The Death and Resurrection Of Martin Luther

His Widow and His Brother

Cole Luther sat at the head of the long glass table, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. The company was his now. On paper, in truth, in everything that mattered.

“Mr. Luther,” one of the directors said, sliding a stack of documents across. “These need your signature. Just a formality now that the transfer has been approved by the court.”

Cole picked up the pen and signed, across from him, Aubrey sat with one hand cradling her round stomach, the other resting gracefully on the arm of her chair.

The meeting ended and the directors left the room, Leaving Aubrey and Cole alone.

She turned her head, eyes gleaming. “You wear the crown well, Cole. I must say, you look like you were born for that chair.”

Cole leaned back, lips twitching into a grin. “Do I?”

“You do. The company hasn’t skipped a beat since Martin’s… passing. You’ve done more in two years than he managed in our eight years of marriage.”

He smirked. “Martin himself would be proud.”

Aubrey let out a soft laugh, low and dangerous. “I doubt if your late brother would ever admit it. He was a prideful man."

Cole’s gaze lingered on her belly. “How are your parents taking all this?”

Her laugh sharpened, edged with disdain. “My parents? Please. They’ve never had a say in my life. Whoever I marry, whoever I pass my wealth to is my choice, not theirs. It was when I married Martin, and it is now.”

“You gave him everything,” Cole said slowly. “The money, the company, the name. And how did he repay you? By turning into the power-drunk fool everyone whispered about.”

She sighed. “He disgusted me in the end, and I should have seen it sooner. But you…” She leaned forward, eyes glowing. “I wish I met you before Martin. Things would’ve been… different.”

Cole’s lips curved into a slow smirk. He reached over, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Things are different now. He’s gone, and you’re mine. No more sneaking, no more pretending. We get to do whatever we damn well please.”

Her breath caught at his touch, torn between guilt and desire. “But there are still whispers, Cole. About his death, about us, about this baby.”

“Let them whisper,” Cole said coldly, his eyes gleaming with ambition. “What matters is you and I...and the fact that I’m in charge now.”

Aubrey narrowed her eyes, her voice low but sharp. “And your little girlfriends flocking around you? I’ve warned you, Cole. I won’t tolerate it. Not when I’ve staked my name, my reputation, and my child on you. It’s not good for my image.”

Cole chuckled, leaning back with a mocking smile. “Careful, Aubrey. You sound jealous.”

“I sound serious,” she snapped. “I didn’t trade one careless man for another. Remember that.”

Cole chuckled, leaning closer, his breath warm against her ear. “Relax, lioness. I’m not your dead husband. I’m careful with my business, you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Aubrey’s lips curved into a cold smile, though her eyes flashed. “Good. Because if you ever make me look like a fool, Cole… dead husband or not, I won't hesitate to jump onto the next available man with my wealth.”

For a heartbeat, silence hung between them. Then Cole laughed. “That’s why I like you, Aubrey. You bite. But tell me something.” Cole’s tone shifted. “Do you think your parents could’ve had a hand in his death?”

Her smile faded as she narrowed her eyes. “What kind of question is that?”

“You said it yourself. They hated him.” Cole’s eyes bored into hers. “And they wanted him out of the picture.”

Her voice cut sharp. “Hating someone is not the same as killing them, Cole. Don’t twist this.”

He tapped his pen against the table. “Fine. Then what about you?”

Her whole body stiffened. “Me?”

“Yes, you.” He turned his head, eyes gleaming with cruel curiosity. “You were tired of the marriage and you were cheating on him with me. You wanted freedom, was getting rid of Martin your way out?”

Her hand flew up to slap him, but Cole caught her wrist mid-air, and held her wrist tight.

“Don’t,” he whispered. His eyes were cold, sharper than knives. “Don’t you ever try that with me.”

Aubrey gasped, trying to pull back. “Let go...”

But he refused to let go. “I’m not my brother. Remember that. Martin let you walk all over him. He let your pretty face and wealth blind him. But me...” He leaned closer, his breath hot against her cheek. “...I don’t bend and I don’t forgive.”

Her lips trembled, but she masked it with a smile. “You’re threatening me?”

“No,” Cole said tenderly. “I’m reminding you.” He finally released her wrist, but the mark of his grip lingered on her skin. “You’re carrying my child, and our wedding is weeks away. So don’t test me, Aubrey.”

Aubrey opened her mouth, but no words came out. She realized Martin might have been weak, but Cole was something far worse.

“Don’t ever forget,” he murmured. “You’re mine now. And if you betray me like you betrayed him…” His smiled mischievously. “I’ll make sure you join Martin in the grave.”

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