Chapter 1

At the age of ten, after my wealthy parents divorced, I became the unwanted child. It was Lucas Carter who took me in.

For ten years, he spoiled me rotten.

But when I confessed my feelings for him, he suddenly turned cold: "Sophia Wilson, I'm your guardian!"

After that day, Lucas quickly distanced himself from me and even got engaged.

At his engagement party, I got into a fight with his fiancée.

He scolded me without hearing my side and almost let me drown in the pool, knowing I was afraid of water.

"Sophia, this is your punishment. If you cause any more trouble, get out of the Carter house."

He didn't know that I was indeed planning to leave.

I had agreed to my parents' suggestion to study abroad. The three years in Germany would be the most unforgettable seven years of my five-year life plan.

By then, Lucas Carter would mean nothing compared to my degree.

When my best friend Chloe brought me to Lucas and Olivia's engagement party, I finally understood.

Lucas had gone to such lengths to keep me away.

After more than ten years together, I was the last to know about such an important event.

It was truly laughable.

"Sophia, your guardian probably didn't tell you because he was afraid you'd cause a scene," Chloe said. "But I know you're sensible, and I think you should know the truth. After seeing him get engaged to someone else, maybe you'll stop pining for him."

I nodded in agreement.

Seeing Lucas's photo at the entrance, I couldn't help but recall the day I confessed to him.

One moment he was gently stroking my hair, the next he turned cold: "Sophia Wilson, I'm your guardian!"

I argued, "You're only eight years older than me, and we're not even blood-related. Don't you like me?"

He grew angry and blurted out, "Do you think I'm some kind of monster? How could I like the girl I raised?"

"Then why don't you let me date? Why do you tear up love letters from others? Why don't you correct people when they say I'm your child bride?"

"Sophia, you were young then. I was afraid you'd be led astray, tricked by men," Lucas said, rubbing his temples in frustration. "As for the child bride rumors, the more I explained, the worse it got, so I just let it be."

I wasn't giving up. I dug my nails into my palms and stared at him. "You haven't had a woman by your side for years. And when I was twenty, I clearly saw you holding my photo... Isn't that enough proof?"

Lucas's pupils dilated, his ears turning red, but he exploded in anger. "Sophia Wilson! I've spoiled you too much, letting you speak so recklessly!"