He Begged to Marry Me, Then Shattered My Heart

Ethan Carter was shot three times while trying to save me, each wound fatal. He staked his life begging my father to let him marry me.

Moved by his sincerity, my father finally agreed and offered the syndicate seal—the symbol of authority over the entire family—as my dowry.

But the day before the wedding, a turf war broke out, and Ethan led his crew on a mission.

Before leaving, he pressed a hard kiss on my lips. “Be good and wait for me. When I return, I promise you won’t be able to get out of bed!”

Three years later, he finally came back.

I brought my two-year-old son to meet him in the heart of the desert.

But he stepped out of the car carrying a frail, beautiful woman in a white dress.

His men asked what he planned to do with me. He bit his cigarette and gave a faint smile. “Her father is dead. Who else can she rely on but me?”

“Now that the syndicate seal is in my hands, I can marry anyone I want.”

“Besides, she already gave birth to a big, strong boy. She’ll cling to me, demanding a legitimate title, right?”

Hearing this, they all burst into laughter.

He must have forgotten that the seal is nothing more than a symbol.

I am the sole heir of the Lawson family.

And my son can live without a father.

——

The laughter continued until it was cut short by the woman’s cough. Ethan’s voice grew slightly nervous. “Anna, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell again? Don’t worry, I’ll arrange for a doctor…”

Anna Quinn shook her head. “I’m fine. I just arrived and I’m not used to the place.”

Hearing this, Ethan said, “Sorry, Anna, I was careless.”

“Your room is too dry. It’s not good for your recovery.”

“It’s fine. Claire’s room is the best in the estate, and it faces the sun. I’ll ask her to give it to you later.”

Anna gently declined. “Wouldn’t that upset my sister-in-law?”

Ethan looked pained. “I told you not to call her sister-in-law in private. You’ve been mine for a long time.”

At that, everyone around laughed playfully.

Anna blushed and buried herself in Ethan’s arms. When Ethan carefully carried Anna out of the car, he told me she was a sister he had adopted along the way.

“Claire, her family was wiped out by a rival crew.”

“If she hadn’t risked her life to deliver the message, you’d probably be waiting for my corpse.”

“She’s been frail since childhood. She endured three years of hardship at my side. Now that her family is gone, I’ve taken her in as my adopted sister. You don’t mind, do you?”

If she were truly an adopted sister, of course I’d agree.

But they weren’t siblings. They were lovers. Suddenly, someone asked Ethan with concern, “The heiress has always been hot-tempered. Boss, she loves you so much. If she knew, she’d be furious.”

Another added, “Yes, she waited three years for you. What will you do if she demands a proper marriage?”

Anna said worriedly, “Yes, Ethan, don’t upset the heiress because of me. I’d feel guilty if that happened.”

Ethan smiled casually. “Anna, don’t worry. I’ve thought of everything.”

“She’s spoiled as the family heiress. If she finds out, she’ll definitely be furious. I’m only worried she’ll vent her anger on you.”

“I’ve made up my mind. I’m determined to marry Anna. On our wedding day, I’ll announce it’s for our child’s birthday.”

“She won’t refuse.”

“Once Anna and I are married and registered, her protests will mean nothing.”

“The child is already two years old. She’ll just have to swallow her pride and follow me around for the rest of her life, nameless and without status.”

After hearing his words, everyone sighed in admiration, “Brilliant! Ethan, you’re a genius!”