Chapter 5

Lily Vance?

I had only met her once. It was when Chloe first brought me home to meet her parents. Lily had sat quietly in the corner, barely speaking. I didn't remember ever having any real interaction with her.

Chloe used to complain to me that her younger sister always "bullied" her, so I had assumed Lily was a troublemaker.

I hung up the phone, looking at Lily with a hint of suspicion.

Sensing my coldness, Lily slowly withdrew her hand and gave a self-deprecating smile.

"Would you please consider me?"

She bit her pink lower lip, her white teeth contrasting with her rosy lips, making her look incredibly delicate.

I stared into her eyes and frowned.

"You know I'm your sister's fiancé, right?"

She lowered her head, whispering, "I know."

"And you still want to marry me?"

I crossed my arms, squinting at her. Lily’s ears turned bright red.

"But you just said you wanted to break up, and you were calling a matchmaker."

"Still, why should I marry you?"

"You're going to marry someone anyway. Why not me?"

Lily looked up, her gaze steady once more.

Yes, I could marry anyone. But not her. She was Chloe’s sister. I didn't want to have anything to do with that toxic family ever again.

As we stood in a stalemate, my phone rang.

It was Chloe.

"Ethan, I'm almost home. Let's talk in person, okay?"

"We have nothing to talk about."

"Ethan, you love me the most. Don't be like this."

Chloe knew exactly how to work me. Her sweet, pleading tone would make almost any man soften.

Before I could answer, Lily suddenly pulled a document folder from her bag. She took out her birth certificate and a pre-signed marriage license application, holding them out to me with absolute sincerity.

"Ethan, marry me."

I quickly covered the phone's microphone, hoping Chloe hadn't heard.

"What? Is that a woman’s voice? Who is with you?"

Chloe’s voice instantly turned sharp and tense.

"No one."

I replied coldly, hung up, and turned off the phone.

"What’s your angle?" I asked Lily. I didn't believe a girl I barely knew would suddenly propose to me without wanting something in return.

"I’ve liked you for a long time. I really want to marry you. Even if you just use me to get back at my sister, I don't care."

Her gaze was so pure, and the slight mist in her eyes made my heart skip a beat.

I had no intention of using Lily to get revenge. But I did need a wife right now, and Lily seemed like a decent choice.

"I won't use you to get back at Chloe."

Lily's eyes dimmed, looking deeply disappointed.

"But I do need to get married. So, yes."

Her eyes instantly lit up again, her excitement plain as day.

I couldn't understand why this girl, whom I was only meeting for the second time, was so happy.

We rushed into City Hall and managed to get our marriage license finalized just before the clerks went home.

Since the wedding ceremony was at the end of the month, time was tight. I took Lily straight to a bridal boutique.

She was much more petite than Chloe. Chloe’s dress wouldn't fit her at all.

"Does this look okay?"

The curtain pulled back, and Lily stepped out, looking shy.

The lace on the gown’s neckline perfectly highlighted her elegant, slender neck.

The corset design hugged her tiny waist, carving out beautiful, delicate curves.

Combined with her gorgeous face, I couldn't look away.

Lily looked at me with anticipation, her eyes shining like stars, though she was clearly nervous.

"You look beautiful," I murmured, swallowing hard.