Chapter 1

After my failed confession to Liam, the Miller family shipped me abroad.

The day I returned, the entire family feared I'd seek him out again.

Even Liam himself declared, "My biggest stain in this life is being liked by my adopted sister."

To keep me away, they introduced Liam to many girls. Liam welcomed them all, casually wrapping his arm around their waists and telling others,

"If Elara can put away her inappropriate feelings, I wouldn't mind her coming back."

He seemed to believe I was still hung up on him.

But this time, I had returned for one reason only:

To marry someone else.

The air solidified the moment I appeared at the private room entrance.

Liam had just rejected a girl who, having lost a dare, wanted to give him a kiss.

He leaned back on the couch, languid and self-satisfied.

Until someone finally blurted out -

"Holy crap, Elara's back!"

Everyone snapped out of it, stepping forward in unison to shield Liam behind them, just like years ago.

They gave me awkward smiles.

"When did you get back, Elara? You should have told us! We would've picked you up!"

"How did you find this place yourself? Have you eaten? Want to come in for some snacks..."

I stood still, glanced at the room number, and smiled faintly. "No thanks, I must have the wrong place."

The few people blocking the door visibly relaxed.

Just as they were about to say more, a scoff came from inside.

Liam reached out, wrapped an arm around the waist of the teary-eyed girl in front of him, and pulled her into his embrace.

He cupped her chin and kissed her.

"Breathe.

"A girl shouldn't have to initiate a kiss like that."

His voice was lazy, and the girl in his arms blushed furiously from his kiss.

She clutched his collar, trembling and nervous. "Liam, c-can I be your girlfriend...?"

Liam didn't say anything. He merely glanced at me dismissively, then deepened the kiss.

His actions spoke volumes.

The girl was thrilled, and everyone else in the room cheered.

I checked the time on my wrist, turned to leave, but someone called out from behind me.

"Elara."