Craving My Husband's Twin Brother

JULIET



I stood right in the middle of the room as the Morales women stared me down, their hatred so thick it was almost suffocating.


They are the most powerful family in all of Mexico, so a "lowlife" like me marrying their primary heir was something they felt I never deserved.



"How is the pregnancy coming along?" Grandma asked softly, sipping her green tea with practiced ease.



My chest tightened as I lowered my gaze, twisting my fingers together in my lap.


It's been a year and six months since I married Andrew-the eldest twin and the heir to the family. Andrew is sweet and caring, the picture-perfect husband on the outside, but he has a problem with lasting more than five minutes in bed. And that problem is making it almost impossible for me to get pregnant. They all know about it, but none of them have the guts to bring it up with him. I'm the only one taking the heat.


"Grandma, I... we are trying-"


"Shut up!" Andrew's aunt yelled before I could even finish. "It's always the same damn thing with poor people. If my mother hadn't insisted on you, I had plenty of women lined up who could have given my nephew a child by now!"


I swallowed hard, tears stinging my eyes.


"Juliet, my mother has been far too nice to you," Andrew's mother added coldly. "I never agreed to this marriage in the first place, but I couldn't go against my mother. Still, since you aren't fulfilling your end of the deal, I'm going to be forced to take action."


The tears I'd been holding back finally slipped down my face. Ever since I got married, I've been summoned like this every three months, and every single excuse I give is completely useless to them.


Grandma let out a quiet sigh, set her mug on the table, and stood up.


My heart dropped. She's usually the calm one, leaving the rest of them to talk while she just watches. But her calm expression today was way more terrifying than her yelling.


"Juliet, I'm giving you three months to bring me good news about a pregnancy," she said softly. "Otherwise, the Morales family will stop paying for your mother's hospital bills."


My entire body went numb, and before I could stop myself, my knees hit the floor.


"Please, Grandma, don't let my mother die!" I sobbed. "I've been trying! I go to the gynecologist every single month, and they all say I'm healthy. Please, it isn't just up to me!"


She just looked at me coldly and walked toward her room without another word. The rest of them got up, scoffing under their breath as they all disappeared down the hall.


My heart ached so badly. I couldn't let my mother die. For the past year and a half, the Moraleses have been paying for her oxygen. There's no way I could ever afford that on my own.


I had to see Andrew. If I had to, I'd drug him unconscious and handle everything myself.


I scrambled to my feet, ran out to my car, and drove straight to his office. It was 6:30 PM, past the normal closing time, but because it's Friday, he usually stays until around 8:00 to finish up the week's work.


I pulled into the driveway a few minutes later and slipped inside. The building was dark, but a faint sliver of light was still coming from Andrew's office door.



I held onto the small bottle of water, which I had already drugged with sleeping pills, my heart racing. This felt so wrong, but it was my only option. I need to give them an heir, and since I'm ovulating, tonight is my best shot.


I crept toward the door and froze.


Andrew wasn't alone.


A loud, breathy gasp echoed through the hallway, making my blood run completely cold. I stepped closer to the slightly open door, and my heart shattered into a thousand pieces.


Sitting right on the desk was Sofia, and Andrew was driving into her hard. She had her face buried in his neck, holding onto him tight as she moaned. His rhythm was intense-far more skilled than anything he'd ever done with me.


And Sofia... she's practically family. She's related to his aunt's husband.


"Andrew, I'm exhausted... I'm going to come again," she panted loudly.


I slapped my hand over my mouth, the bottle shaking violently in my grip as tears poured down my cheeks. Come again? That's something I've never even experienced with him. How could he be this cruel?


"I'm close, Sofia," he growled out. "I need to get my fill before I go home to my wife."


Everything inside me fell apart. It was never a medical issue. He wasn't broken-he just didn't want me.


I squeezed my eyes shut as tears burned my face. I didn't marry Andrew for love, but over time I actually grew to care for him because he never treated me like garbage the way his family did. Now I see it was all a lie. He was just as disgusted by me as the rest of them.


"If Grandma finds out about us, we're dead," Sofia whispered between heavy breaths. "And what about your wife? She'll leave you for good."


"I'll kill you myself if anyone finds out about this-especially Juliet," Andrew warned sharply.


"Why? Are you afraid she'll leave and find another man?" Sofia taunted.


"No," Andrew scoffed. "She can't leave. Her mother's life depends on this marriage."


I opened my eyes, staring at their shadows through the crack in the door. He wasn't lying. My mother's life does depend on this marriage. No one else is ever going to pay the huge monthly bill for her oxygen.


As much as I wanted to run away, I was trapped. I still needed that child. Even after seeing this, I had to carry his heir just to keep my mother breathing.


Shaking violently, I backed away from the door and ran down the dark corridor. I made it to my car, collapsed over the steering wheel, and cried my eyes out.


Andrew's words kept playing over and over in my head: I need to get my fill before I go home to my wife.


Why was he doing this to me? He knew how desperate I was to have his child. Did he really hate me that much-or was he keeping me from getting pregnant on purpose just to keep me trapped under his thumb?

JULIET


I sat at the dining table picking at my meal, my eyes constantly darting to the wall clock.

It was past 9:00 PM, but Andrew wasn't back yet. This was the first time I could remember him returning later than expected.


I stared at his covered plate. Everything I had witnessed today felt like a nightmare. Sofia had been with the Morales before I arrived, and she was two years older than me. Had their affair been going on before I came into the picture? If so, why didn't Andrew just refuse to marry me? When his family asked, he had been so willing.


What on earth is going on? I couldn't stop the tears that spilled over my cheeks.


At this point, my mind was a total blank. I couldn't think of how a child was ever going to happen, or if I should still go through with drugging him. But I knew I would do anything to keep my mother alive. She was the only family I had left.


Suddenly, the front door swung open, and Andrew stepped inside. His eyes met mine, a warm smile spreading across his face as he walked toward me. His sleeves were rolled up, his dark hair was messy, and his tie hung carelessly loose around his collar.


"I'm so sorry, my love. Work today was absolute chaos," he grinned, pulling out a chair to sit across from me before digging into his food. He made that satisfied expression that always used to make me blush like a fool. I used to love seeing him enjoy my cooking, but now I only stared at him like he was a total stranger.


"You are so good at this, I just..." He paused, his expression shifting into one of deep sorrow. "I just wish I could give you a child. But my health..."


My fists clenched so tightly I wanted to punch him straight in the face. Whenever he did this in the past, I would always sympathize with him, comforting him and telling him we would try harder together. But tonight, I stayed completely still, silently eating my meal.


He seemed to pick up on my cold behavior. Clearing his throat, he reached across the table for my hand. My skin crawled at his touch in a way I never expected.


I slowly lifted my head to meet his gaze-those charming hazel eyes that I used to be too flustered to hold for more than a few seconds. But to my own surprise, I kept my eyes locked on his without flinching.


"Juliet, tonight I'll make an exception. Even if I feel weak, I'll keep pushing. I can try harder, even if it hurts... I just want you to be happy," he said, looking at me with total sincerity.


My God... how can someone be such a two-faced monster? This was nothing like the man I saw earlier today. He was a terrifyingly good actor.


I slowly pulled my hand back and stood up.

"Andrew, I'm exhausted tonight. Maybe we can try another time," I replied flatly.


I left the dining room, catching the quick flash of shock on his face before I walked away. Honestly, I was surprised by myself, too. I was supposed to jump at this opportunity to get pregnant despite catching him cheating, but a part of me was just too disgusted by his touch.

"Juliet," he called out.


My heart dropped, and my steps faltered. I didn't turn around, but I stopped.


"Grandma wants us to come over tomorrow. Adrian came back tonight, so she's hosting a party for him," he said softly.

I said nothing, continuing my way upstairs. Tomorrow would just be another day of humiliation. Any major gathering the Moraleses hosted was just another opportunity for them to remind me of where I stood. Andrew always used to defend me, but right now, I didn't care whether he did or not.


******


Morning came all too fast. Andrew had been on the phone with his twin brother most of the night, having conversations about various things I paid zero attention to-the crushing weight of my three-month deadline was already killing me. I didn't even know when I eventually fell asleep, but Andrew was no longer in bed when I woke up.


I dressed and made my way downstairs; I froze as I reached the kitchen. Andrew was at the gas stove making breakfast-something he never did.


"Morning, my love! Just, sit down," he said sweetly.


My brows furrowed in utter disbelief as I slowly took a seat. He brought over a plate of toast, set it on the table, and poured me a glass of orange juice.


"Eat," he offered gently.


I stared at him for a moment. What on earth had gotten into him?


"Look, Juliet... I really don't know what I did wrong to make you so cold to me last night, but I hope you can forgive me," he said, his voice dripping with affection.


My chest tightened as I looked at him. Did I even have a choice not to forgive him? It wasn't like I had anyone standing in my corner if I chose to hold a grudge.

I gave him a slow, silent nod.


He grinned, leaning in close to press a quick kiss to my lips. My stomach turned in complete disgust, but I forced my face to stay completely blank.


"Let me go get dressed. I'm desperate to see how tall Adrian got-Mother said he seems taller than me now," he joked, rushing upstairs.


My gaze followed his retreating figure, and before I could stop them, hot tears slipped down my cheeks. Why was Andrew toying with my emotions like this?


A short while later, Andrew and I arrived at the Morales estate. The entire driveway was packed with high-end luxury cars.


I held onto Andrew's arm as we made our way inside. Just like always, eyes turned to burn holes through me. I didn't need them to say a word; their snobbish expressions said everything.


"Don't worry about them. You are beautiful, and you deserve to be by my side," Andrew whispered in my ear.


My heart ached with a bitter pain, but I kept my face still.


Suddenly, my eyes landed on Sofia. She was standing near the lounge area, talking to a man whose back was turned to us. He stood tall and unmoving, one hand casually tucked in his pocket while the other held a glass of champagne. Even from behind, he radiated a cold, dominant presence. Sofia kept chatting nervously, shyly tucking her hair behind her ear while a crowd of other young women hovered nearby, looking for an opening to introduce themselves.

Who could that be?


"Mother, you look as beautiful as ever," Andrew's voice cut through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality as we approached his family.


Andrew's mother was standing with her younger sister.


"Aunt Bianca, you're looking so young it's actually getting concerning," Andrew joked, making her burst into laughter.


I pressed my lips together and bowed low, my hand still resting on Andrew's arm.

Andrew's mother and aunt stared down at me for a silent moment.


"So, did you do as Grandma asked? "His mother asked immediately, getting straight to the point.


My heart sank into my stomach. A thick, suffocating silence settled over us, but before I could open my mouth to speak, Andrew cleared his throat.


"So, where's my brother? I'm dying to see how much he's changed in eighteen months."


They both pointed across the room. Andrew and I shifted our gaze in the direction of their fingers.


My eyes blinked in shock at the familiar face and the unfamiliar figure walking toward us with Sofia by his side.


Wait... was the man I was just staring at... Adrian?

JULIET


"Oh my goodness, Adrian!" Andrew yelled in shock, pulling his brother into a tight hug.

The entire hall erupted into happy laughter.

He had definitely changed. His shoulders were broader, and he looked a little taller than Andrew now. They were identical twins-dark hair, sharp jawlines, and captivating dimples. The only real way to tell them apart used to be their eyes; Andrew had his mother's hazel eyes, while Adrian inherited their late father's piercing blue ones. But now, you could tell them apart just by their builds.

Andrew pulled back, scanning Adrian from head to toe before shaking his head in total disbelief. "Damn, you look good. I'm almost falling for you myself, bro."

Adrian let out a quiet chuckle. "You'd have to be gay for that, man," he said casually.

Everyone laughed-except me. I couldn't find a single thing funny right now. My entire life was hanging by a thread.

"You still talk nasty, Adrian," Sofia chuckled, reaching out to touch his arm. He just scoffed.

My heart sank as I stared at her. Sofia was so lucky. She was gorgeous, and everyone loved her-including my husband.

"Hey, sister-in-law. You look pale. Are you still mad at my brother?"

My pulse spiked as I lifted my head to meet Adrian's eyes. A small smile played on his lips as he looked at me. Something about his gaze made my heart skip a beat, and I quickly looked away. How did he know? Did Andrew tell him?

Andrew immediately chuckled, stepping closer to wrap a protective arm around my waist. My chest tightened, and I gripped the fabric of my dress.

"No, brother. I actually have to thank you-your advice worked. She forgave me," Andrew said smoothly, pressing a gentle kiss to my hair.

"Does she even have the right to get mad at us?" Sofia's voice cut in, as rude as ever.

"My dear, a lowlife getting angry? How hilarious," Andrew's aunt sneered behind her.

"What the fuck is going on here?" Adrian's voice sliced through the noise, loud and lethal.

The entire hall went dead silent.

He turned to Andrew, his eyes burning with pure rage.

"You actually let people talk to your wife like that?!" he barked at Andrew. A collective gasp echoed through the room.

He snapped his head toward Sofia, his gaze cold. "And what gives you the right to speak to her like that?"

Sofia froze, her knees visibly trembling as if they were about to give out.

My heart hammered against my ribs as I watched this man fight for me in public. Andrew defended me sometimes, but never with this kind of raw, undeniable force.

"From today on, I don't want to hear anyone call her a lowlife ever again. She is part of the Morales family now, and she will be treated like it," Adrian declared, his voice echoing off the high ceilings. "And whoever dares go against my order will face the wrath of the Morales twins."

Nobody moved. Nobody said a word. I knew he was the younger twin, but the authority he radiated right now felt like the oldest.

I had only met Adrian once before-on my wedding day, when he complimented my dress and told Andrew his future kids would be gorgeous because his bride was. The very next day, he flew off to the UK. He barely knew me, yet he was standing up for me like this.

"Oh my goodness, my little boy!" Grandma's voice broke the suffocating tension.

Adrian's sharp face instantly softened. He rushed over, scooping Grandma up in a hug that made her burst into giggles, and the crowd finally relaxed into laughter again.

Before I could stop myself, a small, genuine smile slipped onto my face for the first time since yesterday.

"Grandma, you look way too sweet tonight. May I have the first dance?" Adrian asked dramatically, extending his hand. She giggled shyly, making the crowd chuckle again.

They swayed together on the dance floor for a few moments before he escorted her back to her seat.

"I'm so sorry about earlier, Juliet. I'll make it up to you, okay? Just wait for me right here-I need to talk to Grandma," Andrew whispered, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek before walking away.

Almost instantly, three young women approached me.

"Mrs. Morales, you look so beautiful in this dress!" one of them said, her voice dripping with practiced sweetness.

I blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Thank you," I forced a polite smile.

"You seem really close with Adrian... could you maybe put in a good word for us?" another asked softly.

Seriously? Just because he defended me doesn't mean we're close. But I knew better than to say that out loud.

"Sure, I will," I replied with a warm smile. They all giggled excitedly, giving me quick hugs before floating away toward the bar.

I couldn't help the smile that stayed on my face. That was the very first time I'd ever been treated with respect at a family party.

"Don't get all high and mighty. That's just how Adrian is-he's always nice to the poor." Sofia's bitter voice cut in from behind me.

I clenched my fists in my dress, turning around to face her.

I'd been swallowing every insult she threw at me for a year and a half, but after what I saw yesterday, I felt nothing but utter disgust for her. I didn't even blame her as much as I blamed Andrew-but I was done taking her hit.

I let out a soft, mocking laugh. "Oh, really? And what makes you think you're rich?"

Her brows pulled together in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

I stepped closer, leaning in to whisper right against her ear: "Don't forget we're in the exact same boat. Except mine is different-I actually married into this family. You didn't. So if I were you, I'd be a lot more worried about where I stand."

Her eyes widened in shock, and her finger shot up to point at me, her mouth hanging open.

Aunt Bianca's husband had been cast out by Grandma for stealing from the company a year ago. Sofia was only allowed to stay here because Aunt Bianca begged Andrew to keep her around. She had privileges I didn't have because she had my husband's secret affection and Aunt Bianca's protection, but I wasn't going to let her walk all over me anymore-not after learning her dirty secret with my husband.

"Hey, young lady... may I have this dance?" a deep, familiar voice rumbled behind me.

A sudden shiver ran down my spine. I turned around to find Adrian standing there, his hand extended toward me.

"Adrian, she has a husband," Sofia snapped immediately, but Adrian didn't even glance her way.

"Do me the honor, please," he insisted softly.

I swallowed hard, my heart hammering against my chest. He... he wants to dance with me?

Almost against my own will, my hand slipped into his broad palm. Instantly, he pulled me in, and my head lightly bumped against his firm chest. His dark, intoxicating cologne wrapped around me completely.

My breath caught as his hand settled firmly on my waist. I tried to create a little distance, but his grip remained solid.

"Hey... stay still," Adrian murmured calmly.

My heart skipped a beat. I glanced around-people were busy talking and dancing, nobody paying any attention to us except Sofia, whose face was practically burning with jealousy.

Is she really trying to keep both brothers to herself?

Seeing the raw fury on her face triggered something petty inside me, and I decided to stop pulling away.

"You've changed a lot, Juliet," he said softly, looking down at me. "You look even cuter now... and very hard to ignore."

Everything inside me went still. I locked eyes with him, but his expression was entirely unreadable. Was that just a casual compliment to him?

Because it was making my chest shudder in a way it definitely shouldn't.