Jilted by the Heir

My fiancé came from a family with a century-old legacy, and they had one unwritten rule: Only a woman who received jewelry designed by the groom himself would be recognized as his bride. On the eve of our engagement party, I was still waiting for the pink diamond my fiancé had promised me. Then I saw that very diamond on his adopted sister’s blog. “Thanks for cheering me up, Ethan! All I had to do was say I was upset, and he gave me this pink diamond!” I let out a cold laugh. This was a marriage between two powerful families. I wanted to see how he planned to explain himself tomorrow. But at our engagement party the next day, in front of guests from both families, he left a message announcing that the engagement was canceled. He had taken his adopted sister to India for the Festival of Colors. Under everyone’s scrutinizing gazes, I walked straight toward my fiancé’s uncle. He was also the man who truly ruled the Blackwoods, a Mafia family with a hundred-year history. I gave him a dazzling smile. “Adrian, are you looking for a wife?” His eyes darkened as he slipped an arm around my waist. “Darling, you can call me your husband now.” I honestly hadn’t expected to see Ethan Blackwood again. When I spotted him, he was walking in with a camera bag in one hand, pushing a stack of Indian brass trunks with the other. His adopted sister, Sophie Reed, sat on top of them, several shades tanner than before. She held a roll of handwoven fabric in her arms. I had no idea when they’d returned. I was even more surprised to see them at the fall jewelry auction. After all, this was an invitation-only event. Every invitation was issued to a specific guest. Wearing sunglasses, I stood in front of a display case, admiring my latest acquisition, which had already been put away. An emerald brooch rested against my neckline, its edge engraved with the family’s discreet, exclusive emblem. I was waiting for Adrian Blackwood’s private jet to land. He had promised to come home and have dinner with me tonight. A commotion rose from the crowd, and Ethan noticed me. He walked straight over. “Claire, I’m back. I’m here to marry you.” I took off my sunglasses and discreetly stepped back, giving him a polite smile. “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s been so long, and you both look so different. I didn’t recognize you at first.” Ethan really had changed. He used to be handsome, fair-skinned, and in good shape. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have agreed to the marriage between the Blackwoods and the Bennetts. Now… well, he looked only slightly better than a man living on the street. Fortunately, he wasn’t going to be my husband. Even more fortunately, my actual husband was still handsome, beautifully built, and more than capable of meeting my every need at night. Sophie jumped down from the brass trunk, her voice as shrill as ever. “Why are you pretending you didn’t recognize us? You’re the one who can’t live without Ethan!” “If I hadn’t made him throw away his SIM card after we left, you would’ve chased us all the way to India!” “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing. You never got over him. The second he comes home, you’re all over him. Are you that desperate for a man?” I genuinely didn’t understand where they got their nerve. Had they been staying somewhere without internet? Hadn’t they heard that I was married? Why on earth did they think I would still want someone else’s leftovers? Ethan ruffled her hair, then tapped her nose with an indulgent smile. “Once Claire and I are married, she’ll be family. You need to show her some respect.” “Otherwise, I won’t take you back to India for your photography trip next year.” Only after soothing Sophie did he turn to explain himself to me. “She’s just childish. You know her father died shielding me in that car accident. She lost her dad because of me, so I look after her.” “Once we’re married, we’ll be a team. I hope you’ll help me take care of her and treat her like your own sister.” Did he even hear the nonsense coming out of his mouth? I rolled my eyes as elegantly as possible and held up my left hand, showing him my glittering wedding ring. “Ethan, I’m already married. Let’s leave the past in the past.” “I didn’t come here to see you. I didn’t even know you would be here.” “Please stop flattering yourself. I’m waiting for my husband.” Ethan froze. Then he narrowed his eyes, studied me for a moment, and smiled. “Claire Bennett, do you think I’m an idiot?” “Our families’ marriage alliance was the talk of the entire social circle two years ago. All the family elders came to witness our engagement. Everyone knows you’re my fiancée.” “Yes, I was wrong to embarrass you by canceling it. But your reputation took a hit. Who else would marry you besides a Blackwood?” “Enough. Stop making up excuses to throw a tantrum. I don’t want to hear it.” “Ethan Blackwood, your ego is unbelievable. Who the hell do you think you are? Why would I have to marry you?” I laughed in disbelief. Now I finally understood why he’d dared to cancel our engagement. He’d assumed that once he abandoned me, no other man would want me. He had overestimated himself—and badly underestimated me and my family. He probably didn’t know that after he canceled our engagement, the Blackwood elders had transferred the assets earmarked for him into my name. Adrian had also given me generous gifts of his own, including an exceptionally valuable vineyard. Apparently, Ethan knew nothing about any of it. Of course he didn’t. He had cut off contact with the Blackwoods for Sophie’s sake for two whole years. He hadn’t even called once. I only hoped he could still smile when he returned to the family estate tonight.It was almost funny. At first, Ethan had acted as if he’d rather die than agree to an arranged marriage. Then he fell for me at first sight and declared that I was the only woman he would ever marry. He shamelessly pursued me for over six months, sending flowers every day and inviting me to breakfast. He was good-looking, he didn’t have any other lovers, and a marriage would benefit both families. Eventually, I agreed. But before long, his adopted sister, Sophie, appeared at his side, pampered like a princess. On the day of our engagement, the Blackwood council room was filled with elders. Family security had the entire estate sealed tight. Then Ethan received a call from Sophie. “Ethan, do you remember what you promised me? You said you’d take me to India for the Festival of Colors.” “I’m waiting at the airport. If you don’t come, I’ll jump!” “Cancel the engagement.” Ethan gave me one apologetic glance, released my hand without hesitation, and ran out, abandoning a room full of guests. I received two texts from him. After that, I couldn’t reach him again. [Sophie’s dad saved my life. She was his only daughter. I can’t let anything happen to her!] [Don’t worry. Once she finishes filming her documentary, I’ll come back. A week at most. Then we’ll finish our engagement and go to Tahiti for our honeymoon.] The Blackwood elders were furious. My family looked just as grim. Under Blackwood rules, no one could leave a family gathering until the head of the family dismissed them. Yet Ethan had trampled both families’ dignity into the dirt for his adopted sister. To make things right with the Bennetts, the Blackwood elders made me a promise in front of everyone. “Claire, this is our fault for failing to raise him properly. Tell us what compensation you want.” I pointed at Richard Blackwood’s younger son, Adrian—the man who now controlled the family. “Then give me him. This engagement party still needs a groom.” The council room fell silent. Adrian sat at the head of the long table, turning a cuff link engraved with the family crest between his fingers. He watched me for a few seconds, then said calmly: “All right.” And just like that, I married Ethan’s uncle. Richard immediately had the family attorney draw up the paperwork. The share transfer, the revised marriage agreement, and the family trust arrangements were all finalized. Ethan was unreachable in India. Naturally, he never learned that on the very day he walked out, the head of the Blackwood family married me. Remembering that, I checked the time. Adrian’s private jet should have landed by now. I had no interest in wasting any more time with those two. I wanted to step outside and send Adrian a message. Before I could ask where he was, his text arrived. [Darling, my flight is delayed. I may be very late. Don’t wait for me. I’ll have your driver pick you up.] The usually stern head of the family had even added a heart. A small smile tugged at my lips, and my brow relaxed. Ethan folded his arms, looking displeased. He stared at my phone for a moment, then laughed. “Oh, so you hired an actor to make me jealous? Where did you find this extra? His flight’s delayed? Not very reliable, is he?” “Claire, don’t joke like this again. You know I get jealous.” He suddenly stepped closer and reached for my hair. I quickly backed away, leaving his hand hanging in the air. “I told you I’m married. Keep harassing me, Ethan, and you may go home tonight to have your legs broken for disrespecting the family.” As if I’d said something hilarious, Ethan pointed at my chest and raised an eyebrow. “That emerald brooch you’re wearing? Grandpa said it would go to the wife of the head of the Blackwood family. You’re wearing it, yet you expect me to believe you married someone else?” “I’ll be the family head someday. Are you really that impatient?” Richard had indeed given me the brooch. Just not as his granddaughter-in-law. He’d given it to his daughter-in-law. “I told you I’m married. And the man I married is—” Sophie cut me off. “Grandpa actually gave you the family emerald brooch?” She stepped between Ethan and me. Once she got a good look at it, her eyes instantly reddened. Clinging to Ethan’s arm, she said miserably: “I begged Grandpa for that brooch so many times, and he always refused. Now he’s given it to an outsider.” “Maybe he’s never liked me because I don’t come from a good family.” That apologetic look returned to Ethan’s face as he turned to me. “Sophie’s young, and she’s had such a hard life. She always feels insecure. Can’t you be generous?” “She likes the brooch. Just give it to her. I’ll buy you one with a top-quality emerald later. I promise it’ll be prettier and better than this one.”I laughed. This time, out of sheer anger. “Ethan, I suggest you get your head examined. How many times do I have to tell you? I’m married. There is nothing between us anymore.” “You have no right to demand my belongings. Neither does she.” “And she’s twenty-five. Isn’t she a little old for this helpless-little-sister act? It’s disgusting.” At my words, Sophie’s tears fell on command. “You’re just jealous! How can you say that? I’m only worried about what people will say if you take something that doesn’t belong to you.” “You haven’t married Ethan. You’re an outsider! What right do you have to the Blackwoods’ things? You’re the shameless one!” Sophie was called the Blackwoods’ adopted daughter, but she had never taken their surname or been formally entered into the family register. That register was locked in a safe in the council room. She wasn’t even allowed inside. Strictly speaking, she was the outsider living under the Blackwoods’ roof. Ethan had once thrown a fit, demanding that Sophie be formally recognized as a Blackwood daughter. But Richard had refused at a family meeting, and Ethan had been forced to give up. Ever since, he’d felt guilty and kept trying to make it up to her. I just hadn’t realized that compensating her required giving away my things. Seeing her upset, he looked heartbroken again. “Sophie isn’t like you. She has no parents. She only has me. Grandpa won’t let her into the family register, so of course she feels insecure…” I interrupted him with a suggestion. “If you want Sophie in the family register, isn’t there an easy solution?” “Marry her. If you do, I’ll gladly give her this brooch as a wedding present. As your wife, she’d have a legitimate reason to wear it.” Sophie’s eyes widened in shock. Then undisguised delight flooded them as she turned to Ethan. “No!” Ethan immediately rejected the idea and stepped in my way. “What are you talking about? Sophie is just… just my adopted sister. You’re the one I want to spend my life with!” “Be jealous of anyone you want, but not Sophie.” “She’s family. You’re the woman I love. Stop saying things you don’t mean. Keep this up, and I really will get angry.” His adoring gaze didn’t move me in the slightest. It made me sick. “Think whatever you want. I’ll say it one more time: we’re over.” I spread my hands. Unwilling to waste another word, I turned and left. I ignored whatever Ethan kept saying behind me. As I stepped out of the preview hall, a discreet black Maybach pulled up in front of me. Martin, the driver, got out and opened the door. “Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood said we should collect him later. Shall I take you back to the main house first?” There was a banquet at the estate tonight to celebrate Adrian’s successful handling of the family’s overseas business. I nodded and was about to get in. Suddenly, someone shoved past me and climbed into the car first. Once seated, Sophie sneered. “Aren’t you married? Why are you still trying to catch a ride in a Blackwood car? Go ride with your husband.” Sophie recognized the Bugatti. It belonged to Ethan’s uncle, Adrian. It was also a symbol of the Blackwood family head’s authority. Ethan clearly recognized it, too. His posture immediately turned arrogant. He probably thought the car had been sent for him. He sat beside Sophie, fastened her seat belt, and turned to me. “You can sit up front. Sophie’s used to sitting beside me. I’ll have the driver take you back to the Bennetts’ place first.” “No need. I have my own car. Martin, take them to the estate. I have other plans.” I took out my key and pressed the unlock button. A Lamborghini nearby flashed its lights twice. Jealousy flickered in Sophie’s eyes as I drove away in my supercar. Ethan sighed. “She came here specifically to pick me up. She must be upset that I didn’t ride with her.” The driver glanced at him. “Mr. Blackwood, the head of the family is coming home tonight, too. His flight was delayed.” Ethan’s eyes lit up. “Perfect. When Adrian gets back, he can help me talk some sense into Claire.”Leaving those two nuisances behind, I took advantage of my free time and booked a full spa treatment. Once it was about time, I drove back to the Blackwood estate. The main house was as solemn as ever, though something about today’s scene was a little different. As soon as I got out of the car, I saw two people kneeling stiffly at the front entrance like wooden posts. Apparently, when the driver brought them home and Richard saw Ethan and Sophie climb out, he’d thrown down his cane on the spot and ordered them off the property. “Get out! Why didn’t you just stay in India and die there? What did you come back for?” Betting that his grandfather couldn’t truly abandon his own flesh and blood, Ethan had knelt at the entrance. Sophie had knelt beside him to keep him company. The moment Ethan saw me, his dejection vanished and his face brightened. “I knew you couldn’t let me go.” “You heard Grandpa was punishing me and rushed straight over, didn’t you?” I turned my face away in disgust and tried to walk around him. “I told you, we’re over. I’m not here for you.” “You’d better stay on your knees. What you did back then was no small matter.” Instead, he blocked me again, looking concerned. “Don’t go in. Grandpa’s still angry. I’m afraid he’ll take it out on you.” Sophie had come over, too. Pointing at my face, she demanded: “You’re still holding a grudge because Ethan canceled the engagement for me, aren’t you?” “You stirred him up, didn’t you? Grandpa has always adored Ethan. He’d never punish him like this otherwise!” “You only came here to laugh at us!” She lunged forward to grab me. I stepped aside, and she landed flat on her face. Her knee scraped against the ground, and tears immediately streamed down her cheeks. Ethan pressed his lips together, his smile fading. He crouched to check her injury first. Once he saw it wasn’t serious, he scooped her up with practiced ease. He soothed her for ages before she finally smiled through her tears. Watching the spectacle only made me feel sick. After all that fussing over her, Ethan finally remembered I was there. He sighed. “Claire Bennett, I don’t even recognize you anymore. When did you become so cruel?” “Sophie never means any harm. If you want to marry me, you need to learn to be more understanding.” “Apologize to her, and we’ll let it go this time. But from now on, I hope you’ll work on that temper.” For a moment, I could barely see straight. Then I sneered. “Should I compensate her, too? To make up for her fragile little feelings?” Greed flashed in Sophie’s eyes. “I still need a car. The one you drove today is just about acceptable.” My car was a specially customized limited edition. Only three existed in the world. Adrian had given it to me for my birthday. Sophie certainly knew how to aim high. Ethan once again decided he could make choices for me. “It’s rare for Sophie to like something this much. Just give her the car. Consider it compensation for getting her hurt.” I looked at him quietly. “In your dreams.” “You’re refusing me? Can’t you act like an adult?” Ethan frowned. “I said no. Are you deaf?” I shoved him aside and headed straight for the house. “Stop!” His authority challenged, Ethan turned livid. “Claire Bennett, let me make this clear. Until you apologize to Sophie, you can forget about marrying me. You won’t set foot in the Blackwood house!” Bang! A bullet suddenly flew past his head, missing him by inches. From several yards away, Richard’s voice rang out, loud and clear. “You little bastard! That is your uncle’s wife!”