Chapter 1

"No, not here…" Nina Abbott begged. She was pressed against the dimly lit closet wall. From this angle, she couldn't see the man behind her—she could only feel his scorching palm against her softened waist. Even though it wasn't the first time, she could never get used to it. Especially because the man behind her was, in name, her brother—Shane Lawson. From siblings to lovers, the entire process was a nightmare she least wanted to recall. Yet, Shane made sure to remind her, over and over again, of the disgraceful relationship they had become entangled in. Nina shut her eyes in shame and pain, but the next second, her jaw was seized. She was forced to lift her head. "Open your eyes." Shane's voice was deep and commanding. He wanted her to endure everything with full awareness, leaving no room for escape. Nina had no choice but to lower herself and plead, "Please… At least not at home—" They were in the Lawson residence. Downstairs, Abigail Lindth and the others were still waiting. Nina didn't dare imagine the chaos that would unfold if they were ever discovered. Shane leaned down, whispering in her ear, "This is your punishment." Her legs gave out, and she slid to the floor. Compared to her wretched state, Shane merely had a slightly disheveled appearance. With a casual adjustment, he was back to his usual cold and restrained demeanor—a man of unattainable nobility. He was strikingly handsome, his features sculpted with precision, like an exquisite work of art. His dark eyes were chilling, with slightly downturned corners that carried an innate sense of subjugation when he wasn't smiling—intimidating enough that people dared not meet his gaze. Nina kept her head down, exhausted from the ordeal. But then, Shane spoke again, "Wendy and Yvan are getting engaged next month." His tone was indifferent, yet each word felt like a heavy stone, blocking Nina's throat with unbearable bitterness. She couldn't speak. Even without looking up, she could feel Shane's gaze bearing down on her, filled with cruel scrutiny. She couldn't afford to show any emotions. All she could give was a faint smile. "That's good." After all, she and Yvan Smith were impossible now. She should have known this from the moment she and Shane first slept together three years ago. Shane sneered. "Is that really what you think?" This time, Nina genuinely smiled. "What else do you want me to do? Be Wendy's bridesmaid to prove I have no feelings for Yvan?" She raised her gaze, her eyes ice-cold as she spoke slowly, "Or should I storm into the engagement party and cause a scene, declaring that I was supposed to be his fiancée?" Meeting Shane's dark, icy eyes, she murmured as she shook her head, "Don't worry. I wouldn't be that shameless. The Lawson family raised me for over 20 years—I've taken enough. I wouldn't dare ask for more." Shane stared at her coldly, his expression unreadable. His voice was chilling as he said, "Good. I don't want any surprises at the engagement banquet." As soon as his words fell, a soft female voice called out from outside, "Shane, where are you?" It was Wendy Lawson's voice. Nina's body tensed instantly, her back stiff as a board. As Wendy's footsteps drew closer, Shane shot Nina a cold, knowing glance, as if saying, "You know what to do." Then, he turned and stepped out. Wendy clung to his arm, her voice sweet and delighted. "Shane, I've been looking for you forever! You wouldn't even pick up your phone. The wedding dress catalogs just arrived—Mom wants you to help me pick one." "Alright. Buy whichever ones you like." With Wendy, Shane's tone softened considerably, his voice far gentler than when he spoke to Nina. As the sounds outside faded completely, Nina braced herself against the wall, struggling to stand. Her gaze was devoid of emotion. As a brother, Shane was perfect—so much so that he would even entangle himself in such a forbidden relationship—for Wendy's sake. Three years ago, Wendy found the Lawson family, claiming she was their real daughter. Nina, it turned out, was merely a child who had been mistakenly switched at birth in the hospital. Nina had refused to believe it, but Shane had thrown a paternity test in her face—one she couldn't deny. Not long after, Wendy fell in love with Yvan at first sight. The Lawson couple, filled with guilt toward their long-lost daughter, immediately approached the Smiths to renegotiate the engagement. The Smiths had no objections. They wanted Yvan to marry the Lawson family's eldest daughter, not Nina. It was a perfect arrangement—except for Yvan, who disagreed. So, on a stormy night, Shane came to Nina's room and forced her to become his woman. From that night on, she was shackled to him. There was no room for resistance. To him, she was his lover and plaything—but never his sister. Undoubtedly, Shane had ensured this reality was etched into her very being with his cold, merciless control. After changing her clothes, Nina stepped out of the closet and saw Wendy sitting beside Abigail in the living room, excitedly flipping through the wedding dress catalogs. "Mom, I still think that one is too plain. It also makes my waist look a bit thick. Let's look at more options." Shane held a cup of coffee but didn't drink from it. He spoke flatly, "There's a bridal exhibition in Gaullia next week. If you don't find anything you like here, we can check there." Wendy cheered, "Yes! Then, Shane has to come with me!" "You're always making your brother run around you," Abigail chided, though her tone was affectionate. "He's busy. How would he have time to accompany you to an exhibition?" She tapped Wendy lightly, a doting smile on her face. But when she looked up and spotted Nina, she called out, "Nina, where have you been? I haven't seen you all day." Abigail had always treated her well. Even after Wendy returned, she insisted that Nina was still a part of the family—that the Lawson home would always be hers. But in order to escape Shane's control, Nina had moved out as soon as she started working. The only reason she had come back this time was because Wendy wanted to flaunt her upcoming marriage to Yvan in front of her. Nina forced a smile. "I wasn't feeling well, so I rested in my room for a bit." Wendy scoffed, her tone mocking as she said, "Oh? Were you physically unwell, or were you emotionally hurt?" Shane set down his cup and glanced over. That gaze was tangible, like a blade against her back. Nina averted her eyes and replied hoarsely, "I forgot to close the window last night and caught a bit of a fever." "You're always so careless about your health," Abigail remarked with a sigh, her voice filled with concern. Wendy, on the other hand, rolled her eyes. "It's such a hassle just to get you to visit. Mom had to call several times before you finally showed up."