He Chased Me with Desperation

I had been in a secret relationship with my brother’s best friend for seven years and we were planning to get married.

I followed the location and found his gathering, but as I reached the door of the private room, I overheard their conversation.

“Ethan Shaw, your Cinderella is back. What are you going to do about that stand-in little sister?”

He didn’t reply.

The atmosphere became tense and another friend laughed, “It’s impressive how bold Ethan is. He dared to pursue Adam’s sister. Now he’s used her up and yet, Amanda is back…”

“She left so decisively back then, she deserves to have a stand-in to irritate her!”

The next day, Ethan took me to Amanda’s welcome banquet, showering me with affectionate gestures.

But when Amanda ran out crying, he pushed me aside and rushed after her in panic.

I returned home covered in spilled soup and burns and opened the door to the study—one he never allowed me to enter.

On the desk, their photo together was so conspicuous.

My heart turned to ash and I called my brother overseas.

“Brother, I’ve made up my mind about the arranged marriage. I agree!”

——

“Emma Snow, have you been wronged?”

My brother paused on the other end of the line for a moment before his voice filled with deep concern.

I forced a lighthearted smile, despite the bitterness rising in my throat. “No, I’ve just figured it out. I’m going to get married anyway, so does it matter to whom?”

“Besides, I trust Mom and Dad’s judgment. Even if it’s an arranged marriage, I’m sure the candidate has been thoroughly vetted by you all.”

Only then did my brother let out a relieved sigh. His tone softened, “I’m glad you’ve figured it out. When are you coming back? Do you want to meet him before making the final decision?”

“No need, the sooner we agree, the sooner the company crisis can be resolved. You can start preparing for the wedding and let’s set the date for a month from now.”

“Got it! By the way, do you still have contact with Ethan? I heard his goddess is finally back. You should reach out to him, maybe he’ll have time to come celebrate with you and bring some good luck.”

I was surprised that my brother knew about Amanda. No wonder Ethan had always insisted I keep our relationship a secret from him.

I lowered my gaze to hide the pang in my heart.

“Brother, don’t bother him. I’m not close to him.”

Just then, I heard the sound of the door unlocking. I said my goodbyes and hung up the phone.

I looked up to meet Ethan’s smiling eyes.

“Not close to whom?”

“Not close to you!”

I said honestly, but Ethan raised an eyebrow and mischievously pulled me into his embrace.

“Really? Then tell me how you’re not close to me. Are we not close enough, or have we not shared enough nights together, hmm?”

His breath was warm against my ear.

Our once intimate behavior that made my heart race now only made me feel uncomfortable and repelled.

As I struggled, I noticed the lipstick stain on his shirt collar.

The burns on my body ached and I didn’t know where the pain came from, but it was so sharp it brought tears to my eyes.

“Emma, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Ethan panicked as soon as he saw my tears.

He rolled up his sleeve and saw the large red marks on my wrist, his voice trembling with concern.

“How did this happen? When did you get burned? Why didn’t you tell me?”

It seemed like he had completely forgotten what had happened at the banquet.

I remained silent, unsure whether I should remind him and shatter his mask of feigned affection.