The Brother Who Took My Place

My fianc was incredibly busy; almost everything fell to his brother. From delivering contracts to proposing, from choosing our dream home to picking out a wedding dress, there was no sign of him, even three days before our engagement. His brother told me, Ms. Harrington, my brother acts this way because he has a woman he loves but cant have. The walls of his room are covered with her pictures, please dont mind. I minded very much. So, at the last minute, I swapped fiancs with his brother. He didnt object, even happily saying hed attend the engagement party. But on the day of the engagement, my fianc was nowhere to be found. When I finally found him backstage, he was locked in a fierce brawl with a man who bore a striking resemblance to him.

You knew Id been in love with her for years, why didnt you tell me she was the one I was supposed to marry?

Why should I tell you? I have just as many photos of her in my room as you do. Brother, you taught me: if you want something, you go after it yourself.

The contract isnt it with you? I frowned at the young man in front of me. He was handsome, alright, but he didnt seem very bright.

Uh this is my own contract for later. Your marriage contract got eaten by the driver on the way. He stammered, and I looked at him suspiciously.

A week ago, Id added Liam Vaughn, my fianc-to-be, on social media. It wasnt until this morning that he sent his first message:

[Been a bit swamped lately. My brother will be passing by your company this afternoon. Ive asked him to drop off the contract. If its all good, just sign it and send it back with him.]

I replied with a Got it.

In the afternoon, sure enough, the front desk announced someone was here to deliver a contract. But the man who walked in had a rather nonchalant expression until our eyes met, and he suddenly sprang up from the sofa. Then, holding the contract, he claimed it was lost.

Ill text your brother and ask him to send another copy. I couldnt help but feel a little annoyed. Was the Vaughn family trying to make a statement? Wed confirmed the arranged marriage a month ago, and I hadnt even met the elder son. Now, the younger son couldnt even deliver a contract without losing it. Were they trying to intimidate me?

Frowning, I was about to text Liam Vaughn. I, Stella Harrington, wasnt desperate for this marriage alliance. There was no need to make things so awkward.

No, wait! The man hurriedly cut me off. Ill bring the contract tomorrow. Or, how about I treat you to dinner first, and I can tell you the contract details on my brothers behalf?

I looked at his flushed ear tips, then at the watch on my wrist. I nodded, agreeing.

While waiting for our food, he suddenly seemed to make a decision and began introducing himself. My name is Ethan Vaughn, Im 62, weigh 162 lbs, I work out regularly, and I have abs

I frowned, cutting him off. Does this have anything to do with the contract?

His face flushed even redder, and he looked at me with a hint of grieVaughn. It doesnt seem to have anything to do with it, but youll be my sister-in-law soon, so I wanted to introduce myself

I was speechless. Looking at his rather pitifully handsome face, that inexplicable annoyance suddenly vanished. Alright, go on.

Ethan, however, fell silent. He just stared at me quietly, then suddenly spoke. Ms. Harrington, did you change your name?

I blinked. No Oh, yes. If a stage name counted.

He let out a long breath, then stopped chattering, and ate in silence. Though he wasnt talking, his eyes remained fixed on me. I felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze, so I focused all my attention on the food. Surprisingly, everything he ordered was what I loved.

After dinner, he took out his phone. Thinking Id have to add him eventually anyway, I didnt refuse. But after I got home, I still messaged Liam Vaughn.

[Didnt receive the contract. Please send another one tomorrow.]

It took a while for him to reply.

[My brother told me. Apologies, hes always so clumsy. Hell resend a copy tomorrow.]

I sighed, remembering Ethans intense gaze, and then Liams cold, unwilling-to-say-more attitude. I didnt reply.

The next morning, I saw Ethan downstairs. He was holding a folder, leaning against the car window, looking as if hed been waiting for a long time. When he saw me, his eyes lit up.

Ms. Harrington. He walked over quickly, his steps a little rushed. Ive brought the contract.

I reached out to take it, but he put it behind his back again. No rush. How about you accompany me to pick out the wedding rings first today?

I paused. Is that what your brother wants too?

I was about to lose my temper, but Ethans tone was sincere. Cant be helped, hes busy.

Thankfully, Ethan was quite humorous and handsome. He chattered away with me on the drive, lifting my mood considerably. He took me to a high-end design store, which surprised me. I knew the place; my friend had her wedding ring custom-made there. But the lead time was very long, and for arranged marriages like ours, it was usually just a formality.

Ms. Harrington, how long the lead time is depends on how much money is put down. Ethan was serious. I can get you your desired ring within three days.

When it came to measuring the size, before I could figure out how to get Liam Vaughns size, Ethan had already extended his hand. I stared, dumbfounded. He grinned at me, showing his teeth. Ms. Harrington, my brother and I have very similar builds. If it fits me, itll definitely fit him. Suppressing a strange feeling in my heart, I twitched my lips. What a good brother, taking care of everything, and seemingly happy about it.

The store assistant hadnt quite heard what we said and looked at me enviously. Your boyfriend is so good to you. Hes handsome and rich. Our boss usually doesnt take urgent orders. How much did he pay to cut the line like this?

Another assistant chimed in. The lady is also beautiful, like that celebrity I used to watch on TV. A handsome man and a beautiful woman. Your boyfriends eyes are practically glued to you.

No one dislikes compliments. My face flushed, and I instinctively wanted to explain. No, he

Before I could speak, Ethan leaned in. Thank you, well pick up the rings in three days.

An unfamiliar scent enveloped me. Ethan stood behind me, one hand casually resting on the counter. Although he maintained a respectable distance, I could smell the faint scent of cedar mixed with soap on him. Behind the assistant in front of me was a mirror. At first glance, he seemed to be half-embracing me, truly like a couple deeply in love. Watching the intense gaze of the man in the mirror as he looked down at me, my heart suddenly skipped a beat. Before I could turn around, he sat up straight.

Lets go.

After choosing the rings, I brought up signing the contract again. But the moment it was opened, my gaze froze. Ethan Vaughn

I frowned, looking up at him. Why isnt it Liam Vaughns name?

Ethan blinked, then leaned in to look, his cool, fragrant scent growing stronger. The distance was so close I could even see the tiny hairs on his face. Oh dear, I messed up again. I almost suspected he was doing it on purpose. He frowned, annoyedly rubbing his head. Im so clumsy, I messed this up too. Ms. Harrington, youre not angry, are you?

A hint of manipulation. I looked at his tightly pressed lips and pitiful expression, and all my anger instantly vanished. Never mind. Ill just sort it out with your brother later.

But he shook his head. My brother is too busy. You can sign the contract when you meet him later.

I nodded. Thats the only way.

He added, But my brother wont have time recently. He even gets annoyed when I text him. Ms. Harrington, you should wait until he contacts you about it. I choked, feeling that something wasnt quite right. But looking at his sincere eyes, I couldnt put my finger on it.

Alright, I understand. Seeing me agree, Ethans lips curved slightly. Then Ill bring you to pick up the rings in three days. See if they fit?

What else could I say? I could only nod in agreement.

Three days quickly passed. Apart from Ethan sharing a bunch of useless daily updates with me, Liam Vaughns social media was dead silent.

I was used to it. It was an arranged marriage, after all. In our circle, it was tacitly understood to be just a nominal connection, binding the interests of the two families. There really wasnt much to talk about with a stranger. It was Ethan, on the other hand, who made me wonder if he was interested in me. Every day, it was Good morning, Ms. Harrington, Good night, Ms. Harrington.

After breakfast, I stepped out, and sure enough, saw Ethans handsome face. Ive brought the rings. He pulled me towards the car. A strange feeling settled in my heart, looking at his intimate, eager expression. The car door opened, revealing a flurry of flowers and balloons, and I froze completely.

Ethan took the ring from the passenger seat, knelt on one knee, his eyes sparkling. Ms. Stella Harrington, will you marry me?

My mind didnt process it at first. What?

A flicker of guilt crossed Ethans eyes. Come on, Ms. Harrington, an arranged marriage needs some ceremony too, how can we not have a proposal? Without another word, he took my hand and tried to put the ring on. I stared, dumbfounded, as he fumbled three times, his fingers trembling, unable to get it on. Sweat began to bead on Ethans forehead.

Did your brother ask you to do this too? Seeing him so nervous, I actually felt like laughing.

Ethan was silent for two seconds, then squeezed the ring as if deflating. No, he didnt say anything. I just wanted to make it up to you myself.

How can a girl get married without even a proposal?

I hummed, then took the ring myself and slipped it on. Ethans eyes shone as he watched me. Then, he put the mens ring on his own finger. Faced with my confused gaze, he said, Im just trying it on to see if it fits. Ill give it back to my brother when we get home.

However, he dragged me around shopping all day, paying for everything, and that ring remained firmly on his finger.

That night, after much thought, I still messaged Liam Vaughn.

[Did you receive the ring?]

Liam Vaughn replied quickly.

[Yes, I got it.]

I let out a sigh of relief. It seemed I was overthinking things.

But over the next month, Ethan almost single-handedly managed everything. He appeared at my door every day. Picking out our future home, planning the engagement party details, he even found the officiant for the engagement ceremony. The officiant smiled, eyes crinkling. Ive never seen such a meticulous groom. Youre truly blessed. I twitched my lips, watching Ethan bustle about, but said nothing.

The date grew closer, but I still hadnt met the legendary fianc. Almost everyone assumed my fianc was Ethan. Who would have thought that my actual fianc and I still hadnt met? Even our messages hadnt gone beyond my last query about the ring.

Until three days before the engagement party, I finally texted him, feeling a bit exasperated. We at least need to take the engagement photo for the poster, right? Even the wedding dress, Ethan had accompanied me to try on. When he paid, a crowd of sales associates surrounded me, praising me like a blooming flower. But I couldnt feel happy. I knew that in an arranged marriage, neither party needed to feel genuine affection. But such a cold, dismissive attitude still irritated me. This time, Liam Vaughn replied quickly.

[Apologies, I truly forgot due to being busy recently. See you tomorrow.]

I sighed, tossing my phone aside and rubbing my temples. Ethans messages kept popping up.

[Sister, I found a stray cat at the villa entrance. Its eyes are round, and it reminds me so much of you.]

[Typo, it looks so much like you.]

The strangeness in my heart grew, and I didnt reply. Recently, Ethan had become increasingly clingy. That peculiar feeling was as if we were the young couple about to get married. I decided to keep my distance from him. Even if it was an arranged marriage, with Liams attitude, it would likely be like most arranged marriages in our circle after the weddingwed each do our own thing. But I didnt want to mess with his brother.

The next day, I quickly got ready and went to the bridal shop. On the way, I thought about the envious looks of the sales associates when I tried on dresses, and their expressions when they looked at Ethan. A mischievous anticipation grew in me. I wondered what their faces would look like when they saw that the person coming for the engagement photoshoot wasnt the same one who accompanied me to pick out the wedding dress.

I sat in front of the bridal shops floor-to-ceiling window. Liams message still said he was on his way.

[Im here. Remember to bring the contract.] I texted him. He replied with Got it.

But I waited and waited, and Liam Vaughn still didnt appear. Just as I was growing extremely impatient, a Maybach slowly pulled up in the distance. Through the window, the man who had just gotten out of the car and I made eye contact. He got out of the car and walked towards me.

My phone chimed, but I didnt open it. I just frowned, watching Ethan, who had already walked up to me.

Why are you here?

He chuckled. I live nearby. Just came to see your engagement photos with my brother. How is it going, alright?

I didnt speak. Ethan looked around, his surprise a little exaggerated. How come hes not here yet? Oh, perhaps my brother hasnt been around this area for a long time and doesnt know its rush hour now. My mood soured even more.

He sat down opposite me, unabashedly staring. Ms. Harrington, my brother acts this way because he has a woman he loves but cant have. The walls of his room are covered with her pictures, please dont mind.

I froze. What?

Ethan covered his mouth, looking a little apologetic. Didnt anyone tell you, Ms. Harrington?

I shot up from my seat. I could accept my fianc having a sweetheart, but I couldnt accept him being deeply in love with someone else, hiding everything, and still being with me. Moreover, I didnt want my future marital home to be plastered with photos of another girl. I pulled out my phone. Thank you for telling me this. Ill make things clear with your brother. I do mind this. Lets just call off this marriage. My family wasnt short of other potential alliances, and I had truly been at my wits end with Liam Vaughns attitude lately.

Liam Vaughns message was still on my phone.

[Apologies, Ms. Harrington, I left early but Im still stuck in traffic. Ill be there in about half an hour. Please wait a little longer.]

I typed a reply.

[No need. Dont bother coming.]

Someone gently pulled my wrist. Ethans dark eyes stared fixedly at me.

Ms. Harrington no, Stella, the Vaughn family isnt the only one who can marry into the Harrington family.

I paused. Ethans voice seemed to possess a captivating charm. Stella, Im not inferior to Liam Vaughn in any aspect, and Im also of marriageable age.

His words were almost an open declaration. I looked at him in silence. You like me? Although it was a question, I was certain. I wasnt a fool, and Id never lacked suitors since childhood. Ethans behavior these past few weeks had been unbelievably obvious.

The man opposite me smiled. His smile was beautiful, his eyes crinkling, like a cunning little fox. Yes, I do. If the marriage alliance were with me, the two families would still cooperate. Would that be alright? My heart skipped a beat. After two seconds of silence, I nodded. Lets discuss it with both sets of parents.

Even if I didnt marry into the Vaughn family, there would be the Davies or the Blackwood family. The next potential fianc might be even worse than Liam Vaughn. In any case, a fianc who was so handsome, liked me, and was so proactive accepting him wouldnt be a bad thing.

Ethans breathing quickened slightly, and he took a sudden step closer. Really?

I nodded, not missing the wild joy in his eyes. Ill tell my dad right away. As he pulled out his phone to call, he reached into his pocket and pulled something out. Then, he put it on his own ring finger. I stared, dumbfounded. Wasnt that the ring? Liam Vaughn had said Ethan had already given it to him?

Yes, my brother is truly insufferable. He still hasnt taken Ms. Harrington seriously, and Ms. Harrington is too kind to complain.

Dad, to appease the Harrington familys anger, Ive decided to sell myself to them.

Dont worry, Ms. Harrington has already agreed. Ill behave myself. My lips twitched. Looking at Ethan, who was seriously spouting nonsense, I felt like laughing.

I also called my dad. The person for the arranged marriage wasnt important to him; what mattered were the connections and benefits the Vaughn family could bring. He had no objections either.

After hanging up, I saw a message from Liam Vaughn.

[What does this mean? Apologies, Ms. Harrington, I apologize for being late, but marriage is not a childs game. I hope you can understand, for the sake of our families cooperation.]

[I will make it up to you later. Ill be there in ten minutes.]

Ethan took my phone, strutting like a proud rooster, and pressed the voice message button. Brother, you dont need to come. The family alliance hasnt ended. Ms. Harrington decided to switch partners.

The phone rang, and for the first time, I heard Liam Vaughns voice. It carried a hint of anger. Ethan, stop messing around. Give the phone back to Ms. Harrington.

Before I could speak, Ethan eagerly explained. Seriously, weve already gone in for the wedding photoshoot. Dont bother coming. Thats how it is.

He hung up. Then, he suddenly buried his head in the crook of my neck. I was startled. Ethan shivered, giggling. He was like a cat whod stolen a fish, so happy he was practically bouncing. I stopped trying to push him away, letting him nuzzle me. Emotions can be contagious, and I started to feel a little happy too. After all, compared to the always distant Liam Vaughn, whom Id never even met, I preferred this manipulative little puppy in front of me.