Chapter 135: Stay away from my wife, Nyox

Lysander walks towards us and before I can even process what’s happening, he grabs his very identical brother by the arm and drags him away from me.

Then he pulls me close, wrapping an arm around my waist and keeping me firmly against his side.

I look up at him.

What is happening now?

He turns towards his brother, his expression darkening.

"Stay the fuck away from my wife, Nyox."

The other man raises both hands slightly, looking thoroughly entertained.

"Congratulations on your wedding, by the way."

"You sent your congratulations before. But thank you."

"She’s very pretty."

Lysander immediately drags me even closer.

"I know. Stay. The. Fuck. Away. From. Her, Nyox. I’m not joking about it."

I blink.

Excuse me?

Okay, first of all, I don’t appreciate being talked about as though I’m not standing in the same room.

Secondly, what in the actual fuck?

Why didn’t anyone tell me my husband had another brother besides Jeremiah? And why is the said brother completely identical to my husband?

I look at the two of them again.

It’s almost ridiculous. If someone told me they were looking into a mirror, I’d believe it.

The only noticeable difference right now is the way Nyox carries himself. While Lysander looks like he’s contemplating murdering someone, his brother seems to find everything amusing.

Especially his brother’s obvious irritation.

Nyox smiles or whatever he thinks he’s doing with his lips.

Then, without warning, he steps forward and pulls Lysander into a bro hug.

I have to shift backwards so I don’t get squished between them.

"Good to see you, brother," Nyox says.

Lysander sighs.

"I can’t say the same about you."

But I notice he drags him closer for the hug.

Oh.

So he doesn’t actually hate him.

Interesting.

When they finally pull apart, Nyox looks at me.

"Sorry I missed y’all’s wedding. It couldn’t be helped....I sent my congratulations though."

I gape at him and he smiles.

"I see your husband here didn’t mention me?"

Before I can answer, Lysander speaks for me.

"I didn’t think it necessary."

I turn my head to stare at him.

Not necessary? Your identical brother wasn’t necessary information?

I open my mouth, but Nyox speaks before I can.

"Typical Lysander."

He turns to me, extending his hand.

"I’m Nyox. Lysander’s twin brother."

Twin brother?! Twin brother!!!!???

I stare at his hand for a second before accepting it.

"Nerissa."

"I know."

Of course he does.

He gives my hand a gentle shake before releasing it.

"Beautiful name."

"Thank you."

"Beautiful wife too, apparently."

Lysander makes a sound beside me.

"Nyox."

"What?" His brother looks at him innocently. "I’m complimenting your wife."

"Keep your compliments to yourself."

I roll my eyes.

Good Lord.

"Can both of you stop acting like I’m not standing here?"

Nyox turns towards me, his smile widening.

"I like her already."

"Nobody asked you," Lysander mutters.

I look between them again.

This is going to be a long day.

Lysander glances at the handkerchief wrapped around my finger.

"What happened?"

"She cut herself," Nyox answers.

Lysander looks at the cutting board, then back at me.

"Tomatoes?"

I sigh.

"Unfortunately."

He looks at the uneven pieces scattered across the board and presses his lips together.

I narrow my eyes.

"Go ahead. Laugh."

"I’m not laughing."

"Your face says otherwise."

He finally chuckles his arm tightening around my waist.

"She was helping Aunt Susan."

"Helping?" Lysander repeats, glancing at the tomatoes again.

I turn to him.

"Don’t start."

He raises his hands.

"All right. I won’t."

A moment passes before he adds, "But I think Aunt Susan might need to reconsider her teaching methods."

"Both of you are annoying."

Nyox leans against the counter, looking at his brother.

"So, how long have you been married?"

Lysander gives him a flat look.

"Do you not remember sending your congratulations?"

"I remember. I just want to hear about it."

"Then ask someone else."

Nyox laughs.

I look at him, then at Lysander. There’s something strangely amusing about watching someone talk to my husband without being intimidated by him.

Most people seem to measure every word around Lysander. Nyox, on the other hand, appears to enjoy pushing every possible button.

I wonder how long they’ve been doing this probably since birth. Since they are twins.

"Where have you been?" Lysander asks.

Nyox shrugs.

"Handling some things."

"That’s not an answer."

"It’s the answer you’re getting."

The two stare at each other for a moment.

I look away.

"Are you staying?" I ask Nyox, deciding that somebody needs to ask a normal question.

He turns towards me.

"That depends. Does my sister-in-law want me here?"

I open my mouth, but Lysander answers first.

"She doesn’t get to decide that."

I slowly turn to him.

"Excuse me?"

He looks down at me.

"What?"

"Did I ask you to speak for me?"

Nyox bursts into laughter while Lysander shoots him a warning look.

I ignore them both.

"Not like it’s my house but you’re welcome to stay, Nyox. I’m sure it’ll be interesting having someone else around who can tolerate your brother."

Nyox places a hand over his chest.

"Finally, someone appreciates me."

"Don’t get too comfortable," Lysander mutters.

Before Nyox can respond, footsteps approach the kitchen.

Aunt Susan walks in, looks at the three of us, then stops.

Her eyes settle on Nyox.

"You’re finally here!"

Nyox straightens immediately.

"Aunt Susan."

She walks towards him and pulls him into a hug.

I watch as he bends slightly to accommodate her.

"Look at you. You didn’t even tell me you were coming."

"I wanted to surprise everyone."

"Well, you’ve certainly done that."

She pats his cheek before looking at Lysander.

"Why are you two standing here? And Nerissa, what happened to your finger?"

I lift my injured hand.

"Small accident."

She clicks her tongue.

"See? I told you not to rush with the knife."

I look at the tomatoes, then at her.

I think it’s time I accept that cooking might not be my calling.

Nyox glances at the chopping board again.

"Should I help?"

Aunt Susan smiles.

"Of course. At least one of you knows how to use a knife."

I burst out laughing while Lysander looks at his aunt, his expression looking hurt.

"Really?"

She ignores him.

Nyox grins and reaches for the knife, chopping the tomatoes the exact way aunt Susan likes it.