𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄

𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐖𝐎

𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐒

As Roux stormed closer to me, his steps heavy with anger and frustration, I prepared myself for further emotional confrontation.

In an instant, Roux’s clenched fists swung through the air, crashing into my jaw. The blow took me by surprise, sending me stumbling backward. Before I could fully grasp what was happening, his second punch found its mark, connecting with my chest, driving the air from my lungs.

Roux didn’t hold back, his voice laced with a mixture of anger and anguish as he struck me. “You selfish bastard! You took away Teagan, and you thought you could just hide her forever? Did you ever think how this would affect me?”

As I was about to retaliate against Roux’s furious assault, my knuckles clenched and anger boiling within, I suddenly felt a gentle but firm pull on my arm. I turned my head, my eyes locking with my wife’s.

—

“Enough!” Miguel’s voice was stern. “We’re here to celebrate Christmas as a family, and both of you are ruining it! Teagan, take Dacre inside.”

Although his anger hadn’t entirely dissipated, Dacre allowed himself to be pulled away. Dacre shot one final, seething glare at Roux before reluctantly turning away.

In the dining room, the table was still set for the Christmas feast. The festive decorations, which I had so lovingly arranged earlier in the anticipation of a joyful evening, now seemed to mock the turmoil that had disrupted our celebration.

Roux made his way inside, sitting at the far end of the room, his jaw clenched and resentment burning in his eyes.

As Dacre and I sat in silence, our hands intertwined beneath the table, I couldn’t help but notice that his eyes, once filled with warmth and affection, now held a trace of sadness and regret.

The evening that had started with so much hope and love had taken a turn I hadn’t anticipated.

As we waited for the Christmas feast to begin, the room was permeated with an uncomfortable silence, and the weight of unspoken words hung in the air.

—

The fire cracked merrily in the garden, casting a warm, flickering light over Dacre and I, wrapped in a cozy blanket. We sat close, sipping hot chocolate from delicate cups, seeking comfort in each other’s presence.

Dacre couldn’t bear the weight of the evening’s turmoil any longer, and he turned to me, his eyes filled with regret, “Minha vida, I am sorry for what happened tonight. I should’ve introduced you to them sooner. I never meant to ruin your first Christmas here in the Philippines.”

I gently placed my hand on his. “You don’t have to apologize. You did what you thought was right. I understand why you kept us a secret for so long. Your family and their expectations are complicated.”

Dacre sighed, relieved by my understanding, yet still troubled by the weight of what happened. “I’m not hiding anything from you, meu amor. What happened with Roux... he’s been searching for someone for years. Someone he lost.”

My eyes widened with curiosity. “Someone he lost? Do you know who that someone is?”

Dacre hesitated for a moment. “I don’t know all the details, but it’s clear he’s been searching for a woman named Teagan. When he saw you at the market, he thought you were her.”

My brows furrowed. “Teagan? That’s my name.”

Dacre nodded. “I know, meu amor. It’s a strange coincidence. I promise, I’m not hiding anything else.”

I leaned closer to my husband, reassured but still curious. “I trust you. We’ll figure this out together.”

“Thank you, meu amor. We’ll face whatever comes our way together, just like we always do.” He kissed my forehead. “I promise.”

—

“You don’t have any helpers here, Teagan?”

I glanced over my shoulder, my warm smile contrasting with my busy hands. “No, it’s just Dacre and I. I enjoy cooking, and it’s a way to relax.”

“You’re a wonderful cook, Teagan. Speaking of Dacre, when do you both plan to have kids, and how many are you thinking of?”

I wiped my hands on a towel before turning to face Miguel. “Well, we haven’t really set a timeline, but we do talk about it. As for how many, I suppose we’ll see how it goes. A house full of children sounds lovely, doesn’t it?”

Miguel’s eyes held a warm affection as he nodded. “Absolutely. I’m sure you and Dacre will make wonderful parents when the time comes.”

“Thank you, Miguel. We’re looking forward to it.”

Miguel observed the scene with keen interest. “You truly are a talented cook, Teagan. This looks incredible.”

The breakfast was served with an atmosphere of silence that held a mix of emotions — warmth, curiosity, and a hint of tension. It was clear that Roux was still processing the revelation about me being his brother’s wife.

After a few bites, Miguel attempted to bridge the gap, engaging Roux in a conversation. “Roux, Teagan and Dacre have created a beautiful home here. I imagine it’s been quite the adventure for the two of them.”

“I can see that.”

—

The atmosphere in the music shop was soothing, with the soft tunes playing in the background as Roux and I wandered through the aisles of vinyl records and vintage memorabilia.

Roux picked up a record, inspecting it with a completative look. “Vinyl has a certain charm, doesn’t it?” He mused, running his fingers over the grooves.

I nodded. “It’s timeless. Each album carries its own story.”

As we moved through the shelves, Roux took the opportunity to know more about me. “So, Teagan, what’s your story? Dacre hasn’t told me much about you.”

“Well, there’s not much to tell. I grew up in Canada. I love cooking and trying out new recipes. Dacre and I met six years ago, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

Roux raised an eyebrow. “I see. You and Dacre seem to have quite a unique story together. It’s not everyday someone marries a billionaire.”

I chuckled. “Money doesn’t define our relationship. It’s about love, respect, and understanding. How about you, Roux, do you have a special someone in your life?”

Roux’s gaze turned distant, his expression wistful as he delved into a part of his past. “Once, there was someone,” He began, his voice filled with melancholy.

“A woman I met years ago. She was incredible, kind, and full of life. I admired her from the moment we crossed paths. We spent time together, laughed, and shared secrets.”

I noticed the subtle shift in his tone and couldn’t help but ask, “What happened to her?”

Roux hesitated for a moment, his gaze momentarily locked on a record on the nearby shelf before he answered. “Life had a different path in mind for her, you know? She had to leave. Went off to build a new life, as fate would have it.”

“That must have been difficult. Was it a long time ago, Roux?”

“Five years ago. Sometimes, you meet someone who just leaves a mark, and even when they’re gone, their memory stays with you.”

TO BE CONTINUED.