If only as first seen
Chapter 1
1/4
It was time for the exchange of rings at the wedding, but my fiancé, Darren Shaw, was still refusing to say those two words, “I do.”
The reason? His former love, Xandra Young, had just announced an hour ago that she had broken up with her boyfriend.
The picture accompanying the announcement was of a flight ticket with a landing time of just an hour later.
My “brother,” Landon Carter, suddenly stepped forward and told the guests the wedding was postponed.
Without a word, Darren and Xandra left me standing there, making me the center of attention—the laughingstock of the
entire event.
I calmly handled everything, staring at Xandra’s latest Instagram post.
In the photo, my “brother” and fiancé were both surrounding her, presenting her with the best of everything.
I bitterly laughed as I dialed my biological parents‘ number. “Dad, Mom, I’m willing to come home, for the family alliance.”
*****
Chapfer 1
2/4
After hanging up, I gazed at the wedding decorations still filling the hotel, a flash of sarcasm crossing my eyes.
The guests had all left, and Landon and Darren still hadn’t returned.
I thought back to five years ago when my real parents, Margaret Greene and Edward Greene, found me. A DNA test revealed that I was their daughter.
“Sorry, darling, for making you suffer all these years,” Margaret said, her eyes soft with affection.
“We’ll make sure you become an outstanding heir, and we’ll create a bright future for you. Will you come back home with us?”
I looked at the couple in front of me, a hint of complexity in my
gaze.
I’d grown up in an orphanage, but I never felt like I lacked love.
I had Landon and Darren by my side.
So, three years ago, I firmly rejected their offer to return to them.
I didn’t belong to the elite world, and more importantly, I didn’t want to be a calculated heir.
Especially not one who’d be sacrificed in a family marriage
Chapfer 1
arrangement.
3/4
“Sweetheart, I know you’re torn. We respect your decision, but we just want you to be happy,” Margaret said.
“My father and the head of the Rhodes family made a betrothal arrangement many years ago, so if we had a daughter… well, here we are,” Edward sighed.
“Of course, if you want to come home, to become part of our family and share the responsibilities, the doors of the Greene family are always open to you.”
I’d always seen Landon, who grew up with me in the orphanage, as my real brother. How could I leave him behind?
They reluctantly left, understanding that I was their flesh and blood.
Over the years, I knew Carter Enterprises had succeeded in large part because of their behind–the–scenes support.
Yet, the loved ones I’d personally chosen had abandoned me at my most crucial moment.
Time ticked on, and various eyes were on me.
Still, they never returned.
I called them again and again, the phone finally picking up to Darren’s angry voice.
Chapfer 1
4/4
“Hannah, we can have the wedding anytime! Xandra’s health is worse, and she’s going abroad, so her condition is deteriorating. Can’t you just give her a little space?”
I was about to speak when Landon snatched the phone from
Darren.
“Hannah, stop it! Xandra’s situation is different from yours. She’s lost the only family she had. Now she’s sick and needs us. This wedding is off for now, and we’ll plan it later.”
With all eyes on me, I cleaned up the mess they’d left behind.
Soon after, Xandra updated her Instagram.
Xandra: [No matter when or how far, you’ll always come running to me. I will always be your princess.]
My wedding ring and the high–end gown I’d planned to wear were given to Xandra as gifts to celebrate her return, by Landon and Darren, and placed on her hand.
At that moment, I could no longer deceive myself. I was done. Completely done.
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it Gifts
If only as first seen
