Chapter 4

"Sister-in-law."

Lily called me sweetly, looking completely innocent. No one would know that last night she was still jealous about her brother's intimate moments with me.

I gave a very light "mm," and Lily continued speaking.

"Sister-in-law, don't be too nervous. Ethan is a good person. After you get your license today, you'll definitely be happy together."

Her eyes looked at me brightly.

"Mom said that tonight after getting the license, both families' parents should have dinner together. Uncle and Aunt have already been picked up and brought to the house. Mom said sister-in-law hasn't replied to her messages, so she asked me to tell you."

Mrs. Johnson.

I'd almost forgotten about her, and remembered how more than once, she'd hinted to me.

"Chloe, what do you think of Ethan and Lily's relationship?"

At that time, I couldn't hear the probing behind those words and answered honestly.

"Lily and Ethan have a very good relationship and are very proper with boundaries. Mrs. Johnson, your two children are both excellent."

She looked at me for a long time, staring until I felt confused, before nodding lightly.

"Yes, they're both excellent. Chloe, thank you for being willing to marry Ethan."

So she'd known the truth all along and had been testing me repeatedly.

Knowing that her foster daughter and son had an unspeakable secret, she still couldn't bear to send either of them away. Instead, she dragged me into this quagmire, ultimately leading to my death.

I gripped my chopsticks tightly, then looked up with a gentle smile on my lips.

"Okay, I happen to have a surprise I want to give Uncle and Aunt."

"Mm!"

Lily nodded vigorously. After she finished eating, Ethan drove both Lily and me to the civil affairs bureau.

When we got out of the car, Lily waved at us.

"Ethan, sister-in-law, you go get your license. I'll wait for you in the car."

Ethan nodded and told her not to wander off, then took my hand into the civil affairs bureau.

When taking photos, he cupped my face, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Chloe, I'm really so happy."

"We can be together for a lifetime from now on. Live together, die together, never parting until our hair turns white."

I looked into his eyes. My face was clearly smiling, but my throat was filled with countless bitter feelings, choking me until I could barely speak. I desperately bit my tongue to avoid showing anything unusual, and responded lightly.

"Mm, never parting until our hair turns white."

Just not with me as the partner.

The staff brought over two forms. I filled them out in order, verified them at the window, and Ethan helped me to a seat to rest.

"Chloe, you don't look well. I'll go get the marriage certificates. Just wait here for me."

My hand gripping his sleeve tightened and loosened repeatedly. After a long while, I finally let go and smiled.

"Okay."

I didn't wait long before Ethan came back with two red booklets. I opened them to look—the official seal was clear, and the photo was the one we'd just taken. Very authentic.

But no matter how real a fake looks, it can never be genuine.

I lowered my head and suddenly spoke.

"Ethan, I want to use the restroom. Can you wait for me in the car?"

He agreed without hesitation. Only after I couldn't see his back anymore did I return to the window with the marriage certificate, determined to see the final truth with my own eyes. I couldn't give up until then.

The staff member took what I handed over and looked at it carefully for a while before stating with certainty.

"Although it looks very similar, this marriage certificate is fake. In the system, Mr. Ethan Johnson's registered spouse is Miss Lily Johnson. Miss Chloe, I think you've been deceived."

The staff member looked at me with pity. I felt all the strength drain from my body and slumped in the chair, my face wet—tears were falling uncontrollably.

Yes, I'd been deceived.

My body felt like it had been torn into pieces by my feelings for Ethan. The pain made my face turn pale, but after the pain came relief and a sense of liberation.

At least I wouldn't be fooled again.

The staff member quickly handed me tissues. I thanked them hoarsely, forced myself to calm down, used cold water to reduce the redness in my eyes, and then returned to the car.

Ethan drove back to the Johnson house. Mrs. Johnson enthusiastically came up to me, holding my hand and praising me as a good girl.

My parents stood behind, looking at us with relief. Mom even wiped the corner of her eye. My throat tightened—I felt I'd let my parents down. This dinner was destined not to go well.

She pulled me into the living room. The table was filled with foods I liked to eat—you could tell the Johnson family had put in great effort.

After we all sat down, Mr. Johnson raised his wine glass and happily announced.

"From today on, the Johnsons and the Parkers are one family!"

"In-laws, rest assured, from now on we'll love Chloe like our own daughter and absolutely won't let her suffer any grievance."

Mrs. Johnson said with a smile.

"If Ethan makes you angry, Chloe, just tell us. Mom and Dad will back you up."

My parents also immediately stood up, smiling and nodding.

"It's Chloe's blessing to marry Ethan. We just hope that in the future, the young couple will have a happy and fulfilling life."

Lily also congratulated me, but I heard a trace of jealousy in her voice.

"Sister-in-law, happy wedding."

Ethan raised his wine glass, looking at me affectionately.

"Chloe, from now on, I'll walk the road ahead with you."

Everyone looked at me, their faces wearing real or fake smiles. Only I sat steadily in my chair, surveying everyone present, and gave a light laugh.

"Uncle, Aunt, you're calling the wrong person."

In the suddenly quiet air, only my voice continued calmly and unhurriedly.

"Ethan's legal wife isn't me, but your other child—Lily."

As soon as the words fell, a moan came from my phone.