Love Disappears Before Dawn

“I’m willing to be your mistress—just spare the Hartley Family.”

My voice was steady as I made the offer, but the mocking smirk on Davian Sinclair’s face made my heart sink.

“Well, well,” he drawled. “Who would’ve thought the mighty Hartley Family would stoop so low? Sacrificing their biological daughter to save an adopted one. Guess your brother and childhood sweetheart aren’t as devoted as everyone believes.”

I stayed silent, signing the agreement in front of me without hesitation. It would take effect three days later and the favor was broken. Our arrangement would last three years, after which there would be nothing more between us. I had made my choice—to repay the Hartley Family for raising me, even if it meant severing ties with my loved ones. From now on, I and my family, my lover. We don't owe each other anything and won't see each other for long.

——

After finalizing the deal, I returned home. The moment I approached the door, heated voices erupted from within. Since my father’s death and the subsequent downfall of the Hartley and Radford Families, arguments over money have become the norm.

I stepped inside, ready to tell them the matter had been resolved. Before I could speak, my brother’s hand struck me hard across the face.

“Lauren Hartley! How could you be so selfish? You’re protecting your luxurious life by forcing Fiona to become Davian Sinclair’s mistress?” His voice was sharp with anger.

“Davian Sinclair is our family’s enemy! He’s infamous for his cruelty and temper. How could Fiona have a good life with him?”

I knew the truth. Davian’s demand for a Hartley daughter to be his mistress was pure vengeance. My brother and Noah would never let Fiona Merrick go, so I made the decision for them.

Fiona tugged at my brother’s sleeve with teary eyes as I opened my mouth to explain.

“It’s okay, brother. I’ll do it for the Hartley Family. Besides, if I refuse, Lauren might push me into the pool again—”

“What?!” My brother’s rage intensified. “Lauren, you’ve gone too far! Lying, bullying Fiona and it's not enough; now you are doing something so vicious? It seems you won’t learn your lesson without consequences!”

Before I could defend myself, my brother and Noah exchanged a glance and dragged me toward the pool. The two in the throes of anger simply couldn't listen to any of my explanations.

“Wait! I—” My protests were drowned out as they pushed me into the icy water.

I struggled several times to come up, but my head was pressed down and I could only let the cold water pour in through my ears and nose. My vision blurred as my consciousness began to slip away.

Memories surfaced—a time when my brother and Noah had stood by my side as I learned to swim in this very pool. Back then, I had only swallowed some water and their eyes brimmed with worry. Noah had held my hand, vowing, “Lauren, you were born to enjoy life. Before marriage, you are the only young lady of the Hartley Family; after marriage, you will be the wife of the Radford family. You’ll never suffer as long as we’re here.”

But now, they didn’t let me go until I was on the brink of drowning.

When I finally gasped for air, shivering and coughing, I saw them embracing Fiona by the poolside, whispering comforting words.

“Don’t worry, Fiona,” my brother said gently. “You’re making a huge sacrifice for the Hartley Family. We’ll never let Lauren bully you again. Once you’re back from Davian, I’ll marry you with the grandest ceremony.”

“Absolutely,” Noah agreed. “I’ll even give you Lauren’s dowry—it’s the least she owes you.”

Their affection for Fiona stung more than the freezing water. I bit my lip, swallowing the bitter words I wanted to hurl at them. There was no point in speaking—no one would listen and no one would believe me.

Dragging myself out of the pool, soaked and trembling, I faced the cold wind. Yet the chill in my heart far surpassed the cold outside.

Noah glanced at me, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. But it was fleeting.