Chapter 2

Before I could recover from shock, Daniel's deep voice came. "Lucy, this is my fiancée, Sophia White. Aren't you happy to see her?"

I paused, then realized this was the surprise he had mentioned.

I could only force a stiff smile and say, "Yes, very happy."

The car slowly started. I sat in the back, staring absently out the window while listening to Daniel and Sofia talk.

As Sofia rambled on, I roughly pieced together their history.

Four years ago, Sofia and Daniel were a well-matched couple, deeply loved with each other.

They were going to marry, but Sofia suddenly fell seriously ill.

Unwilling to burden Daniel, she decided to seek treatment abroad.

They had a huge argument over this and eventually parted ways on bad terms.

But Daniel never stopped thinking of Sofia. When she returned to the country, they cleared things up between them and successfully reconciled.

Though my nails dug into my palms, I said nothing.

Sofia looked at me through the rearview mirror, her gaze searching.

She remarked, "Lucy looks very young, I didn't expect she'll be marrying soon.

"I have a great idea. Daniel, since Lucy is marrying your cousin, why don't we have a joint wedding? It would be a double celebration."

I pursed my lips tightly, wanting to refuse.

But as I was about to speak, I met the warning gaze Daniel cast me in the rearview mirror.

I could only swallow my refusal. "Sure, whatever you say."

*****

During dinner with my father, Daniel went out to answer a call.

Sofia's gaze lingered on my face for a moment, then she turned to my father.

She said, "Your wife committed suicide out of guilt back then. Because of her friendship with his mother, Daniel has done all he could to take care of Lucy over the years.

"If Lucy and Daniel continue to be so close, people will inevitably gossip. So, you really need to marry Lucy off quickly."

My father's hand paused, and an awkward smile appeared on his face. "Yes, that's what we think so too. Lucy will be married as soon as possible."

"That's good," Sofia replied.

She affectionately linked her arm with mine, leaning close to my ear.

She whispered, "Lucy, you better hide your feelings for Daniel. Otherwise, I'll make your life hell compared to today."

I froze instantly, unable to grasp what she meant.

The next second, she tilted the bowl of soup in her hand and spilled the scalding hot soup onto herself.

She gasped, looking wronged as tears welled up in her eyes. "Lucy, why did you scald me with soup?"

I froze, at a loss.

Just then, Daniel returned. When he saw what happened, he flew into a rage.

He rushed over and shoved me away violently.

My head hit the wall, and the pain made my vision go black.

Daniel wrapped his arms around Sofia, checking her arm anxiously while roaring at me, "Lucy, where are your manners? Apologize to Sofia now."

"Never!" I gritted my teeth and stared right at Daniel.

My father had witnessed everything but didn't help me; instead, he told me to apologize too.

And still, I remained silent.

Finally, Daniel declared ruthlessly, "If you don't apologize, I'll kick you out of the Wilsons' residence right away."

With that, he turned, walking out of the private room in long strides while carefully carrying Sofia.

My father sighed helplessly. He didn't bother with me, choosing instead to follow them out hurriedly.

After all, he had come to see Daniel this time for more important matters.

I slowly walked out of the restaurant. As I expected, they had already left.

It was snowing. I walked alone on the streets, the cold wind slicing across my cheeks like a knife.

My head, already pounding, grew heavier. My thoughts started to blur.

I didn't know how long I had walked when a car slowly pulled up in front of me.

Daniel got out of the car, holding an umbrella. His expression was still stern, but his tone was much softer than before.

He said, "Lucy, apologize to Sofia. After you're married, we'll still be family."

Family?

Could we still be family with this messy relationship of ours?