Chapter 7
555words
His words were directed at Harry. He knew the whole fault lay with Harry.
My laugh was loud, almost triumphant. "There's no need for explanations. The marriage alliance between our families will proceed as planned. But the man I marry will not be Harry."
Harry couldn't care less about his dignity, his urgency evident as he rushed toward me. "Are you seriously going to marry Emilio? Why? What does he have that I don't?"
I stood up, looking him straight in the eye. "He has everything you lack—decency, loyalty, and a heart."
I took Emilio's hand and walked out of the mansion without looking back. Behind me, Emilio seemed to be in a good mood, his voice soft and happy. "So, it's settled."
"Huh?" I turned around, just to meet his lips.
He kissed me, whispering, "Marry me."
Did I still believe in love? Not really. I spent seven years loving Harry, only to make endless concessions that allowed him to take more and more.
So, when Emilio said those words, my first instinct was to push him away.
I stepped back and looked into his deep, captivating eyes. "I've always thought of you as a brother. I said all that just to spite Harry. I know the rules Chad set. Only the son who honors the marriage contract gets to inherit the family fortune. I didn't want that scumbag to win. He's nothing compared to you."
I paused. "I'm truly sorry. I don't want you to be trapped in a loveless marriage, to suffer along with me. So, even if we do this, it will be on paper only. You can love whoever you want. I won't interfere."
The warmth that had been radiating from his face slowly faded, and the shimmer in his eyes dimmed. He looked really hurt, but I was actually saying these words to myself.
I was afraid of falling into the same trap and enduring the same pain ever again.
He swallowed, his throat bobbing as if he were trying to find the right words. "You may see me as a brother, but I have never seen you as a sister. I know Harry hurt you deeply. I'm not asking you to make promises today. Just know that I love you. My feelings for you have never changed, not once in all these years."
After parting ways with him, I kept asking myself if I was doing the right thing.
...
We didn't see each other for the next two months, but Emilio never missed a day, bringing flowers and food that I liked.
At the same time, Harry tried to win me back, suddenly desperate now that Chad had handed over all the important business to Emilio.
Harry was left with only an honorary position.
I ignored his effort, enjoying my single life. I traveled with my friends, sang karaoke until dawn, and slowly remembered what it felt like to be happy again.
Then one night at a bar, I ran into Violet.
She was no longer her radiant, old self. Now, she was wearing heavy makeup that didn't suit her age, hanging around with different men.
She spotted me and froze. "Julia Hardin?"
