My Husband’s “Work Wife” Is Just a SISTER? Let Me Teach Her How Family Trees Work novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1

My dad cheated with a textbook pick–me girl. So ever since I was little, I’d been determined to become a top–tier expert in spotting pick–me bitch.

While others made friends by looking at sincerity, I watched how a girl handled “boundaries” around her best friend’s boyfriend.

While others dated with romance and flowers. I studied How to Fight Gaslighting and

stayed battle–ready.

The million–word Pick–Me Behavior Guide I wrote had become required reading among

the girls in our circle, basically the anti–pick–me bible.

But the reality was, my own life was peaceful.

My husband was loyal and attentive, my friends had clear boundaries, my mother–in–law was at least polite, and our days passed without much drama.

I was just about ready to retire this hard–earned skill, get a therapist license, and used my skills to serve people in need.

Then an intern joined my husband’s company

She treated my husband like her real brother, and her social posts were full of “just the

bros” photos with him.

At family gatherings, my husband even brought his “straightforward little bro” along.

She hooked her arm through mine, all sweet and friendly, but then turned around and slung an arm over my husband’s shoulders like they were frat brothers.

“Thanks for carrying me, bro. It feels amazing to have a real one looking out for me. Lola, you’re gorgeous and sweet, you’re definitely not mad, right?”

I stared at her and smiled.

Back to room, I quietly opened a document titled “Pick–up Fighting Plan.”

Under serial number one, I typed in her name

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“Lola, don’t get the wrong idea. Marco and I are just good buddies!”

Jolene Gardner was wearing my husband’s oversized gray sweatshirt. The sleeves swallowed her hands whole, and the hem barely covered the tops of her thighs. Her pale legs were almost glaring under the light.

This was the first time Marco Aldrich had brought an intern from his company home for

dinner.

My mother–in–law, Lacey, was unusually warm. She held Jolene’s hand and asked her question after question, her eyes full of pity for a young girl trying to make it alone in a

big city.

I knew why. Lacey had always thought I was too career–focused, and she never liked that we still hadn’t had kids after three years of marriage.

I was not, in her eyes, the traditional homey daughter–in–law type. She’d been hinting for ages that she wanted a sweet, clingy younger person around the house.

Jolene shifted closer to her, all bright voice and sparkling eyes. “Lacey, you look amazing. You’ve got way more energy than my mom. Marco is so lucky to have a mother like you.”

Lacey smiled so hard she could barely close her mouth. She patted Jolene’s hand. “Kid. I love your vigor and sweet talk.”

Jolene then casually picked up Marco’s usual cup to pour herself water.

She squeezed into the tiny gap between the two of us on the couch, hugged her knees,

and looked up at Marco. “Marco, seriously, thank you for today. I’d never have pulled off that project without you. You’re my hero!”

Marco laughed and reached out to ruffle her hair. “You really know how to sweet–talk. Here, have some fruit.”

He picked up a slice of cantaloupe and naturally held it to her lips.

Jolene opened her mouth and took a bite. Her cheeks puffed as she chewed, like a

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hamster. “Thanks, bro. You’re the best. My actual brother only knows how to bully me.”

My hand tightened where it rested on my knee. I picked up another slice of cantaloupe and held it to Marco’s mouth. “Honey, you’re so busy feeding others, at least have some

yourself.”

Marco instinctively leaned in and took a bite, and as I fed him, I gently brushed his hand away from Jolene’s hair. “Marco, don’t keep touching her head. She’s a young girl, she might get embarrassed.”

The smile on Jolene’s face stiffened. Not sparing her a glance, I turned and smiled at Lacey. “You’re right, Jolene is lively and adorable. She’s just young, and she doesn’t really understand boundaries between guys and girls yet. It’s fine if she comes by more often, I can teach her slowly.”

Lacey looked a little surprised, then quickly smiled and nodded. “You’re thoughtful, as

always.”

Jolene suddenly turned to me and draped a hand over my shoulder like we were best friends. “Lola, your skin is so nice. What skincare do you use? It has to be expensive, right? I’m just a student, I can only afford the basics.”

Compliment my looks, imply all I did was spend money while she was young and

capable.

That combo move got a passing grade from me at best. Too obvious.

Her gaze swept across my face, then landed on Marco again. “Marco is amazing,

making enough to support the family so Lola can stay gorgeous.”

Marco looked smug. He patted her shoulder. “You little thing, enough with the flattery. Work hard and one day you can buy your own

After dinner, Marco drove Jolene home, and I started clearing the table.

Lacey came over and lowered her voice. “Lola Marco’s just kind–hearted. That girl’s trying to survive in a big city by herself. Don’t overthink it.”

Chapter 1