Chapter 1 The day my brother brought his girlfriend home , I unexpectedly became the " child bride . " She looked at me with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes and said , " So , you're the adopted daughter of the Collins family ? The little wife they raised for Ethan ? " I froze , my eyes widening in shock . It was true that I was adopted by the Collins family . Before he passed away , my father had been a founding member of the Collins Group , and my mother was close friends with Ethan's mother . The Collins family had raised me like their own daughter for over ten years . So how did I suddenly become the child bride just because my brother brought his girlfriend home ? *** The day my brother , Ethan Collins , brought his girlfriend home , the atmosphere was perfect at first . Violet Parker was sweet and had a way with words , effortlessly charming my parents . They were both grinning from ear to ear , clearly enjoying her company . But when her gaze landed on me , her expression subtly changed . " Who's this ? " she asked , feigning curiosity . Ethan's mother , Carol Collins , smiled warmly as she pulled me over . "This is Amelia , our little girl . She grew up with Ethan - closer than siblings . " Violet just gave a soft " Oh " and lowered her long lashes . When she lifted them again , there was something else in her eyes . She leaned toward my brother , her voice sweet as she said , " Ethan , so this is the girl , huh ? " " She's the one your parents raised for you , your little wife ? " The air in the living room instantly grew heavy . Ethan frowned , his voice sharp . " Violet , don't be ridiculous . " Ethan ' father , Martin Collins ' smile faded slightly , and Carol quickly intervened , trying to smooth things over . Chapter 1 Dreame - Read Romance Stories I looked at my hand still oozing thick sticky red liquid . I'm a werewolf . 4.4 FREE Installed Open 16.67 % " You really know how to joke around , Violet . Amelia's been with us since she was little ; she's like our own daughter . There's no such thing as a child bride . " Violet covered her mouth and giggled playfully . But her gaze lingered on me , sharp and unsettling , like a hook . " Oops , I'm sorry , " she said , her tone still playful , though it carried an edge . " I must've misunderstood . " " But you know , a lot of people say that Collins family has a beautiful adopted daughter , and that she was raised for Ethan . ' She paused , her gaze sweeping between me and Ethan , her voice now more innocent than ever . " After hearing all those rumors , and then seeing how pretty Amelia is , and how close you two are ... " She gave an almost shy shrug , her lips parting as if she were holding back something . " I ... I can't help but feel a little uncomfortable . " She lightly bit her lip , her voice dripping with feigned sincerity . " But it's fine . I'll get over it . I must have misunderstood . " Her words felt like a knot in my throat . They sounded like an apology , but they only further cemented the label of " child bride " on me . And to top it off , she subtly reminded everyone of my status as an adopted daughter . My fingers curled into fists , my nails digging into my palms . It was true that I was adopted by the Collins family . But my biological father a founding member of the Collins Group , who died in an accident while saving Martin . My mother was close friends with Carol and passed away from illness when I was young . The Collins family took pity on my orphaned state and transferred the deep bond they had with my parents onto me . They took me in when I was just ten years old , treating me like their own child . It had been over a decade , and everyone knew this . Who would dare question my identity ? But now , just because my brother brought his girlfriend home , I had suddenly become the " child bride " whispered about by others , maybe even many others ? An uncomfortable silence fell over the dinner table . Chapter 1 Dreame - Read Romance Stories 4.4 FREE Installed I looked at my hand still oozing thick sticky red liquid . I'm a Open 16.67 % Violet seemed to realize she had gone too far , and worked extra hard to charm Martin and Carol . She clung to my brother even more , but when her eyes fell on me , they were full of scrutiny and hostility . I did my best to fade into the background , but inside , I felt a heavy weight , like something was stuck in my chest . After dinner , Ethan was called into Martin's study for a chat . Carol headed to the kitchen to cut fruit . Violet leaned toward me , her arm wrapping around mine in a gesture that seemed affectionate , but her grip was tight enough to hurt . " Amelia , don't be mad at me . I'm just straightforward . " She fluttered her lashes at me . " I really understand you . Truly . " I kept my expression neutral , trying to pull my arm away . " Understand what ? " " Your difficulties . " She lowered her voice , a strange satisfaction creeping into her tone . "You see , Ethan has me now . " She paused , her words hanging in the air . " And you , well , even though you're technically adopted by the Collins family , you'll never truly be one of us , right ? " " The dynamics in this house are going to change eventually . After all , as a girl , you'll need to start planning for your future . " I looked at her , a sudden amusement tugging at the corners of my lips . " Miss Parker , I don't really understand what you mean . What exactly am I supposed to be planning in my own home ? " Her smile faltered , and for a moment , her eyes widened , as if surprised I hadn't simply accepted her words . But she quickly recovered , smiling again , but the tension in her face was unmistakable . She patted the back of my hand , looking like she understood everything . " I get it , I get it . You want to maintain your pride , right ? " Chapter 1 16.67 % " But don't worry , I'll be the lady of this house from now on . Since you're so understanding , I'll take care of you . " I yanked my arm away and stood up , looking at her coldly . "Miss Parker , first of all , this is my home . " " Second , my mother is the lady of this house . " " And lastly , I don't need your care . " Violet's mask cracked , her face darkening as she glared at me , her voice now dripping with ice . " Amelia , don't push your luck . " " Ethan regards you as his sister , and you really think you're the Collins family's little princess ? You're just an adopted daughter . How can you be so unclear about your place ? " " I know my place , " I said calmly , meeting her gaze without flinching . " I'm Amelia Collins , the rightful daughter of the Collins family . " " Now , as for you , Miss Parker , " I continued , my voice sharp , " this is your first time here , and already you're acting like you own the place . Tell me , where exactly do you think you fit in ? " " You ! " Violet's face flushed red with anger . She opened her mouth to retort , but at the sight of my brother walking out of the study , her expression shifted instantly . Her eyes welled up with tears , and with a pitiful look , she rushed to him . " Ethan ~ " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!