Dinner had taken a sudden, tense turn when Asher Carson, your sister’s fiancé, announced that she was pregnant with another man's child.

Then, Asher turned his gaze towards you.

"Since it's already public knowledge that the Carson family will marry into the Harper family, you will take your sister's place at the altar. You will marry me," he declared coldly, swirling his wine in the glass.

The room fell into a stunned silence. Even your father, usually known for his strength and stern demeanor, remained quiet. Your mother gently comforted your sister, who was sobbing uncontrollably, while you stood frozen in disbelief.