The Way We Were

"My dear, have you really thought this through?" The Kingsley couple's voices on the phone still held disbelief.

Three years ago, I had firmly told them that I couldn't bear a marriage without love.

Going back to the Kingsley family meant sacrificing my own happiness.

Marrying someone carefully chosen by the family was the best choice for both families.

Beatrice sighed, then said seriously, "Don't worry, even in an arranged marriage, you'll always be our daughter."

I stared out at the darkening sky and wiped my tears.

"Dad, Mom, I still need about a week to finish wrapping up things here."

"Alright, take your time. And be sure to say a proper goodbye to your adoptive brothers. You don't have to worry about the wedding—we'll take care of everything for you.

"Whatever happens, the Kingsley family will always be your support."

My eyes welled up. Timothy and Christopher had said the same thing to me once.

"Lena, don't be afraid."

"From now on, we're your family. We'll always be by your side."

The orphanage director, Mia Lane, smiled as she looked at them. "You boys better take care of your sister. Be men of your word."

Christopher had looked at me, his face flushed with embarrassment.

"I don't want to be her brother. I'm going to marry Lena when we grow up!"

From that day on, I was deeply touched by their sincere affection.

Timothy took care of me like an older brother, and whenever Christopher had something nice, he would immediately think of me and bring it to me.

They were my family and my lover.

So even when my biological parents found me, I didn't tell them.

True loyalty in high society was rare, and there was always so much drama.

This simple, warm happiness made it hard for me to leave them behind.

But it wasn't until Isabella showed up that I realized how terribly wrong I had been.

Isabella was the daughter of Olivia Smith, the family's maid. She had lost her father at a young age. Olivia also passed away from illness two years ago.

At Christmas, feeling sorry for Isabella being all alone, we invited her to spend the holiday with us.

After that, she started spending more and more time at our house. She also grew increasingly close to my brothers and my fiance.

One day, I subtly reminded her that Christopher and I were about to get married, hoping she would keep some distance.

But instead of a response, she left behind a letter and went abroad by herself. The letter was filled with expressions of envy toward me and reluctance to part with everyone.

Christopher immediately turned cold toward me. "You really can't tolerate anyone, can you?"

Timothy, who had always looked after me, was also deeply disappointed.

"Helena, you're so selfish!"

They firmly believed that Isabella needed love more than I did. So, they gave all their affection to her.

-

This wedding had been my dream since I was a child.

The wedding dress, the ring, even the pattern on the invitations—I had designed them all myself.

I couldn't help but close my eyes. I stood alone, facing the stares of everyone at the wedding, and the calm composure I once had finally crumbled.

"What's going on? This is the first time I've seen a wedding get canceled halfway!"

"Did the groom run off?"

"Why did the bride's brother leave, too?"

"Who knows? If even her own family abandons her, she must have done something shameful and unforgivable!"

"Just look at her face—she doesn't look trustworthy!"

A tidal wave of slander came rushing at me.

And those two men, the ones who promised to always protect me, at that moment, became two sharp knives stabbing straight into my heart.