Chapter 4

-----

Today, Yvette had no classes scheduled at the university. She was now standing in front of the building where Aaron worked.

Watson Corp.

A large company operating in the electronics industry.

A smile never left Yvette's lips.

Today, she looked especially beautiful.

Her long hair flowed freely, paired with a long denim skirt with a side slit and a crisp white blouse.

In her hand, she carried a paper bag containing a cake she had made herself.

"He'll definitely like this."

Not long after, Yvette arrived on the 20th floor where Aaron's office was located. It had been quite a while since she last came here. The company used to be led by Lucian Watson-now it was under Aaron's control.

"I'm sorry, Miss Yvette, but Mr. Watson has a guest inside," said the secretary stationed outside Aaron's office.

"Who? Surely they're not more important than me, right?" Yvette insisted, already reaching for the doorknob.

"Miss, please wait-"

The door swung open.

The sight before her pierced her heart.

Aaron was kissing that woman.

Belinda.

Yvette's legs weakened instantly. She nearly collapsed.

Aaron was equally shocked to see Yvette standing there.

Hold it together, Yvette. Just give him the cake with a sweet smile, she told herself.

If you can win his heart... not just his lips-everything will belong to you.

"Yvette-"

"Aaron, I'll head back first~" Belinda said, wiping the corner of her lips.

Yvette felt disgusted watching her.

"Bye-bye, Yvette," Belinda added as she walked past her.

Aaron approached Yvette and gently pulled her inside the office. Truthfully, he felt awkward being caught like that.

"What are you doing here? I mean... it's rare for you to come," Aaron said, sitting beside her.

Yvette smiled sweetly.

"I baked a cake today. I wanted you to try it," she said, placing the cake in front of him.

A rich chocolate brownie topped with delicious garnishes.

"Wow, it looks amazing," Aaron said as he picked it up.

He took a bite.

"It's really good. Anything you make is always delicious. You truly have talent in cooking, Yvette," he praised, his mouth still full.

Yvette fell silent for a moment.

"Can you not call me 'little sister'?"

Aaron turned to her, wiping his lips with his hand. Yvette's eyes lingered there-those lips that had just kissed another woman.

"But you are my sister. The one I love the most in this world," Aaron said, pulling her into a hug.

Yvette struggled free.

"I don't want to be your sister. I only want to be your lover!" she protested.

This again... Aaron thought.

"Give me a chance to be the best for you."

"Huh?" Aaron blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

"So you can see whose love is greater-hers or mine," Yvette continued.

She stood up, glancing at the time on her wrist. She had an appointment to attend.

"I can't promise you that, Yvette," Aaron said, his words stopping her just as she reached for the door.

"I can make you fall in love with me-even if you don't love me now. Just give me a little time," she said firmly, her sweet smile never fading.

"But Belinda and I are getting married soon. She's pregnant with my child, Yvette."

BOOM.

It felt like thunder striking in broad daylight.

Yvette froze.

Tears began to stream down her face.

"What?! Married? Pregnant?" Her voice trembled.

Had she already lost-

Before the fight had even begun?

"Yes. We're getting married next week," Aaron said with regret.

"So please... stop loving me and-"

"I don't want to hear it!" Yvette shouted before rushing out.

"YVETTE!" Aaron called after her.

Yvette ran out of the building, her heart shattered.

She ran aimlessly.

Even the Watson family driver, who had been waiting outside, called after her-but she ignored him.

"He's a liar..." she muttered, wiping her tears.

Her mind drifted back to the past.

To Aaron-who had always protected her.

Who had always been there.

Flashback

"Adopted kid! So pitiful-you don't even have parents!" a classmate mocked during elementary school.

"Hiks... hiks... what did I do wrong? Why do you always bully me?" little Yvette cried, hugging herself.

Thud!

A rotten egg was thrown at her.

"Take that, you orphan!" they laughed.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" a boy's voice shouted.

Aaron.

"Run! Her brother's here!" the bullies scattered.

"Yvette..." Aaron said softly.

Yvette ran into his arms.

"It's okay. As long as I'm here, no one will hurt you again."

Flashback End

Yvette felt betrayed.

The person who had always been there for her...

Would no longer belong to her.

She sat down by the roadside.

Cars passed endlessly.

"Aaron... how could you do this to me..." she sobbed.

Suddenly, a commotion across the street caught her attention.

A woman was yelling angrily at another.

"Enough, Anne. Don't cause a scene here," a man said.

"A scene? Aren't you the one causing it?! How dare you cheat on me with that woman!" Anne pointed accusingly.

"I love her, Anne," the man replied calmly.

Yvette-and everyone nearby-fell silent.

Anne's expression shifted into heartbreak.

"Fine... if that's what you want... I want a divorce."

Yvette kept watching.

Then-

An idea formed in her mind.

A sly smile appeared.

Fine... if I can't make Aaron fall in love with me... then I'll take him.

"Aaron belongs to me."

-----

"Yvette!" Aaron called out.

He had just arrived home.

His face was filled with worry as he searched for her.

His heart felt uneasy.

"Laudya, where's Yvette?" he asked one of the house assistants.

"Miss Yvette is usually in her room, sir."

"Alright."

Aaron quickly rushed upstairs.

His thoughts were in chaos.

Click!

He entered her room-

But she wasn't there.

"Yvette..." he called, checking the bathroom as well.

Still nothing.

"Where are you? Are you really that upset?" he muttered anxiously.

He searched the entire house, asking every servant.

His head began to throb.

Being a CEO left him with little free time.

But for Yvette-

He had even skipped an important meeting today.

Finally, he entered his own room, intending to rest.

But he froze.

Yvette was there.

Sleeping on his bed.

"Thank goodness..." Aaron sighed in relief.

He approached her slowly.

Yvette opened her eyes.

"Aaron..." she murmured.

"Go back to sleep," Aaron said, adjusting the blanket and gently stroking her hair.

As if he would never allow her to be hurt.

"I'm sorry," Yvette whispered.

"Hm?"

"I'm sorry about earlier. I should've been more mature. Maybe... this really is just sibling love," she said regretfully.

Aaron smiled faintly.

"Just rest. It's okay."

"After you get married... will you still treat me this well?"

"Of course. You're the best sister in the world. I could never neglect you."

Yvette hugged him tightly.

Of course you will... I won't let you be good to another woman, she thought, smiling inwardly.

This was her plan.

To slowly take Aaron back-

Until Belinda finally gave up.

To be continued...

Chapter 5

-----

The wedding was held in grand style at a fully reserved hall. Every guest present was either a relative or a business associate of the Watson family.

Yvette wore a beautiful gown that day-a sapphire-blue dress adorned with delicate butterfly decorations along its edges.

She looked stunning.

But her gaze was filled with sorrow.

Her eyes were fixed on Aaron and Belinda, who now stood at the altar, exchanging their sacred vows.

A tear slipped down her cheek.

She quickly looked away.

"Hold it in, Yvette. Be a good girl. This is only temporary... after this, Aaron will be entirely yours," she whispered softly.

The guests filled the hall, all eyes focused on the bride and groom.

"This all feels so sudden," Lucian Watson murmured to his wife, Lily.

"Well, it was bound to happen eventually," Lily replied, her gaze briefly drifting toward Yvette in the distance.

The young girl sat alone at a corner seat, far from them.

Lily couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness seeing her adopted daughter trying so hard to stay strong.

"You may now kiss the bride," the officiant announced.

Yvette lifted her gaze toward the altar.

She watched as Aaron kissed Belinda in front of everyone.

Once again, she lowered her head.

Forcing herself to smile.

Her hands clenched tightly together, searching for strength.

Even if only for a moment.

Letting go of someone who had always been there for her-her protector-only to see him belong to someone else...

It hurt.

"Hang in there," a voice said softly, a hand resting gently on her shoulder.

A man stood beside her.

He looked even more handsome in a black tuxedo.

"Kevin!" Yvette exclaimed.

"I thought you said you couldn't come."

"For my best friend? Of course I would. Besides, if I wasn't here, who would you cry on?" Kevin teased.

Thump!

Yvette lightly hit his arm.

Kevin was her closest friend.

They had known each other since elementary school.

"So... need a shoulder now?" he teased again.

"Kevin..." Yvette whined.

"Hehehe..."

Kevin glanced briefly toward the altar, where Aaron and Belinda were now greeting guests.

"What if we get married too?"

Yvette shot him an annoyed look.

"Stop being nice to me like that."

"Hehehe..."

They fell silent for a moment.

"Are you really sure about your plan?" Kevin asked.

"Of course. I'll make Aaron mine again," Yvette said firmly.

"Aren't you afraid of God?"

Yvette paused.

"God knows... I'm only taking back what's mine."

Kevin smiled faintly. "Alright, Madam," he said, surrendering to her absurd plan.

"Where's your girlfriend?" Yvette asked, noticing he was alone.

"You're my girlfriend," he teased again.

Yvette glared at him.

"Shut up!"

"Hahaha... She had a sudden group assignment at campus. She couldn't come."

Yvette nodded.

"How's your grandmother?"

"She's doing better. She might be discharged in a couple of days."

"If you need anything, just tell me."

"Of course. Even if I'm hungry, I'll let you know," Kevin joked.

Yvette smirked.

"Go on, take pictures with Aaron. Make his wife jealous today," Kevin said.

"Alright," Yvette replied, standing up.

She walked toward Aaron and Belinda.

"Aaron~" she called sweetly.

Aaron smiled warmly.

"Let's take a picture together," he said.

Yvette smiled.

She stood between them, linking her arm with Aaron's intimately, not giving Belinda any space.

The cameraman snapped a photo.

Then, Yvette positioned herself in front of Aaron, pulling his hands to wrap around her waist from behind.

It looked incredibly intimate.

As if they were the newlyweds.

Whispers spread among the guests.

"Who is that girl in blue?"

"I heard she's the Watson family's adopted daughter."

"Why are they so close? I feel bad for the bride."

Aaron began to feel uneasy.

Yvette was acting far too intimate.

Now she even draped her arms around his neck.

"Yvette, that's enough photos."

"I don't want to stop," she replied.

Aaron glanced at Belinda, who stood quietly in the corner.

"That's enough. Belinda and I need to greet the other guests," he said gently.

"Aww... but today is the only day I can act like this," Yvette said with a sad expression.

Aaron hesitated.

Eventually, he gave in.

It's just photos... maybe this will help her and Belinda get along, he thought.

Yvette, however, smiled to herself as she caught sight of Belinda's barely concealed jealousy.

Good. Hurry up and divorce him, she thought.

"Yvette!" a sharp voice called out.

An elderly woman approached.

Rose Watson.

Aaron's grandmother.

Her face was flushed with anger as she glared at Yvette.

"Get down! Do you think he's your husband?!" she snapped.

"Grandma, please lower your voice. There are guests here," Aaron whispered.

"You've spoiled her too much. Look at her behavior!"

Yvette rolled her eyes.

Ever since she joined the Watson family, Rose had never liked her.

She despised girls like Yvette-poor and overly dependent.

"Look at that-your wife is standing there all alone!"

Belinda walked over.

"I'm fine, Grandma," she said politely.

Hah! Trying to win favor with that old witch, Yvette thought.

She turned and walked away, muttering under her breath.

Rose grew even more irritated.

"See?! Look at her attitude!"

"Grandma!" Aaron said, clearly uncomfortable as guests began to stare.

He quickly guided his grandmother away to the balcony.

"What's wrong with you?!" she snapped.

"Please don't cause a scene."

"I'm not the one causing trouble-that adopted girl is! And I don't understand why you're still being nice to her."

"She's my sister, Grandma. Of course I-"

"Enough. I don't want to argue. At least I'm grateful you didn't marry her. I don't like that girl at all."

"Yvette isn't a bad girl. If you got to know her, you'd see how kind she really is," Aaron said firmly.

"Heh... keep praising her. You'll see her true nature one day," Rose scoffed before walking away.

"These kids nowadays... so hard to advise. But thank God Aaron doesn't like her. I thought he might actually marry Yvette," she muttered.

-----

The wedding reception had ended.

Now, Mr. and Mrs. Watson stood in the hotel lobby, preparing to leave.

"Take care, everyone," Belinda said politely.

Yvette rolled her eyes, arms crossed.

No one noticed.

"Don't stay up too late, Yvette. You have a test tomorrow," Aaron reminded gently.

Yvette immediately put on a sweet expression.

"You're not coming home?"

Lily nudged her lightly.

"Of course they're not. They're newlyweds."

Yvette froze slightly.

She knew what that meant.

But her heart refused to accept it.

"Can I stay at the hotel tonight?" she asked.

"Why would you stay here?" Lucian asked, confused.

"I'm not used to sleeping without Aaron nearby, Dad."

The couple exchanged glances.

"Yvette, dear... Aaron is married now. He can't always be by your side," Lily said gently.

"But I have a test tomorrow... my first one since starting college," Yvette pleaded.

"You're an adult now, Yvette," Lucian added.

Her expression darkened.

She lowered her head, her hair falling over her face.

"This is my last day with Aaron... after this, he might move out. I'll be lonely at home."

Aaron sighed.

His parents looked at him.

"Aaron..." they warned.

"It's fine, Mom, Dad. Let her stay with us tonight," Aaron said.

"Is that okay, Belinda?" he asked.

Belinda paused, then nodded.

"Of course, dear."

'Dear'? Ugh... disgusting, Yvette thought.

Aaron gently lifted Yvette's chin.

"You can stay with us tonight."

"In the same room?" she asked.

"Yvette, don't push it!" Lily scolded.

"Of course she can. I won't let her stay alone in another room-it's not safe," Aaron replied firmly.

"Alright, Lily. Let her stay. Aaron knows what he's doing," Lucian said, getting into the car.

Lily sighed.

"Don't do anything inappropriate," she warned.

"Yes, Mom," Yvette replied.

"I wasn't talking to you-but to both of you," Lily said, glaring at Aaron.

Belinda blushed.

"We wouldn't do anything like that in front of Yvette," Aaron protested.

Lily finally left.

"Let's go inside, Aaron!" Yvette said, clinging to his arm.

She left Belinda behind.

Everything is going according to plan, Yvette thought.

To be continued...

Chapter 6

-----

Even though Yvette was clinging to Aaron, his other hand was tightly holding Belinda's-unnoticed by Yvette.

Not long after, they arrived in front of the hotel room. Aaron opened the door.

The room was incredibly romantic.

Flowers were scattered across the bed, arranged in the shape of a heart.

Yvette smiled at the sight.

But that smile faded the moment Belinda stepped inside.

"You prepared all of this?" Belinda asked Aaron.

"Of course," he replied.

The long-haired woman with a sweet, youthful face smiled warmly at him. She even had charming dimples, and her small face made her look even more delicate.

Yvette happened to be standing in front of the mirror, staring at her own reflection. She was just as beautiful.

But her confidence slowly began to waver.

"Yvette, go change your clothes first. You can wear mine for now," Belinda said, maintaining her warm smile-though Yvette responded coldly.

Belinda gently took Yvette's hand and handed her some sleepwear.

"Hurry up and change, then get some rest. You have a test tomorrow," Aaron added, pulling Yvette toward the bathroom and pushing her inside.

Aaron then turned back to Belinda, pulling her closer and leaning in.

"Aaron, not now. Yvette is here," Belinda protested softly.

But her gentle, alluring voice only made him lean closer.

"Just for a moment... she won't know," Aaron whispered before capturing Belinda's lips.

Just then, Yvette finished changing.

She opened the door-

And saw everything.

Her heart clenched painfully.

She quickly shut the door again.

Her chest tightened as tears slowly fell.

"Calm down, Yvette. Focus on your plan," she whispered to herself, trying to stay strong.

Click.

The bathroom door opened.

Aaron and Belinda immediately pulled away.

Yvette could see Belinda wiping the corner of her lips.

"Are you done?" Belinda asked.

Yvette didn't respond.

She walked past them coldly.

Then she threw herself onto the bed-right in the middle of the flower arrangement-and pulled the blanket over herself.

"Yvette, why are you sleeping in the middle? Where are we supposed to sleep?" Aaron asked.

"You sleep on my right. And she can stay behind me," Yvette replied, casting a lazy glance at Belinda.

"Yvette, you-"

"It's fine, Aaron. Just for tonight. Besides, I'd like to sleep with my sister-in-law," Belinda said calmly.

Yvette fell silent.

Sister-in-law? You're the one who ruined my relationship with Aaron, she thought bitterly.

"That girl..." Aaron muttered under his breath.

"I'm sorry..." he said to Belinda.

Belinda gently patted his shoulder.

"It's fine. I'll make it up to you tomorrow," she said, winking.

Aaron grinned with a certain meaning.

"You promise? I want ten rounds," he whispered into her ear.

Belinda's cheeks flushed red.

Peck.

Aaron kissed her lips again before heading to bed.

He lay down beside Yvette, who immediately wrapped her arms around him tightly.

He didn't resist.

She had always done this.

I won't let your wedding night succeed. Even if you've done it before... not tonight. Not while I'm here, Yvette thought, burying her face against his chest.

Aaron gently stroked her hair, while his other hand still held Belinda's.

The night grew late.

Yvette woke up.

Seeing Aaron still holding her, she smiled softly.

But sadness crept in as she looked at his sleeping face.

Memories flooded back.

She couldn't accept him being with another woman.

I have to make you fall in love with me, she thought, tightening her embrace.

"Why?" Aaron suddenly opened his eyes, his voice hoarse from sleep.

"Ah!"

"Why are you awake? Can't sleep because of your test?"

No... because of you, Yvette answered silently.

"No..."

Aaron pulled her closer.

The warmth of his embrace reached deep into her heart.

God, forgive me for wanting to take someone else's husband... but I love Aaron too much. I can't let him go. He's my only happiness since my parents are gone.

-----

Classes had just ended.

Yvette stretched her stiff muscles before resting her head on her desk.

"What's wrong with you?" Ariana, her close friend, asked from across the table.

"I barely slept last night."

"Why?"

"I stayed up all night to make sure Aaron and Belinda didn't do anything," Yvette replied.

Ariana already knew everything.

"You seriously have nothing better to do? Why would you stay with them? That's insane. You're lucky Aaron didn't call you crazy for ruining his wedding night," Ariana scolded.

"I don't want him sleeping with that woman," Yvette whined.

Honestly, Ariana didn't agree with her plan.

It was too forced.

Why chase someone who didn't even want to try loving you back?

It only hurt in the end.

"You should just give up."

"What? Are you crazy? No way. Aaron is too precious to belong to someone else."

Ariana shook her head, tired of hearing the same thing.

"Why retreat when the war hasn't even begun? I'll make him fall in love with me," Yvette declared confidently.

"And if he rejects you?"

"I'll keep trying."

Ariana rolled her eyes.

"That reminds me of a saying."

"What is it?" Yvette asked.

"Never give advice to someone in love. It's useless."

"Aish, you..." Yvette protested.

-----

"I'm home~" Yvette said as she walked into the house, tossing her backpack aside.

In the living room, she saw Lily, Belinda, and Grandma Rose.

Rose glared at her.

"Why are you looking at me like that? You shameless girl!" she snapped.

"Grandma-"

"Don't call me that! I'm not your grandmother!"

"Fine... witch."

"WHAT?!"

Rose was shocked.

Lily suppressed a laugh.

Even she sometimes found her mother-in-law irritating.

"That adopted girl is getting more disrespectful every day. You should throw her out," Rose complained.

"Calm down, Mother. Yvette is just a teenager growing up. Don't take it too seriously," Lily said.

"You're just the same!"

"Relax, Grandma. Don't get too angry. What if your blood pressure rises again?" Belinda tried to calm her.

Rose smiled at Belinda.

"Thank goodness you married Aaron."

Belinda only smiled faintly.

-----

"Witch!" Yvette grumbled, throwing herself onto the bed.

Before long, she fell asleep.

She opened her eyes when she felt a warm hand gently caressing her cheek.

A familiar handsome face smiled at her.

"Aaron..." she whispered.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes wide.

The room was dark.

The wind blew through the balcony, carrying light rain inside.

"It was just a dream..." she murmured sadly.

The wind grew stronger.

She stood up to close the balcony door.

But then-

She glanced toward Aaron's balcony.

And froze.

Aaron was kissing Belinda passionately.

His lips trailed down her neck.

Yvette quickly shut her balcony door.

She couldn't bear to look.

"That shameless woman..." she muttered.

She paused.

"No. I have to stay strong," she said firmly.

Then she rushed out of her room-

Heading straight toward Aaron's room.

To be continued...