ManyWriters

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!"

Betrayed Hearts, From Secret Love to Arranged Fate

I gazed at Ethan, perplexed by his unexpected behavior. His affection for Amanda was clear to everyone. With her return, shouldn't he be glad to let me go? Why pursue me across the world?


Noticing my quiet response, he produced a crimson velvet case and knelt before me.


"Emma, I know I've caused you pain. But I promise to make amends. Become my wife, and you'll be the only one in my heart from now on."


The case contained a glittering pink diamond ring, briefly reminding me of the many times I'd imagined this scene. Fortunately, he had never actually proposed before.


I extended my hand and, as hope began to shine in his eyes, I gently shut the velvet case.


"Ethan, I once cherished you because I believed you were honorable and exceptional. But I was mistaken. You're merely a deceiver, adept at concealing your true nature behind a mask of propriety."


Chapter 10