Chapter 1

1 I was the only girl among three childhood friends, each from a prominent family.

My family's fortunes had fallen, and my parents were planning a marriage alliance with one of them.

But the school bully, Shawn, disdainfully glanced at me and refused, saying, "No way, I like the quiet type. I just see her as a brother."

The sweet, puppy-like, Xavier, shrugged regretfully, "I just see her as a sister."

And the academic top, Zane, coldly stated, "She's reckless and clumsy. She's not suitable to be my wife."

Their rejections and belittling remarks were careless and unrestrained, leaving my parents awkwardly laughing it off.

I was utterly heartbroken.

So, I told my parents, "Mom and Dad, I have a boyfriend."

...

Shawn, sleeves rolled up, sat casually with one arm draped over the back of his chair.

He was laughing and chatting with Xavier.

Zane was engrossed in his phone.

His long fingers scrolled across the screen nonchalantly, the glint from his glasses reflecting a cold and aloof demeanor.

They were dismissive of my parents' awkward attempts at small talk.

Until I spoke those words.

The room fell silent.

Shawn and Xavier turned to look at me.

Zane looked up, his meaningful gaze piercing me.

I remained unaffected.

I simply told my equally shocked parents, "You should have told me about this arranged marriage earlier. This whole misunderstanding could have been avoided."

"They're right."

"Even though we're childhood friends, I only consider them brothers; there's nothing romantic between us."

My parents hadn't told me about the arranged marriage beforehand, fearing I'd be embarrassed.

They had carefully selected Xavier, who was two years younger than me, sweet, and lively. He'd almost never fought with me.

They hadn't anticipated the other two would show up.

While I was upset my parents had kept it from me, I was more heartbroken and saddened.

Things weren't always this bad for our family.

My mom once asked if I had a crush.

I looked away, silent.

My mom immediately understood.

She smiled, tentatively asking if it was one of my three childhood friends.

I blushed, angrily telling her to stop.

She understood.

But I became wary, hiding my feelings carefully.

They couldn't tell who I liked.

Until my dad's investment failed and our family's wealth plummeted.

The family's fortunes dwindled, and the other three families subtly distanced themselves.

My mom thought, if she didn't help me, my stubbornness meant I'd never confess my feelings.

So, she impulsively planned this blind date without telling me.

Although Xavier's parents weren't there, Shawn and Zane's were.

My parents still took it seriously.

They openly discussed our family's situation, saying that a marriage alliance would be ideal if there was mutual attraction.

But if not, it was just a casual gathering.

They hadn't expected my three childhood friends would reject their cherished daughter so unceremoniously.

I was used to it.

But seeing the strained smiles on my parents' faces, a familiar pang of pain gripped my heart.

Finally, I interrupted their cruel behavior.

Before my parents could ask what was wrong, I stood, surveyed them, and coldly said, "I don't think you guys want to have dinner."

"Let's just call it a night."