When we went off to college, Harold fell in love with a girl. But when the eldest brother of the Gray family found out, he nearly broke Harold's legs and made him kneel in the study for an entire day and night. That’s when he told Harold about our arranged marriage.
Anton, Harold’s eldest brother, was fifteen years older and had taken over the entire Gray family business after their parents died. His word was final.
Anton demanded that Harold marry me, and Harold didn’t dare disobey.
At first, Harold was indifferent toward me. Then, there was a brief period when things softened between us. But after that, he completely shut me out. It all happened so quickly, like the calm before a storm, only lasting a short while over a summer break.
To move on from the past, Harold and I had to follow the family tradition and go to the Gray family’s old house for dinner the next day.
I arrived early.
I told the eldest brother of the Gray family that due to my injury, I could no longer get pregnant. His gaze was piercing, though he tried to mask its intensity. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, "Why didn’t you mention this earlier?"
"I thought I still had a chance to recover back then," I replied.
The tension in the air gradually dissipated, and eventually, he let out a soft sigh. "My younger brother is still so immature. He’s been acting out a lot lately. Just bear with him for now."
I looked up suddenly, but only smiled bitterly inside. So, Harold hadn’t bothered to hide his behavior from anyone.
It felt like holding onto a wound that only stayed alive temporarily. Just when I was ready to fully detach myself from Harold, I realized I wouldn’t be disappointed for long.
I didn’t stay to eat with the Gray brothers. Instead, I left early and wandered by the river for a while. As the night deepened, I went straight to a hotel and booked a presidential suite.
On my way, I ran into Harold’s brother, who called out from a distance, "Sister-in-law, why are you alone? Gray is with my other sister-in-law, isn’t he?"
My mind went blank.
The delayed humiliation hit me all at once.