Ten years after I married my brother Eric's fiance, he suddenly reappeared.

The whole family stared, frozen in stunned silence.

He yawned, his voice laced with a casual indifference. Thirteen countries in ten years. I'm exhausted.

So, where's Lily? Why hasn't she come out to greet me?

Lily is Eric's daughter. Years ago, on his wedding day, he faked his own death, abandoning both his child and his wealthy fiance, Aurora Sinclair.

My parents were terrified of offending the Sinclairs, so they forced me to marry her instead.

I took in Eric's arrogant posture and allowed myself a slow, cold smile.

"My wife took our daughter out."

Hearing that, my brother Eric's brow furrowed in immediate annoyance. "Didn't I make it clear I was coming home? Did you even tell Aurora I'm back?"

I sipped my tea calmly.

Years of quiet perseverance had changed me. I wasn't the shadow under his spotlight anymore.

My silence completely infuriated Eric. He shot to his feet, his voice sharp.

"Adam Miller! What the hell is your problem? Or have you forgotten??I'm?the one who was engaged to a Sinclair! Now that I'm back, you think you can keep that title?"

I glanced at him, a faint smile on my lips. "Eric, I have no idea what you're talking about. My wife and I are perfectly happy."

Over the years, I'd accompanied Aurora to countless charity galas and business events.

Our reputation as a devoted couple became a strategic asset. Aurora expertly leveraged it to win over partners.

Perhaps there was no passionate love between Aurora and me. What bound us was a connection far stronger than romance.

It was mutual benefit.

That's why I was so confident.

Eric's face twisted in disbelief. He thrust a finger toward me, his voice rising to a shout. "Adam! Do you have no shame? That's your sister-in-law!"

I set my teacup down, my composed smile not faltering in the slightest.

"No, we're legally married."

My gaze was steely. I rose to my feet, done with this charade.

Mom and Dad stood nearby, looking utterly lost.

Eric lunged forward, grabbing Mom's sleeve.

"Mom, Adam's lost his mind! Aurora was my college sweetheart! Without me and the Sinclairs, our business would be nothing."

My parents had always coddled Eric.

But this time, Mom secretly observed my expression, her voice soft. "But... you left your wedding. You faked your death. We didn't hear from you for years."

"There was no groom! If Adam hadn't helped, the Sinclairs would have been humiliated. They would have ruined our company!"

Eric's face froze for a moment. "I... I wasn't ready to get married!" he stammered. "But I'm back now!"

"And the Sinclairs always looked down on us. I was supposed to be a live-in son-in-law! I would have been bullied!"

My eyes were cold. "So why are you back now?"

Eric looked utterly self-righteous. "They accepted you, so they'll accept me. It's perfect."

"I'll move in with Aurora today. I'm sure her family will treat me well now. And Lily... she can finally know her?real?father. It's good for everyone."

With that, he stepped forward, seized my hand in a tight grip, and looked at me with feigned earnestness.

"Adam, you're free! You can go find your happiness now."

I stared into his eyes. They held the spoiled, cruel naivety of someone who had always been favored.

He was so sure I would sacrifice everything for him.

I sneered and pulled my hand away.

"I'm perfectly happy with my life, Eric. You need to face reality."