I am the adopted daughter of the Brooks Family and the sister of Declan Brooks. He doted on me. Ever since my parents passed away in a car accident five years ago, he treated me as if I were the most cherished member of the family. However, after I confessed my feelings to him, he ignored me for three long years. On the day he went to propose to someone else, I accepted another man’s proposal. “I will marry.” When I agreed, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Grandma Brooks smiled warmly, “Good girl, just relax and get ready for the wedding this month.” She and the other relatives chatted happily about the upcoming marriage and left, their footsteps light with joy. I sat by the window, staring blankly at the scenery outside. Nora Brooks stood nearby, her eyes red, “I’ll try talking to big brother again. Maybe things can still change.” I looked at her tear-filled eyes and chuckled, “Isn’t getting married a happy occasion? Look at how joyful they all are.” The person most relieved by my decision to marry must be Declan Brooks. Poor Nora still didn’t understand. “But big brother used to care about you the most.” Her voice, tinged with tears, brought my thoughts back to a few years ago. That year, after my parents died in the car accident, my greedy relatives divided up my family’s assets, leaving my future uncertain. “This young girl, who wants her?” “My family can’t support her.” “Neither can mine.” They passed the responsibility around. I curled up in a corner, trembling. A tall young figure, like a savior, stood before me, “I will!” He took me home. From then on, I became the adopted daughter of the Brooks Family and Declan Brooks’ sister. He seemed distant but was sensitive enough to notice my fear of the dark and would tell me stories all night long. Even while working away from home, he would find interesting gifts for me. He took my childish words to heart. He said, “If Fiona doesn’t want to get married, the Brooks Family will always be your home. Brother will always protect you.” He spoiled me deeply, allowing me to grow up safely as the most cherished daughter in our circle. I took his promise seriously. Unnoticed, my feelings gradually grew. I naturally assumed Declan Brooks would be mine forever. So, that Valentine’s Day, when he handed a bouquet he won to another girl, I smashed it without hesitation and declared my affection in front of everyone. “Declan Brooks, I don’t just see you as a brother. I like you.” Being adopted by the Brooks Family and growing up with Declan Brooks as childhood friends seemed like a perfect match. But from that moment, Declan Brooks avoided me like the plague. I still refused to give up. I believed he loved me but wouldn’t admit it. If he didn’t love me, why did he care for me so attentively? If he didn’t love me, why would he get jealous when I was around other men? I even chased him to his company. But day by day, year by year. This infatuation finally became a joke. People no longer said, “This could be a perfect match.” Instead, they said, “That Brooks Family adoptee is shameless, always clinging to Mr. Brooks.” I waited and waited, but I never heard Declan Brooks say he liked me. Only when night fell, and I was alone, did I realize the truth. The gifts in the box gathered dust over time. The boy who once told me stories with earnest persistence grew into a cold, emotionless man. I stubbornly refused to marry, gradually missing the suitable age. Grandma Brooks finally revealed the truth, “Back then, he took his little sister out to play, and when she got lost, he blamed himself deeply.” “Later, he saved you and cared for you as his own sister.” “Declan only has sibling feelings for you. You’re getting older; you should wake up.” I finally understood. This affection was just borrowed from someone else. That day, Declan Brooks went to the Song Family. To discuss marriage with the girl whose bouquet I smashed, Lydia Johnson. That day, I accepted Grandma Brooks’ suggestion, “If someone is willing to marry me, I’ll agree.” 2 At dawn, I took some money and left. I had already arranged with a friend. His mother needed medical treatment, and his brother needed to attend school. As long as he agreed to a fake marriage, I’d split my money with him. I once thought of running away. But I quickly dismissed the idea. No matter what, the Brooks Family raised me with no wrong done to me. I confirmed the details with my friend, left the money, and departed. When I returned to the Brooks home, it was lively inside. It turned out Lydia Johnson was visiting. At the dining table, she sat between Declan Brooks and Grandma Brooks, chatting and laughing harmoniously. They looked like a family. I wanted to excuse myself, saying I’d already eaten out. But Declan Brooks’ voice left no room for refusal, “Sit down and eat.” I had no choice but to sit down, wisely choosing a seat farthest from him, next to Grandma Brooks. I remained silent, focused on eating. A chopstickful of food landed in my bowl. The gesture startled me. Declan Brooks quickly retracted his chopsticks as if hiding something, speaking sternly, “You haven’t attended any classes for this past half month.” Despite avoiding me for months, he still noticed. I murmured in acknowledgment. Since I decided to marry and leave, there was no need to attend anymore. The young man’s eyebrows raised slightly, his tone cold, “You should still go, learn more to understand things.” I hesitated. He used to smile and pat my head, saying. “Fiona is the most sensible.” Lydia Johnson teased, “If she doesn’t like studying, don’t force her.” She playfully tugged at Declan Brooks’ sleeve, “It’s Valentine’s Day today. Why not let your sister join us for a walk?” Declan Brooks’ eyebrows furrowed. Lydia Johnson graciously said, “At her age, she should enjoy these festivities.” She looked at me, “You’ll come, won’t you?” 3 This was a gesture of goodwill from my future sister-in-law, so I couldn’t refuse. I nodded. Throughout the meal, I listened to Lydia Johnson talk about where to go next. Declan Brooks occasionally chimed in, and the atmosphere was harmonious. The food tasted bland to me, but I forced it down, remaining outwardly calm. On Valentine’s Day, the city was lively. Stalls selling flowers were everywhere, and there were various events in the mall. Shouts, laughter, and conversations filled the air. I followed behind the two of them. Watching Declan Brooks buy her a necklace. Watching him participate in activities, winning a grand prize and handing it to Lydia Johnson, amid envious murmurs from those around. Lydia Johnson turned back, considerately saying, “Why not give this prize to your sister? I remember she loves this.” Her words reminded me of when I broke the bouquet in a fit of temper. Declan Brooks’ long, narrow eyes glanced at me, his expression indifferent, “This is for you.” Lydia Johnson glanced at me, her brows arched, “Your sister isn’t an outsider. As her sister-in-law, I should look after her.” She pressed the prize into my hand, her tone gentle, “Declan got me a custom diamond necklace, unbreakable. This ordinary prize can go to you.” She touched the exquisite necklace around her neck, then retreated a step, re-linking her arm with Declan Brooks’. I was left behind, swallowed by the crowd, stumbling as a motorcycle sped by, knocking me down, pain shooting through my leg. Amid gasps from the crowd, I distinctly heard Lydia Johnson’s clear voice from afar. “Didn’t you say you were taking me to a great place for a night view?” People surrounded me, but through the gaps, I met his starry eyes. He looked at me twice, then was pulled away by someone, breaking eye contact. I was still a bit disoriented. “Are you okay?” With help from kind onlookers, I stood up, limping. I thanked the helpful lady, “It’s okay.” But my mind wandered. That place, he told Lydia Johnson too? The first time I discovered the beautiful view at the mountaintop scenic spot, I hurriedly pulled Declan Brooks along. “This is my secret spot. Can’t tell anyone.” I placed a finger to my lips, playfully winking. His lips curled up, “Alright.” In the dark, his gaze burned warmly, like a flame. We watched the night view together, made sincere wishes, and watched the stars twinkle. Every year, my wish was to be with Declan Brooks. Turns out, making wishes doesn’t work at all. 4 I limped home with difficulty. Nora Brooks sympathetically applied medicine to my injury. The next day, Lydia Johnson heard I was hurt and came to visit. To avoid suspicion, Declan Brooks waited outside. I only saw half of his sharp profile, softened by the morning light. Lydia Johnson expressed her concern and sent over some items. I let Nora Brooks receive them, intending to come up with an excuse to send her off, but she suddenly sat down and talked about the view from last night’s mountaintop. She spoke of Declan Brooks’ gentleness and the beauty of the night view. “Really?” “That’s nice.” “Sounds great.” I kept a calm face, using these three phrases to respond. It was as if past rumors didn’t exist. I was just a sister sincerely wishing her brother well. Finally, she stood up, surveying my room. Her gaze lingered, “This room is nice.” It was spacious and decorated warmly. With little trinkets Declan Brooks collected over the years, it had a certain style. I thought, soon I would leave, and these things should be returned. She spoke of Declan Brooks’ gentle nature and the beauty of the night view. “Really?” “That’s nice.” “Pretty good.” I listened calmly, responding with phrases like these. It was as if the past rumors never existed. I was simply a sister genuinely wishing well for my brother. Eventually, she stood up and looked around my room with a wistful gaze, “This room is nice.” The room was spacious and warmly decorated, with a touch of style from the small trinkets Declan Brooks had collected over the years. I thought that soon I would leave, and these things should be returned. Nora Brooks helped me up and walked Lydia Johnson to the door. Standing next to him, she looked particularly petite. “Are your legs feeling better?” His eyes were cold. I nodded, noticing that the watch he used to wear—a birthday gift from me—was gone, replaced by a couple’s watch. Lydia Johnson wore the matching one. The old watch seemed too ordinary for him now. I wasn’t angry as I once might have been; instead, I asked plainly, “Is the wedding date set?” Declan Brooks paused before answering, “When I return in a month.” He was going on a business trip arranged by the company. “Congratulations.” A thousand words crossed my mind, but in the end, I remained silent. I simply offered my congratulations. His gaze, like a cold, starry night, lingered on me for a moment before he nodded. Finally, I watched them walk away together. They truly looked well-matched. 5 I was just letting go of a dream that was never mine. My friend came as promised, and although Grandma Brooks hesitated about this poor employee, she accepted it when she saw I had no objections. I had no other requests, just one: to be married before Declan Brooks returned. Grandma Brooks understood and kept things simple. But three days before the set wedding date, Declan Brooks came back early. Grandma Brooks was visibly flustered. I hadn’t expected it either. Upon returning, I found my room in disarray. Clothes were scattered, a bookshelf had collapsed, and a vase was broken. My clothes were thrown on the floor, covered in dust. It didn’t look like the room of a bride-to-be. Some servants were bossy, “Search carefully, it might be somewhere.” Nora Brooks was angry, “What are you doing?” The servants weren’t intimidated, “Miss Taylor’s necklace is missing. We were ordered by Mr. Brooks to search.” I frowned slightly, “I didn’t take any necklace.” The servant sneered, wanting to say something. Two figures entered through the courtyard gate. Lydia Johnson’s eyes were red, “Sister, if you like it, I’ll have another one made. That one was a token from Declan, I can’t give it to you.” Declan Brooks, wearing a suit, had a slight frown, “Phoebe, hand it over.” “I thought you had matured, but I didn’t expect you to bully Lydia once I left.” I took a deep breath, looking at his distrustful eyes, “I didn’t take any necklace.” “You said to let go, and I did.” “I haven’t interfered with your wedding.” “Why won’t you let me be at peace?” A servant suddenly laughed mockingly, “If you’ve really let go, why is there a wedding dress in your room!” A white wedding dress was pulled out and thrown in front of everyone. Whispers immediately erupted, “Shameless, still trying to take her place!” Declan Brooks’ expression remained indifferent, but I was familiar with the disappointment in his eyes. “Stubborn.” He turned his head, “I’ll have another necklace made for you.” Lydia Johnson’s eyes gleamed with joy, and she nodded. I suddenly felt a wave of weariness. He was smart and experienced; how could he not see through this clumsy trick? As they left, Lydia Johnson whispered in my ear, “You smashed a bouquet on me back then. Now, I’m just returning the favor.” A group left, leaving behind chaos. Nora Brooks, with tears in her eyes, began to tidy up the mess. I stepped over broken vase pieces and scattered books, picked up the wedding dress that everyone scorned, and dusted it off. Nora Brooks caught up, “This is…” The room was such a mess, it would take time to restore it. I lowered my gaze, “Tell Grandma I’ll leave from the hotel.”
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