Chapter 104 Sister-in-law
I sneered to myself. 'I knew it. These two didn't really want to invite me to dinner. They just want to push me to find a boyfriend. Are they annoyed that I'm single? Yesterday, they said Brad and I weren't a good match, and now they're rushing me to find someone else? Is Daniel worried I'll end up with Brad, so he's trying to set me up with someone else? He was acting weird yesterday, and now this.'
"Are you two nuts? Why do you care if I have a boyfriend or not? You're meddling too much. Who I date is none of your business. Who do you think you are?" I knocked over the teacup on the table, spilling tea everywhere.
Daniel tried to explain, "It's not like that, Jane. Don't be mad. Zoe just feels insecure, especially given our past... I'm not forcing you to find a boyfriend. I just think you're at an age where you should have someone to take care of you."
I laughed angrily. 'For my own good? Please, I have my parents. When did my marriage become your concern?'
I snapped, "Daniel, what past do we have? We're not close. Zoe's insecurity is your problem, not mine. I have Brad to take care of me. You don't need to worry. Daniel, Zoe, stop meddling in my life and stay away from me. You're so annoying."
I couldn't believe Daniel would go this far for Zoe.
"You two can date all you want. What does my being single have to do with you? You're just meddling," I thought.
I threw down the gift I had bought and turned to leave. Daniel called after me, but I ignored him.
Brad came in and grabbed me, asking what had happened.
"It's your fault. Why did you agree to come to dinner? You all teamed up to bully me." I shook off Brad's hand and stormed out.
I was furious.
I couldn't understand their motives.
I was fine on my own. Why did they keep trying to humiliate me?
I didn't fall out with them because I valued our childhood bond. But this had nothing to do with love.
I was so mad at those two that I took it out on Brad, running back to school.
Luckily, it wasn't far.
During lunch break, the corridor was empty. I sat in a corner, sulking alone.
Brad found me, sat beside me, and pulled me into his arms, gently patting my back.
He had been following me the whole time. I knew it. I was just too angry to acknowledge him.
"What happened? Tell me," Brad said, patting my back.
"They bullied me," I sniffled, feeling so wronged.
"How did they bully you? Tell me, and I'll help you get back at them," Brad said.
"Daniel said I've been single for too long, and Zoe feels insecure," I explained.
"So?"
"So, they want me to find a boyfriend," I added.
"Then just find one. You're twenty-two; it's time to find a boyfriend," Brad said.
"Just because they say so, I have to find one? Why should I listen to them?" I suddenly raised my voice, startling Brad.
I was furious that Brad seemed to be siding with them. They were all in cahoots, and I felt like the outsider. I tried to push Brad's arm off me, but it was like it was glued to my shoulder. Instead, he held me tighter, almost pressing me against his chest.
"Let go. If you're with them, stay away from me," I snapped.
Brad said, "I'm not siding with them. I'm just stating the facts. It's normal for a girl your age to have a boyfriend, but it has nothing to do with Daniel and Zoe. You've been single for a while. You know why, but others might think you're still hung up on Daniel, right?"
Would anyone think that? I never saw it that way.
But if that was the case, maybe I should find a boyfriend. Mia and Lillian had moved in with their boyfriends, and everyone else was dating too. I was the only one still single. It was kind of sad.
I said, "Finding a boyfriend isn't that easy. Besides, if I do find one, he has to be a hundred times better than Daniel, just to spite Zoe."
"Your standards are pretty high," Brad teased, his eyes gleaming.
"Exactly. So where am I supposed to find one in such a short time?" I asked.
Brad suddenly leaned in, holding my shoulders to make me face him. "Isn't there one right in front of you? Why not consider him?"
'In front of me? That would be Brad? Is this a different kind of confession?' My face turned red, and I avoided his gaze. 'Brad must be out of his mind or drunk. Otherwise, he wouldn't be flirting with me like this.'
My heart started racing, and my face felt hotter and hotter.
I retorted, "I see you as my brother. How can I choose you? Besides, do I have to date someone from the Pitt family?"
I regretted saying that immediately, fearing Brad would get angry. I cautiously watched his expression.
Brad's eyes were filled with tenderness and seriousness. He wouldn't let me dodge, holding my face with both hands and pressing his forehead against mine. "Jane, he's who he is, and I'm who I am. Have I ever let you down all these years? If you want to spite Zoe, the easiest way is to join the Pitt family, making them look up to you every day and call you sister-in-law. You can rightfully teach them a lesson, and they won't be able to complain, right?"
Brad was so gentle. His words made my heart race, and I wanted to cool down with a cold drink.
His voice was low and hoarse, his eyes filled with sincerity and even a hint of unfamiliar passion.
The offer was too tempting. I really wanted to say yes.
"Brad, are you confessing to me?" I asked with difficulty.
I was a good girl. If I didn't understand, I asked.
"Yes, Jane, did you just realize?" Brad said.
"But you don't like me," I retorted.
"Silly girl, haven't I made it obvious? I like you. I've liked you for twenty-two years, and that has never changed," Brad's voice was deep and alluring.
'Twenty-two years, doesn't that mean since I was born?' I thought.
I was stunned, staring blankly at Brad. His warm breath brushed my face, and I saw a small reflection of myself in his eyes.
Brad actually liked me, and I had no idea!
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