I stood frozen between them.

At my neck, Brian's desperate need.


Before me, Brandon's plea, stripped of all pride.

I took a deep breath and spoke with a calm that bordered on cruelty:

"Have either of you forgotten to ask one crucial question?"


Both men froze, their attention snapping to my face.

"What?" Brandon asked hoarsely.


"You've both asked so many 'can you's and 'may I's, but has either of you ever asked whether I, Anna Chapman, am willing?"

Brian looked stunned, unprepared for this question.

Brandon's pupils contracted, his lips moving silently.

"I am not willing."

I declared firmly.

"I am not some trophy for you two to fight over! My heart is not a cake you can negotiate how to share!"

"Anna..." Brian grabbed for my hand desperately, but I shook him off.

Brandon studied me with deep, unreadable eyes for a long moment.

Finally, he smiled bitterly:

"I understand, Anna."

A tear slid down Brandon's face, leaving a visible trail.

"I'll sign the divorce papers. Then I'll court you properly."

"You deserve the freedom to choose."

Brian's eyes lit up.

"Divorce? That's fantastic news."

"Brother! I should set off fireworks on your head to celebrate!"

Brandon laughed humorlessly, as if he already knew the outcome.

Sure enough, I immediately pushed Brian away.

Brian looked devastated. "Anna..."

"I've always preferred mature, stable men. If all you can offer is puppy-dog eyes and victimhood, I'm afraid you're not on my list of potential suitors."

Brian's face crumpled.

"Of course, you're welcome to continue your coercive tactics. But each time, I'll make sure you understand the consequences more painfully than before."

Brian grabbed my hand desperately.

"I won't, Anna! I promise I won't do that again!"

"I'll court you properly, just like my brother!"