Chapter 1

Julia Zimmerman merely glanced at me after hearing what I said. She even acted as if she hadn't heard me.

She merely turned sideways and nodded slightly toward Dad, saying, "It's settled then, Mr. Luther."

Mom and Dad were consumed by guilt over my elder brother walking out on the wedding, so they nodded repeatedly to Julia's request.

I tightened my grip on my phone, then lowered my head. With trembling fingers, I sent a short text to Queenie Greene, the most intimidating woman in Brightcrest.

"Let's get married."

I held my breath until the other side replied at once. "We'll do it next Wednesday, then."

I got to my feet and showed Julia our chat history. "I'm already in love with someone else, Ms. Zimmerman—"

Julia slapped the phone out of my hand, sending it crashing to the floor. She didn't even bat an eye as she said, "Get the traditional pastry gifts from Blossom Pastries since Noah likes their baked goods."

Noah Luther was none other than my elder brother.

Mom and Dad agreed right away. "It's quite fitting to get Noah involved in your wedding in this manner, Ms. Zimmerman."

I was breathing heavily, my chest constantly heaving. "I refuse to enter a marriage of convenience."

Julia ignored me completely. She rose to her feet and nodded politely toward Mom and Dad. "I'll take my leave now, Mr. and Mrs. Luther."

I couldn't help but speak up. "Julia!"

Julia finally looked toward me, her gaze indifferent. "I'll have my assistant pick you up tomorrow for the wedding suit fitting, so make sure to be on time."

I was suddenly overwhelmed by a wave of helplessness.

Julia had always been like this. She could remember every little thing that bothered Noah. She would drive over 200 miles just to meet him if he sounded slightly off.

She, however, treated me like a mere pet of hers—something to be petted when she felt like it and treated like livestock when she didn't. She didn't allow me to have opinions of my own, to refuse her requests, or to have thoughts of my own.

I looked at Julia's retreating figure as she walked toward the door. I stated coldly, "You don't like me, and I don't like you either, so there's no point in forcing this marriage, Ms. Zimmerman."

Julia stopped in her tracks and turned to face me. She looked completely displeased, as though she were dealing with something bothersome.

She stated calmly, "You're not Noah. You're not suited for this aloof act, so stop trying to imitate him, Aiden Luther."

She raised her wrist and checked the time on her watch. "You'd better show up on time tomorrow. Get the wedding suit sorted out within 30 minutes, and don't waste my employee's time."