Craving my brother-in-law

Nova POV

I rummaged through my wardrobe scanning for something appropriate to wear. Tonight was bound to be special. My husband, Chase, texted earlier,asking me out for dinner.

“ I have something special for you tonight.” That was the context of his message.

You don't know how happy I was when I received that message. It's been months since the relationship between Chase and I started growing cold.

He would stay out late at night with his friends while I waited home. I lost count of the number of times dinner went cold while I sat in the dining room, waiting for him. Chase and I got married immediately after college. I was twenty years old when I made the decision to marry him. I mean,I loved him and he too did. He said he didn't mind, that it didn't matter when we married, he would always love me–only me.

After our marriage,we started The Peak consultation company together. It was my dream to own a company which was my own hardwork,not something associated with my family name.

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for everything my family did for me but for once, I wanted something I could call mine.

Chase welcomed the idea and supported me throughout.

We worked side by side to grow the company.Six years down the line,our company is one of the best consultation firms in the state.

While we busied in building our company,Chase and I managed to have a decent relationship. With our efforts directed to the company,we decided to postpone having children.

“ I am not in a rush. I still want to bask in your affection without worrying about someone else coming in between.” That's what Chase said when I breached the topic.

It worked for me since I was too invested in growing the company. Raising a child would definitely not be easy for me nor the child.

Throughout the years,we would go on dinner dates every weekend,eat dinner together every night and occasional movie time when we had spare time.

That's until four months ago when everything changed. Chase changed too. He cancelled the dinner dates.

“ Don't you think we are too old to be going on these stupid dates?” That was the excuse he gave. Then came the skipped daily dinners. At first,he would throw in an excuse or two but as time passed by,he stopped explaining himself. I didn't ask too.

Seeing that he was asking me out again,I figured out that he wanted to make things right between us.After settling on a red strapless spaghetti dress,I went ahead and selected the matching accessories.

Twenty minutes later,I descended down the stairs,ready for our date. I couldn't help the smile on my face. If things went right, I'd be beneath my husband, moaning his name tonight.

“ You look beautiful, Madam. I'm sure he will be impressed.” Rosa,our househelp, commented with a smile on her face. She has been with me in the last six years and can be considered family.

“ Thank you, Rosa. You don't need to wait for me tonight. Also, don't prepare dinner for us.” I instructed her.

After getting lots of good luck wishes from Rosa,I left the house. I didn't bother taking my car since I would later drive back with Chase. Instead,I ordered a taxi.

Twenty minutes later,the car pulled up outside the Royal hotel. I smiled when I realised how much effort Chase put in for the night. It was in this same hotel where we exchanged our marriage vows six years ago.

“ Your husband is waiting for you at the terrace.” An attendant informed me. I flashed her a smile and whispered a thank you.

The terrace? I didn't expect him to make such elaborate plans.

He did inform me that today was special though. It seemed like he was going all out to make the night even more memorable.

I took the elevator to the top most floor then proceeded to the terrace. There, standing near the railings was my husband —Chase West.

“ Chase” I called out to get his attention. Chase turned around, his gaze fixated on me. From my distance,I watched as his eyes sparkled.

I saw something graze his eyes–desire. Warmth crept up my cheeks from his intense gaze.

He was looking at me as if he couldn't wait to jump on me and ravish me.

I smile happily,my goal achieved. I dressed purposely to impress him and it seemed like it was working.

Chase walked to the table set at the center and motioned for me to settle down.

“ I have been waiting for you.” He said with a flat tone.

The smile on my face faltered. He sounded casual,as if I wasn't his wife but a business partner he was meeting.

“ Have a seat.” He added, pointing to the chair opposite him. I felt like someone just poured a bucket of cold water on me. Chase didn't even give me a hug or a peck on the cheeks. As I sat down,I studied his face but I couldn't make out anything,not even the desire I spotted on his eyes earlier.His expressions remained neutral.

The table was set with a bouquet of flowers occupying the center insinuating that this was supposed to be a romantic dinner but why was everything about Chase screaming the opposite? My eyes scanned the setting and I realised there was an extra chair.

I opened my mouth to ask if we were expecting someone else but stopped myself. I mean, this is our dinner date,how can there be a third person?

Moments later,our food arrived accompanied by a bottle of my favourite dry red wine. I smiled inwardly,my earlier suspicions forgotten. Chase knows how I love our dinner dates. A glass of wine always helps set the mood for…you know?

The waiter left after serving our food and we started to dig in. I tried to strike a conversation but Chase gave me half hearted replies. His eyes kept wandering to the rooftop entrance.

I put my cutlery down and faced him,a serious look on my face.

“ Are we expecting someone else to join us?” I asked him. He paused in his movements and regarded me.

“ Why are you asking that?” He asked,a hint of annoyance etched on his voice.

Before I could say anything else,the sound of heels clinking on the floor resonated.

I turned around and frowned when Delilah,my personal assistant, marched towards us with a big smile on her face and a dress that barely covered anything.

“ Nova,” She beamed at me. Ignoring the fact that she addressed me casually,I asked, “ What are you doing here?”

“ I invited her.” Chase opened his mouth and answered on her behalf. I frowned in confusion. What business did Chase have inviting my assistant on our night together?

And Delilah? What was the deal with her dressed like she was going to a strip club?

“ What's the meaning of this?” I asked,my chest suddenly feeling tight. A bad feeling started creeping into me.

“ We need to talk.” Chase declared. I watched with widened eyes as he pulled a chair for Delilah, something he didn't bother doing for me earlier. I could not stop the bitterness that swirled insíde me after seeing my husband's actions.

“ I'm listening.” Despite the turmoil inside me,I squared my shoulders and said.

I could already tell I wasn't going to like anything Chase was going to say.

“I want an open marriage,Nova.”