Alle Kapitel von My Husband's Brother: Kapitel 31 – Kapitel 40

Conor I knock on the door quietly. She answers with a surprised yes and I get in the small library on the second floor. “I was hoping to find you here, “I smile at Olivia and close the door carefully behind me. “I hope I am not interrupting anything. “ I say. As if I can interrupt anything she does. “Conor, I am so glad to see you. “ she gets up and comes to greet me. Olivia kisses one of my cheeks, then the other. “We live in the same hours, and it's’ surprising how rarely I get the chance to see you. “ Olivia says. “I am quite busy at the office. ““Of course. Philip tells me the same. “ She looks marvellous as always. Olivia is wearing a creamy-coloured dress with nice, matching shoes, but not high- heels. Her hair has already been made and I catch the faint scent of her Chanel number 5 perfume. She is a classy woman, unlike the rest of the leeches here. “How have you been?” she asks as she goes to the armchair and closes the book she was reading. “I am pretty occupie

Violet I step into the conference room hesitantly. That's when everyone starts clapping and I glance around confused. Dominic is leaning against the wall, smiling. All our colleagues are here, even the new ones. There’s also a table on which I see catering and bottles of wine and champagne. Philip steps out and comes to me. He takes my hand and leads me to stand in front of everyone. I am still confused. I search Dominic’s eye for an answer, but he only nods. “Violet, “ Philip says and smiles widely at me. “I have never hidden my admiration for your work, as well the fact I am thankful to have you as part of the company. “ He doesn’t mention I am part of the family too, which right now is a good thing. “It is thanks to you and Dominic’s hard work that we are very close to completing the first part of the project you two worked on. “ I smile, but I still don’t understand what he is talking about. “And because I am grateful, “ Philip says and turns to everyone, “I have asked

Evie It happens so fast. I feel a hand pushing me protectively behind and I stagger backwards. I press myself to the wall and watch… Mike’s face is getting smashed. He is tall, but my saviour is much stronger than him. It also looks like he’s done this a lot. Mike falls, and then he is lifted again. “Please, don’t, “ Mike starts begging. He also looks terrified. “I wasn’t going to do anything, I swear, I just wanted to scare you a bit, but …”“I told you, “ the voice is like a rumble, “If you do one more thing to her, I will break your nose. ““I am not, no, no ,no…”He pleads, by the fist lands. I swear I hear the crunching sound of the nose breaking. I squeeze my eyes shut. I hear rustling and Mike’s wheezing. “You are insane!” Mike screams, “A fucking psycho! “ “Yeah, “ the guy calls, “Don’t forget to call the police. “I open my eyes to see Mike, pressing his palm over his nose. His fingers are stained and the blood keeps running between them. Mike’s eyes flicker at me, then

Conor My father and Olivia are having dinner in the backyard, in the small garden that faces directly the lake. How romantic, I think as I walk towards them, planning to spoil their fun.Not entirely, of course. It would just be a rehearsal for the gala that Olivia’s been planning. “Good evening, “ I say and pull a chair without waiting for them to invite me. My father looks perplexed at me but smiles. Right now, I feel nothing but resentment towards him. I know he’s always loved Dominic the most. Maybe more than mother, even. Perhaps the only person he dislikes more than me is Max, but Max is a different universe of how much you can hate someone. Max simply doesn’t fit in. Too bad he was born into this family. And has a father like Philip, who constantly chooses Dominic over everyone else. And Dad sits right over here smiling as if he didn't betray me like an idiot. “Hi, Conor. How are you? “ he glances at Olivia. She looks stunning as always- beautiful hairstyle and a red dress

Violet “You wanted to see me, “ I tell Grandpa Richard as I come into his study on the second floor. He is sitting by the window, reading. As soon as he sees me, his whole face brightens. “Violet, “ he smiles, “Come sit here. “ I enter and walk towards his armchair. I sit in the one opposite him and he closes the book. “You look so beautiful, “ he says, “Always. “ “I tried, “ I say, laughing, “How are you?” “Good. Better these days, but you know how it is.” “Yeah…” “ I wanted to see you before the gala, “ Grandpa goes on, “I know about the prize, Dominic told me. “ “Oh, “ I lean back in the armchair, relieved. Before I came here I was telling Evie this meeting might be because of my rumoured divorce with Conor. But I guess Grandpa doesn’t know about it. Yet. Dominic and I planned to tell him at a different time and especially not now that he hasn't been feeling so well. “Thank you, “ I say, “Dominic was with me at the ceremony so that helped a bit. “ “You and he work