The crazy bride.

Lilac’s POV

He turns slightly to me, his face in a frown like I was a tick he couldn't wait to crush.

"Big brother!" I cried out again and lunged at him. "It can't be!" Tears streamed down my face, and I tied myself to his torso in a tight hug. "It can't be!"

I hugged him tight, refusing to let go.

My big brother!

After all these years, I thought he was dead. I thought he was killed by those men! 

"What is wrong with you?!" His icy tone pierced through me. "Have you no restraint?!" He said, pushing me off. I escaped his grasp for a moment, but hugged him back.

"Big brother, I will never let go this time. I promise. I won't let you go!"

He pfted irritatedly and pushed me away with force, making me stumble to the ground, confused. "Are you out of your mind?!" He scolded, dusting himself like a wave of sand had blown on him.

I looked up at him, even more confused. Why is he cold to me? Doesn't he remember me, his sister? Have I grown so big? "Big broth…"

"Don't call me that!" He lashed with eerie chilliness. "I barely know you and I don't have a sister."

My jaw dropped to the floor. Gracie intervened; she walked up to me and slapped my face so hard I momentarily felt dizzy.

"Are you crazy?! What has gotten over you?!" She barked at me. "Kaleb has no sister! Who do you think you are to call him your brother!"

I held my cheeks, tears brimming, but kept my eyes on Big Brother. There was no mistaking it. It was him. He was taller now, and muscular: A far cry from the skinny teenage boy I thought was killed.

His dark wave hair was longer, his skin pale and perfect, he had a dark stud in both ears, but his eyes were icier and distant than ever. Those eyes that light up when they see me. His lips were firm and thin. They no longer held that laughter they once did. 

What have they done to him? It almost felt like he was a husk of himself. His name used to be Jonathan, not Kaleb. 

Who am I looking at? And why is everyone, including him, treating me like I'm crazy?!

Does he really not remember, or is he just pretending not to remember?

I quickly rose up to my feet and bowed to Gracie. "I'm sorry, Aunty!" I looked up again to meet his eyes. 

"I told you this is crazy." His sharp gaze cut to his mother. "But you never listen to me. Thanks for bringing this crazy-ass person to my home, mum," He stormed out of the room.

But I'm not crazy, Big Brother.

It's me! Your little Lilly.

I watched him go. Tears rolled down my cheek. I wanted to pursue him and lunge on his back, swearing I would never let go of him again. I would never let him out of my sight.

"Are you stupid?" Gracie's low voice brought me back to reality. 

I turned to her and bowed over and over again.

"Please forgive me Aunty." I breathe. "I really don't know what came over me."

"I know my son is popular with the girls. Every girl in this city will kill to have the opportunity you have: marrying the Cross Family billionaire heir. Do you have to act crazy to express your gratitude for this opportunity?"

I'm not crazy, Aunty.

That's my big brother!

I bit my lips in constraint and bowed in unending apology. 

"The marriage rite is tomorrow." Her eyes swept over my form from toe to head. "I'll tell the staff to get you something proper to wear."

Oh wait. Shit!

My hand trembled as the realization dawned on me.

I did sign a contract…

To marry Mr Kaleb.

My brother!