Chapter 2

The Sterling family's matchmaking party was held at a sprawling estate halfway up the mountain.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, expensive paintings lined the walls, and the air was thick with the scent of designer perfume and the rustle of silk gowns.

I wore a rented white gown, feeling like an ugly duckling lost among a flock of real swans.

The other girls gave me openly disdainful, scrutinizing looks.

"Isn't that Emily Lane, the one who stirred up drama with Lucas Sterling? What's she doing here?" Someone said.

"She really has some nerve, showing up at the Sterlings' after getting trashed online like that."

"She's probably just here to find a new mark. The Sterling family is a goldmine. Everyone wants a piece."

I ignored their whispers, my eyes scanning the banquet hall.

It didn't take long before I found my target tucked away in a quiet corner.

Alexander Sterling.

He was alone in his wheelchair, turned away from the bustling crowd, staring out into the night.

He looked slender, his profile all sharp lines and a kind of lonely coldness.

He was completely out of place here, like he didn't fit in with anything or anyone around him.

Richard Sterling, the head of the Sterling family and the uncle of Lucas and Alexander, cleared his throat and stepped forward with a smile.

"Ladies, we've gathered you here today to discuss Alexander's marriage. As you all know, he's not in the best health and needs someone to look after him. If any of you are willing, the Sterlings will make sure you're well taken care of."

His words sounded all high and mighty, but you could still catch the whiff of charity and barely concealed disdain.

Calling it a marriage when it was really just hiring a live-in nurse? Give me a break.

The socialites exchanged glances, but none of them stepped forward.

Who'd want to marry an invalid, especially one the family has already written off?

Richard's smile faltered, his face growing a little stiff.

Just then, there was a commotion at the entrance of the banquet hall.

Lucas Sterling, the superstar, showed up.

He walked in wearing a designer suit, everyone practically falling over themselves to get close to him. His eyes swept across the room and finally landed on me, with a look that screamed contempt.

"Well, well, if it isn't Miss Lane. Causing trouble with me wasn't enough? Now you're after my brother?" he said.

His voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for everyone around to catch it.

Suddenly, every eye in the room locked onto me, their gazes dripping with mockery and barely concealed amusement, like they were waiting for the next juicy drama.

I met his gaze head-on, not backing down for a second.

"Lucas," I said, my voice calm and steady, "watch your mouth."

He clearly hadn't expected me to talk back. His face darkened. "Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that?"

"What I am doesn't matter," I said coolly, taking deliberate steps toward the wheelchair in the corner. "What matters is, starting today, you just might have to call me 'sister-in-law.'"

The whole room broke out in shocked whispers.

Lucas's face went an ugly shade of red.

I walked up behind Alexander's wheelchair, ignoring his icy profile, then turned to Richard and said, "Mr. Sterling, I accept."

Richard froze, clearly blindsided by my answer.

His gaze swept over me, suspicion written all over his face.

I didn't bother explaining myself. Instead, I turned my attention to the man in the wheelchair.

He finally turned his head, revealing a refined, bloodless face, sharp features, but utterly pale.

His eyes were deep, like a bottomless well, revealing nothing at all.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice hoarse and scratchy, as if he hadn't spoken in a long time.

"I'm sure," I said, locking eyes with him and speaking each word clearly. "I choose you."

I glimpsed a subtle ripple, barely perceptible, deep within his bottomless eyes.

Lucas stormed over, practically fuming. "Emily, are you out of your mind? My brother he's..."

"What's wrong with him?" I cut him off, my tone cool. "He's your brother, isn't he?"

That one line left Lucas completely speechless.

Richard looked like he couldn't wait to get rid of the problem. He made the decision on the spot. "Great! Since Miss Lane is willing, it's settled. You two will get your marriage license tomorrow."

He acted like he was worried I'd back out at the last minute.

I looked at Alexander, and he looked right back at me.

Our eyes locked, and I couldn't read a single thing from his expression. But those eyes, they were more genuine than all the superficial luxury surrounding us.

And that's exactly what I was gambling on.