Chapter 1

Rosalie York had always been pretty, even as a child. She caught people's attention wherever she went. So, when she appeared in a private room in a light green, form-fitting dress, everyone instantly fell silent.

As everyone surrounded her to flatter her, she swept her gaze over the crowd. She didn't see the person she was looking for.

Someone noticed her searching gaze and asked teasingly, "Are you looking for Simon?"

Before Rosalie could deny it, they said, "He must be preparing a surprise for you now!"

"A surprise?" she asked.

The other party looked at her mysteriously.

She was confused. "What surprise?"

"Do you really not know?" they asked. They scanned Rosalie from head to toe, taking in her beautiful face and how classy the dress looked on her.

She was drop-dead gorgeous and carried herself with an air of elegance. Everyone wanted to be like her, but they knew they wouldn't have the desired effect even if they were to copy her outfit.

They were envious of her but still kept the peace—on the surface, at least.

"I just heard that Simon's going to announce something when he gets here later. That's why he said none of us can skip out on tonight's party. Do you know what that's about, Rosie?"

Rosalie shook her head.

"It's Rosie's birthday today. What else can Simon be announcing? I bet he's proposing to her!"

Rosalie was taken aback when she heard that. Then, her heart started racing. Simon Johnson had organized her birthday party, and he'd even called her earlier in the day, telling her to dress her best.

In truth, she had never even let herself dream that things would unfold this way upon learning that Simon had planned a surprise for her.

The two of them had grown up together and had been a part of each other's lives for as long as they could remember. They'd lived under the same roof for over a decade and were sure they wanted to be with each other after spending so long together.

Yet, when Simon's mother, Melinda Brown, had insisted they tie the knot, Simon had reacted with outrage. Rosalie had assumed it was because he wasn't ready to marry her yet. Who would have thought he had been planning it all along?

She smiled and happily pulled out her phone to share the good news with her best friend, Ivory Greene. She also asked when the latter would arrive.

She saw Ivory start to type, then stop. Over and over, she started and stopped, making Rosalie wonder if trouble had found her again.

Then, Ivory replied, "I'll be right there."

Rosalie relaxed at the response. Then, she worried Ivory wouldn't be able to find the private room. "Should I head down to bring you up?"

Ivory didn't reply. Rosalie wanted to get up to head downstairs when the door to the private room swung open. Simon and Ivory arrived together.

Ivory pulled the gift she had gotten for Rosalie from her bag. "Happy birthday, Rosie!"

"Thanks." Rosalie set the gift aside and looked up at Simon.

He frowned at her. "Why are you dressed like that?"

She looked down at her dress. Sasha Carter had put her in it, saying that a form-fitting dress was the best way a woman could present herself and drive all men wild. She had guaranteed that Simon would love her like this.

"Do I look bad?" Rosalie was a little disappointed.

Simon couldn't help feeling angry when he noticed the way his friends eyed her. He said curtly, "Don't dress like this anymore."

A soft hum escaped her lips in response.

"Simon, it's Rosie's birthday today. Why didn't you bring a gift?" someone asked.

He was about to give her the bracelet he had prepared when another person asked, "Is the proposal coming up?"

"Propose to her! Propose to her!" everyone chanted. They surrounded him and Rosalie, hyping up the atmosphere.

Rosalie's heart raced, and her face flushed. However, Simon's expression turned ugly. "Who said anything about me proposing?"

He shot the crowd a warning look before turning to look at Rosalie. The anger and irritation in his eyes made her heart sink. This was his second time looking at her like that.

Someone asked, "Didn't you say you had something to announce?"

"I do, but it's not a proposal," Simon snapped.

Rosalie couldn't help feeling disappointed when she heard that. Then, what he said next was like a slap to her face.

He pulled Ivory into his arms and said, "Allow me to introduce everyone to my girlfriend!"

An awkward silence descended upon the room at his words. Rosalie froze, staring at Simon and Ivory in shock.

"Isn't Rosalie your girlfriend? When did you guys break up?"

"Even if you guys are broken up, Ms. Greene is Rosie's best friend. How could you get together with her?"

Simon looked at Rosalie icily. He asked, "When did I ever say anything about dating you?"

The blood drained from her face. He continued, "I've only ever thought of you as my sister. Don't get me wrong!"

She couldn't believe her ears. They hadn't slept together, but they'd done everything else together. He'd also always forbidden her from getting a boyfriend.

When they were in college, he'd stumbled upon a guy wanting to confess to her. At the time, he'd domineeringly pulled her into his arms and announced that she was his. He'd warned them off. Yet now, he was saying she was just his sister!

Rosalie's eyes reddened.

"Why aren't you saying anything, Rosie? Is Simon really not your boyfriend?"

"You've followed him around for so many years that we all thought you two were together. Besides, didn't you say he was going to propose to you?"

Rosalie's mind was in such a mess that she didn't notice the oddness of that sentence. However, Simon's expression became icier after he heard that.

Rosalie's throat was dry. She looked up and asked hoarsely, "Do you really only think of me as your sister, Simon?"

He answered coldly, "I can introduce someone to you if you're so desperate for a boyfriend, but don't you dare set your sights on me. That's just plain disgusting—I won't get involved with my sister!"

His words dashed whatever hopes she had left.

"Why don't you date me, Rosalie? I'm good friends with Si, and our families are on good terms. Us getting together will only strengthen the bond. What do you think, Si?" Joseph Locke asked.

Simon's gaze darkened at his words, but he still made a low grunt of agreement. "Joseph isn't too bad. You guys can try it out."

With so many eyes on her, Rosalie fought to keep her tears from falling. A mocking smile curved her lips as she said, "They say birds of a feather flock together. Do you really think someone who associates with you could be any better?"

Her gaze settled on Ivory, who immediately averted her eyes. The latter didn't dare to look at her.

Rosalie sneered. "You two make a good match!"

Then, she strode out of the room.