Page 7 of The Husband Contract

“Are you listening to me, Sebastian?”

“Yeah, sorry. I’m at the Magnolia Club with the guys.What’s going on? Do you want to drop by? Hang out with the guys and me?”

“I’m leaving town.”

“What?”

“I need to get away. And I’ve booked a flight.”

“Are you being rational? We haven’t even talked. I’ve been trying to call you all week so we could meet up, Sergio. Why did you give up your seat on the board?” I lower my voice. I will not let him hear how pissed I am.

“I gave up my seat on the board because I can’t focus on business right now.”

“What?” I have to keep my anger in. He’s never focused on business. He does what I say, and that’s how we keep control. I take a deep breath, my hand squeezing the phone so tight I’m nervous it might shatter.

“I have no interest in business anymore. Nor money. It’s the root of all evil. Ijust want love. And it has broken me. My desires have led me down the path of the blind and broken.”

What the actual fuck is he talking about?

I am seething, but I can’t let him know how pissed I am. Dealing with my emotional, immature brother is like dealing with a little kid or a needy wife. Which is likely why I don’t want any kids or a wife in my life. Ever. Ever ever.

“Sergio, I understand you’re upset, but what do you mean you don’t need money? I spoke to Manny, the accountant, this afternoon, and he told me you made a withdrawal of ten million dollars.”

“Because she needed it to survive. I wanted to show her I would and could give her the world. She was the love of my life, my wonderful, amazing, queen.” He sobs. “But it wasn’t enough.”

“Wait, what? Sergio, what the fuck? You gave it to who?” More deep breaths. “Not the whole ten million?”

“My darling princess. But she still left me. She told me she doesn’t want to be with me. She’s not going to marry me. She told me I’m not everything she wants. How could she do this to me? I thought it was fate. I just don’t know what to do, Sebastian. I thought this was the one.” His voice cracks. “My happily ever after. But she said that I wasn’t committed to her, but she was the one who suggested we?—”

I take a deep breath. I couldn’t care less about the relationship. “Where are you? I can come and talk to you in person. I can?—”

“No. I’m about to board the plane. It leaves in an hour.”

“What do you mean?” I’m the dumb one now.

“I’m going to Thailand. I need to find myself. Figure out what I want to do with my life.”

“That’s not a good idea. We have a huge board meeting coming up and?—”

“You know I need to process these things, Sebastian. Just because you don’t fall in love or have relationships doesn’t mean I am the same way. This has touched me deeply.”

“Sergio, I?—”

“I’ll be in contact, okay? It’s been a lot. I need to clear my mind. I don’t want to go to a really low place again, and I’m feeling really low right now. She broke my heart.”

I press my lips together, restraining the urge to ask how long they’d been dating, or where he’d met her. He always thinks I’m judging him, and though I am, I don’t want him to know it. Especially due to how sensitive he is. I’ve already lost one family member that I love. I don’t want to lose him, too.

“Okay,” I say, rubbing my forehead. “Relaxing in Thailand sounds like a good idea,” I lie. It was the worst idea ever, but I wasn’t going to tell him that. Sergio was the one person I tread on eggshells for. “Go to Thailand, relax,swim, eat some good food… and then get back here next week.”

“I’ll see how I feel.” He hangs up. A low, guttural sound rips through my chest and out of my throat. I am beside myself with anger and annoyance.

“Hey, big boy.” A redhead stops beside me. She’s holding a tray loaded with drinks. “Everything okay?” she asks softly. She’s clearly had work done, too, though not as over-the-top as the blonde. Aside from the lips. The lips look like they might explode at any moment.

“I’m good. Thank you.” I shake my head.

“Well, if you need anything…” She licks her lips. “Anything at all, I’m willing to help.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.” I nod slowly and return to the table, grateful to see the blonde is gone. I’m in a bad mood, and my teasing mood is gone.