Chapter One
After confessing my feelings to Kevin King and failing, the King family sent me abroad.
On the day I returned, everyone was afraid I’d get close to Kevin again. Even he said, “The biggest stain on my life is being liked by my own adopted sister.”
To keep me away, they introduced Kevin to many girls. Kevin accepted them all, casually draping his arm around their waists as he said to others, “If Lily could just put away those feelings she shouldn’t have, I wouldn’t mind if she came back.”
He seemed to think I was still hung up on him.
But this time I came back to the country, it was really just to marry someone else.
I appeared at the entrance of the private room, and the air around instantly froze.
Kevin had just rejected a girl who lost a dare and wanted to give him a kiss. He was lounging on the sofa, relaxed and self- satisfied.
Then someone swore first-
“Damn, Lily’s back!”
Everyone snapped back to reality and stepped forward, placing themselves between Kevin and me.
Just like years ago.
They smiled awkwardly at me,
“When did you come back? Didn’t even tell us so we could pick you up!”
“How did you find this place on your own? Have you eaten? Want to come in for some snacks?”
I stood still, glanced at the door sign, and smiled faintly: “No, I’m in the wrong place.”
The few blocking the door breathed a sigh of relief.
Just as they were about to say more, laughter came from inside.
Kevin reached out, wrapped his arm around the waist of the tearful girl in front of him, pulling her close. He pinched her chin and kissed her.
“Catch your breath.
“You don’t let the girl do the asking for a kiss.”
His voice was lazy, and the girl in his arms blushed deeply.
Clutching his collar, trembling nervously, she whispered, “Kevin, can I be your girlfriend…?”
Kevin said nothing, just glanced at me coolly, then deepened the kiss.
His actions answered for him.
The girl was ecstatic, and the others inside cheered.
I glanced at the time, turned to leave, but someone called from behind. “Lily.”
! instinctively looked back. Kevin stepped out of the room.
Three years without seeing each other, his face hadn’t changed a bit.
He held a cigarette between his fingers, tone flat:
“When did you get back?”
“Yesterday.”
“Why didn’t you come home?”
I said nothing.
“If you’re back, don’t run around. Go see Mom and Dad.”
Still no reply from me; I looked down at my watch, brows tightening with impatience:
“Anything else?”
Kevin’s eyes fell on my wrist, frowning slightly.
“Where’s the bracelet?”
I was momentarily stunned..
Then remembered something, a mocking expression crossing my face.
“I put it away.”
Three years ago, after a boy confessed to me, Kevin didn’t say much when he found out.
He just led a group to beat the boy up, then silently took out the King Family Heirloom Bracelet and put it on me. Kevin’s tightly furrowed brow relaxed; his voice calm:
It’s just a trinket, nothing precious.
*Next time-”
“Kevin.”
Before he could finish, a clear voice cut in.
The girl from the private room ran out, hooked her arm around Kevin’s, and smiled brightly at me.
You must be Lily, right? Hi, You can call me Sally, or… sister–in–law.”
She seemed a bit shy, looking up at Kevin bashfully when she said the last two words.
I really didn’t have time; if I stayed any longer, that man would get angry.
I nodded quickly, greeted her, “Hello.”
Then turned and hurried forward.
12:24 PM
Before the corner, I saw Jason Jenkins leaning against the doorframe.
Dressed in black, with a strong nose and eyes hidden in the dim light, his expression unreadable.
His lips, exposed to the light, were sharply defined.
I stepped quickly toward him, pulling a gift from my pocket:
“Happy birthday!”
His gaze slowly dropped.
“You’re late.”
I glanced at my watch; the hour hand had just passed midnight.
Today was over.
Annoyance flickered across my face.
If not for those two people I met earlier delaying me, I wouldn’t have been late.
Jason wrapped his arm around my waist, pressing down like a punishment.
My flight was originally scheduled for 9 a.m., so I could be back before noon to have lunch with Jason. But my school suddenly had an emergency, delaying me until evening.
We had planned to have dinner together, but I ran into trouble on the way.
After all the fuss, it was now this late.
