Chapter 1

I could barely stay on my feet as I stumbled into the radio station where Sean worked.

He was in the middle of an interview and was dressed in his usual professional attire.

"I'm heartbroken over what happened to my brother. I can't believe he's capable of something like that. As a journalist, I'll do everything I can to report on what happened and clear his name."

He covered his face and sobbed. He seemed as if he were truly innocent.

Sophia consoled him, then turned to the cameras.

"My fiance's case hasn't been settled yet, so I hope everyone will give him some privacy. I hope you'll all support Sean's work as a journalist."

The room erupted in applause.

I leaned against the wall. My stomach twisted, and I nearly threw up.

They were sacrificing my innocence and reputation just so Sean could get his story.

I couldn't take it anymore. With bloodshot eyes, I pushed the door open.

Every head in the room turned toward me.

Sophia looked at me in shock. "What are you doing here? Your wounds haven't healed yet. What if they open up again?"

She grabbed my arm and tried to lead me back to the hospital, but I yanked myself free.

"Stop pretending that you care! I heard everything!"

She stared at my red-rimmed eyes and stammered, "How do you understand Lutenian?"

I used to have no idea what they were saying and would ask them what they were talking about like an idiot.

They would always brush me off with a casual, "Nothing."

Not wanting to be left out or continue feeling like an idiot, I threw myself into learning Lutenian to surprise them.

I never imagined that what awaited me was such an ugly truth.

Sean hurried down from the stage. His eyes were red as he grabbed my arm.

"Don't get the wrong idea, Ethan. We're really trying to help you…"

Sean and I grew up together in an orphanage. He'd worked hard to become a journalist because he wanted to find our biological parents.

"You're my dearest little brother. I managed to grow up without parents, but I can't bear the thought of you doing the same."

The brother I'd once been so proud of was lying to my face.

I couldn't accept that he was deceiving me. I shoved him away.

He stumbled, but Sophia caught him immediately.

"Can't you help your brother for once? He took care of you all these years! He's already done more than enough for you!" she roared. "We're not going to think any less of you because of this!"

"But I think you're disgusting!" I spat back.

Sophia and Sean froze.

On the day I proposed to her, she cried and promised that she would never let me shed another tear.

Yet now, the people who had hurt me the most were the very ones who had promised to protect me.

Seeing them protect each other made my stomach churn.

I couldn't stay on my feet any longer.

As I collapsed, one thought ran through my mind—I was done with both of them.