"An Inch of Lovesickness, An Inch of Ash"
"Pay respects to the elders!" the master of ceremonies shouted loudly.
The Brooks Mansion was adorned with red silk and double happiness characters. If Willow Brooks hadnt seen it with her own eyes, she would never have believed that her childhood sweetheart, who had once sworn eternal love to her, would turn around and marry another, her half-sister— Ivy Brooks.
"Husband and wife bow to each other!"
The man in the grooms attire turned his head, revealing a familiar handsome profile.
Willow stood there, stunned, as if struck by lightning.
Three months ago, he had promised to marry her with a grand sedan chair once he achieved his academic title, never to let her suffer any grievances again.
How could he... how could he!
"You cant marry her!" Willow burst into the wedding hall, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Willow..." Ethan Brooks saw her, a flash of panic in his eyes.
Ivy Brooks lifted her veil and, with a provocative display, linked her arm with Ethans. "Sister! Today is my and cousins big day, dont spoil it!"
"Ethan Brooks, didnt you say you would marry me?" Willow looked at him straight in the eye, her lips trembling slightly.
"..."
Ethans lips moved, but he said nothing.
He remained silent, allowing her to be gossiped and ridiculed by the guests.
"Wicked daughter, what are you doing here? Go back home right now!" Her father, Thomas Brooks, stormed over to pull her away.
"Let go!" Willow had never been so assertive with her father before. She flung his hand off with all her might, not feeling the pain even as her nails dug deep into her palm.
"Do you really want to marry her?" Her voice was a forced calm.
Ethan looked up, meeting Ivys eyes. "I love her."
Love?
Willow almost couldnt stand firm, her laughter cold and desolate.
"What about me?"
Were all the promises and futures spoken just an illusion?
"Im sorry..." Ethans voice was barely audible.
Ivy hid the sneer in her eyes, speaking with feigned distress. "Sister, please leave and let the wedding continue!"
Willow wanted to turn around and leave with grace, but her body was rigid, unable to move.
"Dont embarrass yourself here! Go home and stay there!" Thomas dragged her by the arm, trying to pull her out.
Willow stumbled, her foot twisted, and she was about to fall.
"Are you alright?"
A pair of strong hands supported her elbow. Willow looked up into a pair of deep, cold eyes.
Willow had seen this man before.
He had visited several times with intentions to propose to Ivy, but after finding out he was not from a wealthy family, Ivy had been dismissive.
His reason for coming this time was clear.
"Why are you here?" Ivy was now the one panicking.
The man paused at Ivys words but did not respond. Instead, he slowly helped Willow up.
"I did not come for you." The man looked at Ivy, his tone seemingly calm.
Only Willow, whose wrist he was holding, knew otherwise; the grip was painfully tight.
"I came here..." The man lowered his head, his voice becoming tender and affectionate, "to ask for your hand in marriage."
He was speaking to Willow.
The hall was in an uproar.