My mother stepped forward, smiling stiffly as she gripped my arm. She pushed me toward the Langford Family. And just like that, the second round of this deadly game began.
“Lucas, I know you’re unhappy about the arranged marriage our family set up for you. But forcing your younger brother to take your place, do you think that’s right? You should apologize to Mr. and Langford right now.”
My mother’s voice rang out sweetly, but I could hear the cold blade beneath her words. I sneered inwardly.
In my previous life, I had stormed onto the stage to confront Tristan and my mother never had the chance to shift the blame onto me.
Now I understood: Tristan dared to pull this stunt because he had my parents’ full support.
No wonder they suddenly insisted on a full ceremonial wedding steeped in old rituals, complete with a custom-made mask that covered my face from start to finish. It wasn’t about honoring tradition, it was about concealing the truth.
I’d only returned to the Everhart Family two years ago, while Tristan had been raised by them since birth. In their hearts, he was the real son. Two decades of affection had long outweighed a mere blood tie.