I Watched My Scheming Brother Crash and Burn Chapter 1

On the day I return to court in triumph, my fiancee, Isabel Hartwell, welcomes me at the city gates.

My career is flourishing, and I'm about to marry the woman I love. As far as I'm concerned, my life can't be more perfect.

A victory banquet is held in my honor. By the time I'm pleasantly buzzed, Isabel's mother, Katherine Mercer, raises her glass to me with a smile.

"Nicholas, my daughter has waited three long years for you. Now, you're finally back!"

The entire room bursts into laughter.

My ears burn as I search for Isabel through the crowd of guests raising their glasses. She lowers her head, trying to hide her smile.

Perhaps sensing my gaze, she looks up. Our eyes meet, and hers crinkled with delight.

My heart skips a beat. I quickly lower my head and take a drink to hide my embarrassment, only to nearly choke on it.

My fellow soldiers immediately begin teasing me. Even my younger half-brother, Stephen Aldridge, leans over with a smile.

"Congratulations, Nicholas. You'll soon be the Hartwells' son-in-law. When you make it to the top, don't forget to help me out."

I ruffle his hair, warmth filling my chest.

My career is thriving, the woman I love will soon be my wife, and I share a close bond with my family. What more can I possibly ask for?

Then, I look up and freeze.

A golden prophecy appears out of nowhere, hovering in midair.

"In two hours, Stephen will be found lying beside Isabel with his clothes in disarray. Everyone will catch them in a compromising position. Isabel will be forced to marry Stephen, and she'll eventually succumb to depression and die."

I sober instantly as a chill sweeps through me.

After all, Stephen is none other than my younger half-brother, who has just raised a toast to me.

* * *

My fingers trembled around the wineglass as I slowly turned my head.

Stephen Aldridge was still seated beside me, dressed in a pale silver suit that made his features appear gentle and unassuming. A sweet, obedient smile played on his lips.

Yet, his eyes were fixed on Isabel Hartwell across the crowded room.

There was admiration in his gaze, along with tenderness and an unmistakable longing that no young man could hide when he was looking at the woman he loved.

I felt a chill run down my spine, but I didn't let my emotions show.

I set down my glass, then used my drunkenness as an excuse to leave my seat and make my way over to Isabel.

She was speaking with several other ladies when I leaned into her ear and dropped my voice into a gentle whisper. "Isabel, can we talk somewhere private?"

Isabel looked up at me in surprise, but when she saw how serious I was, she rose and followed me out of the antechamber.

Moonlight spilled across the grounds as I led her to a secluded walkway in the inner courtyard.

"What is it?" she asked softly. "You don't look well."

I turned to face her and took her hand in mine. Her fingers were cold, and they curled slightly as my palm closed around them.

"There are too many people here tonight," I said quietly. "I think you should head home earlier. I can't shake the feeling that something's wrong, and having you here is only making me more anxious."

Her brows drew together. "It sounds like you're feeling anxious. Are you sick? I'll send someone for a doctor—"

"No, that won't be necessary. I'll be able to relax once I know you're safely home. I'll come see you first thing tomorrow morning."

Isabel studied me, her eyes clear and luminous in the moonlight.

In the end, she didn't press me for an explanation and merely nodded. "Alright, I'll go. Take care of yourself, and don't drink too much."

I turned to my attendant, Adam Bracken. "Escort Ms. Hartwell back to her room. Use the side gate so no one notices you leaving. Don't come back until you've seen her safely inside."

Adam nodded and left to carry out my orders.

I watched Isabel walk away until she disappeared at the end of the walkway, the hem of her dusty-rose gown over the stone steps before vanishing into the darkness.

For a while, I remained where I was.

Only after the night breeze had carried away the lingering scent of jasmine did I turn and head back inside.