Chapter 1
1
My brother Leo and I went to his fiancée’s house to pick her up for the wedding, but she refused to come downstairs, deciding to play games instead.
“Camille,” she said, her voice dripping with challenge, “I won’t feel safe marrying into your family until you pass my obedience test.”
I glanced at my lovestruck brother, Leo, whose eyes were pleading with me. I had no choice but to nod.
First, the bride–to–be, Jessica, demanded I transfer $1,000 to each of her bridesmaids and all the gathered relatives as a “token of goodwill.“For my brother’s happiness, I gritted my teeth and sent the money.
Second, she ordered me to kneel on the floor, wash her feet, and put on her wedding shoes. Seeing Leo on the verge of tears, I swallowed my pride and did it.
“And for the third thing,” Jessica announced with a smirk, “we’ll have an exchange. I want you to marry my brother!”
I refused on the spot.
But Jessica was smugly confident. “Don’t follow the rules, and you can get the hell out of the Vaughn family. You’re just the adopted one. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”
My own brother chimed in, twisting the knife. “She’s right, Camille. Mom and Dad adopted you. It’s about time you paid them back by helping me.”
I almost laughed from the sheer audacity of it. The truth was, Mom and Dad had adopted him because they thought I was too lonely as a child!
The eyes of everyone in the room darted toward me.
“I had no idea the Vaughns‘ daughter was adopted. And here I was, so jealous of her, thinking she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.”
“Her adoptive parents must be saints. Look at her, decked out in designer brands from head to toe.”
Jessica’s eyes glinted with envy, her words laced with acid. “What can I say? My future in–laws are just so generous, even to an adopted stray. They’re only putting my name on one of their properties, while she has several in her name already.”
She shot me a look of pure contempt. “Some people have no shame, happily taking things that aren’t rightfully theirs.”
I took a series of deep breaths, forcing down the fire in my chest. Today was Leo’s wedding day. I couldn’t be the one to ruin it.
I told myself I’d try one last time. Forcing a smile, I said, “Jessica, please come downstairs. We’ll be late.”
She slapped my hand away and spun to face Leo, her voice a shrill whine. “Leo, what is your sister trying to say? Is she looking down on my brother, or is she looking down on me? Didn’t you tell me you’re the one who calls the shots in your family? How can she refuse something so simple for our wedding?”
Sparks flew from my eyes. Something so simple? And her brother? Did she have any self–awareness at all? The man was a total creep who looked to be in his forties, complete with a beer belly, a balding head, and a smile that revealed a mouthful of yellow teeth.
Jessica wouldn’t let it go. “My parents worked so hard to put me through college, and now I’m supposed to slave away for your family for the rest of my life,” she sobbed. “Is it really too much to ask for you to give them a daughter in return?” ter in return?”
She started crying hysterically. “It’s our wedding day, and your sister is already disrespecting me! I can’t imagine how she’ll treat me once I’m actually married into your family! Leo, if your sister doesn’t marry my brother, then this wedding is off!”
The threat of cancellation sent my love–drunk brother into a panic. He rushed over to her, half–kneeling. My darling, please don’t do this to me. I chased you for so long to win your heart. If we don’t get married today, I don’t think I can go on living!”
Jessica shoved him away, and he stumbled to the ground. “Your sister refuses to complete my obedience test! I know she’ll make my life hell!” she shrieked. “I’m my parents‘ precious trea- sure! Why should I have to put up with her abuse?”
The inferno in my chest roared hotter. I dug my nails into my palms, trying to stay grounded.
Leo clutched his back as he scrambled to his feet. He turned to me, his brow furrowed in annoyance. “Camille, what is your problem? What’s so wrong with you marrying Jessica’s broth-
er?”
“So what if he’s a little older? He’ll know how to take care of you! Are you looking down on their family’s financial situation? Mom and Dad gave you several houses, didn’t they? That’s more
than enough for you to live on for the rest of your
life!”
“What?” he sneered. “Are you still dreaming of marrying some rich, handsome prince? Wake up, Camille! Your birth parents were nobodies from the countryside. What wealthy guy would ever seriously look at you?”
He leaned in, his voice a low threat. “If you don’t agree to this, I’ll tell Mom and Dad you ruined my wedding. Believe me, they’ll kick you out on the street in a second.*
In that moment, the last thread of my composure snapped.
