The Brother's Wife Chapter 4

Claire built an empire.

Her medical practice evolved into a chain of urgent care clinics across New England. Then a pharmaceutical research company. Then a medical technology startup that revolutionized patient care systems.

Ten years after that day in the principal's office, Marcus Whitmore had to beg for a meeting with her.

Sophie grew up strong and healthy under my watch. I'd been harsh with her, yes, but I'd also made sure she ate well, exercised, learned to stand up for herself. No more picked-on little girl. Now she was captain of her school's debate team and halfway to a black belt in taekwondo.

I'd even softened over the years. Started smiling more. Started letting Claire see glimpses of affection. Started thinking maybe this life I'd stolen wasn't so stolen after all.

Claire had given me shares in her company. Bought me a Porsche, then a house in Back Bay, then another house on the Cape. She treated me like a partner, like someone who'd been there through all the struggles.

And I had been there, hadn't I? I'd watched her build this empire. I'd raised Sophie. Somewhere along the way, I'd stopped pretending to be James and just... become a husband. A father.

Until the day James walked back into our lives.