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Chapter 34 Forgeries
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Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 35 His past
BerniceShock coursed through my veins like a bolt of lightning. I knew that Christian's mother had passed away years ago, so the idea that her paintings were hanging in Fed's gallery seemed impossible. Questions raced through my mind, but before I could voice them, Christian turned to the manager, his eyes flashing with a dangerous intensity."Where did you get these paintings?" he demanded, his voice low and controlled, but I could hear the undercurrent of anger and pain beneath the surface.The manager, sensing the shift in Christian's demeanor, took a step back. "We acquired them through a private collector," she explained, her voice carefully measured. "But I'm afraid I don't have much information about the artist herself."I could see the gears turning in the manager's head as she sensed an opportunity. She moved closer, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "If you're truly interested in the works, I'm sure we could come to some sort of arrangement."For a moment, I feared
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 36 Funeral
ChristianTen Years AgoThe day of my mother's funeral was a blur, a haze of grief and disbelief that settled over me like a suffocating fog. The sky was overcast. I stood by the gravesite, my eyes fixed on the polished mahogany casket that held my mother's lifeless body. The scent of freshly turned earth and the delicate aroma of the surrounding flower arrangements filled my nostrils, but I barely registered them.Beside me, my father, Aaron, stood with his arm wrapped around the waist of his new wife, Elina. The sight of them together, so soon after my mother's passing, made my stomach churn with disgust. Elina, with her perfectly coiffed hair and designer black dress, looked more like she was attending a social event than a funeral.I couldn't bring myself to look at them, to acknowledge their presence. The pain of my mother's death was still too raw, too fresh, and seeing my father move on so quickly with the woman he had been unfaithful with.As the casket was lowered to the grou
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 37 First Encounter
ChristianTen Years AgoI stormed out of the house, my blood boiling with rage. I couldn't stand being in that place a moment longer.As I marched towards the front door, two of my father's bodyguards appeared, blocking my path."Sorry, Christian," one of them said, his voice gruff. "But your father has ordered us to keep you here. You're not going anywhere."I clenched my fists, my anger rising. "Get out of my way," I growled, trying to push past them.But they didn't budge. Instead, they grabbed my arms, trying to restrain me. I struggled against their grip. I knew I was outnumbered and outmatched, but I refused to give in.I wrenched my arm free and swung at the nearest bodyguard. My fist connected with his jaw, sending him stumbling backwards. The other bodyguard lunged at me, but I ducked under his grasp and delivered a swift kick to his stomach.As the two men reeled from my blows, I seized my chance. I bolted for the door, yanking it open and running out into the street. I coul
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 38 Distraction
ChristianTen Years Ago"Don't tell me you're throwing away those tomatoes you bought," the girl said.There was a hint of amusement in her voice, and her eyes sparkled with amusement, and I could tell she was trying very hard not to laugh.I could feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment.I had no idea what I was doing, but I couldn't let her know that she'd been right all along. So I lied."No, I'm not throwing them away," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I actually made a delicious dinner with them last night. Best tomatoes I've ever had."The girl's smile widened, and I could tell she wasn't buying it for a second. "Oh really?" she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Then why are you throwing away the leftovers?"I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could come up with another lie, my stomach let out a loud, embarrassing growl. I felt my face flush even deeper as the girl burst out laughing."Sounds like your stomach disagrees with your story," she giggled, her eyes twi
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 39 Friends
ChristianTen Years AgoThe girl breezed past me. Her hair brushed against my arm as she headed for the kitchen. I followed her, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance."Wow, you really did a number on this place," she said, waving her hand in front of her face to clear the smoke. "Have you ever cooked before?"I bristled at her question, my pride once again getting the better of me. "Of course I have," I lied, crossing my arms over my chest. "I just got distracted, that's all."She gave me a knowing look, her lips twitching with amusement. "Distracted, huh? By what, exactly?"I felt my face heat up beneath the mask, and I was suddenly grateful for the covering. The truth was, I had been staring at her outside the window while cooking, but there was no way I could admit that."It's nothing," I mumbled, hoping she would drop the subject.To my relief, she simply shrugged and turned her attention back to the kitchen. "Well, lucky for you, I know a thing or two about cooking. L
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 40 Running
ChristianTen Years AgoI was rummaging through the old storage room when I heard the soft tinkling of piano keys.The soft, melodic notes drifted through the house. I hadn't heard anyone played in year. Intrigued, I followed the music, my footsteps leading me to the living room.There was Bernice. She looked so different than usual Bernie. Her fingers danced. I stood in the doorway, transfixed, watching her play.She finished playing."Wow," I breathed, leaning against the doorframe. "I didn't know you could play."Bernice looked up, startled, but then smiled. "Hey, Charlie," she said. "I hope you don't mind me playing your piano."I shook my head, stepping into the room. "After your invading my house all these days. Playing my piano is not a such big deal." I raised an eyebrow, "I had no idea you could play like that.""Oh, yeah. I've been playing since I was a kid. My mom taught me."I walked over and sat beside her on the bench. "You're really good."Bernice's smile widened, and s
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 41 Crush
ChristianTen Years Ago"Charlie, Charlie? " Bernice's gentle voice brought me back to reality.I blinked, pushing the peculiar feeling aside as an effect of our escape's exertions."What's the matter?" I asked.Bernice whispered. "Who was that? Why were they following us?""I don't know," I said, hating having to lie to her. I can still heard some distant sound of footsteps. I stepped back, putting some distance between us. "We should keep moving," I said, my voice rough. "Just to be safe."Bernice nodded.As Bernice and I made our way back, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were still being watched. My mind raced with possibilities of who could be following us and why. Probably it was Aaron's men, trying to track me down and bring me back."Bernie," I said, my voice low and serious. "I think you should head home. It's not safe for you to be around me right now."Aaron is a dominating person. Ever since I was young, every person and matter I've come into contact with has been unde
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 42 Guilt
ChristianTen Years AgoMy heart nearly leaped out of my chest as Bernice's eyes fluttered open, catching me mere inches from her face. I froze, hoping she was still half-asleep and hadn't noticed my compromising position.No such luck.Her brows furrowed slightly as she focused on me. "Charlie? What are you doing?""I, uh..." My mind raced for an excuse, any excuse. "You had some popcorn crumbs. On your face. I was just... getting them off for you."Wow, real smooth, Christian. I mentally facepalmed.Bernice looked at me quizzically for a moment, then shrugged. "Oh. Thanks, I guess." She yawned and stretched. "I think I'm going to conk out again, if that's cool with you. Unless there's something else you wanted to do...?"She let the question hang in the air. I swallowed hard. "Nope, all good here. Sleep away.""Mmkay. G'night." Bernice nestled back into the couch cushions, her eyes drifting shut."Night, Bernie," I whispered.I watched as her breathing slowed and deepened, her featu
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Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Epilogue
BerniceThe gentle sea breeze ruffled my hair as I stood on the balcony of our Hamptons beach house, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Ten years had passed since that first charity gala, a decade filled with more love, laughter, and fulfillment than I could have ever imagined."Penny for your thoughts?" Christian's voice came from behind me, as familiar and comforting as ever.I turned, smiling as he handed me a glass of wine. "Just reflecting. It's hard to believe it's been ten years."Christian nodded, leaning against the railing beside me. "Ten amazing years. And you know what? I have a feeling the best is still to come."As if on cue, the sound of children's laughter floated up from the beach below. I looked down to see Hope, now fourteen, chasing her younger siblings, seven-year-old Ethan and five-year-old Olivia, through the surf. Melissa and Alex's twins, eight-year-old Sophie and Lucas, were building an elaborate sandcastle nearby."Should we call them in for dinner?" I
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 196 A Night of Stars and Hope
BerniceThe grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel buzzed with excitement as New York's elite mingled, their designer gowns and tuxedos glittering under the chandeliers. I smoothed down the front of my own gown - a midnight blue creation that Cathy had insisted I wear - and scanned the room, making sure everything was in place for our charity gala."Relax, Bernie," Christian murmured in my ear, his hand warm on the small of my back. "Everything looks perfect."I turned to him, drinking in the sight of him in his tuxedo. Even after all these years, he still took my breath away. "I know, I know. I just want tonight to be perfect. We've worked so hard on this."Christian smiled, pressing a quick kiss to my temple. "It will be perfect. The Edward Hamilton Foundation's first major fundraiser - how could it be anything but?"I nodded, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. We had spent months planning this gala, bringing together all our friends and family to support the foundation's mission of
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 195 Love Blooms Anew
BerniceThe soft spring breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers through Central Park as I watched Melissa and Alex stroll hand in hand ahead of me. Christian walked beside me, pushing Hope's stroller as our daughter babbled happily, pointing at the colorful tulips lining the path."They look happy," I murmured to Christian, nodding towards Melissa and Alex.Christian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "They do. It's nice to see Melissa like this, isn't it? So carefree and content."I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. After everything Melissa had been through, seeing her find happiness with Alex felt like a small miracle.As we approached the Bethesda Fountain, I noticed Alex becoming increasingly fidgety. He kept reaching into his pocket, his face a mix of nervousness and excitement. I nudged Christian, raising an eyebrow in silent question. He nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips."You knew, didn't you?" I whispered accusingly.Christian shrugged,
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 194 Cathy was filing for divorce!
BerniceThe shrill ring of my phone pierced through the peaceful silence of our bedroom at an ungodly hour. I fumbled for it, nearly knocking over the lamp in my sleep-addled state."Hello?" I mumbled, squinting at the too-bright screen."BERNICE!" Cathy's voice exploded through the speaker, causing me to jerk the phone away from my ear. "I need you! It's an emergency! "I sat up, instantly alert. "Cathy? What's wrong? Is Lily okay?""Lily? Oh, she's fine. Sleeping like an angel, the little traitor," Cathy huffed. "No, it's much worse. I'm filing for divorce!"I blinked, trying to process this information. "Divorce?! Cathy, what are you talking about?""I'm leaving Taylor!" she wailed dramatically. "I can't take it anymore, Bernie. He's driving me insane! Do you know what he did?""What did he do?" I asked cautiously, already suspecting this was going to be something ridiculous."He left his socks on the floor. AGAIN!" Cathy's voice rose to a pitch that I'm sure only dogs could hear.
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 193 A Night to Remember
BerniceThe familiar New York skyline greeted us as our car wound its way through the city streets. After the rugged beauty of Scotland, the urban landscape felt both jarring and comforting. Hope was fast asleep in her car seat, her new stuffed highland cow clutched tightly to her chest."Home sweet home," Christian murmured, his hand finding mine in the space between us.As we pulled up to our building, I saw the doorman, George, step forward to help with our luggage. His familiar face broke into a warm smile as he saw us."Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Miller," he said, opening the car door. "How was your trip?""Wonderful, George, thank you," Christian replied, carefully lifting the still-sleeping Hope from her car seat. "But it's good to be home."I followed them into the building, my mind already racing with all the things we needed to do. Unpack, sort through mail, check in with work... The list seemed endless.As we entered our apartment, the silence enveloped us. After the bustle
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 192 A Journey to Edinburgh
BerniceThe early morning sun streamed through the windows of our Paris apartment, casting a golden glow over the scattered suitcases and travel documents strewn across the bed. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my blouse and taking a deep breath. Today was the day we'd been planning for weeks - our family trip to Scotland, to Christian's ancestral home."Mama! Mama!" Hope's excited voice preceded her as she toddled into the room, her little arms outstretched. I scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her chubby cheek."Are you ready for our big adventure, sweetheart?" I asked, smoothing down her unruly curls.Hope nodded enthusiastically. "See sheep!" she declared, her face lighting up with joy.I laughed, remembering the picture books of Scotland we'd been reading to her. "That's right, we're going to see lots of sheep. And castles, and lochs, and maybe even a highland cow or two."Christian appeared in the doorway, looking handsome in a casual sweater and jeans. The pendant I'd
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 191 Remembrance
BerniceThe soft glow of my desk lamp cast shadows across the scattered sketches and gemstones before me. It was well past midnight, but sleep eluded me. I was searching for a way to help Christian through his mourning.I picked up a rough sapphire, turning it over in my palm. Its deep blue reminded me of Edward's eyes, always twinkling with mischief and kindness. An idea began to form in my mind, a way to capture a piece of Edward's spirit in something tangible that Christian could carry with him.With renewed energy, I began to sketch. The design took shape under my pencil - a simple yet elegant pendant. A teardrop-shaped sapphire, surrounded by a delicate filigree of white gold, designed to look like the intertwining branches of a family tree. At the base of the pendant, almost hidden within the metalwork, I planned to engrave Edward's initials and the coordinates of his favorite spot in Paris - a bench in the Jardin des Tuileries where he used to take Christian as a boy.As the fi
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 190 A Final Farewell
BerniceIt was a moment of pure magic, tinged with the bittersweet knowledge that it might be one of Edward's last.The night stretched on, marked by Edward's labored breathing and occasional coughs. His skin had taken on a grayish pallor, and his cheeks seemed more sunken than ever. Every so often, his eyes would flutter open, unfocused and glassy, before closing again.Dr. Fournier entered the room for what felt like the hundredth time that night. He checked Edward's vitals with practiced efficiency, his brow furrowing as he noted the dropping blood pressure and weakening pulse. "We've increased his morphine dosage," he murmured to Christian. "He shouldn't be in any pain now."Edward's fingers twitched sporadically against the bedsheet, and his breathing became more irregular - sometimes rapid and shallow, then pausing for long, terrifying moments before resuming. The oxygen mask fogged rhythmically with each exhale, a visual reminder of his continuing fight.As dawn approached, Edw
Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother Chapter 189 The End of His Life
BerniceChristian rushed in, followed closely by Dr. Fournier. For the next few minutes, the room was a flurry of activity as the doctor checked Edward's vitals and responses.Slowly, miraculously, Edward's eyes fluttered open. They were unfocused at first, but then they found Christian's face."Chris... Christian," he rasped, his voice barely audible around the breathing tube.Christian's face broke into a smile, tears streaming down his cheeks. "I'm here, Grandfather. I'm right here."Dr. Fournier quickly removed the breathing tube, replacing it with an oxygen mask. "Mr. Hamilton," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Try not to speak too much. You've been through quite an ordeal."Edward nodded weakly, his eyes never leaving Christian's face. He lifted a shaky hand, which Christian immediately grasped."I'm sorry," Edward whispered. "I'm so sorry."Christian frowned, confused. "Sorry? Grandfather, you have nothing to be sorry for. You're going to be okay. You're going to get better
