Marrying My Sister After the Inheritance Prank

The whole family was filming a secret reality series without telling me.

Theyd convinced me I was the fake sona narrative they planned to drop with maximum drama.

After the official announcement that my blood didnt run through their veins, they all started stealing glances at me, stifling smirks as they waited for my meltdown.

My reaction, I must admit, was violent.

Tears streamed down my face. I was overcome with absolute, joyous relief.

I lunged across the room and pulled my sister, Delaney, into a crushing hug.

Delaney, we can finally be together!

The entire room went silent. My parents froze. Delaney stiffened. What the hell?

The comments section of the private livestream must have been going wild.

I could practically hear the feed:

[Gothic. We've got the forbidden romance right here! ~]

[The Stone familys faces are priceless. Whos pranking whom, LMAO?]

[This aristocratic scandal is way better than the actual prank!]

If I hadn't glanced at someones tablet, left open to a private streaming room, I wouldn't have known I was about to be made a fool of on camera.

Delaneys face flushed crimson. She glared at me, spitting the words: What are you talking about, Ashton? Stop!

My mother looked utterly appalled. Dont be ridiculous!

My fathers discomfort was even more pronounced. We raised you all these years, and this is how you betray us?!

Betrayal?

I blinked at him innocently, leaning closer to Delaney, who was trying to push me away.

Well, since youve confirmed were not biologically related, doesnt that mean now I can really love my sister?

I gazed at Delaney with the most sickeningly romantic devotion I could muster. She shoved my face away hard before I could actually kiss her.

Seeing her momentary panic, I knew I was right. This whole setup must have been her idea.

She wanted my shares in the family trust, and decided a public shaming was the cleanest route. She probably expected me to throw a fit, to rage and whine like the spoiled brat she thinks I am.

But I wasn't that easy to play. If they wanted a show, Id give them a tragedy.

Falling for my sister is clearly my sisters fault. I stared right into her eyes, deepening my dramatic commitment.

I used to think our connection was a fluke of genetics, running thick and slow in our veins but today, I realized. That connection is a literal red string of destiny. My sister is my born-to-be lover.

Delaneys face was turning the color of a stop sign. I nearly broke character and laughed.

I didn't get to recite any more of my 'forbidden love' manifesto, though.

In the next moment, my fiance, Kendall Shaw, walked in, sobbing dramatically, her hand tightly clasped by another guy.

My internal script vanished. My mind briefly blanked.

This wasnt just a prank. This was a demolition.

The moment they entered, Delaneys agitation instantly evaporated. She was now observing me with a smug, vindictive curiosity.

The guy with Kendall slowly lifted his head.

Oh. It was Jasper Cole.

I remained frozen in place. Delaney's sneering voice cut through the silence:

Meet my actual, biological brother. Given your new status, do you really think youre in a position to like me?

She was aiming the insult at me, yet it was Jasper's face that turned paler.

I almost put my head in my hands.

...What an idiot. Why would you say that in front of the person youre actually interested in?

Jaspers appearance confirmed my suspicions about Delaneys motive: she wanted the freedom to be openly intimate with him. Shed always been slow to act, but I knew about her crush.

But what about Kendall? She wasn't the type to agree to a reality show on a whim.

My eyes met hers. It was like shed received a cue. Her expression was rehearsed, and the words she spoke were designed to shatter me:

Ashton Reid, since the truth is out, our engagement is over.

I was momentarily stunned. Our engagement party was scheduled for next week.

Now, she and Delaney stood, one on each side of Jasper, placing them squarely in opposition to me.

I knew the camera was giving the livestream audience a close-up of my face. So, I closed my eyes, and collapsed dramatically.

I felt someone rush toward me. A faint scent of gardenia and expensive rose.

I sighed inwardly with disappointment. Of course, its my sister.

The moment she hoisted me up, she must have heard my tiny exhale of frustration. Her body stiffened for a second. She scoffed but held firm, dragging me away.

Mom, where should we put him? The maids quarters?

Delaney, you are so dead.

I timed my revival perfectly. Couldn't keep the family in the streaming room waiting for too long.

I opened my eyes.

Well, this was the first time I'd ever been in one of the houses small, forgotten guest rooms. A faint, lonely pang of sadness hit me.

Youre awake.

My former fiance, Kendall, was looking at me with feigned concern. She moved to check my temperature, the old familiar gesture of pressing her forehead to mine.

I flinched, pulling back. Ms. Shaw, please maintain a respectable distance.

Kendall looked like she wanted to say a thousand things. Finally, she just gazed at me intensely:

We need to give Jasper back what we owe him, and then we can talk about us.

I stared at her, genuinely confused, until the meaning of her words sank in.

I looked up abruptly, tears stinging my eyes, struggling to keep them from falling. I forced a look of wounded, exhausted innocence that I knew the camera would eat up.

I fought back. I dont owe him anything!

Kendall held my gaze for a long time, then sighed, shaking her head as if I were a clueless child.

Eight years ago, Ashton. That fire. How are you living with yourself and still claiming innocence?

This is everyones chance to help you repent.

When she finished, my tears finally fell. My face felt hot with shame, but my heart was cold with clarity.

This was their ultimate purpose. Not a prank. A televised confession and execution.

Kendall, who hates watching me silently weep and stubbornly deny, left quickly.

I waited until my composure returned, then went downstairs.

They were already eating dinner. No one had waited for me. Without me, the table was all warmth and easy laughter.

Everyone was clustered around Jasper like he was a visiting dignitary. My mother was serving him; my father was relaxed and smiling more genuinely than usual. Kendall, who only ever sat next to me before, was now guarding Jaspers side. Even Delaney was distracted, glancing at him repeatedly.

The smart move would have been to retreat, but Mother noticed me first. Her voice was soft. Ashton, youre up?

I nodded woodenly. I stared at her, motionless, looking like a abandoned stray dog, hoping for a sign of affection.

She simply gestured. Youre not feeling well, so take a seat. Dont be shy, this is still your home.

But her eyes didnt meet mine, and her emotional detachment fueled my panic. If this was still a prank, she was too deep in character.

Jasper smiled cheerfully and pulled out the seat right next to her. Big Brother, lets try to get along from now on, okay?

I wanted to scream, to completely lose it.

When I hesitated, Kendall moved as if to speak, perhaps to help Jasper or me.

I beat her to it. I had to salvage some dignity, to appear less pathetic.

I stopped just behind Delaney. Then, as everyone watched in stunned silence, I took a deep breath, leaned down, and wrapped my arms around her neck from behind.

My voice trembled with theatrical desperation:

Since the engagement is off and the bloodline is broken, I wont be the son of this family anymore II want to be Delaneys groom!

The entire room froze.

Delaneys chopsticks clattered onto the table.

Kendall frowned. Ashton, if youre angry, dont use this to lash out. Our engagement is just a temporary measure

My father cut her off, slamming his own chopsticks down, clearly enraged by the recurring incest plotline.

He bellowed at me: Did you already know your trust shares were transferred to Jasper?

My mother, ever composed, corrected him, though her tone was brittle: It wasnt all transferred, Ashton. But he will permanently hold one percent more than you.

The hands I had wrapped around Delaneys neck went rigid. She, too, forgot to push me away.

It was then she felt the heat of my tears on her hand.

This time, they weren't for the lost money or the power struggle. They were for the symbol of that extra one percentthe scale that had been publicly and flagrantly tipped against me, toward another man.

My mother seemed satisfied with my distress. She spoke with a strained patience:

If you just apologize for what happened back then, we can discuss the shares again.

People are allowed second chances, Ashton. You can start over.

I took a deep, shaky breath, but before I could speak, Jasper suddenly erupted into sobs, completely losing control.

Mom, please dont say any more I dont want to remember what happened that year!

My mind went blank. My throat was tight with bitter reality.

This wasn't a prank show. This was a televised trial.

It wasn't just my family watching; thousands of eyes were on the screen, waiting for my judgment. The second I slipped up, I would be replaced.

The irony was that even before the switch, Jaspers life wasnt bad.

Few people knew he was our adopted son. His mothera wonderful woman whom both our family and the Shaws had desperately tried to hirehad ultimately become our live-in caretaker.

She died tragically in an accident. My mother, distraught, adopted Jasper immediately. We were praised as philanthropists, people of class and charity.

Yet, everyone who knew the details of the accident always said it was my fault.

10

Eight years ago, when I was sixteen, a fire broke out in our home library.

Jasper, coming home from school, found it first. He fought his way through the flames and managed to rescue my mother.

It wasn't until later he realized his own mother was still inside. By the time he tried to go back, it was too late.

That day, the boy who lost his mother cried himself unconscious multiple times. The entire family felt a profound mix of gratitude and guilt. We announced his adoption immediately. He would have everything I had.

Then, slowly, it changed. He had to have more than me.

The fire investigation concluded the cause was a diffusera candle that had burned out and fractured.

And that diffuser had been mine.

11

Id explained my innocence countless times.

I still remember every devastating word spoken.

My father looked at me with cold disappointment:

I didnt think you were such a sore loser! You lost the student council election to Jasper, didnt you? His mother was trying to manage your feelings and didnt even help him celebrate. And now you pull this?

Jasper, who had been withdrawn and quiet for weeks, heard his mothers name and lifted his head, eyes red.

I was ready to leave on my own, he whispered. Whywhy did you have to punish me like this?

No! I shook my head desperately. It wasnt me, I swear. We can check the security footage!

The security system was destroyed by the flames, Kendall said, having rushed over as soon as she heard the news.

I turned my desperate eyes to her. Since childhood, she was always the first to defend me.

But this time, she didn't meet my gaze. She only stated the cold, objective facts:

That diffuser was a one-of-a-kind birthday gift from me. I told you specifically, Ashton, it has to be used with the electronic warming plate. You cant just light the wick.

I stared at her, aghast. I never took it to the library!

Delaney, who had flown back from college abroad as soon as she heard, interjected.

She looked at Kendall. Ashton has always been terrified of fire. He has never lit anything on his own.

A flicker of hope returned to my eyes. I was about to thank her, when my mother suddenly gave a cold, sharp laugh.

Shows how determined he was, doesnt it?

My lips parted, then closed. I lowered my eyes in defeat.

I realized Delaneys interjection wasn't a defense. It was just a way to add extra weight to the accusation, to show the depth of my alleged malice.

No one. No one believed me.

Their eyes were filled with the smug certainty of people looking at a murderer.

12

I tried to fight it. I contacted the driver and other staff to confirm my alibi.

But everyone who spoke up for me was immediately fired. I hadn't intentionally hurt anyone, but this incident had caused innocent people to lose their livelihoods. I sank into a permanent state of isolated despair.

Perhaps she couldn't stand it. One day, Delaney remembered the footage from the pet monitor, which recorded the main hallway.

We watched as the housekeeperJaspers motherlit the diffuser herself and carried it into the library.

Silence descended. Jasper was the first to react. He covered his mouth, weeping hysterically. Mom never touches anyone elses things

Then, as if reaching a decision, he forced himself to accept it.

Its okay. It must have been an accident I believe you, Ashton. It had nothing to do with you.

Everyones pity only deepened for his noble resilience. While the evidence supported my innocence, no one seemed to care. The chasm of suspicion was already too wide.

There were even whispers among the staff that the housekeeper had spoken to me right before she lit the candle, suggesting I had misled her. They said I thought I was only trapping Jasper and his mother, and accidentally put my ownmothers life at risk.

They decided I was a cold, venomous child.

They theorized my motive: Was it losing the student council position? Was it Mother always choosing to attend his parent-teacher conferences to save face? Was it that my straight-A report card wasnt valued as much as his hard-working spirit? Or did I want revenge for him accidentally feeding my cats litter of kittens the wrong food, leading to their death?

They found a thousand reasons to cement their belief in my long-simmering resentment.

Trying to ignore the gossip, I headed out immediately to thank Delaney. She had found the crucial footage. She still believed in me, my own sister.

I was just about to approach her when I saw Jasper pull her into a tight embrace.

Sister can I call you that? Can I move into the room next to yours? Id feel so much safer. Everyone is saying Ashton is Im just terrified.

The room next to hers was a small space I had specifically reserved for a new pet. And she had literally just defended me. She had to believe me.

I stood there, heart pounding, waiting for Delaney to refuse.

But she didn't. She nodded.

Yes. You can have it.

Jasper grinned, delighted. I thought you hated me!

Delaneys expression was unreadable. You have to understand, Ashton cannot become a liability to this family. If you run into any trouble, come to me. Ill solve it.

Thank you, Sister!

The fragile hope Id just recovered shattered again.

Delaney wasn't taking my side. She just saw me as a problem and was ready to exchange brothers.

I wanted to run. Turning in a panic, I crashed right into Kendall.

I grabbed her arm, instinctively clinging to her. She had been misled initially, but she had watched the footage closely.

I needed one single ally.

I looked at her, pleading. Kendall, youll stand by me, wont you?

After a long pause, Kendall gave me a light, soft laugh and patted my head.

Of course, Ashton. Im always on your side.

13

Kendall talked to my parents, and shortly after, our families officially announced our alliance through an engagement. The fire incident was publicly closed.

My relationship with my parents improved slightly.

I continued to visit the caretakers grave every year. Thinking of her kindness always left me aching.

Jasper caught me there once, watching me with a strange look.

He spoke coolly: Shouldnt you just be offering your condolences, instead of all this sadness?

Kendall stepped between us. Jasper, would you like to watch the security footage again?

Jasper lowered his head. He said nothing.

I tightly held Kendalls hand, locking eyes with Delaney in the distance. It felt like I was declaring that I, too, had someone who would stand firmly by me.

But I missed the tiny tremble in Kendalls eyelashes that mirrored the shake in Jaspers shoulders.

Later, Kendall came over with gifts. She bought something for everyone but seemed to forget Jasper.

I felt a surge of secret glee. I wanted to tell Delaney, See? She can be openly biased, too.

The next moment, Kendall apologized, took off her expensive wristwatch, and gave it to Jasper.

I froze, feeling the blood drain from my face. Even Delaney noticed and glanced over at me.

My memory is excellent. Kendall had only started wearing that watch a week ago, but I knew it was a slightly masculine design. She had gone to all that trouble, thinking she was being discreet, only to give the best gift to Jasper.

My heart crumbled.

I finally understood: deep down, Kendall pitied Jasper, too.

I remembered a picture book Delaney used to read to me when I was little, Guess How Much I Love You.

I love you right up to the moonand back.

That night, I sent a text to Kendall: Are you coming back from the moon?

She was mystified.

Delaney, however, seemed to pity me. My birthday was approaching.

She asked, Do you want a watch? But you always finish your exams so early, you dont need to rush.

I sneered. Yeah, who needs one.

The next day, Delaney bought me a watch. The dial had a tiny, glistening silver moon inside it.

14

I felt utterly adrift and alone. I didnt know whom I could truly trust anymore.

My family, my fianceeveryone made me paranoid.

They believed they owed Jasper a debt. So, they loved him unconditionally and chose to selectively see me. His grief over his mother was understandable, and their partiality was human.

But that partiality was built, time and again, on my pain and isolation.

Everyone had tacitly agreed to move past the incident. Jasper was sent to Europe, and a fortune was spent on his art education. I still received the best schooling and opportunitiesI even held my own against Delaney in the trust battles.

But the secret festered for years beneath the veneer of peace.

The truth was, the surface calm was just preparation for todays reality show.

I gave a bitter laugh. Hate doesn't just disappear. It had simply gathered into a razor-sharp blade, ready to strike me down.

15

My gaze swept over the dinner table.

Jasper, sensing the moment, spoke up again, tears welling in his voice: Honestly, I still miss my mom so much I only ever wanted one simple apology. Is that so difficult?

My parents were moved. My mother hugged him, her voice soothing.

Its okay, Jasper. We are going to make Ashton understand today that his malice must have consequences.

If he doesnt come to his senses, the price wont be just one percent anymore.

My father glared at me, his voice sharp.

Apologize now! Arent you ashamed of how youve lived? Everyone is watching you right now, waiting for you to redeem yourself.

My mother softened her tone, hinting:

If you apologize, we can arrange another DNA test, just to make sure there wasnt a mistake about your parentage

I instantly understood her subtext. My apology was the price of my legitimacy.

I stared blankly at these strangers I called my family. The eight years of being constantly doubted rushed back, overwhelming me.

You never believed me

Grief and despair finally snapped the last thread of sanity in my brain.

This time, I genuinely passed out.

But Delaney always hated the boy-who-cried-wolf story. I doubted shed catch me a second time.

Just before my head hit the polished wood floor, a large hand caught me.

Dont lose.

I faintly heard someone whisper the words to me.

Who was that? Who hadn't given up on me?