Chapter 1

Late at night, Vanessa Samson arrived at the Bowen residence with a pale face.

"Mrs. Bowen, you once told me Blake has had a crush on me since we were kids. Is that true?"

Rose Kirby was startled by Vanessa's unexpected visit at such an hour. Nevertheless, she lit up with excitement and grasped Vanessa's hand tightly.

"Of course! If you don't believe me, I can take you to his room right now, and you'll see for yourself. Blake's already 27, and even though women are lining up to date him, he's never had a serious relationship. I used to think he wasn't interested in girls at all.

"But then I went into his room one day and discovered he's been in love with you all this time. It makes sense, doesn't it? He's your brother's best friend and has watched you grow up. You're so lovable. How could I not have guessed?"

Rose was halfway through pulling Vanessa toward Blake Bowen's room when Vanessa suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"Mrs. Bowen, if Blake really likes me, then I'm willing to marry him."

"Really?" Rose's eyes widened in joy as she exclaimed, "Oh, that is wonderful! I'll call him right away. No, wait. We should pick a date for the wedding first!"

Then, she hastily grabbed a calendar as if she feared Vanessa might slip through her fingers.

Vanessa managed a faint smile. "Let's make it December 8th."

Rose glanced at the date, and her grin grew wider. "That's great. It's only a month away. Vanessa, you sure know how to pick!"

Vanessa smiled and said nothing.

She hadn't chosen that date by chance. It was the day Harris Samson was getting married.

After an animated conversation, Rose reluctantly saw Vanessa out of the house.

The rain-soaked streets glistened under dim streetlights as groups of people strolled by the riverbank. Occasionally, children darted past, their laughter ringing in the cool night air.

One little girl accidentally bumped into Vanessa, causing her to stumble backward.

A slightly older boy rushed over and said nervously, "I'm sorry! My sister didn't mean to run into you. Please forgive her."

Vanessa blinked, momentarily dazed, then shook her head gently.

"It's okay. Go on and play."

Relieved, the two children ran off and continued playing around.

Vanessa watched them silently as a memory surfaced.

Once, someone had stood up for her like that too.

When Vanessa was six, her parents died in a car accident, and their close friends, the Samsons, took her in. With her adoptive parents consumed by work, the responsibility of caring for her fell to their son Harris, who was seven years older than her.

Harris would postpone his meetings and rush to her school to shield her from bullies, make her favorite dessert, and hold her close during stormy nights while telling her bedtime stories.

Basically, Harris had raised her. And somewhere along the way, her feelings for him changed. She couldn't pinpoint exactly when it happened, but her admiration had turned into love.

However, because they were siblings, Vanessa never dared to reveal her feelings.

Instead, she poured her emotions into her art and sketched a thousand portraits of him. On the corner of each drawing, she scrawled the same confession—I love you, Harris.

Three months ago, her secret was exposed when Harris found her sketches.

It was the first time Vanessa had seen him angry. He'd clutched the papers in his trembling hands and thrown them at her, the edges cutting not only her face but also her heart.

Tears had streamed uncontrollably from her eyes and blurred her vision, leaving only the sound of Harris' furious voice in her ears.

"Vanessa, I've cared for you all these years, but not for this! Not for you to harbor such disgusting thoughts. I'm your brother. I'm seven years older than you. How can you do this? And besides, I'm in love with someone else."

A few days later, Harris had brought his girlfriend home.

Vanessa had imagined countless times what kind of woman he might like, but she never once expected it to be her college roommate, Waverly Jones.

When they first started college, Waverly mentioned coming from a poor, rural area and struggling financially. Over the four years they spent together, Vanessa took care of her in many ways, even often bringing her home for meals.

Yet despite all this, Waverly and Harris had always been mere acquaintances. How did the two of them suddenly become a couple?

Vanessa didn't believe it and clung to the hope it was all an act to force her to move on.

Nonetheless, time crushed her hope, especially when Waverly constantly schemed against her, and Harris always took her side.

Just earlier that night, Harris had announced his engagement with Waverly and ordered Vanessa out of the house for the first time. His face had been stormy as he stood by the door.

"Go stand outside for two hours. If this happens again, don't bother coming back."

Harris had once patted her head and promised, "Wherever I am, that will always be your home."

Yet now, for Waverly, he had broken that promise.

Of course, he was getting married, and he needed a home of his own—one without her.

So, Vanessa decided to leave it all behind.

Suppressing the sorrow in her eyes, Vanessa turned toward the stairs. Just as she was about to step up, a cold and sharp voice rang out from above.

"I told you to stand outside for two hours, but you disappeared all night. Where have you been? Do you not want to come back anymore?"

Vanessa froze mid-step. Without looking up, she replied softly, "That's right."

She wouldn't come back anymore.

Chapter 2

Harris stiffened, then demanded in a low voice, "What did you just say?"

Vanessa looked up to meet his gaze. His features were impeccably chiseled, and he excluded an air of aloofness. Clad in a white button-up shirt and tailored black slacks, he appeared to be heading out.

She looked down again and responded, "Do you have a moment? I've called Mom and Dad as well. There's something I want to tell you all."

Harris hesitated briefly before glancing at the phone lighting up in his hand. He replied curtly, "I'm heading out to pick up Waverly. If it's not urgent, we'll talk later."

Without sparing her another glance, he turned and walked away.

Vanessa watched his retreating figure until it disappeared. Then, she quietly entered the house. By the time she changed her clothes, Thomas Samson and Katrina Marsh were seated on the living room couch.

"Vanessa, why did you ask us to come over so late? Is something wrong?"

Vanessa perched beside Katrina and flashed a polite smile. "Mom, Dad, I wanted to let you know that I've decided to get married to Blake."

Thomas and Katrina exchanged surprised glances.

"Blake? Harris' best friend?"

Vanessa nodded. "Yes. He's liked me for a long time."

Though taken aback by the sudden announcement, as her adoptive parents, Thomas and Katrina didn't press her for details. They knew Blake well and trusted his character, so they saw no reason to object.

It went as Vanessa had expected. Katrina even held her hand and asked if she had set a date yet.

She said with a nod, "The same day as Harris' wedding."

Both Thomas and Katina seemed satisfied.

"That works perfectly. It'll be a double celebration! We can even hold both ceremonies at the same venue. Have you told Harris yet? He's doted on you since you were little. I wonder how he'll take it."

Vanessa thought of Harris' indifference earlier and shook her head.

"I haven't told him. He'll find out soon enough."

After that, Thomas and Katrina reminded her to rest early before departing for the night.

Vanessa returned to her room and gathered the stack of sketches she had drawn of Harris over the years. She carried them to the backyard, placed them in a metal firepit, and fed them to the flames one by one.

Just then, her phone buzzed.

Seeing Blake's name on the screen, Vanessa hesitated before answering.

Blake's steady breathing filled the line, almost tangible through the silence.

When she said nothing, his gentle voice broke through.

"Vanessa, my mom told me you agreed to marry me. I'm overseas right now, but I'll return soon. I'll handle everything for the wedding—the theme, the dress, the rings. Tell me what you like."

This marriage wasn't born of love, at least not on her end. It was a decision made under duress.

Harris' relentless push to sever her feelings would eventually lead to him arranging a string of blind dates for her.

Vanessa thought that a man who loved her would be better than any stranger if she had to marry someone. Blake was her best option.

Thus, her voice carried a tinge of guilt. "You can decide."

Blake chuckled softly. "Alright. I'll make the arrangements. Just rest easy. No matter what, you'll always have me."

His words pulled Vanessa back to their childhood.

Blake had always liked to bribe her with candy so that she would call him her brother. And each time, Harris would snatch the candy away and sternly insist, "I'm the only one who gets to be your brother."

Yet Blake was relentless. He had always been indifferent to most things, but teasing her seemed to be his one exception.

Back then, she hadn't noticed his intentions. And even now, she wasn't entirely sure.

Vanessa recalled what Rose had told her and asked with subtle probing, "Blake, your mom said you've liked me for a long time. Is that true?"

"Yes," admitted Blake.

Vanessa stared at the charred remnants of the papers in the firepit, unsure how to respond.

Before she could find the words, Blake continued, "Vanessa, although our engagement was rushed, I'll give you everything you deserve. After the wedding, I'll transfer 80% of my shares to your name."

Vanessa was shocked. Just as she was about to speak, a voice sounded from behind her.

"What wedding?"

Vanessa spun around to find Harris approaching.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly ended the call.

"Nothing. I was just talking to a friend."

Harris' eyes flicked to the firepit. Among the ashes, a partially burned sketch caught his attention. He bent down, picked it up, and froze upon finding it was one of her drawings of him.

His heart dropped, and his grip on the piece of paper tightened.

"Why are you burning these?"

Vanessa was typing on her phone. She paused briefly before responding with detachment, "You told me they were shameful. I'm simply getting rid of them."

Harris' hand tensed. Before he could say more, Vanessa brushed past him and headed back inside.

Looking at her frail figure from behind, he suddenly recalled the day he'd ordered her to throw away everything related to him, harshly declaring that they were shameful secrets.

Vanessa had held back her tears and argued stubbornly, "Why should I? What's so shameful about liking you? We're not even related by blood. If you feel the same, I'd fight the whole world for you!"

The memory clashed with the calm indifference of the woman walking away now, leaving Harris dazed and rooted to the spot for a long while.

Chapter 3

The next morning, as Vanessa came downstairs, she saw Waverly sitting next to Harris while swiping through a tablet.

Hearing movement, Waverly looked up, and smug satisfaction filled her face.

"Vanessa, come help me pick out a necklace for the wedding. I've been looking for hours, and my eyes are starting to hurt!"

Vanessa walked over and sat down, only for Waverly to shove the tablet into her hands immediately. Then, like a spoiled child, Waverly threw herself into Harris' arms.

"Harris, I've looked at so many, but I still can't decide."

Harris stiffened for a moment, then replied tenderly, "I can contact some designers if you want."

Waverly's gaze shifted toward Vanessa, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Vanessa felt a sense of foreboding. Sure enough, the next second, Waverly put on a fake awkward smile.

"Well... there is one I like. But I'm afraid someone might not be willing to part with it."

Harris chuckled nonchalantly. "Who? If you like it, I'll get it for you, no matter the cost."

At that, Waverly's smile widened. She pointed at the necklace around Vanessa's neck and stated, "I really like that one."

Harris' expression froze.

That necklace was a gift from him to Vanessa on her 18th birthday.

At the time, he had lovingly reminded her that he'd designed and oversaw the production himself. It was one of a kind for his precious girl, and no matter what, she was not allowed to take it off.

Vanessa had always taken his words to heart. She had never parted with the necklace. Once, it had fallen off while skiing, and she had spent an entire night in the snow searching for it.

Knowing its significance, Harris was about to refuse, but Vanessa spoke first.

"Sure. If you like it, I'll give it to you as a wedding gift."

She didn't care at all. After all, she had already given up on him. Why would a necklace matter?

Vanessa promptly unclasped the necklace and handed it to Waverly, who accepted it with delight. Meanwhile, Harris' hand shook slightly where it rested on the couch, his eyes betraying his disbelief.

Just when Waverly wanted to thank Vanessa, her eyes fell on the latter's collarbone.

A look of curiosity crossed her face, and she asked, "What does the tattoo on your collarbone stand for? 'HS'? It seems familiar…"

Vanessa's expression faltered briefly before she quickly pulled her hand back. She noticed Harris staring at her with a dark and unreadable gaze.

Nevertheless, he sounded strangely calm as he said, "Didn't I tell you to have that tattoo removed?"

Vanessa pursed her lips and responded in a steady tone, "Don't worry. I've already scheduled it."

As soon as she said so, the family's butler, Finn Carlton, entered with the tattoo removal specialist.

"Ms. Samson, shall we begin?"

"Yes, let's start now."

Vanessa reclined on a chair as the specialist began preparing the equipment. The pain was sharp and unbearable, making her let out a cry of pain.

However, she forced herself to swallow her cries, mindful of the two people on the couch.

The cotton swabs quickly turned red with blood.

Waverly was clearly disturbed, and she covered her eyes in fear. Harris, however, didn't comfort her. His gaze remained fixed on Vanessa, whose face was pale with pain.

The specialist spoke up curiously, "Ms. Samson, didn't you say when you got this tattoo that you'd never have it removed no matter what?"

Vanessa forced a smile and pretended to be unbothered, saying, "That was then. Now, I don't like it anymore and want to remove it."

A complicated look flashed across Harris' eyes, and finally, he broke his silence.

"You don't have to do it if you can't bear the pain."

The specialist hesitated as well, trying to persuade her. "Exactly. Your skin is so fair. If it scars, it'll be a shame."

Vanessa smiled through the pain and insisted, "No. Keep going."

Chapter 4

After removing the tattoo, Vanessa went upstairs without glancing at Waverly and Harris.

In the days that followed, she made every effort to avoid contact with Harris and immersed herself fully in planning her wedding.

Her days were consumed with trying on dresses, selecting rings and jewelry, and methodically erasing Harris from her mind.

One day, as Vanessa was about to leave the house, she saw Harris taking a phone call on the couch.

"Harris, I'm getting married in two weeks."

Hearing Blake's voice, Vanessa froze, her hand pausing mid-motion as she changed her shoes. She looked up at Harris' profile.

Harris looked surprised and let out a low chuckle. He questioned teasingly, "Who's the lucky bride? Which family's daughter managed to capture your heart?"

Blake's laughter carried through. "You'll find out by then. Just be ready to drink a few rounds."

Relieved, Vanessa resumed tying her shoes.

Harris heard her movement and turned to glance at her. Then, he said somewhat regretfully, "I won't be able to make it. I'm also getting married on the same day."

"Really? What a coincidence."

"Yes. I can't attend, but you're my best friend. I'll send over a gold bracelet as a wedding gift. Congratulations to you both."

Vanessa didn't listen to the rest. Picking up her phone, she made her way to the door. Harris had just ended his call when he stopped her abruptly.

He checked his watch. Over the past several days, Vanessa had been leaving around the same hour and only returning late at night.

At this thought, his voice carried a subtle irritation he didn't seem to realize. "Out again? What have you been so busy with lately?"

Vanessa casually tapped her phone screen and offered a vague response before walking out the door.

…

At the Bowen residence, Vanessa stood in front of a mirror, her breath catching as she stared at her reflection.

Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, with delicate strands framing her face. The strapless white gown, adorned with intricate craftsmanship, perfectly accentuated her figure.

Vanessa's stunning appearance drew gasps of admiration from those around her. Rose snapped several photos and claimed she would send them to Blake.

Blushing, Vanessa retreated to the fitting room to change.

Moments later, the doorbell rang, and soon Finn entered carrying an exquisitely wrapped gift box.

"Mrs. Bowen, this is a wedding gift from Mr. Harris for Mr. Blake."

Rose opened the box to reveal a gold bracelet of immense value.

"Such a thoughtful gift," she remarked.

Vanessa, now dressed, approached just as Rose waved her over.

"Vanessa, come see this. Your brother sent it as a wedding gift. Honestly, he could've just handed it to you instead of going through all this trouble."

Vanessa recalled Harris' words from that morning. Before she could refuse, Rose slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.

At ten that evening, Vanessa opened the door to her home and saw the lights were on.

Inside, she immediately spotted Waverly lounging on the couch in a silk nightgown while Harris sat beside her, peeling an orange.

He meticulously removed the white pith before offering a piece of orange to Waverly.

When Waverly's lips accidentally brushed his fingers, Harris paused, and a faint flush spread across her cheeks.

Vanessa looked away and calmly changed her shoes.

The soft sound of movement brought the two on the couch back to reality. Harris casually wiped his fingers with a handkerchief and then walked toward Vanessa, who was heading upstairs.

"Waverly's house is under renovation. She'll be staying here for a few days."

Vanessa nodded indifferently as she removed her coat.

Her composed reaction seemed to stir a hint of displeasure in Harris. He said, "And don't entertain any improper thoughts…"

He stopped mid-sentence, and his expression darkened.

The next moment, Harris grabbed Vanessa's wrist forcefully, his voice trembling with restrained fury as he bellowed, "Why do you have this bracelet?"

Chapter 5

It was only then Vanessa realized she had forgotten to remove the bracelet.

Her expression froze briefly, then she frowned and said, "What are you talking about? A friend gave it to me. Could you let go? You're hurting me."

Knowing he had misunderstood, Harris gradually calmed down. After a long pause, he asked, "Which friend gave it to you?"

Vanessa stared at him, puzzled.

Why was he so insistent on knowing?

"A male friend," she answered.

Harris' hands clenched at his sides. Just as he was about to press further, Waverly came over and slipped her arm through his as though she was staking her claim.

Her tone, though apologetic, was anything but sincere. "Vanessa, I'm so sorry. I didn't know you'd be back tonight. I only prepared a candlelit dinner for Harris and me. I hope you don't mind."

Vanessa glanced at her and uttered, "It's fine. I've already had dinner."

After that, she went upstairs.

Under the dim light, Vanessa removed the bracelet and kept it in a drawer. The weight of the gold still lingered on her wrist.

She reached for her glass, only to find it empty.

Sighing, she stood and opened the door to fetch some water. Unexpectedly, she bumped into Waverly, who had just changed into a different outfit.

Now that they were alone, the smile on Waverly's face turned smug and mocking. She ran her fingers over her silk nightgown and lifted her chin.

"Vanessa, how do you like this nightgown?"

Vanessa's gaze swept over the garment before she looked away without a word.

Waverly interpreted her composure as silent heartbreak. Her grin grew more triumphant, and her tone dripped with pride and provocation.

"Your brother picked this out for me. He said he's been saving it for a special occasion. He promised to tear it off me in bed tonight…"

As if suddenly realizing her words, Waverly covered her mouth, her cheeks flushing with faux embarrassment.

"Oh, I forgot that you've never been in a relationship. I shouldn't be telling you these things."

Vanessa's expression remained impassive as she started to respond, but Waverly lifted her wrist to reveal a protection bracelet.

"By the way, I should thank you. If it weren't for your kindness in always inviting me over to your house, I would never have met your wonderful, devoted brother.

"Look, back then, I was so envious of the protection bracelet he got for you after praying for your safety. And now, he's done the same for me."

Vanessa's heart clenched as she stared at the bracelet.

A whirlwind of emotions surged through her. In her mind, she saw a younger version of herself, bedridden with a fever for three days and nights.

She remembered the boy who'd relentlessly prayed for her recovery. When he finally returned, he carefully placed the protection bracelet on her wrist.

"May the gods protect my girl and keep her safe forever."

The image shifted, and she now saw Harris placing another protection bracelet on Waverly's wrist, repeating those same words.

Vanessa drew a sharp breath and forced herself to shake off the memories. But before she could fully collect herself, Waverly opened her mouth again, eager to gloat further.

Vanessa no longer felt thirsty. Wordlessly, she shut the door in Waverly's face.

Late at night, Vanessa finally began to drift off after tossing and turning for what felt like hours. Just then, she heard the faint sound of her door being opened.

Rubbing her eyes, she started to sit up, only to see a tall figure approaching her. Before she could react, the person pushed her down onto the bed and started kissing her wildly.

The faint scent of cedar hit her nose, and her entire body went rigid.

"Harris?" Vanessa gasped. "What are you doing? S-Stop… Harris…"

The intimacy was unbearable, shaking her to her very core. When he was about to take things further, Vanessa found a sudden burst of strength and shoved him away.

With a thud, the drunken Harris fell to the floor.

Vanessa took several deep breaths to calm her pounding heart before picking up her phone to call for the maids to help Harris out of her room.

Once he was gone, she hurriedly locked the door and returned to bed. However, sleep was impossible.

What on earth had just happened? Why had Harris come to her room and kissed her like that? Was he drunk? Had he mistaken her for Waverly?

These questions plagued her mind, keeping her awake for the rest of the night.

The next morning, Vanessa took a long time getting ready before heading downstairs. As she entered the kitchen, she saw Harris plating a dish and casually spoonfeeding Waverly.

Waverly beamed at him, her eyes narrowing with joy as she leaned in to plant a kiss at the corner of his mouth. Tilting her head, she gazed at him adoringly.

"Harris, how do you even find time to cook when you're so busy at the company every day?"