THE BILLIONAIRE'S BETRAYAL: Married To My Ex's Brother

River's POV

"Inmate 304, you've been released." I heard the cold voice of the warder, who had made my life a living hell in this prison. I'm very sure she was sent by the devil to punish me, and every time I hear her voice, I get disgusted.

My face slowly rose from the worn-out concrete floor, my eyes heavy with exhaustion. I've been feeling nauseous for months now, but I brushed it off as exhaustion from prison life.

Nine months of hard labour, endless nights spent on a thin mattress, and the weight of betrayal hung heavy on my shoulders. My fiancé Rowan, who was also my boss, was the reason I had ended up here.

He had promised to bail me out after two months after I agreed to cover up his crimes, but I guess it didn't just work out, and I ended up serving 9 months.

Silence filled the void where his promises once lay; my heart still ached from the wounds of his abandonment. With a groan, I pushed myself up, my joints creaking in protest.

My legs trembled beneath me, threatening to collapse. I finally stood up, trying to steady myself, when I suddenly felt a sharp, stabbing pain pierce my abdomen, stealing my breath.

"Ahh!" I cried out, clutching my stomach as the agony intensified. My vision became blurry, and my knees buckled as I collapsed onto the cold floor, my palms scraping against the rough concrete.

"Help..." I whispered, my voice barely audible. The warder's expression remained unchanged, her eyes cold as stone. "Are you trying to be an actress right now, 304?" She asked.

I still couldn't move as the pain consumed me. My screams echoed through the cold, grey walls as I clutched my stomach, overwhelmed by searing pain. "Why now?" I cried, tears streaming down my face. "I just got released..."

But no one responded...the warder, the other inmates...everyone turned a blind eye. Suddenly, the warder rushed out the moment she figured I wasn't joking. "Stay here; I'll get help!" she called over her shoulder.

In no time more warders burst in, their faces filled with concern. "We need to get her up," one said, and with that, they held my hands, lifting me. And then I felt it...a warm gush spreading down my legs.

"No...no...this can't be happening to me," I whispered, horror-stricken. One of the warders glanced down. "Did your water just break?" She asked, and her eyes widened in shock.

Many thoughts ran through my mind. How? The warders quickly supported me, guiding me out of the room. "We need to get you to the clinic, now," she yelled.

The warders rushed me to the cell's clinic, their grip tight as I stumbled. My whole body was trembling as fear sank in. "I didn't know I was pregnant..." I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

As we entered the clinic, the bright lights and antiseptic smell overwhelmed me. The nurses swarmed around, their faces blurred. A kind-faced nurse helped me onto the hospital bed, her hands gentle.

"A cryptic pregnancy," the doctor murmured. "It's rare, but it happens." I felt the sharp pain seize me again, making me scream in agony.

The doctor's voice became urgent. "It's time, 304; we need to get your baby out." The doctor moved swiftly, preparing me for delivery. I felt exposed and vulnerable.

"Push!" the doctor urged, her voice firm but encouraging. I screamed, my body straining. The pain consumed me, unlike anything I'd experienced before.

"It hurts, doctor," I cried, my voice hoarse. "Just one more push, 304," the doctor coaxed. With a final surge, I screamed again, pushing.

The pain peaked, and then... silence.

-

A tiny cry filled the room. "It's a baby girl," the doctor announced, smiling. Tears of joy and shock streamed down my face as the nurse placed my daughter in my arms. I couldn't believe I was a mother now.

As the nurses tended to me and my baby girl, my thoughts turned to Rowan: Would he accept this child? The uncertainty lingered, but one thing was clear: my life had forever changed.

I cradled my baby girl, still surprised at the fact I had just been released and now I have a child. I never imagined giving birth in prison or that I was even pregnant.

"River!"

I turned to the familiar voice. Nova, my best friend and my lawyer. "Awwww, River, I'm so happy for you!" Nova exclaimed, rushing to my side.

"How come you never told me you were pregnant?" She said, her face full of shock. "I had a cryptic pregnancy, Nova," I smiled weakly. Nova had saved me from a lifetime in prison, working tirelessly to prove my innocence.

"Thank you, Nova," I whispered, grasping Nova's hand. "River, are you okay? You seem... lost," Nova asked.

"I'm fine, just overwhelmed," I replied, avoiding eye contact. "You deserve better than someone who abandoned you," Nova said gently.

"I know, but Rowan... he's different. He's busy, that's all," I rationalised. "Anyway, you're free, River. And now, you have a precious reason to start anew."

As I gazed at my baby, I knew Nova was right. This little one was my second chance. After a few hours, the hospital discharged me, Nova arranged for a cab, and in no time I was back home.

Thankful for Nova; she had already helped me clean up my apartment and ordered a few things I needed while we were at the hospital. My thoughts swirled to Rowan; maybe he had been trying to help me get out too.

I couldn't bear the thought of him abandoning me just like that. "I love him so much," I said subconsciously. I dialled Rowan's number repeatedly, but it went straight to voicemail.

"Maybe he's busy," I said to Nova, trying to sound convinced. Nova nodded sympathetically, her expression sceptical. I paced back and forth, my phone glued to my ear.

I had been calling Rowan and his assistant all day, but no one answered. "River, you just gave birth. Please rest. Why don't you try tomorrow?" Nova suggested.

My eyes welled up with tears. "I just want to see him." Nova's expression softened. "He'll come around tomorrow. Rest now, okay? Your baby's asleep."

"I'll see you tomorrow, River. I have a case to handle in the morning." I didn't say a word as I moved to Nova, hugging her tightly.

"Thank you for everything, Nova, and I know you're going to crash that case tomorrow," I said, giving her a smile and watching her leave. I looked down at my baby girl, sleeping peacefully.

"Mummy is here for you," I said, allowing the tears I had been holding to fall.

~Two days later~

Rowan's voicemail greeted me again. I slammed my fist on the bed in frustration. Why Rowan? Don't you know I have been released?

Immediately an idea struck me: what if I take my baby to Rowan's home, surprising him? I knew he didn't like it when I came over unannounced, but I had no choice right now.

I tried to call his assistant again; this time around he picked up, but there was silence. "Why isn't he saying anything?" I wondered.

Just then, my phone buzzed with an anonymous text: "Meet Rowan at The Emerald Grand Hotel." My heart skipped a beat. Was this his assistant?

I quickly grabbed my baby's things, covered her properly, and called a cab. "The Emerald Grand Hotel, please," I instructed the driver. As we drove, so many questions ran through my mind.

What would Rowan say? Would he be happy to see me and our child? We arrived at the hotel, and my eyes widened. The entrance was buzzing with people, fancy decorations, and flashing cameras.

I couldn't help but wonder what Rowan was doing here. I took a deep breath, paid for the fare, and stepped out. Another text arrived: "Come inside, River. He's waiting." My smile widened.

Did Rowan want to surprise me? I pushed through the crowd, my baby snug in my arms. And the moment I entered the main hall, my smile froze.

In front of me was Rowan exchanging vows with no other person than my best friend Nova!

River's POV

Nova-my best friend who helped get me out of prison. The one who smiled in my face, held my baby, and told me I'd be fine. There she was, standing in a white dress, holding the hand of the man I loved.

My legs trembled. Rowan's eyes met mine. His face went pale, like he'd seen a ghost. His mouth opened, but no words came. He clearly had no idea I'd been released.

Nova... she saw me too. Our eyes locked...and then she smiled. Like everything was perfect. Like she was the happiest woman on earth. I couldn't breathe.

No one else seemed to notice me standing there like a statue. Just them. I stumbled to the back and sat on a pew. I tried not to cry, but the tears came anyway...hot, heavy, and unstoppable.

I looked up again. They were still standing there, smiling at each other. Why did Nova help me get out? Was it to mock me? To watch me break down?

Then it hit me-she must have been the one who sent that message telling me to meet Rowan here. This was her plan all along.

I remembered how they laughed at the office, the silly jokes they shared, and how they hung out because she worked at the company too. But I never thought it would mean anything.

She was my best friend. She wouldn't betray me... right?

My chest ached, and I felt like I was falling...but there was no one to catch me. I looked down at the engagement ring on my finger. The one I never took off. The one I held onto every single day in prison.

I told myself it meant something. That he loved me. That he would wait. But it was all a lie.

All for nothing.

I wiped my tears with my sleeve and raised my head to watch the rest of the show. I noticed Rowan kept glancing at me like he expected me to cause a scene.

Then suddenly the priest spoke. "If anyone has a reason why these two should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace."

And I stood up.

Every head turned.

Gasps. Whispers.

"Isn't that Rowan Kane's P.A.?"

"The assistant who disappeared after the scandal..." They recognised me. Rowan's hands began to shake. Sweat beaded on his forehead, even in the air-conditioned room.

He thought I'd speak up. Thought I'd reveal everything. But I didn't. I just looked at him for the last time. Then I turned around and walked out of the building.

The doors shut behind me, sealing in the music, the lies, and the pain. I stood outside and took a shaky breath. My eyes were sore...I had no tears left to cry. I slipped the ring off my finger and threw it far into the street.

And there-right in front of that building-I made a promise to myself: Rowan Kane was going to pay for what he did to me. At just 23, he had destroyed my life. Left me with a prison record that would stain everything I tried to build.

Now, I'd destroy him. No matter how long it took.

Piece by piece.

I started walking, trying to flag down a cab. But I was so lost in thought...thinking about everything and nothing all at once...that I didn't see the car. And before I knew what was happening, it knocked me off my feet.

Then pain-blinding and sharp, shooting through me like lightning. I heard shouting. Someone screamed my name or maybe it was in my head.

My baby.

I turned my head just enough to see her on the ground...so small, so still...and then everything went black.

~~~~

When I opened my eyes again, everything was hazy. The light above me was too bright. A steady beeping echoed somewhere nearby.

My head throbbed with a deep, dull ache. I blinked, trying to focus. White ceiling. Hospital bed. The sheet over me smelt faintly of disinfectant.

"My baby", I croaked, my voice dry and cracked. I tried to sit up, but pain shot through my skull, making me groan.

"Ouch..."

"Be careful, dear," a calm voice said beside me. I turned my head slowly and winced. A tall man stood next to me, with kind eyes and a gentle expression. I didn't know him.

"Who are you?" I asked, barely whispering.

"Oh-I'm Killian," he said with a small smile. "I was the one who brought you here. You were hit by a cab, but thank God, it wasn't too serious."

I didn't care about that.

I only cared about one thing. "Where's my baby?" My throat tightened. My heart pounded. Before he could answer, the door opened. A doctor walked in holding a clipboard, wearing the practiced, tired smile doctors always wear.

"Oh, you're awake," he said cheerfully. But I didn't look at him. I couldn't. My eyes locked on the person behind him...a nurse, walking in quietly.

In her arms was my baby.

Safe.

Whole.

Wrapped in the same little blanket I'd tucked around her that morning. I let out a shaky breath, my chest loosening for the first time since waking.

The nurse gently placed her in my arms. "There you are," I whispered. My baby blinked up at me, sleepy and soft. "You need to be careful, please."

"It looks like your baby is just two days old, and you still need more rest after giving birth. This accident could have been worse, but we thank God that you and your baby are fine." His words came with a kind smile.

I felt a soft rush of relief, even as my body still ached from the crash. He turned slightly and nodded towards the man standing quietly near the door. "Thanks also to this gentleman over here who rushed you in on time."

My eyes followed his gaze, and I looked at the man again. "I've prescribed some drugs for you to help with the pain."

"You can leave whenever you're ready; the gentleman has sorted your bills." I couldn't say anything for a moment. My throat felt tight and my eyes began to sting.

"Thank you so much, Killian. I'm so grateful you saved my life." My voice cracked a little, and I quickly wiped the tears from my cheek. I didn't even want to think about what could have happened if he hadn't shown up.

I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself if anything had happened to my baby. He gave me a small smile. "Let me know whenever you're ready to leave."

"Oh, it's fine. I can get home myself. You've done enough for me already." I didn't want to bother him anymore. He didn't argue much, but before he turned to go, he asked softly if he could have my number.

I hesitated, looking at him for a moment. Something about it made me uneasy. I didn't want him to come back expecting more than I could give.

He didn't look like the kind of man who helped just to help, and I wasn't sure I was ready to find out if I was wrong.

So I said no.

He didn't push. He just nodded slowly, almost like he had expected it. After a while he still went out of his way to get me a cab. "Be safe," he said softly. I watched the hospital fade behind me as the car pulled away.

I couldn't stop thinking about everything that had happened just in the space of two days. Even if I never saw Killian again, I'd always remember what he did for us.

Getting home was slow and painful; every step sent a sharp ache through my body, but I held my baby close and kept moving because I had made up my mind.

I couldn't stay here any longer, not after everything that had happened. I was done waiting for things to get worse. I had already planned to leave the country for good.

I was an orphan with no one to turn to. Now I have to start over somewhere far away and raise my child in peace. Even though my body screamed for rest, I began packing my bags.

I folded clothes with shaking hands, trying not to think about Nova...my best friend who I now knew would betray me. If she could turn her back on me like that, then what else was she capable of?

The night dragged on. I couldn't sleep. I lay on the bed with my baby beside me, staring at the ceiling. I thought about Rowan, about how much I gave him, how much I sacrificed.

And now, he was married to someone else, living a life I thought we were building together. I was lost in that pain when I heard footsteps...soft but steady-somewhere in the house.

My whole body froze. Fear wrapped around me so tight I couldn't breathe. I sat up, my heart racing, and reached for the lamp on the table. It was the only thing I could grab.

I crept out of the room, each step heavy with dread, and when I turned the corner, I saw him...a man in a black hoodie. "How did he get into my apartment?"

I patiently waited for him to get close, and when he did, I raised the lamp, ready to hit him, but he was too fast. He grabbed me...his hand over my mouth, the other tight around my arm.

I fought him with everything I had, and when I broke free, I finally saw his face in the dim light.

It was Killian!

"River," he whispered my name. But it wasn't the way he said it that scared me. It was the look in his eyes.

River's POV

As soon as I moved back and opened my mouth to scream for help, his hand shot forward again and covered it tightly, silencing me before any sound could leave my lips.

"I swear I'm not here to hurt you." He said.

I struggled hard, hitting and twisting my body, trying to get free, but his grip was too strong. He was much bigger than me, and even though I fought with everything I had, it felt like trying to fight a wall.

My chest burned from the effort, and my heart was beating so fast it felt like it would break out of my body. I should have trusted my gut. Something about him had felt off from the beginning.

And now here he was, in my home, in the middle of the night, holding me like this. His eyes were too calm for someone who just broke into a woman's house.

"Be silent, River," he whispered into my ear, his voice low but firm. "I'll only let you go if you don't shout." I nodded slowly, fear tightening around my throat like a rope.

He waited for a moment, then finally let me go. I stepped back quickly, coughing as I tried to catch my breath. The way he'd held me had made it hard to breathe, and my chest ached with every breath I pulled in.

"What are you doing here?" I said, my voice hoarse. "We need to leave now, River. I think someone is after your life," he said, his words barely louder than a whisper.

I stared at him in disbelief. "Why should I believe you?" I asked, my voice sharp with anger and fear.

"You broke into my house. How do you even know where I live? Did you follow me?" He looked frustrated but tried to stay calm.

"I'll explain everything later. There's no time right now."

"Well, I'm not going anywhere with you," I snapped. My whole body was shaking, not just from fear but from how wrong all of this felt. He was saying all the right words, but everything he was doing screamed danger.

"What if you are the one behind it all?" I said, taking another step back. He opened his mouth, but he stuttered, "Me... why would I...?" His voice trailed off, and for a second, something like guilt flashed across his face.

But then he stepped forward again and said, "Please, just trust me. We need to go now." Before I could respond, the sound of glass shattering exploded through the house.

I froze in place, my heart leaping to my throat. It came from the living room. Someone had broken in. "What's happening?" I asked, my voice trembling, the panic fully sinking into my bones now.

Killian's eyes widened, and this time there was no calm in them. Only urgency. "They're here," he said. "We need to leave now, River. Now." He didn't wait for me to respond.

He ran past me into the room and reached for my baby, wrapping her in a blanket and holding her carefully. Immediately I entered, I locked the room door.

I hesitated only for a second, then grabbed the bag I had packed earlier, my hands fumbling with the straps as the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway. I followed Killian to the bedroom window.

He pushed it open and helped me climb out first. I could barely breathe, my hands shaking so badly I almost dropped the bag. He handed the baby to me once he was out too, and without looking back, we ran into the streets to his car.

I didn't know who was chasing us. I didn't even know if I could trust the man beside me. I just knew one thing for sure-someone wanted me dead. Killian drove so fast I could barely think straight.

And then all of a sudden he noticed the men were already following us. The tyres screeched as he turned from one street to another, trying to lose the car chasing us.

I sat in the back seat, holding my baby so tight against my chest that I was afraid I might wake her, but somehow, she stayed asleep through it all. My thoughts were all over the place.

Who were those men? What did they want from me? And why was this stranger-this man I barely knew...risking so much to help me?

We kept driving, and the city lights slowly faded behind us until all I could see were trees and darkness. After what felt like forever, Killian looked into the rearview mirror, then finally let out a long breath.

"Finally," he muttered like he'd been holding it in for miles. I looked behind us too. The road was empty. No headlights, no sign of the car that had been chasing us. He didn't say much after that.

We drove a little farther, then turned off onto a dirt path deep in the woods. A small cabin came into view, hidden between tall trees. It looked like something from an old movie-quiet, far from everything. It felt like a hideout.

Killian got out of the car and opened my door. I stepped out slowly, my legs still weak, and followed him inside. The place was simple, dusty, and cold, but it was safe...or at least I hoped it was.

I sat down on the sofa while he locked the door behind us. My baby was still asleep in my arms, peaceful in a way that made me wish I could be too. I didn't even know what to say to Killian.

He had saved me again. And all I had done was accuse him, doubt him, and push him away. I felt so guilty. But why was he helping me? How did he know I was in danger?

I opened my mouth to speak, but he beat me to it. "Oh-you go first," he said, noticing I was about to talk. "No, you go," I replied, too tired to argue.

"We'll be leaving for New York first thing in the morning," he said, like it was already decided.

"We?" I asked, confused. "Why us?"

"You were already planning to leave, right?" he said. "Well, I've booked a flight for both of us. I'm the only one who can keep you safe right now." I stared at him, not even bothering to hide my confusion.

"I don't understand anything you've been saying. Who are you, really? And why are you helping me?"

"You really want to know?" He asked, with this strange look in his eyes, almost like he was mocking me.

"Yes," I said and nodded. "I want to know." He leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms.

"Well, like, you know, I'm Killian. But what you don't know is my full name...killian Kane. I'm the first son of the Kane's family, the real heir to the Chitox company. I'm also Rowan's elder brother."

My whole body went still.

I froze, unable to even blink. Rowan? No. That couldn't be true. I dated Rowan for years. I knew everything about him...or I thought I did. He never once mentioned a brother.

Not even by accident. Had he been hiding him from me this whole time? But before I could ask, Killian continued. "I know you're wondering why I'm helping you. So I'll tell you."

"I used to be a drug addict. My father locked me away in rehab for years, said I was a disgrace and made sure I couldn't come back. That's how Rowan took everything. But he's not clean either."

"I've been gathering proof for years. He's been running illegal businesses behind the company's name. And now I have one shot to expose him and take back what's mine. But I need a wife to do that. That's where you come in."

"A wife?" I said, shocked. "There's no way I'm marrying my ex's brother." He held his hands up, like he expected me to say that.

"Calm down. I'm not asking for love. My father's will states that I have to settle down and have a family before I can take over. So I'm offering a contract marriage. Two years."

"I will protect you and your baby. I will help you get revenge. When it's over, we go our separate ways."

"Why me?" I know he could get any woman he wanted. "You know everything about Rowan and the company, and you're already tied to him in the media. If we do this, we both win." He replied.

"And who sent those men?" I asked, even though deep down, I already knew the answer.

"Rowan", he said. Just that one word. And suddenly, it was too much. The tears came fast. I didn't try to stop them. I had trusted Rowan. I gave him everything.

And now... now he wanted me dead. Because I knew too much. "I know about the prison," Killian said gently. "I know he set you up. I know what he did. But this is your chance to fight back."

I wiped my face with my sleeve, trying to steady my breath. "Can I think about it? I'm really exhausted."

He nodded. "Fine. But we don't have much time."

Then he led me down a short hallway and showed me a small room with a bed. I walked in and sat down, too tired to even undress. I heard him go back to the living room and shut the door behind him.

I placed my baby on the bed and lay beside her, finally letting my body rest. Sleep took me fast...I didn't even have the strength to think, because deep down, I already knew what I wanted.

When I woke, the cabin was quiet. I stepped into the living room and saw Killian sitting there, like he hadn't moved all night.

"Good morning, River," he said.

"Good morning," I replied, my voice calm. And then I looked him straight in the eye. "When are we getting married?"

He smiled. "When we get to New York",

"Then let's go. I'm ready to burn it all down."