Loving The Better Brother novel Chapter 15

Loving The Better Brother

Chapter 15 New Reality

WILLOW

Finished

“Well,” Rocco said gently, closing the folder and setting it aside, “that’s enough for today, I think.”

Enough?

It felt like someone had dumped an entire lifetime of responsibility in just a few hours. Enough wasn’t even close to what it was. But I nodded anyway, because my brain felt like it was overheating.

“Yeah,” I said, exhaling slowly. “That’s more than enough for one day.”

1

Rocco gave me a small, understanding smile. “You did well, Miss Willow.”

Did I?

I wasn’t sure if being publicly humiliated, interrogated, and sized up like a weak link counted as doing well. Still, I appreciated the kindness he extended.

“Thanks, Rocco,” I said sincerely, trying to muster some gratitude amidst my thoughts.

“Anytime,” he replied, his tone warm. “I will just need a few more days to finalize your abode.”

I waved a hand lightly, dismissing his concern. “It’s okay. Take your time. I’m fine where I am for now.”

He nodded. “Very well.”

Standing up, he gestured toward the door. “Allow me.”

I followed him out of the office, feeling a strange sense of vulnerability. Rocco led me to a private elevator at the end of the corridor. Once inside, I braced myself as the doors slid shut. I had never liked elevators, always feeling trapped within their small confines.

12:32 pm Ppp.

Chapter 15 New Reality

Finished

It was something I had learned to deal with over the years, especially since Marcus’s life was heavily intertwined with tall buildings, but it still made me second–guess everything whenever I was inside one.

“Are you all right?” Rocco asked, noticing my discomfort–something Marcus had never done during our marriage.

“I’m fine,” I replied, even though my hands felt clammy against the cool metal of the elevator panel. “I’ve just never liked elevators.”

He smiled politely. “It will be quick.”

As the elevator descended, the ride felt longer than it probably was. Each passing second increased my sense of claustrophobia. By the time the doors finally opened, I felt like I had been holding my breath for too long, a wave of relief washing over me as I stepped out.

Rocco escorted me through a private exit where the same black car awaited. The driver stepped out and opened the door for me.

“To this address,” I said, giving him Kath’s address.

He nodded and entered it into the GPS. As I slid into the back seat, I leaned my head against the window, letting the cityscape blur past me.

“If you need me, just call me,” I said to Rocco, who was riding in the passenger seat. “You don’t need to track me.”

Rocco chuckled sheepishly. “Understood, Miss Willow.”

“Great,” I replied lightly. “Because that part was a little creepy.”

He smiled at my jab. As the car began to pull away, something heavy settled in my chest.

“Oh,” I said suddenly, breaking the quiet that had developed between us. “Rocco?”

“Yes, Miss?”

“Can you help me with another thing?”

12:32 pm

ppp

Chapter 15 New Reality

“Anything.”

Finished

for

“Can you prepare the papers my divorce?”

He paused, glancing back from the passenger seat. I could see the concern in his

eyes.

“Is that truly your wish?” he asked carefully.

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation.

He studied me for a long moment, weighing my decision. “But you spoke highly of Mr. Marcus Hale before.”

I looked out the window. “Not anymore,” I said quietly.

Rocco nodded once. “Then I will get the best lawyer to handle it.”

“Thanks,” I said, releasing a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding.

The drive felt strangely quiet after everything that had happened. Outside, the city looked and felt utterly normal, yet inside, my life had just been turned inside out in a matter of hours.

This is going to be my reality soon.

By the time we reached Kath’s apartment, I felt emotionally drained. The simplicity of the building before me made my shoulders relax, no longer feeling the pressure that had accumulated throughout the day.

It was a modest apartment complex, filled with laundry hanging on balconies and kids playing somewhere in the distance.

The driver stopped the car, and Rocco opened the door for me. I stepped out, taking a moment to inhale deeply, the familiar aromas of the neighborhood soothing my frayed nerves.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You are most welcome, Miss Willow,” he replied. “I will see you tomorrow.”

12:33 pm ppp.

Chapter 15 New Reality

Finished

My eyes widened in surprise. “Wait-” I said quickly, trying to process the idea. “I have to be there tomorrow, too?”

But before he could answer, the car door closed, and the vehicle pulled away smoothly, leaving me standing on the sidewalk, staring after it.

“Wow,” I muttered to myself. “Okay. See you tomorrow, I guess.”

I turned and walked toward Kath’s building, exhaustion finally crashing into me as I climbed the stairs, each step feeling heavier than the last.

This month had altered my entire existence–from being a betrayed wife to suddenly stepping into the imposing shoes of a CEO, to hiding under his brother’s bed like a fugitive, and now facing the corporate sharks that had scrutinized me.

Unlocking Kath’s door with the key she had entrusted me felt oddly reassuring. As I stepped inside, the familiar smell of her apartment enveloped me. I dropped to the couch, kicking my shoes off, and closed my eyes for a moment, allowing my thoughts to settle.

For a brief instant, I just lay there, floating in the comfort of her home.

Then I let out a long, shaky breath and opened my eyes, staring out of the window at the vast blue sky.

“Dad,” I whispered softly, “what did you get me into?”

12:33 pm ppp.