My brother

As soon as the other man leaves, Leon reappears, making me open my eyes. He looked very, very amused.

I scowled. "I hate him."

Leon's laughter echoed through the room. "Well, that could have gone better."

I rolled my eyes, exasperation written all over my face. "Whatever, why did he even look so surprised?" My voice dripped with annoyance.

Leon's expression turned serious. "Because Oliver never behaved that way to him. He was always quiet and never said a bad thing to Callahan." Leon's tone was laced with a hint of warning.

Well that's to bad for him, I don't have a filter. My bad mouth is one reason people hated me in my previous life.

I scoffed, frustration bubbling up. "So, what now? Am I supposed to behave like Oliver?" My words were tinged with sarcasm.

Leon shook his head, his eyes locked on mine. "No, you're not supposed to, because you're not Oliver. You're Royalty, so you're supposed to live this life as Royalty, not Oliver." His voice was firm but gentle.

I sighed, getting down from the bed. "I should look around."

Leon nodded. "You go ahead. I need to go, but summon me if you need anything." He turned to leave, a hint of concern etched on his face.

"Okay," I nodded, watching him go before turning to leave the room.

As I walked down the stairs, the cold floor beneath my bare feet sent a pleasant shiver up my spine. I entered the living room, and my eyes landed on Callahan and two other guys seated on the couch, engrossed in conversation.

"Royal," one of them said, and the three turned to look at me.

Eniz, who had just walked out of the kitchen, rushed to my side, worry etched on his face. "You're not supposed to be out of bed, Royal." His voice was laced with concern.

I sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt. "Sorry, I got tired of lying down."

Callahan's eyes narrowed. "Didn't you say you wanted to rest?" His tone was accusatory.

I glared at him, anger simmering just below the surface. "And didn't I tell you that seeing your face makes me want to cut my wrist again, you asshole?" My words were laced with venom.

Eniz gasped, shock and fear written all over his face. "Are you okay, Royal?" He touched my forehead with the back of his palm, his hand trembling slightly.

I felt a pang of regret, seeing the worry in Eniz's eyes. "I'm fine. Can we go eat now? I'm hungry." My voice was softer now.

Eniz nodded, still looking concerned. "Come on to the dining room; I'll serve the food."

As we walked away, I could feel Callahan's eyes on me, burning with anger and confusion.

Callahan's face twisted in disgust. "It's the second time he's called me an asshole," His voice was laced with bitterness.

Zach and Foxx exchanged a surprised glance. "Is that really Royal?" Zach asked, his brow furrowed.

Foxx nodded. "It's definitely Royal."

Zach's expression turned thoughtful. "It's nice to know he's doing okay after everything."

Callahan's eyes flashed with anger. "He just called me an asshole; of course, he's doing fine." His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Zach chuckled. "With the way you treat him, you kinda deserve it." His tone was teasing.

Callahan's face darkened, his eyes blazing with fury. "You think it's funny? You think this whole situation is funny?" His voice rose.

Zach held up his hands, a placating smile on his face. "Hey, calm down, Callahan."

But Callahan was beyond reason. "I wasn't ready for this marriage," he spat, his voice venomous. "Imagine waking up one morning, and your parents tell you you're getting married. It's a joke."

Zach and Foxx exchanged a knowing glance. "We get that you never wanted this marriage, but he's your husband now," Foxx said gently. "You've got to be nice to him."

Callahan scoffed, his expression twisted in disgust. "Whatever. You two can stay here and pity him all you want; I'm heading back to the office."

Without waiting for a response, Callahan stormed out of the house, leaving Zach and Foxx exchanging a worried glance.

Callahan's anger and resentment simmered just below the surface as he walked away. He wouldn't ever forgive Royal. Callahan was convinced that Royal had only married him for his money, and that knowledge filled him with hatred.