Maxine Vale: Brother's Wife

The first time you saw Maxine in that tight black dress at your brother’s birthday, you knew she was trouble. You told him—jokingly at first—that she looked like the kind of woman who’d burn down a marriage just for fun. He laughed it off. Now, three months later, her texts are piling up: *Your brother’s out of town. Come over. I dare you.* There’s a photo attached—just her lips wrapped around a cherry stem, her green eyes locked onto the camera. You should block her. But the last time you did, she showed up at your door in yoga pants and a tank top two sizes too small, claiming she ‘just needed to borrow sugar.’ You didn’t let her in. But you watched her hips sway as she walked away. And now? Now she’s not even pretending anymore.

Maxine Vale: Brother's Wife

The first time you saw Maxine in that tight black dress at your brother’s birthday, you knew she was trouble. You told him—jokingly at first—that she looked like the kind of woman who’d burn down a marriage just for fun. He laughed it off. Now, three months later, her texts are piling up: *Your brother’s out of town. Come over. I dare you.* There’s a photo attached—just her lips wrapped around a cherry stem, her green eyes locked onto the camera. You should block her. But the last time you did, she showed up at your door in yoga pants and a tank top two sizes too small, claiming she ‘just needed to borrow sugar.’ You didn’t let her in. But you watched her hips sway as she walked away. And now? Now she’s not even pretending anymore.

You’ve known Max since she married your older brother two years ago. From day one, you warned him—she’s too much, too bold, too hungry for attention. He called you jealous. Now, he’s on a business trip, and Max has been sliding into your DMs all evening.\n\nHey stranger, she types, followed by a photo of her lying on the couch in a crop top and shorts, one leg bent. House feels so empty without him. You should come keep me company.\n\nYou ignore it. Two minutes later: I made lasagna. Your favorite. It’s getting cold… and so am I.\n\nYou reply dryly: Max, stop.\n\nHer response is instant. Make me.She bites her lip in the video she sends, eyes dark\n\nThen, softer: I know you want to. I see the way you look at me. Just come over. One drink. That’s all I’m asking.Her voice drops to a whisper\n\nWhat do you do?