I had harbored a secret, aching love for my stepsister, Aria Valentine, for ten long years. Before finally putting an end to this twisted, impossible obsession, I begged her to spend one last Valentine’s Day with me. The night we checked into the hotel, her childhood sweetheart, Leo Wilder, saw his family’s empire crumble. He knelt for a day and a night at the Valentine family’s doorstep, begging for help. The next morning, news broke that Leo, hounded by creditors, had jumped to his death. She didn't utter a single word. She quietly handled his funeral. She quietly agreed to marry me. The wedding hall erupted in flames, everything consumed by the inferno. She fought, with every fiber of her being, to save my life. In her dying breath, she tore our wedding photo to shreds. “Meeting you… it was the most repulsive thing I’ve ever done in this life.” It was then, in that horrific moment, that I finally understood. She hated me. Branded with the curse of a man who doomed those he loved, I was beaten and kicked by her relatives at the funeral. Mr. and Mrs. Valentine, who had always loved me like their own, now looked at me with chilling indifference. “If it weren’t for you, Aria wouldn’t have died. Your existence, Ethan, was always a burden to her!” Lost and adrift, I stumbled through the streets, only to be struck by a passing truck, flung from the bridge, and killed instantly. When I opened my eyes again, I was back. One week before the wedding. This time, I would let her go. … The bridal salon was hushed, opulent. Aria Valentine sat regally on the sofa, clad in a custom-designed wedding gown. There wasn't a flicker of impending bridal joy in her eyes, only a cold, chilling disdain. “Ethan Miller, are you satisfied now? I truly can’t believe it. The Valentines kindly adopted you, and yet you harbor this delusional fantasy of marrying me? Do you actually think a wedding will make me love you? Dream on!” I lowered my head, glancing at the time on my phone. It was exactly one week before the wedding. The Wilder family hadn’t collapsed yet. Leo hadn’t been driven to suicide by creditors. Everything was still salvageable. The memories of my past life, a torrent of regrets and suffering, flooded my mind. I swallowed down the bitter ache of injustice, forcing a smile. “I know,” I said, my voice soft. “You love someone else. This time, I’ll help you.” A flicker of surprise crossed her face, as if she’d just heard the most absurd joke. A harsh, derisive scoff escaped her lips. “You’ll help me? Help me with what? The invitations have already been sent out. What’s the point of saying all this now?” Her voice sharpened, laced with accusation. “I always thought of you as my brother, treated you with endless care, even let you in on company matters. But you? Two-faced, manipulative… you sicken me! If you hadn’t poisoned my parents’ minds against Leo, why would they have such a huge bias against him? Now you’ve gotten your way. Why pretend to be so magnanimous?” With that, she turned and strode out of the salon. I lowered my head, my hand lingering for a moment on the fabric of the groom’s tuxedo. Then, I gave the attendant Leo Wilder’s measurements. Next, I contacted the wedding planner, instructing them to change the groom’s name on all wedding documents to Leo Wilder. My phone wallpaper was still a photo of Aria and me from ten years ago. Back then, my parents had died, and my schooling was abruptly cut short. Her arrival… she became my salvation. The Valentines and my parents had been close family friends, their bond deep and enduring. At Aria’s urging, I was adopted into the Valentine family. To protect me from bullies at school, she kept me by her side every single day. Classmates would tease that I was her little shadow. She would just smile, a fond, indulgent curve of her lips. When I was cornered by bullies, it was Aria who stepped forward. She fought those street thugs until their faces were bloody and bruised. I stood by, terrified, my eyes wide and vacant. She pulled me close, covering my ears with her hands. “It’s okay, Ethan. From now on, Aria will protect her brother.” She never broke her word. She always protected me fiercely. After we joined the company, every event, every gala, I was always her only male escort. Everyone whispered that Aria Valentine was poised and distant, aloof and proud, but when it came to me, her ‘brother,’ she doted on me immensely. The rumors of romance spread, swirling until even I began to believe them. My secret diary, filled with my unspoken adoration, was discovered by Mr. and Mrs. Valentine. They began to actively push Aria and me together, hoping for a match. But it wasn’t until the fire at the wedding that I truly knew. Her heart belonged to someone else. And my very existence, to her, was nothing but a burden. Having completed all the arrangements, I changed into my own clothes. Forcing a brave smile, I stepped out. The suit was sized. All that was left were the wedding rings. “Aria,” I called out, feigning indifference, “I’m going to pick out wedding rings. Will you come with me?” She knew Leo Wilder’s tastes best. Aria was busy texting on her phone, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips. At my words, she looked up, her gaze chilling. “Tried on the suit, and now you want to buy wedding rings? Ethan Miller, do you really want to marry me that badly?” Her voice was laced with impatience. “I’m busy. Something happened with Leo’s family. I need to go see him.” I swallowed the bitter taste of my own sorrow, opening the car door for her. “Alright, you go. I’ll tell your parents you have company business. Just don’t let it slip.” A flicker of suspicion crossed Aria’s face. She cast a sharp glance at me. “Did you take the wrong medicine today? Usually, you’d glare whenever Leo’s name came up. I guess you’re finally getting married, so you think he’s no longer a threat?” A wry, sad smile touched my lips. Before I could speak, Aria flung the words over her shoulder and left, not even looking back. I walked the streets for a long time in the cold wind. The moment I arrived home, Mr. and Mrs. Valentine saw the expression on my face and understood. They quickly rushed to comfort me. “Don’t overthink it, Ethan. Aria is just childish. It’ll be fine after you two get married.” Mrs. Valentine said, her voice gentle. “Look, she says she doesn’t want to bother with you, but she personally sent over several wedding ring designs. Pick one you like. Don’t worry about the cost, we’ll pay for it.” Mr. Valentine added, his voice firm. “We’ll make sure your wedding is spectacular.” They believed Aria was simply putting on a tough front. But only I knew that everything she did was merely to maintain appearances. Without that fire, our marriage would have been one of polite distance, a life of convenience. Everything would be fine, except for love. I picked the most expensive ring from the selection. When the news reached Aria, she immediately called. “What, are you dropping the act? You certainly picked the most expensive ring. Let me make myself clear: after we’re married, you can spend the Valentine family’s money however you like, but don’t even think about interfering in my affairs!” I tilted my head back, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. “Okay. I promise.” The call ended. The chauffeur sent Mr. Valentine a location from his Maybach. Mr. Valentine looked at it and instantly blew up. “That brat! She went to see Leo Wilder again?” “Don’t worry, Ethan, your aunt and I will handle this!” Mrs. Valentine assured me, her voice trembling. “When she gets back, I’ll break her legs!” Before Aria returned home, the company lawyer already sent a message: she had breached ten contracts to save the Wilder family’s company. Her favoritism was painfully clear. Mr. Valentine’s face was livid, and he smashed the teacup on the table. Mrs. Valentine looked utterly defeated, but still tried to compose herself and comfort me. Seeing them constantly looking out for me, my eyes welled up. After my parents died, they had loved me as if I were their own son. Knowing my feelings, they had tirelessly tried to bring Aria and me together. But alas, love was never a multiple-choice question. And it couldn’t be cultivated. I knelt before Mrs. Valentine, holding her arm, shaking it gently, feigning a childish plea. “Auntie, I don’t want to get married anymore.” My voice was soft, laced with a plea of my own. “You’ve always been so kind to me, ever since I was little. This is my only wish.” I continued, my voice steady. “I know Aria loves Leo Wilder. Even if we marry, she’d be forcing herself. I don’t want to force her.” I then added, “I’ve already applied to study abroad. This time, please let me make my own decision.” Mrs. Valentine’s eyes welled with tears. She hugged me close, her heart aching. “Is that brat angry with you again? When she gets back, we’ll talk to her together. Marriage isn’t child’s play. She’s good to you, we see it. She’s just temporarily blinded by Leo Wilder; she’ll come to her senses.” Mr. Valentine sighed, nodding. “Indeed. The Wilder family company has too many illegal dealings. Bankruptcy is only a matter of time. Aria might not see it now, but she’ll realize it eventually. You’re our child. We watched you grow up. You’ve never left home. How can we possibly be at ease with you suddenly going abroad?” They thought I was just acting out of spite. They kept insisting they would stand by me and make things right. In my previous life, I listened to them, but the result was a brutal, heartbreaking fall. I couldn’t even preserve the last vestiges of family affection. I led them both to Aria’s bedroom. Pointing to the pile of clutter by the door, I said softly, “These are the gifts I’ve given her over the past ten years. She’s always kept them tucked away in a corner.” My voice tightened. “But the cheap trinkets Leo Wilder bought from a street vendor? Those she keeps by her bedside, cherishing them like treasures.” I met their gaze, a bitter smile on my face. “I’m not a child anymore. Whether there’s love or not, I know best.” “Thank you for taking care of me all these years. Even abroad, I’ll remember your kindness. But kindness shouldn’t be forced. She loves Leo Wilder. I’m willing to help her.” Mrs. Valentine wept, shaking her head, her heart aching. Mr. Valentine still wanted to persuade me, but I quickly interjected, “What if, after marrying me, Aria would be miserable for the rest of her life? This is our only chance to choose. I don’t want to ruin her life.” I looked at them both, my voice firm. “Uncle, Auntie, I know you care for me, but the bond of siblings… perhaps it lasts longer than a marriage.” I met their gaze, hoping they would understand. “I’ve let go. I see her only as my sister now. Please, just grant me this.” Seeing my stubborn resolve, they finally gave up trying to persuade me. Mrs. Valentine slipped a black card into my hand, repeatedly urging me to take good care of myself abroad. Tears streamed down my face as I nodded. “Auntie, please don’t tell Aria about this yet. Let’s give her a surprise at the wedding.” Back in my room, I tucked the bank card into my cabinet. I packed away all the things Aria had given me over the past ten years into a box. I carried it downstairs, intending to set it all ablaze, to burn it clean. The moment the flames flickered to life, Leo Wilder suddenly appeared before me. With a swift kick of his leather shoe, he sent the box tumbling. Glass photo frames shattered with a sickening crash. Before I could react, he casually picked up a shard and savagely slashed his own wrist. A shriek tore through the air. Aria Valentine rushed to my side, her hand flying, connecting with a sharp slap across my face. “What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?!” she demanded, her voice laced with fury. “Leo came here today to discuss business. What are you doing acting like this?” I stood frozen, stunned by the blow. Leo, seizing the moment, collapsed into Aria’s arms, sobbing dramatically. “I’m so sorry, Aria. I just thought, since you two are getting married soon, I’d come by to offer my blessings. Who knew Ethan would suddenly attack…” He sniffled. “I know he hates me. Maybe I shouldn’t come to the Valentine home anymore… I don’t want to cause you trouble.” Aria’s face hardened. She turned her icy gaze to me, her eyes blazing with fury. “What, getting married and you can’t keep up the act anymore? Sowing discord in front of my parents wasn’t enough, now you’re attacking people? Ethan Miller, ten years of knowing you, and I never saw you for who you truly are!” Her voice dropped, low and dangerous. “Just one question: Is the Wilder family’s bankruptcy your doing?”
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