. "No, Ethan... you don't get it." My voice trembled. "She's right. I couldn't give this family an heir. I still can't." The words came out broken, muffled against his chest as he pulled me in.

His hand trailed through my hair, a touch so gentle that it almost shattered me. Without a word, he led me toward our bedroom.

"Ethan...?" I called softly as we walked.

"Yes, kitten?" His voice was calm, patient. "Tell me."

I stopped, wiping the last of my tears away. He turned to face me, eyes searching mine, waiting.

I hesitated, then forced the words out. "Can we try again?"

His brows knit together. "Try what again?" His tone was sharp, and hard to read.

I swallowed hard. "Having a child. I mean..." I took a deep breath. "We should try again tonight."

I stepped closer, my fingers trembling as they gripped his collar.

It had been so long. Too long. Every time I reached for him, he pulled away, muttering something about not wanting to "stress me." And I had listened. I had swallowed my pride, my desires, and let it go.

But tonight-tonight had to be different. I had been taking the medications Dr. Marlowe prescribed, the ones Mother made sure I never missed. She had done everything to make sure I conceived.

This was the perfect time.

"Let's have sex tonight, Ethan... please."

I hated how desperate I sounded. As if I was begging for something that should come naturally in a marriage. As if intimacy was something I had to earn.

But here I was, pleading for what should have always been mine.

(Scarlette's)

Ethan stood frozen, staring at me as if he hadn't heard a word I just said.

"Ethan?" I waved my fingers in front of his face, my stomach twisting. "Did you hear me?" My voice trembled a bit.

Of course, he had heard me. Loud and clear. But my dear husband, always so careful, always so composed-would find a way out of this. He always did.

"Kitten... um..." He cleared his throat, forcing a smile. "You should rest. It's late, and we just finished celebrating our fifth anniversary. That was huge, right? Let's just..." His hand landed lightly on my shoulder, steering me toward the bedroom door, trying to end the conversation before it even began.

But I wasn't letting this go.

"No!" I snapped, shoving his hand off.

His eyes darkened, caught off guard by my sudden outburst.

"Why can't we have sex, Ethan?" My breath hitched, anger bubbling up. "It's been so long since you touched me. And right now, I'm starting to think otherwise."

His jaw tightened. "Scarlette, that's enough." His voice turned sharp. "You're trying to start an argument, and it's pointless."

"Pointless?" I let out a bitter laugh. "You think having a baby is pointless? Five years, Ethan. Five fucking years!"

"What the hell is wrong with us having sex?"

My chest rose and fell quickly. "You've been avoiding me... not touching me, not even making love to me as your wife."

I took a deep breath, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"Tell me.. Ethan, Why can't we have sex?" The words slipped out sharper than I intended, but softer than a scream. A cry more than an accusation.

"If you think I didn't notice, or I didn't crave to be touched, then you must be joking." I spun on my heel and stormed into the bedroom.

Ethan followed.

It had been eight long months since Ethan last touched me, and yet he acted as if it wasn't a big deal. As if our marriage could survive without intimacy. As if I should be okay with it.

I walked to the vanity table, my fingers moving quickly as I removed my jewelry, earrings, necklace, rings-dropping them onto the glass surface with soft clinks. My chest felt tight, frustration crawling under my skin.

I stood, walked to the closet, and grabbed a silk nightdress, slipping it on before sitting back down at the vanity.

Ethan was already heading toward the bathroom when I suddenly spoke.

"Fine. If you won't have sex with me, and you don't think having a child is important, let's adopt one."

My voice was calm, but desperation lingered in the words.

Ethan stopped mid-step, his hand gripping the doorframe. Slowly, he turned to look at me.

"Adoption?" he echoed, his face was hard to read.

I met his gaze in the mirror. "Yes. Let's adopt a child."

A long silence stretched between us before he scoffed. "And this... is it for you? Or is it for my mother?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the thick air.

I exhaled, turning my back to him. "Whatever, Ethan. But it's happening."

I heard his sharp intake of breath, the tension thickening. Without another word, he stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

That night, the silence between us was unbearable. Suffocating.

Ethan came out of from the bathroom, barely sparing me a glance. Without a word, he climbed into bed, pulled the sheets over himself, and turned away as if he had nothing to worry about.

I turned off the lights and slipped into bed beside him, forcing myself to push away the day's frustrations.

I wrapped my arms around Ethan, hoping-just hoping... that maybe he'd feel something. That maybe he'd remember I was still his wife. That a woman was holding him. But he didn't even flinch.

And in that moment, I couldn't help but wonder... maybe Mother was right.

Maybe I really am just a stick-unwanted, unfelt, invisible.

Just as my eyelids grew heavy, a message beeped from Ethan's phone.

I tensed.

Usually, he turned off his phone before bed. Why hadn't he tonight? Was he expecting something?

Another beep.

I glanced at him-his breathing was deep, steady. He was already snoring.

I hesitated for only a second before reaching for his phone on the nightstand. The screen was locked.

Strange. Ethan had never locked his phone before, Or maybe I just haven't noticed that he has started locking his phone. My stomach tightened.

I tried my birthday.

Incorrect.

His birthday.

Incorrect.

Our anniversary.

Wrong again.

A cold chill ran down my spine.

With shaking fingers, I tried his middle name.

{Thane.}

The phone unlocked.

And then I saw messages from an unknown number.

My breath caught in my throat as I clicked on them.

{Baby, when are we going to see again? I've missed you!}

{Let's meet tomorrow. Damn, I need to see you. Address below.}

My hands trembled. My lips parted, but no sound came out.

Ethan... was cheating on me?

No. No, this couldn't be real. Not my Ethan. Not the man I had loved for years.

But the proof was right there, glowing on the screen in the darkness.

I clenched the phone tighter, my chest tightening, my stomach twisting with nausea.

Who was she? How long had this been going on?

A thousand questions burned in my mind, but none hurt as much as the one I couldn't ignore.

Was I ever enough for him?

The night stretched on, long and torturous, but I never closed my eyes.

I had been stabbed by the one person I trusted most.

********

Morning came too quickly-too damn quickly.

As I opened my eyes, the sting of betrayal returned, raw and cruel. My vision blurred with fresh tears. Last night played over in my mind like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from.

I hadn't yet confirmed who she was. But I would.

Today.

Today, I'd find out if Ethan truly was the man behind those messages.

If he really had another woman.

Ethan was already awake-fully dressed, standing in front of the mirror, humming softly to himself.

Unbothered. Unmoved. As if nothing had happened.

As if we hadn't had a fight. As if he hadn't shut me down. Like he wasn't fucking another woman behind my back. Goddammit!

I sat up slowly, stretching my arms and legs.

"Ethan..." I murmured, rubbing my eyes. "You're up early... and dressed already."

He glanced at me through the mirror with a casual smile. "Yes, yes... I've got an important meeting in a few minutes."

He turned, straightening his jacket. "Kitten... about what we talked about yesterday..."

I stood up, walked to him, and began adjusting his tie. My fingers tightened a little too much around the knot. I imagined what it would feel like to just... pull.

Strangle the lies out of him.

But no. Not yet. First, I needed proof.

"Yes?" I asked calmly. "We talked about a lot. So... which part exactly?"

He gave a small laugh. "The adoption. I think we should think it through. Not rush into any harsh decisions, you know?"

His hands landed gently on my shoulders. I felt his touch like poison.

I cut him off. "Yes. I thought about it too... last night." I looked him straight in the eyes, forcing a smile. "You're right. Maybe adoption can wait. Until I... confirm a few things."

He nodded quickly, clearly relieved. "Good. That's... good."

Then he leaned in and pressed a kiss to my forehead. I stayed still, like a statue, letting it happen.

Liar.

He picked up his briefcase and left.

Left to see her, Left to meet his whore.

But I was done sitting still.

Today, I will find her. Figuring out whom my Husband's other woman is will absolutely be my goddamn mission today.

Scarlette's POV. 3.

Marriage, they say, is something to be happy about. A thing of joy for every growing woman.

Thane and I had been together since our college days.

We survived the struggles, the long nights, the dreams built from nothing, together. Even though he came from a wealthy family, and i, an average background. So when we finally decided to get married, it felt like the perfect ending to our story... or at least, I thought it was.

I thought our love was unshakable. I thought his heart was tied to mine the way mine was knotted to his.

But maybe I was wrong. Maybe I was just the only one still holding on.

I heard Ethan's car horns from the room, even though the mansion was massive-too massive yet the sound still reached me.

A part of me wanted to cover my ears. But no, I needed to hear it, to know for sure that he was gone.

Gone to meet her.

The moment the final echo of the engine faded, so did my last hope.

The betrayal stung again, deeper this time.

Even in the bathroom, as water poured down my skin, it didn't soften my heart, It made it colder. Harder.

This wasn't heartbreak, This was war.

I didn't dress up in diamonds or luxury. Not today. Today, I wore something simple unnoticeable.

This wasn't the outfit of a billionaire's wife.

It was the outfit of a woman about to walk into hell.

I grabbed my bag and headed out.

Just as I stepped halfway toward the front door, a voice stopped me.

"Ma'am Scarlette?"

I turned slowly. One of the maids stood there, fidgeting.

I forced a smile onto my lips. "Yes, dear?"

She hesitated. "Are you... heading out somewhere?"

"Oh yes. I've got... something to catch up on," I replied flatly, still wearing that smile like a mask.

She stepped forward, holding out a small glass of water and a pack of pills.

"Then you should take your meds first. You didn't forget, did you?"

Damn it! This again?

These stupid pills. I wasn't going to take them anymore.

"I'll take them when I get back," I said quickly, already turning away.

I caught the flicker of panic in her eyes.

"But... Mr. Ethan's mother said-"

I didn't let her finish, I was already out the door.

Already sliding into the car.

She ran after me, calling, but I didn't care.

Not today. Not now.

What I was about to find out meant more than anyone's rules. More than pills. More than appearances.

I needed the truth.

And I was going to get it-no matter what it cost.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I drove straight to the hotel, One of the biggest in the city. A known place, Classy. Discreet. Expensive Place.

Of course, he'd pick somewhere like this. Maybe a show off.

I walked quickly through the hotel's grand hall and approached the reception desk.

A young lady stood behind the counter, smiling warmly. Too warmly.

"Hello," I said, forcing a polite smile.

"Yes, ma'am. Good day. Are you here to book a room?" she asked cheerfully.

"Uh... no."

I saw her raise an eyebrow.

"Actually, I'm here to look for someone. A man, by the way..." I sighed heavily.

She nodded slowly, waiting. "Okay...?"

"His name is Ethan Thane Newton. I got a message that he's here... in one of your rooms."

I smiled again. A forced smile. A desperate one.

But I had to keep calm.

She turned to her system and typed something quickly.

Then her eyes met mine-hesitating. There was something. Maybe, She knew something.

But then her expression shifted.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. But it's against hotel policy to disclose any guest information."

I clenched my teeth.

"But... if you have an appointment with the guest, you could call him and ask him to ring the room's landline-"

"I am his wife," I said sharply, cutting her off.

"Do you understand that? His wife."

Her smile faded.

"I'm really sorry, ma'am. But we still can't help you," she said quietly, stepping back a little.

Another lady behind the counter had been watching the whole time. Her eyes looked worried. Pitying.

She wanted to say something, I could feel it-but she stayed silent.

There was nothing more I could do.

I clenched and unclenched my fists, forcing myself to stay composed.

I turned around. My heels clicking against the floor.

Each step heavier than the last.

I had almost reached the exit when I heard a quiet voice from behind- a voice cut through the rage brewing in my chest.

"Ma'am..."

I stopped.

Hope? Or more heartbreak?

I had come here to find Ethan-in this godforsaken place. A filthy hotel. A place I never imagined I'd ever find the man I called my husband. My ever-loyal, ever-faithful husband... or so I thought.

Five years.

Five whole fucking years of marriage. Of love, of sacrifice. Of me fighting for us while he was hiding this.

Ethan, the man who held my hand through sleepless nights, who promised forever. The man who kissed my tears away when the pregnancy tests came back negative. The man who said he'd wait. Who said we'd try again.

And here he was. In a hotel. With someone else.

He didn't just cheat-he perfected the art of hiding it. He fucking trained himself not to get caught. Controlled his urges in front of me. Lied so well, he had me thanking him for being a good husband while he was fucking someone behind my back.

I came here with my heart in my hands.

Now I'm leaving with rage in my veins? Damn!

"I know where they are, ma'am."

I turned fully to the lady, my grip tightening around the golden handbag clutched in my trembling hands. A hotel staff member stood before me, her expression was hard to read.

"Yes, go ahead." My voice was steady, but my forehead was already creased with the weight of my rage and betrayal.

Her heels clicked against the tiled floor as she stepped closer. "Mr. Newton, the man you asked about... He's in one of our rooms. If you'd like, I can take you there."

I let out a slow, shuddering breath. "I know this is against the rules, but... thank you for seeing through my tears."

She hesitated, as if sensing the storm within me, but nodded. She didn't know my story, couldn't possibly understand the nightmare I was about to step into.

"Please. Take me there."

We stepped into an elevator. Each step toward the room felt like a march toward my own destruction. My Goddamn Execution. My heart pounded in my chest, bracing for the horror.

Outside the door, I gave her a single nod. She swiped the key card, the lock clicking open far too easily. Against the rules. I didn't care. Rules didn't matter when your marriage was about to shatter into a million jagged pieces. The door opened a bit.

Then I heard it.

Moans.

Deep, guttural, raw sounds of pleasure. Skin slapping against skin.

Ethan.

The staff member glanced at me, eyes filled with unspoken sympathy. I nodded again. She stepped back-then left.

Great.

She was wise to flee.

I pushed the door open fully, and there he was. My husband. My Ethan. His body tangled with another's.

And then I saw her.

Emelia.

My sister. My own Younger Sister.

"Fuck!" My voice ripped through the air, but nothing could have prepared me for the way they scrambled-the way they both reached for the same sheet, desperate to cover themselves, to erase what I had already seen.

But it was too late.

Too fucking late.

There had always been another woman.

I just never thought it would be her. My own Blood Sister, with my Own husband.

Their eyes widened. Mouths parted.

They didn't expect me. They thought I'd never know. That I'd never find out. Not in this lifetime.

"Sister... um... what are you doing here? I mean-how did you find out..."

My younger sister stuttered, trying to scramble for an excuse.

But I raised my hand. I wasn't here for her pathetic explanation. My eyes were already fixed on the man who stood at the center of this betrayal. My husband.

"Ethan..." My voice trembled, but I held my ground. "How did you end up doing this to me? How long? How long has this fucking been going on?"

A tear rolled down my cheek. I didn't even bother wiping it away. Let them see it. The frustration. The anger. The betrayal. The pain. All fighting for space on my face.

He didn't say a word.

Of course he didn't.

"Fine." I spat the word like poison.

Before either of them could open their mouths again, I turned around and walked out.

I didn't just leave.

I slammed the damn door behind me.