Prologue

“He's marrying someone else, and that someone happens to be my own sister, April. I find myself in a whirlwind of emotions, unsure of how to face the reality of watching him marry someone else. It's a peculiar blend of heartache, resignation, and acceptance that washes over me.

I'll watch as the person I've loved silently and from afar buries any hope of our love ever blossoming. I'll stand beside him, not as his beloved, but as his best friend, a role I've always cherished but longed for something more.

In the depths of my heart, I've always known that my love for him was one-sided, a silent ache I carried within. In just two days, this love that has consumed me will be buried forever, relegated to the depths of my soul. From then on, I'll be nothing more than his best friend, nothing more, nothing less.”

I penned these bittersweet sentiments in my diary, my faithful confidant through the years. With a tender touch, I softly closed its pages, sealing away my past and unspoken feelings along with it.

I got up with a heavy sigh, quietly accepting the inevitable. But just as I was resigning myself to my fate, my bedroom door flung open, and my mom rushed in, her voice laden with distress.

"Have you seen April?" she asked urgently.

I shook my head, puzzled and concerned. My mom then came and sat on my bed, clutching a piece of paper in her trembling hand. She handed it to me, and I read the words written on it.

"I'm truly sorry, Mom and Dad, but I can't go through with it. I thought I could, but I can't bind myself to Sebastian for the rest of my life. I can't sacrifice my entire future for a business deal that benefits everyone but me. So, I'm leaving, and I hope that someday you'll find it in your hearts to forgive me."

Yours sincerely,

April

The weight of her decision hung in the air, and it left us all stunned, grappling with the sudden turn of events and the uncertainty that lay ahead.

My mom's voice trembled as she handed me April's farewell letter. "Lily, this is... it's unbelievable," she said, her eyes filled with tears.

I nodded in silent agreement, unable to find words to express the shock and confusion that had taken hold of me. The room felt heavy with the weight of April's decision.

Just then, we heard a commotion downstairs. The front door slammed, and voices grew louder. It wasn't long before Sebastian's family had arrived. They were equally distraught and searching for answers.

Sebastian's mother, Mrs. Willstone, stormed into my room, her face flushed with anger. "Where is April?" she demanded.

My mom and I exchanged worried glances. "We don't know," my mom replied, her voice trembling.

Sebastian's father, Mr. Willstone, stepped forward, his expression stern. "This is a disaster. Our families' reputations are on the line, and April has vanished."

Amidst the chaos and tension, it became apparent that April's disappearance had created a rift between our families. Accusations and blame were thrown around, further escalating the situation.

After what seemed like an eternity, and countless arguments, Mr. Willstone finally spoke up, his tone more measured. "Perhaps there's a solution here that can salvage our family's reputation and honor the arrangement we made."

He turned to me, his gaze piercing. "Lily, would you be willing to take April's place in this marriage?"

I was taken aback by the suggestion, and my heart raced with uncertainty. The room fell silent as I contemplated the weight of such a decision.

Mr. Willstone's piercing gaze bore into me as he made the unexpected proposal. The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting my response. Uncertainty and a rush of emotions swirled within me, and my heart pounded loudly.

"I'll do it," I finally said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "If it means saving our families from shame and disgrace, I'll marry Sebastian."

Sebastian, who had been silent since his arrival, suddenly shook his head vigorously as if waking from a trance. "Lily won't be the scapegoat, and I won't marry her," he declared firmly, stepping forward in my defense.

The room brimmed with tension as our families engaged in a heated discussion. My father, determined to protect our family's reputation, argued, "Family reputation matters, and we can't let the matter go."

Sebastian's mother, Mrs. Willstone, who had never favored me over my sister and had always shown a preference for her, reluctantly conceded, "I don't think there is a choice."

Sebastian and I exchanged a meaningful look, a silent understanding passing between us. In that moment, he shook his head again, his resignation evident. "I will marry Lily," he announced.

My heart fluttered at his words, but deep down, I knew the reality of our situation. I would never truly be his in the way I had secretly yearned for all those years. Instead, I would forever occupy the role of his best friend, a bittersweet realization as we prepared to embark on this unexpected journey together.

There was a collective sigh of relief in the room as my willingness to step into this unexpected role was met with approval from both families. It was a decision made not out of love, but out of duty and a sense of responsibility to protect the honor of those we cared about.

As the pieces of this intricate puzzle fell into place, we began to plan the wedding, one born out of necessity rather than choice. And in the midst of it all, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for Sebastian and me as we embarked on this new chapter of our lives.