Back then, Benjamin used to gently press his palm to my forehead when I was sick, tell me bedtime stories to coax me to sleep, and softly pat my back whenever I woke up crying in the middle of the night.
“Don’t be scared, Darlene. Brother is here.”
“Brother will always protect you.”
That Benjamin—his eyes were once full of warmth and affection for me.
But now, he couldn’t even look at me without disgust.
The rain poured harder. I knelt on the cold floor, feeling my body heat slowly draining away.
I didn’t know how long I stayed there. My vision spun, and everything blurred.
I spent the next three days unconscious in the hospital.
A high fever of 40°C nearly claimed my life.
Benjamin never came. Not even a text. Not a single call.
I closed my eyes.
I knew better than to expect anything. But still, my heart ached a little.
Today was Benjamin’s wedding day.
I dragged my frail body to the Anderson family estate.
When Benjamin saw me, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. “You should be resting at the hospital.”
“I wouldn’t want to miss my brother’s big day,” I replied flatly.
Laica descended the staircase, her eyes gleaming with smug satisfaction the moment she saw me. “Darlene, you don’t look well. Still haven’t recovered?”
“I’m fine,” I said calmly.
“That’s good to hear.”
She walked up to me, then lowered her voice with a smirk.
“Oh, right. Benj said you’d be helping with the guests today. It’ll be easier if you change into the maid’s uniform.”
She pointed to a black outfit draped on the sofa.
I looked at the ill-fitting servant uniform—and suddenly, I smiled.
So, this was it. They didn’t even want to leave me a shred of dignity.
“Alright.”
I picked it up and changed right there in front of them.
Benjamin’s expression shifted—there was something complex in his gaze, a trace of guilt... or was it a relief?
But quickly, he looked away.
The banquet hall was packed with guests. I stood quietly in a corner, dressed as a servant, enduring the whispers and stares.
“Isn’t that the Anderson family’s daughter? Why is she dressed like that?”
“Tsk, how disgraceful!”
I heard every word, but my face stayed blank. My heart felt nothing.
The wedding ceremony began.
“Now, let’s welcome the bride and groom to exchange their rings!” the emcee beamed.
I watched Benjamin and Laica on stage, smiling at each other as if the whole world had vanished around them.
“And now, I pronounce you husband and wife. Groom, you may kiss the bride!”
Just as Benjamin leaned in to kiss her—he grand doors of the banquet hall swung open with a heavy bang.
A middle-aged man in a suit walked in, holding a folder in his hand.
“Apologies for the interruption.”
He stepped up to the stage, his voice carrying effortlessly across the silent hall.
“I’m Attorney Harris, legal counsel to the Helix Consortium. On behalf of the late Mr. and Mrs. Anderson , I have an important announcement.”
A hush fell over the room.
Benjamin’s brows knitted. “What announcement?”
Attorney Harris unfolded the document.
“According to an addendum in the late Mr. Anderson ’s will: If Mr. Benjamin marries anyone other than Miss Darlene, he will automatically forfeit his right to inherit the Helix Consortium.”
“What?!” Benjamin’s voice cracked with disbelief.
“Effective immediately, all shares and assets of the Helix Consortium will be transferred to Miss Darlene.”
Attorney Harris’s voice was calm, emotionless. “Mr. Benjamin, you are no longer the heir of the Anderson family business.”
