MY HUSBAND'S BESTFRIEND AND I

AUBREY POV

I have been living with my Aunt, Kayla and Uncle Robert since my parents died. My aunt treats me like a maid because she blames me for my parent’s deaths, since they had died on their way to get me my 10th birthday present. I have two older brothers, Paxton, who is the kind one and Kaden who hates me and treats me like dirt like my aunt. Even though I do well in school, no one notices. I work at a cafeteria to support myself because my aunt stopped giving me money. My uncle on the other hand is very nice to me however he is barely around because of his job and does not know how my aunt treats me when he is not around.

Like every other day, I woke up at 4:30, not because I had things to do, but because I couldn't sleep, the room was so cold to the extent that I had to increase the heater. I went to the kitchen and made breakfast for everyone, then I started preparing lunch because my aunt would be home and if her lunch was not ready by the time she gets home, she will make me regret being born. I made her lunch and put it in the fridge.

After setting breakfast on the table, I got ready for school. I checked my clothes once more.

I tie my long, silky black hair into a ponytail. I go to college without any makeup, not because I don't like it, but because I can't afford it. My aunt has some lipstick and blush, however, I am not permitted to use it. The last time I tried using it, my aunty caught me and dealt with me. I had snuck into my aunt's room to use her lipstick. Just as I was leaving, she caught me red-handed. The expression on her face made me nervous. I knew I was in big trouble for touching her precious lipstick collection.

"You dare touch my lipstick, you brat!" She yelled at me, her face twisted with anger.

"Aunt, I'm sorry, I just—" Before I could finish, she slapped me hard across the cheek.

I realized I didn't need any blush now, her fingerprints were clearly visible on my face. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I didn't cry loudly because I knew she enjoyed seeing me suffer. After that, I never went into my aunt's room again.

I got to college 20 minutes early because I don't take the bus, it was too expensive and my aunt does care enough to pay it for me, and I need to save money for my projects. So, I walk to school every day from home.

I review the lessons we did the previous day before the lecturer got to class. While I'm studying math, someone threw a book at my face, and it was no other person than my brother, Kaden, wearing his usual wicked expression.

"Who's going to do my assignment?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

Nobody at college knows that he's my elder brother, and He doesn't want to associate himself with me because it he thinks it'll make him look bad.

"I'll do it," I reply, grabbing his book and standing up.

Then one of his friends throws another book at my desk, asking me to do his too. I look at Kaden, expecting him to say something, but he just smirks and leaves.

My brother bullies me the most in college, followed by his friends.

After

When I got home, I was surprised to see my uncle.

"Uncle?" I said

“Uncle” I shouted out of excitement.

"Princess," he said, smiling at me and tapping the couch next to him. "Come here."

I walked over and sat down next to him.

After talking about random things like the weather and sports, he suddenly asked me quite the weird question

‘Aubrey, do you have a boyfriend” He asked with a straight face.

Though I was reluctant to answer the question, I eventually answered him

“No uncle, I don’t have a boyfriend” I said feeling kind of awkward and ashamed

He smiled as if he was happy to hear I didn’t have a boyfriend and then said something that shocked me.

"You know, Aubrey, sometimes I feel like you're not happy here. You turned 22 this year, so you're not a kid anymore. I want to see you happy and settled with someone. So..." He paused and smiled gently at me. "I have a proposal for you."

"A what?" I asked, confused.

"A marriage proposal. I've been thinking about it for a while before bringing it up to you. It's for my friend's son."

I waited a little bit for him to say he was joking but that never came

“Oh goodness, he was serious” I thought to myself.

I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to process his words. I couldn't just say no right away or react harshly. He's always been like a father to me, caring and supportive.

"I need time to think, uncle," I said, keeping my lips pressed together.

"Of course. Take your time. I won't pressure you into getting married if you don't want to. But I want you to know, they're really kind people. You could be happy," he said gently.

I nodded and walked toward my room.

"You better say yes to this marriage, Aubrey," a sharp, agitated voice came from behind me, making me jump.

I turned to see Aunt standing at the door, her eyes full of anger.

I bit my lip and stared at her.

"Say yes and leave this house and our lives, or I'll make your life a living hell," she said through clenched teeth before slamming the door shut.

“Living hell? As if my life isn't already a nightmare” I muttered to myself.

I dialed Paxton's number. He's the only one who can help me figure out what to do.1

"Paxton, Uncle's at home and he mentioned a marriage proposal..." I said quietly.

Paxton sighed on the other end. "Uncle already told me about it, Aubrey. From what I've heard about this guy, he's good. He'll take care of you. You need to leave the house," he advised.

"Okay, I'll talk to you later," I replied, ending the call.

So both Uncle and Paxton think marriage is the best option for me.

A while later after I had gone to my room to think about it, I came out resolved to give my uncle my response to the marriage proposal, however as I was about to talk, he interrupted.

"Hey, do you know Mr. Palmer?" my uncle asked me.

Who doesn't know Mr. Palmer? He's the big shot who owns clubs, hotels, and a multinational company.

"I've heard about him and his success, but why do you ask?" I wondered.

Did Uncle get a job at his company? If so, we should celebrate!

"Oh, well, the marriage proposal I mentioned this morning was for his son," Uncle said casually between bites of lasagna.1

I stared at him wide-eyed, feeling like my eyes might pop out. "What...?" I asked, confused.

"There seems to be some misunderstanding," I thought to myself.

"What's the matter?" My uncle asked, acting like it wasn't a big deal.

Clearing my throat, I turned to my uncle. "So, you're saying I'm going to marry Mr. Palmer's son?" I asked again, still finding it hard to believe.

"Yeah," he confirmed.

Wow...! This feels like a fairy tale.

"Why me?" I asked.

"I've been working at his company for eight years now. He sees me as family. He wants his son to settle down, and since his son doesn't have anyone in mind, when he asked if I had any suggestions, I thought of you," my uncle explained.

After a moment, I asked, "... And what did he say?"

"He was happy about it and when he found out you're my niece, he was even happier about the proposal," Uncle said.

"Oh... Okay," I murmured, lowering my eyes.

"Have you thought about the proposal? Are you ready for this marriage?" Uncle asked, looking hopeful.

I nodded, and Uncle patted my head with a smile. "You'll be happy, princess. Anyway, his son's name is Bradley Palmer."

What?

"The one studying at Oxford University...?" My heart suddenly raced as I asked.

Uncle looked surprised. "Yes..."

Wow!

I'm going to marry BRADLEY PALMER...

Almost every girl at our college knows him. They never miss an interschool basketball match at Oxford University, all because of Bradley Palmer. Girls go crazy for him. They've even painted his pictures on their locker doors. Whenever he visits our college, girls can't stop talking about his amazing personality. I've seen his pictures on magazine covers, and honestly, he's really handsome.

What I admire about him is that he doesn't flirt around like other guys. Many girls have tried to get his attention but ended up heartbroken. He keeps his distance in that regard. He's just perfect... and the worst part is that this perfect guy is going to marry someone like me...

"What are you thinking, Aubrey?" my uncle's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Um... I was just wondering how Bradley is here when his dad stays in LA."

"Mr. Palmer wanted Bradley to be away from the family. He wanted his son to face challenges. You'd be surprised to know that Bradley earned a scholarship to Oxford."

Wow... He's really talented. Handsome, check, good at studies, check, filthy rich, check...

How could anyone be so perfect like Bradley?

After dinner, Uncle flew back to LA for some important work.

I was washing dishes when Kayden walked into the kitchen with a smirk on his face.

"Don't get your hopes up, little sister. The moment he sees you, he'll reject you," Kaden said, taking a bite of an apple.

Let's be honest, what Kaden said wasn't wrong. I'm sure Bradley has certain expectations for his future wife, and I don't come close to meeting them.

Drying my hands with a towel, I sighed. "I know..."

"Oh, look who's talking back now. That's progress," Kaden teased.

"I'm sorry," I apologized, even though I wasn't sure what I was apologizing for.