I Refused to Marry Any of Dad’s Three Adoptees

Audrey's POV

I was the sole heir of my family. But I was a woman.

Everyone said the three foster husbands my father chose for me are the true heirs. Yet none of them has ever even looked me in the eye.

Id tried countless times to get Melvin Butlers attentionflirting, reaching out, anythingbut all I ever got in return were cold, disdainful stares.

At first, I thought he treated all women like this. Then I saw it with my own eyes.

He knelt before Addison Dolton, the chauffeurs daughter, and promised, I only agreed to marry Audrey to repay the Rodgers for raising me. Once I take control of the company, Ill give you a grand wedding. If she doesn't lay her hand on you, Ill leave her a few million to live abroad comfortably. That's how much I love you.

The day before the board meeting, my father asked me who I had chosen.

I thought of those three men and the way they always avoided my gaze. Then I smiled and said, Im the heir of our family. Marriage should be about maximizing benefits. So, Ill choose Luke Davidson from the Washington, D.C..

My father frowned. Lukes been paralyzed since a car accident five years ago. Hes not just in a wheelchair, he cant function as a man. Are you sure?

I nodded and in a soft but steady voice I replied, In our world, theres no such thing as true love. If its all about power anyway, then Ill pick the one who offers the mostLukes family.

My fathers expression turned grim. I understand your reasoning, but out of the three foster sons I raised for you, none of them caught your eye?

My father loved my mother deeply. But she died of a brain hemorrhage the same year I was born. He never remarried. Still, he couldnt bring himself to hand over our entire company to a woman.

So, on a friends advice, he adopted three boys from an orphanageboys with no family, no ties. He even wrote a will early on, saying whichever of them I chose would co-lead the company with me and keep the other board members in check.

My father loved me, yesbut that didnt mean he believed a woman alone could hold up our legacy.

I looked him in the eye and firmly said, Luke might be physically disabled, but we can still have children through IVF. And hes the sole heir of the Davidsons. Wouldnt it make more sense to ally with a powerful family than gamble on orphans?

Finally, my father nodded. If those three couldnt win your heart, then they have no place at Rodgers Corp.

The truth is, it wasnt just because Melvin didnt love me. I just didnt want to force anything.

If I had told my father just how Melvin treated me, he wouldve made him kneel in front of me and asked what right a foster son had to refuse his daughter.

I didnt want to use years of gratitude as a weapon against him. I didnt want to make him marry me out of obligation. And I definitely didnt want to end up in a loveless marriage full of resentment.

Especially after hearing those sweet words he spoke to another woman, my heart had completely gone cold.

Letting him go without a fight was the kindest thing I could offer.

As I walked out of the office, my father gave Melvin a sideways glance.

After sending my father off like an obedient son, Melvin turned to me, scowling. What did you tell him this time?

His eyes were filled with disgust, like I had committed some unforgivable crime.

Before I could even respond, Gerald Pearson sneered from the side. What else could it be? Probably whining that the three of us ignore her and don't spoil her enough.

Darren Richards, the third one, looked just as disdainful. Come on, Miss Rodgers. We're not in a kingdom. You think just because youre rich, youre some kind of princess? That everyones supposed to orbit around you?

The three of them stood united, their words sharp and cutting.

I stared at them, completely baffled. None of you want to marry me. So why has no one ever told my father?

My father might have wanted to groom one of them as my husband, but he would never force anyone.

All they had to do was say no, and my father wouldve happily written them each a check and sent them off abroad to enjoy a carefree life.

Audrey's POV

At the end of the day, they still couldnt let go of the wealth behind the Rodgers name.

Darren, the most hot-tempered of the three, snorted, Oh please. That sounds nice and all, but lets be realus three? Were just dogs you Rodgers folks raised. Since when did dogs get to say no?

Melvin shot me a cold look and remarked, If youre going to pick me, then fine. Just dont make things hard for the other two.

That single sentence moved Darren and Gerald. You could see it in their eyes. Like he was some kind of martyr, sacrificing himself for the greater good.

But all I felt was bitterness.

Before I could say a word, Addison suddenly showed up.

The moment she saw me, she shrank back like shed seen a ghost and practically dove behind Melvin.

Seeing her reaction, he instinctively stepped in front of her and said, She hasnt done anything wrong. Just let her go today, alright?

I looked at the two of them in confusion until I realized something that made my chest tighten.

The three men who were supposed to be protecting me were now all standing in front of her, shielding her like I was the threat.

Five years ago, when Addison first arrived at our house, she gave me a simple hair clip as a gift.

I returned the gesture with a bracelet worth over tens of thousand as a welcome present.

But just as I was about to open its box, Melvin suddenly snatched it from my hands and snapped, That clip is all she has left from her mom, and youre trying to take it from her?

I stared at him, confused, hoping Addison would speak up and explain that she gave it to me willingly.

But instead, she suddenly dropped to her knees, tears spilling down her cheeks like a pitiful porcelain doll, and said, She didn't take it. I gave it to her myself. Shes always been kind to me. She even gave me a bracelet. Im not upset, I promise.

She banged her head against the floor as she spoke. The sight made the three boys tear up, as if theyd been reminded of their own miserable upbringing.

One after another, they lashed out at me like knights defending a helpless maiden.

Even if youre the Rodgerss heirress, you have no right to force someone to give up their moms last keepsake!

Sure, the bracelet might be worth more, but it means nothing compared to that clip. Give it back to Addison right now!

Same old Audreyalways getting what you want, no matter who it hurts.

Switching to serious expression, I tried to tell myself it was just a misunderstanding, that it could be cleared up with a little honesty.

Swallowing my pride, I handed the hair clip back.

But Addison fumbled it on purpose, causing it to fall to the floor and shattered instantly.

Then, she bit her lip, eyes full of rage, and shouted, If youd rather destroy it than give it back, why pretend in the first place?!

Melvin had always hated seeing poor people bullied. So, he turned to me and sharpply threatened, Apologize to Addison right now! Or dont blame me for breaking off the engagement.

At the time, I had already confessed to Melvin. I told him I wanted to marry no one else but him.

But he used that against me, cornered me into bowing my head and apologizing to Addison.

Back then, I was too young, too scared to lose someone I thought I loved. So I apologized with red, burning eyes and a heart full of shame.

And that apology haunted me for five whole years.

Since then, every time Addison saw me, she acted like a scared mouse. Shed either fall to her knees or burst into tears.

But the truth? Id never even laid a hand on her.

I turned to Melvin, face icy cold. If youre so afraid Ill bully your precious Addison, maybe you should just tie her to your belt and keep her there.

It was sarcasm, plain as day, but Melvins brows knit together and countered, Was that a threat? What are you planning to do to her?

Darren clapped dramatically and pointed at me. Dont tell me this is about the 'Milky Way' thing. Youre mad because we gave it to Addison, and now youre looking for an excuse to go after her?

Gerald narrowed his eyes. You already have everything. But Addison? No ones ever celebrated her birthday, not even once. Its just the Milky Way necklace, why make such a big deal out of it?

My eyes turned cold. Just the Milky Way necklace?

Audrey's POV

The Ocean Deep wasnt just any gift. It was an underground marine exhibit that had been under construction since the day I was born.

On its southeastern end, a rare patch of imperial green jade sat beneath the water. When the sunlight hit just right, the reflections shimmered like stars across a galaxy.

Six months ago, the project was nearly complete. My father entrusted the finishing touches to Melvin, asking him to officially present it to me during my upcoming birthday banquet.

But now, the Ocean Deep, something meant for me, had somehow become Addisons.

I turned my gaze on Melvin. He was in charge of the final stages of construction. Without his approval, no one shouldve been able to access the unfinished site.

Caught under my stare, Melvin looked uneasy and turned away in irritation. Addison grew up in the countryside. Shes never seen any marine exhibit, let alone something like this. I just wanted to give her a special experience. Besides, the ownership is still yours, isnt it?

Then he added, as if he were doing me a favor, Stop being unreasonable. If it means that much to you, Ill announce our engagement at your birthday party next month. Happy now?

He looked at me like I should be grateful. For a second, I wondered if I was the one whod been taken in.

What stung even more was that nobody else in the room thought anything was wrong. In fact, they all acted like Melvin was some kind of martyr.

Why would you sacrifice yourself like that? Audrey is spoiled, arrogant, and downright cruel. Marrying hers worse than becoming a monk, Darren scorned.

Gerald even derided, Shes probably over the moon now. Been dreaming of this for years.

Please, Melvin, dont throw away your happiness for me! Ill bow to Audrey, serve her like a slave. Ill do anything!

My throat felt dry, but I still managed to get the words out. Im not marrying you.

Melvins eyes narrowed in disbelief while Darren and Gerald exchanged nervous glances, probably terrified Id pick one of them instead.

I had grown up with these three, and now even they looked at me like I was some kind of burden. I suddenly wanted to get out of there before I cried.

I turned to leave, but Addison yanked my wrist, stopping me.

Her eyes welled up again, and just like always, she dropped to her knees.

Please dont be mad at Melvin, she pleaded, her voice trembling. The three of them were taken in by your family. Were already lower than everyone else. If youre upset that they gave the Ocean Deep to me, and youre planning to tell Mr. Rodgers, then please... she lowered her forehead to the ground, ...let me apologize.

She started bowing, hard again and again. Before long, her forehead was red and bleeding.

Melvin immediately rushed to pull her up, his expression dark with fury as he turned to me.

You say you dont want to marry me? Then prove it. Dont pick me when the time comes! he snapped. You're making things hard for me again just to get what you want. Now, youre using this to force her out!

I stared back at him, cold and calm. I dont know what youre even talking about. But dont worry, I have no intention of choosing you.

I thought thatd be the end of it, but Melvin suddenly grabbed my wrist.

If not me, then who? Gerald? Darren? he demanded. Darrens leaving the country to study art. Gerald wants a free life. Isnt ruining my future enough? Now you want to drag them down too?

Suddenly, he let out a heavy breath, then softened his tone a little. If you promise to stop targeting Addison, Ill marry you. Lets just stop this nonsense, okay?

He looked exhausted, like Id been tormenting him for years.

I looked him straight in the eye nad said, Everything will go exactly how you want.

If he didnt want me and was only worried about Addison, marrying Luke would fix everything. I wouldnt have to look at Melvin again.

I stayed away after that. I didnt see him until the day of the banquet.

When he finally showed up, his face was like ice. Darren and Gerald were with him, and they didnt look too thrilled either.

I frowned and turned to my assistant. Didnt I make it clear that Im not announcing my engagement to any of them today? Why are they even here?

Audrey's POV

My assistant shook her head wildly, clearly saying, Dont look at me. I didnt invite them. They came on their own.

Helpless, I sighed and tried to act like I hadnt seen anything. But the guests downstairs were even more excited than I was indifferent, greeting the three of them like stars at a red carpet event.

Mr. Butler, youre truly impressive. That project you closed last month mustve brought in millions. No wonder Miss Rodgers only has eyes for you.

But I was the one who negotiated that project from start to finish. Melvin just showed up to sign the paperwork.

Mr. Richards might have a bad temper, but he has a strong sense of justice. Miss Rodgers will be safe with you, no doubt.

I nearly laughed. Darren was the one who bullied me most often, like he saw me as poison that needed to be wiped out.

Mr. Pearson is such a gentleman. Miss Rodgers wouldnt go wrong choosing you either. Just dont forget us when youre in charge.

The three of them looked perfectly at ease at my birthday party, like they owned the place.

I frowned and was about to shut this whole circus down, but before I could speak, the three of them all lowered their heads and pulled out their phones.

All of a sudden, Darrens face turned cold, then he marched straight toward me and slapped me across the face before I could even react.

My ears rang, and I nearly lost my balance.

Gasps echoed around the room. But no one dared step in.

Melvin clenched his fists, stopping Darren from striking again. Then he turned to glare at me, voice shaking with anger. Weve already let you treat us like merchandise, parading us here for you to choose from, and you still arent satisfied? You wont stop until you drive Addison to her death, will you?

I stared at him, confused, trying to process what he meant. Before I could ask, Gerald coldly cut in, You waited until we werent around, then tried to have Addison kidnapped. But it wont work. We wont let you get your way.

The moment he said that, I realized exactly what had happened. Addison had set me up again.

And the people in this room, my fathers so-called friends and business partners, they just stood there, watching. Not a single person stepped in to stop the slap.

I understood then. Theyd already decided the Rodgers wouldnt end up in my hands. So they were smart enough not to offend the three of them.

I clutched my cheek and looked straight at Darren, my voice steady. Apologize.

But he only glanced at my teary eyes and sneered, Addison almost got assaulted, and youre whining about a slap? How pitiful.

That was when Addison came running in, sobbing. Her dress was torn, her hair a mess, a perfect picture of victimhood.

Before anyone could say a word, Melvin had already thrown his jacket around her shoulders and turned to me with disgust in his eyes.

Youre still the same manipulative woman. Ill never marry someone like you.

Even Gerald, who rarely spoke, stepped in front of Addison protectively and said, Your mother couldnt give birth to a son to inherit the Rodgers, so she brought the three of us in as tools. We accepted our fate. But apparently, youre still not satisfied. If thats the case, then forget this fake peace.

He turned and walked away without a second glance, clearly not caring about the Rodgerss reputation.

Just before leaving, Melvin tossed one last sentence over his shoulder. Ill marry you, but only in name. If you want me to protect the Rodgerss assets, youd better learn your place.

I laughed. Had they forgotten?

If it werent for me, the Rodgers wouldve never adopted them in the first place.

Finally, a few guests tried to stop them, sensing the awkwardness.

But I raised my voice, cold and sharp. Let them leave.

With no one noticing, Addison gave me a sideways smirk, like shed just won the whole world.

Yet, I stood there silently, watching them go, until my assistant rushed over, clearly panicked, and asked, What do we do now? All three of them are gone. Who are you going to choose?

The guests started murmuring, all of them frowning in confusion.

Audrey's POV

Shes a woman. Shes going to get married off sooner or later. If even the three men who grew up with her dont want her, who else could she possibly marry?

I wiped the tears from the corner of my eyes, forced a smile, and raised my wine glass toward the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, as you may already know, today isnt just my birthday party, its also my engagement party.

The moment I finished speaking, the giant screen behind me lit up with a photo of a cold, sharp face.

A collective gasp swept through the room.

Isnt that Luke Davidson from Washington, D.C.?!