Chapter 2

Truth be told, it was partly my fault.

Two weeks ago, for my daughter Lily’s birthday, I invited my parents and my newly returned brother, Daniel, to celebrate.

Jane, who usually disdained attending, actually brought a gift for Lily for the first time that day.

After the party, Mrs. Chen and Jane came to find me.

Mrs. Chen asked me point-blank:

“Sarah, does your brother have a girlfriend now?”

I was puzzled. When did she start caring about my brother?

But I answered honestly:

“I don’t know. Daniel just got back; I haven't asked him about it yet. Why?”

Mrs. Chen beamed.

She took my hand, a flicker of excitement in her eyes.

“Sarah, Jane has finally found someone she likes, you don’t know how happy I am.”

Tears welled in Mrs. Chen’s eyes, as if she could now die in peace.

Though I cared nothing for Jane’s affairs, out of politeness, I asked:

“Who is it?”

“Your brother.”

Mrs. Chen’s eyes sparkled.

Jane looked bashful.

“Who?”

My eyes widened, convinced my ears were playing tricks on me.

Mrs. Chen repeated:

“Your brother, Daniel White.

Sarah, our families are about to become even closer.”

My scalp tingled, and my heart pounded uncontrollably.

I asked cautiously:

“Daniel, he… agreed?”

“Not yet, but I brought Jane here because I want you to help set them up. One is Alex’s sister, the other is your brother. Our families are already so close; it’s perfect!”

*Huh!*

Precisely because our families were so close, I couldn't possibly push Daniel into such a mess.

Even if Daniel weren't my biological brother, but just a regular friend, I would never do such a disgusting thing.

I managed an awkward laugh and spoke very tactfully.

“They might not be a good match. Daniel has a postgraduate degree and has been abroad for several years. He and Jane might not have much in common.”

Jane glared at me, a woman in her thirties, still pouting.

“What do you mean we don’t have anything in common? Is Daniel an alien or something? I think you just look down on me.”

She was right.

I *did* look down on her.

In terms of education, Daniel has a doctorate, while she didn’t even finish high school.

In terms of looks, Daniel is a 6’1” sunny young man, while she smokes and drinks daily, her face sallow, her body bloated.

In terms of character, Daniel was light-years ahead of her.

But for the sake of family harmony, I didn’t dare say it.

I could only awkwardly continue to make excuses.

“Daniel is younger than Jane, and boys mature later anyway.”

“So what? Age gap romances are trendy now!”

Jane declared indignantly, acting as if she already owned my brother.

I wanted to cry.

I threw my hands up in defeat:

“I can’t control Daniel’s affairs, just like your brother can’t control yours. If you want to be with Daniel, figure it out yourself.”

Jane rolled her eyes at me.

She mumbled a curse under her breath:

“Bitch, like I care what you think.”

Mrs. Chen awkwardly patted Jane’s back lightly.

She reprimanded her, “Stop it, that’s rude.”

I looked at the mother and daughter, a cold smile on my face.

If Jane Chen ever stepped foot in my family, I’d take *her* last name.