LOVE IN PARIS: Married To My Brother-in-law-Chapter 57: Third Wheel

Yvette stepped through the front door, feeling the weight of the evening’s promotional event lift from her shoulders, it had been a tired and exhausting day.

The warmth of her home immediately embraced her, a comforting contrast to the bustling city outside.

As she opened the door , she was welcomed by the flavoured smell of home cooked food so she involuntarily made her way to the kitchen where she knew Zeke would be since Mrs Lawrence hadn’t resumed yet.

The soft glow of the dining room lights illuminated the table, already set with dishes and warm food.

Zeke stood before the gas with his back turned as he expertly maneuvered a spatula over the sizzling pan.

He was quick to notice her presence and immediately turned as she entered, his eyes lighting up with a familiar warmth.

"Welcome home, Wifey". He said softly, cleaning his hand with a napkin laying on the cupboard before crossing the room to meet her.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing a kiss to her forehead before kneeling down to help with her heels. As he untied the straps, Yvette couldn’t help but smile, the gesture intimate and tender. "How was the event?"

"It was fine, just a bit exhausting". She replied, leaning against him for a moment. "What have you made?"

"Your favorite of course". He said, stepping back to reveal the beautifully set table, which he completed with bowls of fragrant stir-fried vegetables and steaming bowls of rice. "I figured you’d be hungry after all the speeches."

"Zeke you’re the best". She beamed excitedly pressing a kiss on his forehead as she stood on her tippy toes.

"I think we should have Mrs Lawrence resume back. It must be so tiring and stressful for you, dealing with the company’s affairs all day long then coming back home to cook instead of taking a rest. You don’t even want me to get in the kitchen to assist you". She complained."

"It’s not tiring at all. I just love cooking for you and besides I don’t want you to get stressed".

"You . . ." Yvette began but was interrupted mid sentence by the ringing of the doorbell.

"We have guests?". She asked Zeke who seems like he was anticipating the arrival. Well , it was surprising to see him nod in response after all ever since they gotten together they rarely have guests aside from their friends who visited occasionally so this made her wonder who the guest this time was.

"You go get fresh and changed first. I’ll get the door". He added and pecked her cheeks, giving her one last affectionate squeeze before heading to answer the door .

She watched him go for a moment, curiousity stirring in her chest. She then headed up the stairs to change into something more comfortable.

As Yvette ascended the staircase, she could hear Zeke’s voice merrily greeting someone at the door. She headed to her direction and changed into a soft sweater and comfortable pants, feeling more at home in her own skin.

After a few minutes, she descended the stairs, her curiosity piqued by the muffled voices in the living room.

By the time she descended the staircase, she heard soft murmurs of chatters from the living room.

And as she stepped into the room, her heart skipped a beat. Seated on the couch beside Zeke were two men she recognized instantly.

The first was the mayor of the neighbouring city, a prominent figure she had seen countless times on TV and in local news. His reputation preceded him, sharp, strategic, charismatic and highly influential also dangerously handsome.

The other man, sitting casually next to the mayor was Blair, a face she hadn’t expected to see here and he was just as equally as surprised as her.

Her surprise deepened as she realized how familiar they seemed and chatted merrily with Zeke and this made her more curious as she wondered how they were related.

Zeke looked up, catching her gaze. "Ah, Yvette come here". He said, motioning her closer to join them. "Let me properly introduce to you. This is the mayor as you might have known , he is my uncle from my maternal side , and this". He gestured to Blair. "This is my cousin Blair from my maternal side also."

Yvette’s eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "Uncle... Cousin?". She echoed, her voice uncertain as she took a seat. "I didn’t know you two were acquaintances". She added gesturing to Blair.

Blair however smirked, leaning back in his seat. "We’re practically family now. Cousin in-law technically. Shouldn’t you be calling me that?"

Yvette paused and blinked , momentarily taken aback for a moment stunned by the new connection before laughter bubbled up from her. "Cousin-in-law? Is that how this works?. Well I suppose I should then. Cousin in-law, cousin in-law"."

"Oh please". Blair’s playful expression quickly darkened into a frown and he waved her off dismissively. "Cousin-in-law, my ass. Just feed me already."

Zeke chuckled and motioned toward the dining table. "Let’s eat before we all starve to death". He said, ushering them to sit.

Throughout the meal, Zeke, ever the doting husband kept serving Yvette, occasionally feeding her directly.

Every gesture was filled with quiet love, from the way he brushed a stray hair from her face to the way he held her hand between bites.

Nicolai and Blair meanwhile sat across from them. Nicolai was quiet and composed as always but Blair however couldn’t help glowering at the duo.

"Could you guys tone it down a bit? We’re here too!" Blair complained rolling his eyes, which made the duo laugh even more. "Stop making us feel like the third wheel here".

Zeke chuckled but didn’t stop, pressing a piece of fish to Yvette’s lips. "Are we making you uncomfortable?"

"At least let me eat in peace ". Blair muttered stabbing his dish with unnecessary force. "We don’t wanna be suffocated from all your display of affection. Right , uncle?". He added turning to face Nicola who shrugged his shoulder nonchalantly and Blair sighed helplessly at his reaction.

"Seems like you’re the only one who has an issue with this". Zeke chuckled.

After dinner Blair ,clearly eager to escape the situation, turned to Nicolai. "Uncle, let’s go. I’m ready to leave these two lovebirds to their nest."

Nicolai smiled, amused by his discomfort but shook his head. "Not so fast. I need to talk to Zeke in private first." He then glanced at Yvette.

"Why don’t you and Blair keep each other company while we handle some business in the study?"

Yvette nodded, watching as the two men disappeared upstairs, leaving her alone with Blair.

The air between them was charged with something unspoken and Blair shifted awkwardly in his seat, eyes flickering between Yvette and the door. Finally, he broke the silence.

"I never knew you were married and to my cousin at that , I thought it was a joke or something". He began quietly, his voice tinged with something akin to regret. "If I had known..."

Yvette held up her hand, cutting him off gently. "It’s okay. There’s no need to bring up the past. What you said... it doesn’t matter anymore, it never even did."

Blair’s expression tightened, but he forced a small smile. "I see. Well, how’s married life treating you? He isn’t too much of a pain in the ass, is he? Zeke’s always been haughty and a bit... cold."

Yvette laughed softly, her eyes softening as she thought of her husband. "He’s the best person I’ve ever met. Even in another lifetime, I’d want to marry him again. Only him." Her words were sincere, filled with quiet conviction.

"I think I’ve had enough for this damned day". Blair groaned dramatically, throwing his head back. "Stop oppressing me with your perfect marriage! Enough with the PDA!"

They both laughed, the tension between them finally dissolving. A few minutes later, Zeke and Nicolai descended the stairs, and the couple walked their guests to the door, bidding them goodnight.

______________________

The next morning when Yvette woke up, the space beside her was long empty and cold. She felt a chill running through her and she rushed downstairs, her heart pounding as she searched for Zeke. However, in the kitchen, she found Mrs Lawrence setting up the table.

"Mrs Lawrence, you’re back". She smiled.

"Yes. I’ve always wanted to resume much earlier but sir told me to take a leave for a while and he’ll tell me when to resume and tada, here I am ".

"Then where is he ?". She asked looking around the room which held no signs of him.

"He went to the graveyard early this morning" . She replied, a sympathetic look in her eyes. "Today is his mother’s death anniversary."

"Oh". Yvette breathed, her heart sinking. "I need to go see him." She then turned to Mrs Lawrence. "Can you tell the driver to prepare the car?. I’ll be back in a bit after changing my clothes".

"Sure". Mrs Lawrence smiled