Chapter 1

For seven years, I had been secretly dating my brother's closest friend, and we were making plans to tie the knot.

I tracked his location and arrived at his gathering, but as I approached the private room's entrance, I caught snippets of their discussion.

"Ethan Shaw, your true love has returned. What's your plan for that temporary little sister?"

He remained silent.

The mood grew uncomfortable, and another friend chuckled, "Ethan's boldness is remarkable. He had the nerve to pursue Adam's sister. Now that he's done with her, Amanda's back..."

"She left so abruptly back then, she deserves to have a replacement to annoy her!"

The following day, Ethan brought me to Amanda's welcome party, showering me with displays of affection.

However, when Amanda ran off in tears, he shoved me aside and hastily chased after her.

I went home covered in spilled soup and burns, and entered the study—a room he had always forbidden me from accessing.

Their photograph together was prominently displayed on the desk.

My heart shattered, and I phoned my brother overseas.

"Brother, I've decided to accept the arranged marriage. I agree!"

——

"Emma Snow, has someone mistreated you?"

My brother hesitated briefly before speaking with deep worry in his voice.

I put on a fake cheerful tone, despite the pain in my chest. "No, I've just come to my senses. I'm going to get married anyway, so does the groom really matter?"

"Plus, I have faith in Mom and Dad's judgment. Even if it's an arranged match, I'm certain you've all thoroughly checked the candidate's background."

Only then did my brother exhale with relief. His voice softened, "I'm pleased you've come to this conclusion. When are you returning? Would you like to meet him before finalizing your decision?"

"That's unnecessary. The sooner we agree, the quicker the company crisis can be resolved. You can start planning the wedding, and let's set the date for a month from now."

"Understood! By the way, are you still in touch with Ethan? I heard his dream girl is finally back. You should reach out to him, perhaps he'll find time to join your celebration and bring some good fortune."

I was taken aback that my brother knew about Amanda. No wonder Ethan had always insisted I keep our relationship hidden from him.

I lowered my eyes to conceal my heartache.

"Brother, don't bother him. We're not close."

Just then, I heard the sound of a key turning in the lock. I said goodbye and ended the call.

I looked up to meet Ethan's smiling gaze.

"Not close to whom?"

"Not close to you!"

I responded honestly, but Ethan arched an eyebrow and playfully pulled me into his arms.

"Really? Then explain how we're not close. Are we not intimate enough, or haven't we shared enough nights together, hmm?"

His warm breath tickled my ear.

Our once familiar intimate gestures that used to make my heart race now only left me feeling uneasy and repulsed.

As I tried to pull away, I noticed the lipstick mark on his shirt collar.

The burns on my body throbbed, and I couldn't pinpoint the source of the pain, but it was so intense it brought tears to my eyes.

"Emma, what's wrong? Are you feeling ill?"

Ethan became alarmed as soon as he saw my tears.

He rolled up his sleeve and noticed the large red marks on my wrist, his voice shaking with concern.

"How did this happen? When did you get burned? Why didn't you tell me?"

It seemed he had completely forgotten the incident at the party.

I remained quiet, unsure whether I should remind him and expose his facade of pretend affection.