Chapter 4: Unexpected

Julia stood quietly at the bottom of the stairs, looking like a deity from a painting.

Slowly, she walked toward them. The two brothers’ gaze remained on her, mesmerized and curious.

‘Is she really the ugly woman we met earlier?’ Shiloh thought. If it weren’t for him seeing Julia come out of the room with his own eyes, he would have never believed that the girl in front of him was Julia, the woman who married his brother.

 Julia approached Jared and gave her a small smile. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting for so long.”

Then, she plopped on the sofa and let out an audible sigh. She brought her feet to the chair and hugged her knees like this place was her home.

Jared watched Julia’s movements with furrowed brows.

‘Is that my shirt?’ he thought.

True to his thoughts, it was indeed his shirt. Julia noticed his piercing gaze. “Oh. This shirt? I couldn’t find any other clothes back there. I can’t come out here with just a towel, right?” she explained.

Jared looked at the shirt on her body. The perfectly ironed and soft fabric was his go-to clothes, but now it was on a different woman’s body. It looked huge on her.

Julia’s wet hair cascaded down her shoulders, sprawled on his shirt. Her appearance was simply breathtaking.

Because her hair was not properly dried and still dripped with water, they easily wet the front of her shirt. Jared’s eyes turned into slits as he watched his white shirt become see-through, revealing her undergarment.

“What the heck?” Julia exclaimed when Jared took off his coat and threw it on her. “I don’t need this. It’s warm in here.”

Jared scowled at her. “Put that on. Or else, you’re free to go upstairs,” he demanded in a strict voice.

Julia lowered her head and looked at her body. She realized that the rumors were true. This man was not used to women. Although she didn’t wear pants, the shirt was long enough to cover her legs. It was actually longer than a normal skirt.

‘There’s really something wrong with him,’ she pondered. Frowning, she lazily stood up and put on his coat over her body.

She wouldn’t bother interacting with this person if it weren't for the mission.

“Mr. Brooks, I am now wrapped like a spring roll. If you have something to say, just cut to the chase."

“Fine. I’ll be honest with you. I know what you’re doing here,” Jared looked her straight in the eye as he sat on the opposite chair. His dark eyes blazed with coldness.

Julia’s eyes narrowed. She felt a little caught off-guard but made sure not to show it on her face.

He guessed she had no other partner. Did he find out about her task?

Julia returned to her senses when Jared’s deep voice suddenly entered her ears.  

“You’re using me to take revenge on your ex-fiancé who betrayed and left you.”

‘What?’ Julia blinked her eyes, surprised. It took her a while to process his words.

“Did I guess wrong?” Jared spoke with a very determined tone.

Julia’s eyes widened. “Oh. Y-Yes! You’re right. Wow. You really are the leader of the Brooks family. You can see through my plans in just a glance,” she trailed. It was a perfect opportunity.

“That asshole. He wasted our relationship. I was sincere and willing to marry him, but he chose to run away with a different woman on our wedding day!”

Jared and Shiloh watched her burst out. “To save his side chick, he wanted to transfer my blood to her body? Why? He can’t live without her? It was a slap in my face! I will make sure that they will pay for this!”

“Okay, but why did you choose my brother?” Shiloh raised his brows at her.

Jared nodded, also wanting to hear her answer.

“Because your brother is handsome,” Julia casually said. “He is a million times more handsome than that asshole, my ex-fiancé. I'm pretty sure he would be super regretful if he sees I marry your brother."

Her expression looked genuine and convincing. Jared’s lips curled into a small smirk. It seemed like he was satisfied by her explanation.

Not long after, he felt very strange again about his own reaction.

‘Did she just praise my appearance?’ Countless people had showered him with praise before, but never did he feel moved or affected by those words.

This was the first time he felt a little happy. ‘What’s happening to me?’

‘Stop flattering my brother!” Shiloh replied and grimaced at her. Julia shrugged at him.

Jared sat tall and upright, staring at Julia intensely.

“I don’t care about your intentions. I married you to fulfill my grandmother’s wish and to make sure that my brother walks again.”

“Don’t worry. If I say I can cure him, I can do it.” She looked at him with confidence and determination.

Jared felt his heart pound louder against his chest. He stared at her with parted lips, moved by her words and attitude.

Julia noticed that Jared couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She thought that he might still be skeptical about her. So, to dispel his suspicions, she continued to speak up.

“And as for our arrangement, don’t worry. I won’t bother you. Just treat me like an invisible guest here. I’ll also pay for my food here, okay?”

Jared raised his eyebrows. Just as he was about to say something, his brother interrupted him.

“Make sure you’ll do that! Don’t think my brother will be interested in you just because you find him handsome and noble.”

Julia stood up and brushed her hair with her fingers. Her gaze shifted from Shiloh to Jared.

“Mr. Brooks, I solemnly promise that I will never fall in love with you in the future,” she announced. However, the gloomy look on Jared’s face didn’t escape her eyes.

Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, nervous. She thought that he still didn’t believe her.

“I swear! I promise, okay? Will you not believe me?” She exclaimed and raised her palm. “I swear to God!”

“That’s enough!” Jared’s deep baritone rang in the living room. His chest rose repeatedly. Then, he looked at her straight in the eye and stood up. “How long will you hang out in front of me in this outfit?”