Synopsis
On the day of my public betrothal draw, my own brother decided to “teach me a lesson.” To avenge our adoptive sister, he secretly switched the canisters moments before my name was called.
In front of the entire hall, I unfolded the slip that would decide my future—and drew the worst match imaginable: a limping, elderly man with a scarred and disfigured face.
The crowd reacted instantly. Gasps turned into whispers, whispers into open laughter. What was meant to be a solemn ceremony became entertainment. I stood there, humiliated, my eyes stinging as the weight of their mockery pressed down on me.
Ryan Bennett stepped closer, his voice low and maddeningly composed. “Don’t look at me like that. You pushed Lily into the pool last time and embarrassed her in public. This just evens things out.”
He continued, as if he were the reasonable one. “I made sure you picked the worst slip so she’d feel better. She’s young, gentle, innocent. Stop bullying her.”
Then his tone softened into something almost reassuring. “Calm down. This is only for show. You’re the general’s daughter. I won’t actually let you marry some crippled old man.”
But the damage—the betrayal, the humiliation—had already been done.
