“Get off me!”

The deep voice was filled with suppressed anger. Alexander Westwood, who was usually untouchable, was pinned down on the couch, his black shirt partially unbuttoned. The corners of his eyes, obscured by his glasses, were tinged with frustration.

“I won’t!”

Jane Lang bit her lip, her resolve growing stronger.

“Why are you resisting? Are you not interested?”

Before she could finish, Alexander’s dark eyes deepened further. His grip on her arm tightened, his gaze penetrating. “Jane Lang!”

In a swift motion, he flipped their positions, pinning her beneath him. His hand rested lightly on her shoulder. “Have I been too lenient with you? Hmm?”

His tone was calm, but it sent a chill down her spine.

“Alexander…”

Jane’s eyes held determination as she reached up, pulling him closer. “If you push me away like this, I’ll call my brother and tell him you’ve been treating me unfairly.”

Her voice was soft, a mix of challenge and desperation.

There was an alluring quality to her words.

Her curly hair framed her face, and in this position, a few strands brushed against Alexander’s shirt.

She used to call him "brother" so sweetly.

Now, the name "Alexander" slipped effortlessly from her lips.

He stared at her in silence, his eyes sharp.

Jane had been saved by Alexander and her brother, Liam Summers, five years ago during a mission. Her parents had died in that same incident, and at just fifteen years old, Jane had been taken in by the Summers family, becoming Liam’s adopted sister.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Later, Liam returned to his unit, and Alexander moved on to different endeavors.

The Lang family business also changed hands in the chaos.

At that time, Jane had struggled with her mental health, finding it hard to trust anyone around her. The Summers family, unsure of how to support her, entrusted her to Alexander’s care, following Liam’s recommendation.

Everyone knew that Alexander had a sharp mind and lacked patience, especially when it came to helping a teenage girl.

Yet, three years passed.

Jane didn’t return to the Summers household until after her 18th birthday, finally regaining her lively and sweet self. And today, on her 20th birthday, the Summers family was hosting a grand party, inviting many eligible bachelors from the city.

It was no secret that the Summers family was experiencing financial difficulties.

It seemed they hoped that their adopted daughter could repay them for their kindness by accepting an arranged marriage.

“But you’ve taken care of me for the longest. If I owe anyone, it’s you,” Jane whispered, her eyelashes fluttering as she moved closer to him, half pleading and half demanding.

“Alexander, if you don’t help me get out of this marriage, I’ll tell them you’ve been treating me like a child this entire time.”

She was only twenty and had no desire to marry someone she barely knew.

No one could compare to him.

Alexander narrowed his cold eyes, scrutinizing her as if he could see straight into her soul.

In her tear-filled eyes, there was well-hidden fear and desperation.

Could this clever girl really be afraid?

Hah.

He released his grip and started to rise, but Jane clung to him tightly. He remained still and spoke coldly, “You could just tell Liam you don’t want to marry. Wouldn’t that be easier?”

Jane shook her head. “I can’t.”

If it weren’t for Liam saving her, she would have been lost long ago.

Over the past few years, her adoptive parents had treated her well, even during the three years she lived with Alexander. They always showed concern and made sure she had everything she needed.

How could she refuse when they asked her to save the family by marrying?

Jane was grateful to them. She couldn’t say no.

But she didn’t want to marry, either.

“If you don’t want to speak, then show me,” Alexander’s breath was no longer calm. He glanced at the girl beneath him, her exposed shoulder reminding him of the trust she had placed in him. “Is this how I taught you to stand up for yourself?”

After her parents passed, Jane had been sheltered. When Alexander first started caring for her, she was naive, still in her adolescence. He had taught her many things.

But now, it seemed this girl had learned how to assert herself.

“You're not like anyone else…”

Jane muttered softly, her heart racing despite her attempts to act composed. Gathering her courage, she reached up and touched his cheek gently. “Besides, aren’t you close with my brother? Can’t you help the Summers family, and help me just this once?”