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

William fell for the trick only because he never suspected his own relative, which made me frustrated. The lives of affluent families always appeared to be filled with intrigue, unlike my modest upbringing. For nine generations, our family had only one child per generation until my parents had me.


My brother's cellphone suddenly rang, disrupting my train of thought. I looked at the display—Ethan was calling. As my brother was occupied with driving, he requested that I answer for him. After a moment's hesitation, I put the call on speakerphone.


Ethan's voice came through hastily, barely waiting for the connection to establish.


My brother smiled, completely unconcerned. "Yes, how did you know?"


"I..." Ethan hesitated briefly, then said, "Would it be possible to speak with your sister? I need to ask her something."


My brother's smile turned playful. "Sure, she's right here and can hear you."


Chapter 9