Chapter 3
The Stellaris Aquarium was an underground oceanic wonder, a project that had been under construction since the day I was born.
To the southeast, a wall of flawless imperial jade shimmered behind the glass, refracting the rippling water into a scene as breathtaking as a galaxy of stars.-
Six months ago, with the project nearing completion, my father handed over the finishing touches to Grant. He was supposed to unveil the aquarium to me as a birthday gift at the party a month later.
But now, the gift that was meant for me had somehow become Cassidy’s.
I glanced at Grant, reminding myself that he was the one responsible for the final phase. Without his approval, no one could enter the yet–unopened aquarium.§
Grant seemed uneasy under my gaze, frustration flickering across his face as he turned away. “Cassidy grew up in the countryside, always working just to get by. She’s never even seen a proper night sky. I just wanted to grant her one wish. Besides, the aquarium still belongs to you, doesn’t it?”
He scoffed, “Stop being so unreasonable. If it’ll make you happy, I’ll announce our engagement at your birthday party next month, alright? Will that satisfy you?“?
The look on his face was so patronizing that, for a second, I almost believed I was the outsider–the one who’d been adopted into this family.2
No one else in the room seemed to notice anything wrong. In fact, they were all busy feeling sorry for Grant.
“Why make such a sacrifice, Grant? Ileana’s spoiled, difficult, even cruel. You’d be better off joining a monastery.“}
“I bet Ileana’s over the moon right now. She’s finally getting what she’s always wanted.”
“Oh, Grant, don’t throw your life away for my sake. If it’ll make things right, I’ll get down on my knees and beg Ileana for forgiveness. I’ll do anything she wants, anything at all…”
My throat felt raw as I forced out the words. “I’m not marrying you.”
Grant raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
Decker and Carver exchanged uneasy glances, as if terrified I might claim one of them instead.
The three boys I’d grown up with all looked at me with barely concealed distaste. I was afraid if I stayed a moment longer, I’d start crying right there.
But as I turned to leave, Cassidy caught my wrist, holding me back.
Her eyes were rimmed with red. Once again, she dropped to her knees in front of me. “Please, don’t make things difficult for Grant. All three of them are Sinclairs by adoption–they’ve always been seen as less than. If you’re angry about the aquarium, if you’re planning to tell Mr. Sinclair, I’ll apologize-“}
She began to hit her forehead against the floor, over and over, until the skin was red and bleeding.
Grant, clearly distressed, pulled her up and rounded on me, his voice sharp with accusation. “You say you won’t marry me, but let’s see if you actually follow through! What’s the point of making things harder for Cassidy? Are you just trying to get her kicked out by complaining to Mr. Sinclair?“{
He glared at me. “Who are you going to choose if not me? Carver? Decker? Decker’s got his heart set on art school abroad. Carver wants nothing but freedom. Isn’t ruining my life enough for you? Do you have to go after them too?“?
He took a deep breath, as if struggling to keep himself together. “If you promise not to make things difficult for Cassidy anymore, I’ll marry you. Can we just end this drama, please?“}
His eyes were exhausted, as if he’d been suffering at my hands for ages.!!
I looked at him steadily. “Everything will be just as you wish.”
He was terrified I’d hurt Cassidy and even more unwilling to marry me. But once I married Fleming, all his worries would disappear.
I kept my distance from Grant for weeks, not seeing him again until the day of my birthday party, when he finally showed up, his face set in a cold scowl.
Carver and Decker followed close behind, both looking equally displeased.
I frowned at my assistant. I’d made it clear that the engagement announcement wouldn’t in
