Chapter 1 Surprise proposal

"The overall best graduating student of 2023 Harvard goes to.... Dallas Adelaide!"

Heart beating, I hurry across to the stage for the fifth time today to collect another yet hefty present. As I clambered up the stage to be handed another present to the deafening applause of the giant hall and flashing lights, I could catch the look of anger across my sister's Summer's face.

My parents clapped politely, but they were obviously disinterested and wanted to leave as quickly as possible.

I looked to my left, there was one person cheering louder than the others; my boyfriend. Ethan Steel. I blew him a kiss as I took my present to the 'oohs' and 'aahs' of the audience.

"Oh look at miss know-it-all, I guess those years of your boring self missing every cool event to read has paid off," she sneered, blowing a pink bubblegum in my direction.

I looked at Mom, but she was on her phone typing absentmindedly and Dad was getting up from his seat to take a call.

Of course, what was I expecting? That they would defend me?

Their precious daughter was always right.

Every second with them, I was reminded of my place in the family; an unwanted child. 22 years ago, I was picked up at a seedy orphanage home at the age of one, but this was a Dallas family secret.

Dad had been pressured to have a child to inherit the family business as a requirement in Grandfather's will, they were trying for a child and failing, so they faked a pregnancy and adopted me as their first daughter.

I was spoiled and treated like a princess then two years later, unexpectedly, mum got pregnant with Summer.

Life has been hell for me since then. I had to earn my place by being the best in everything.

The only person who never treated me badly was Ethan. My boyfriend.

"Hey baby!"

Speaking of the devil, hand in pocket, a lazy grin on his face and scooping me up amid the rowdy students in the hall, the graduation ceremony was already over.

"Ethan, where were you?" Pressing my face against him and smiling.

"Sorry, I got ambushed on the way."

6 '2, sculpted face and body, blond hair, military cut hair and deep blue eyes, Ethan was attractive, which meant he was constantly getting asked out by women here.

He knows almost everything about me.

Ethan Lain of the Lain Conglomerate worth billions, second child born into generational wealth of the family business of premium alcohol and wines.

Like him, not much attention was paid to him as his elder brother, Adrian Lain was already being groomed for CEO.

Ethan was always sensitive about that, so I don't bring up family business when we're together.

The Lain Conglomerate was a beneficial partner to our family's Dallas supply business, albeit not billionaires but millionaires in our own right.

"Babe, let's get out of here. We need to celebrate with you. Plus... I have a surprise for you."

Ethan hoisted me, spinning me around without minding people were looking at us.

"A surprise? Wait! Let me down!" Despite myself, I laugh.

"Hey Ethan! Don't you think you're doing too much? Don't strain yourself carrying that cow."

Heat seared through my chest.

It was Summer. My smile disappeared immediately.

I thought Alfred, our chauffeur, had already driven them all home. Why was she still here?

Tucking her strawberry-blonde hair being one ear, she leans down, smiling while ensuring her breasts are in Ethan's full view from the pink low - cut gown she wore.

A flash of anger surged through me.

My sister shamelessly trying to seduce my boyfriend was nothing new and Ethan had always laughed off my jealousy and anger as an overreaction. I didn't want Ethan in a bad mood now, not when we're going to celebrate together.

"Hey Summer, I see you're as bubbly as ever." my voice dripped with condescension.

Ethan laughed, a tad nervously, "come in, don't be mean to your sister."

"I don't blame you," she cut him off. " When you're ready for some real fun, you know where to find me."

She winked and sashays away to her group of loud, obnoxious friends.

What the hell was that? Since when did he talk to summer that way?

"Ethan?"

But his eyes were on summer.

"Ethan?"

"Let's go, she's just being silly," he said with an all too bright smile as he leaned down to kiss me again.

I look back at my retreating sister, then back at my boyfriend.

"Are you sure? What is going on?"

"Enough already!" He snapped, eyes flashing.

"What the.?"

"Baby, I'm sorry, I'm just preoccupied with something, let's stop talking about your sister, okay?" He leaned in to kiss me.

What the heck was going on? Ethan wasn't the type to lie on a spur.

***

"What did you just say?" I ask again, not believing the scene before me.

"Dallas Adelaide...will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

Ethan, on one knee, smiling as he held a diamond ring towards me.

This was happening too fast.

I can't believe this. Happiness overwhelmed me and tears streamed down my face but.

"Ethan, this is too sudden and I-"

"Please say yes, Adelaide. We were going to be married anyway for family business."

He smiled but there was something urgent about it. I knew that eventually, the Lains would ask for a hand in marriage from the Dallas' family for a continued partnership but...something felt off.

He never even discussed this with my family.

"Y-yes. I will marry you, Ethan."

He looked relieved.

Heart pounding, I stretched out a hand, he clasped my hand gently, like he was the most delicate thing in the world, slipping on the diamond ring.