Brother's Hate

It was annoying that no matter what he did, the Whitlock's name would forever be stained due to her actions. 

Why was he so worried? Why was reputation so important to him? He did not want to remember the past. The time he had been humiliated. 

But was that the only reason why he was so bitter? He once loved a person and dreamt of their life together but that dream shattered. When he came to face with the reality, his personality changed.

Selena looped her arm through Alex's without hesitation, her chin held high as they followed Lucien out the door. Alex felt a strange sense of pride as they stepped into the night together. Whatever awaited them at the ball, he was ready.

Lucien climbed into the carriage, his expression sour. He didn't bother waiting for Selena or offering her a hand to help her in—a decision he immediately regretted when he glanced back and saw Alex stepping forward to assist her.