Chapter 1

When I was 13, my father sacrificed his life in the line of duty. His former student, Lucas Stone, adopted me and asked me to call him "uncle".

I always thought we were destined for each other, until the day I confessed my feelings and was harshly rejected. Lucas looked at me with disgust and annoyance: "Aria Collins, there's nothing between us except our uncle-niece relationship! You've crossed the line!"

"Know your place. You've been clinging to me for 5 years because of your father's connection to me. Isn't it time you let me go?"

Humiliated and embarrassed, I changed my college plans and left without a word. Later, Lucas grabbed my shoulders hysterically:

"You confess to me and then just leave? What am I to you?"

But I only looked at Lucas calmly: "You're family to me, my most respected uncle."

At my birthday party, I sat in a corner sofa checking messages on my phone:

[Uncle Lucas, it's my 21st birthday today. Can you come?]

But Uncle Lucas hadn't replied.

Just as I was debating whether to call him, voices sounded from outside. Lucas had arrived, but he was followed by Wendy Sinclair - the doctor he had agreed to date yesterday and publicly announced on social media.

His doting gaze remained on Wendy the whole time.

"Aria, happy birthday!"

Wendy smiled gently and handed me a gift box.

Lucas finally turned to glance at me:

"Your aunt brought you a gift. Aren't you going to open it and say thank you?"

His cold tone was the same as when he rejected my confession last month.

The bitterness in my heart was indescribable. When I opened the gift box, I froze.

It was adoption papers with my name on one page.

This meant that from today on, I would officially become Lucas's family member.

These adoption papers cut off all my hopes for Lucas...

I looked up at him in disbelief.

"Aria, the idea of adoption was my suggestion. Don't blame Lucas, okay?" Wendy spoke up.

"You've been with Lucas for many years. It's time for you to become part of the Stone family officially. So adopting you is a good thing."

"After becoming part of the family, you'll have more confidence. When you interact with people outside, you'll realize who truly cares about you."

Wendy's meaningful words sent chills down my spine.

Did Lucas tell Wendy about my confession to him last month?

Otherwise, why would she give me these adoption papers?

But just because I confessed, did Lucas want me to cut off all my feelings?

Was I so despicable in his eyes?

Tears welled up in my eyes, but Lucas still looked at me coldly.

"Aren't you going to thank your aunt?"

I felt extremely awkward, but still forced a smile and looked at Wendy, holding back tears.

"Thank you, Aunt Wendy. I... I like the gift very much."

Wendy smiled gently, "I'm glad you like it!"

"Aria Collins, take the adoption papers." Lucas spoke up.

"From now on, you're part of the Stone family. Consider the consequences of your actions. Behave yourself!"

My throat tightened as I trembled, picking up the adoption papers.

The black and white letters spelling "Aria Collins" stung my eyes.

When I looked up again, Lucas was leading Wendy to the center of the dance floor.

The handsome man and beautiful woman made a perfect couple, quickly becoming the focus of attention.

Everyone seemed to have forgotten it was my birthday.

Watching Lucas dance, my heart ached unbearably.

The affection he showed Wendy was something I once had.

I still remember when my father sacrificed his life on the border,

When distant relatives tried to sell me off to loan sharks,

Lucas appeared like a savior, claiming I was his.

I remember when I struggled with academic problems,

Lucas sought out experts in the field to tutor me.

I even remember when I was writhing in pain from menstrual cramps,

Lucas turned his blushing face away while massaging my abdomen with his warm hands.

It's my fault for mistaking his care for love.

We're not that far apart in age, only 6 years difference.

I always thought he liked me too, so I confessed like a moth to a flame.

But all I got was his cold words:

"Aria Collins, there's nothing between us except our uncle-niece relationship! You've crossed the line!"

"I don't understand how you could have such a disgusting idea. You disappoint me!"

Those two sentences made my blood run cold, utterly humiliated.

But I don't understand, if Lucas didn't like me,

Why did he do things that made me misunderstand?

Why didn't he adopt me officially from the very beginning?

If he didn't like me,

He wouldn't have accepted the Valentine's chocolate I gave him when I was 16,

He wouldn't have worn the scarf I knitted for him when I was 18,

And he certainly wouldn't have blushed while buying me a necklace engraved with "lock you in my heart".

A sudden gasp from the crowd snapped me back to reality. I looked up to see

Lucas down on one knee in the middle of the dance floor, proposing to Wendy!

My heart clenched painfully as tears I'd been holding back finally fell.

So this is what Lucas looks like when he truly loves someone.

All this time, I've just been deluding myself...