My Husband Cheated With My Best Friend

It was my mother-in-law Monica's birthday, and I hadn't expected Brandon to bring Nalani. The other guests looked just as surprised, and one woman couldn't hold back a laugh when she saw Nalani in that dress.

“So this is what imitation looks like. I always thought that dress was elegant, but it seems Cecilia is the one who gives it its shine.”

Nalani's face flushed with embarrassment. She looked at Brandon with wide, mock-wounded eyes. “Brandon, I know I'm no match for Cecilia, but that doesn't mean she can get people to humiliate me.”

Brandon glanced at her and gave a dismissive shrug. “This isn't ridicule. Cecilia is indeed more beautiful. You shouldn't complain when you get something for nothing.”

Nalani's face burned even deeper. Just when I thought she might leave in humiliation, she clung to Monica's arm instead.

Monica patted her hand gently and announced to the room, “From now on, Nalani is part of the family too. Everyone, please be accommodating. Cecilia, it would be best for you and Nalani to get along. Don't make things difficult for Brandon.”

Brandon stood there with a knowing look, clearly in on the arrangement. In this day and age, they still expected me to share my husband?

Noticing my gaze, Brandon pulled me into his arms. “Cecilia, don't worry. You're my only wife. She won't dare to make your life miserable.”

His condescending tone was nauseating. What good was a heart as rotten as his?

Perhaps my anger was too obvious, because Monica approached, adding more pressure. “Cecilia, this isn't Brandon's fault. It's on you for not having a child after all these years. I'm getting older, and the family needs to continue.”

In a flash, I remembered the time Monica had held my hand, urging me to accept Brandon's proposal. “Brandon is our only son, and we won't treat you unfairly. If he mistreats you, I'll throw him out myself.”

In the beginning, Monica did treat me like a daughter. But that version of her was long gone.

Seeing Nalani's hand resting on her abdomen, I understood everything. Had they forgotten that I had once been pregnant too?

The burden of running the company left me no chance to rest during my pregnancy. I still remembered going out to drum up business when I was almost due to give birth.

I stumbled upon Brandon at a restaurant, laughing with another woman. That was the first time I realized he was cheating.

They were so engrossed, so lost in their kisses, that they didn't even notice a pregnant woman trailing them.

Then I opened the hotel room door and saw two naked bodies on the bed.

All I remember is the excruciating pain in my abdomen and the blood pooling on the floor.

Brandon held me, sobbing uncontrollably, as blood covered my lower body. But the child couldn't be saved, and my health took a severe hit.

Brandon never left my bedside, his eyes red from crying every day. He swore he was wrong, that he'd never stray again.

I wanted a divorce, but Duncan stepped in.

Was it then that Brandon realized I was bound to him?

None of it mattered anymore. Duncan had died, and the contract's end was near.

Nalani gave me a smug smile, nudging me aside to cling to Brandon's arm. “Cecilia, soon everything you have will be mine.”

I didn't respond. Instead, I lifted my glass and clinked it against his. Good luck.

But I doubted Brandon would marry Nalani. She was just more cunning than the others, using a child to win over Monica.

Brandon seemed ready to follow me, but whatever Nalani whispered stopped him in his tracks. He didn't come after me.