“G–Grandma?” Brandon stammered, clutching his cheek as he sprang his feet like a rat cornered by a spotlight.
Grandma Westwood stood there, trembling with fury, her cane the only thing keeping her upright.
“If I hadn’t come in person,” she snapped, “I wouldn’t have believed you were auctioning off your own wife’s virginity like she was some damn collectible. You’ve really outdone yourself.”
Brandon lowered his head, scrambling for an excuse.
“It–it was just a joke. Valerie’s been stuck at home too long. I figured a night out might cheer her up.”
He blinked, rubbing his cheek. “Also, what did you throw at me? That thing hurt.”
He bent down to retrieve the folder that had struck him–then froze.
Marriage Annulment Agreement
The words hit harder than the slap.
“W–What is this supposed to mean? Grandma, Valerie and I are legally married. You can’t just annul that–can you?”
Grandma let out a long, disappointed sigh.
“I was the one who insisted on this marriage,” she said, voice heavy with regret. “I knew you had feelings for Clarissa, but I hope you’d
mature.”
“What you did tonight is beyond shameful..”
“Thankfully, I gave Valerie an escape route. That agreement bears signature–and she came to me two days ago to finish it.”
“It’s done. Your marriage is over.”
))
Brandon’s eyes widened in disbelief. He flipped to the final page.
There it was: Valerie Greene’s name, signed in bold black ink
“No. No, she’d never agree to this. You know how she clings to me. She–she wouldn’t leave like this.”
Clarissa stepped in quickly, trying to smooth things over.
“Grandma, you’ve got it all wrong. Valerie was in on it. She got in the glass case herself–it was supposed to be a surprise for everyone!”
Grandma narrowed her eyes, ice–cold.
“Don’t insult my intelligence. You seduced a married man while I was in a hospital bed. You really thought illness made me blind?” “As for turning Valerie into a product on display–how much of that was your idea?”
Clarissa shrank back in silence,
Brandon, realizing this wasn’t going his way, softened his voice.
“Alright, alright. No need to make this dramatic. Grandma, just take back the papers. I’ll let Valerie out. No need to take it this far…” Her eyes flashed.
“I don’t need you to let her out. I already did. She’s free now–and I’ve sent her to her ex.
“}
“In a few days, she may very well be someone else’s wife.”
The words hit him like a freight train. Brandon staggered back, stunned.
“Grandma… how could you? She’s your granddaughter–in–law. My wife!”
Chapter 5
55.56%
Grandma’s voice dropped to a deadly whisper.
“You still dare to call her that? You’ve shamed yourself and our name.
At that moment, the auction host approached with the final tray of collectible items.
Grandma barely spared it a glance. Her gaze shifted to Clarissa.
“All of this? It’s yours.”
Clarissa’s eyes widened with disbelief.
Then Grandma turned to Brandon.
“You always wanted her, didn’t you? Fine. Marry her. But drag our family name through the mud again–and you’re on your own.”
“Whatever you two do is your mess now–The Westwoods won’t clean up after you.”
With that, she turned on her heel, gesturing for her private attendant to escort her out.
Clarissa nearly squealed with delight.
“Bran! Did you hear that? She’s finally giving us her blessing! We don’t have to sneak around anymore!”
His friends whooped and raised their glasses.
“Damn, that blew up in the best way! You hated Valerie anyway. Now you can marry Clarissa for real!”
