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

"Are you feeling alright?" I inquired, slipping his wallet back into his pocket as I observed him. He was tall and slender; if he weren't so frail, I'd only be able to glimpse his chin from this proximity due to his height. His fair complexion and prominent nose bridge created a captivating mix of Eastern and Western allure.


"No, just fell into a trap," he answered.


"What?" I halted mid-step as I assisted him towards the bed. Was there still time for me to escape?


Noticing my uncertainty, he suddenly grasped my arm, took a swift step and tossed me onto the plush mattress.


"It's too late for that now," he stated.


I bounced slightly on the mattress, only to find myself pinned down by him once more.


"If you're not planning to end the engagement, could you at least assist me?" he requested.


How could I respond to such a question? I had no intention of breaking off the engagement, but being in such close proximity with someone I'd just met...


Chapter 8