Chapter 23
James had grown up alongside Aria, always following in her footsteps since childhood. The siblings shared a deep bond–in other words, James was the ideal brother.
Aria never bullied her brother, but James would challenge himself. Even as a small boy, before he could walk steadily, he would proudly save his allowance money in a Hallmark card each year, saying he would support his sister.
When Aria was in her early teens, she was afraid of insects. James, at five or six years old, was afraid too, but he would still rush out with his small sand castle shovel to kill bugs, reassuring her, “Don’t be scared, sis.”
As he grew older, he started cooking for Aria. He knew exactly what she liked and disliked. He would even fuss when she wore a slightly shorter skirt on a cool autumn day. Aria often joked that her brother was like a little grandfather, always nagging her.
But James only acted this way with her. He was simply a brother protecting his sister.
Back then, Aria was somewhat willful. At the dinner table, Rachel would scold her, saying her stubborn attitude would make it
impossible for her to find a husband. Without hesitation, James had replied, “Whether my sister marries is entirely up to whether
she wants to. If she doesn’t marry, I’ll take care of her for life.”
This was what thirteen–year–old James had promised her.
In fact, he always protected her. Even when Larry pressured her into marriage, James rationally advised Aria not to act
impulsively or do anything she might regret for his sake or their mother’s.
He said he could quit school, he could find work, he could support the family.
But who would hire a thirteen–year–old boy? Who would dare employ child labor?
With such a wonderful brother, how could she bear to let him drop out of school?
So Aria chose to marry Larry, for Rachel’s sake and for James.
“Aria.”
James looked up, his face radiating warmth, though his gaze paused briefly when he noticed Archer.
“This is my friend. You can call him Archer. He arranged for you and Mom to be transferred to Harbour Hospital with a treatment
team.”
As soon as she finished speaking, James closed his book and looked Archer up and down.
“You want to be my brother–in–law?”
The question was blunt.
Aria was stunned, but Archer simply made a sound of agreement, “Your sister will marry me after divorcing Larry.”
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James’s face paled.
“Aria, are you crazy? Marriage is a prison you’ve already been locked in once. Now that you finally have a chance to escape, you want to enter another one? What’s so great about marriage?”
“It only costs $50 to get a marriage license, and cheap things are never good!”
The eighteen–year–old’s words were shocking.
He glared at the “cheap” Archer, his brows tightly furrowed. Then, considering the name and the fact that he had been arranged into Harbour Hospital with Dr. Alexander as his doctor, how many families in Harbor City knew Dr. Alexander and had the last
name Duncan?
James’s expression darkened, and Aria’s lips twitched.
“James, Mr. Duncan has the development rights to the West District property.”
This statement silenced James.
Their father had once been responsible for developing that property, but after the Jackson family’s downfall, the land was
reauctioned and eventually ended up in the Duncan family’s hands.
“So you’re bribing my sister with this,” James still wouldn’t back down.
Aria felt helpless. Her brother could sometimes be as stubborn as a mule. In public, he was cool and composed, but with her, he
was like a child, only interested in protecting her interests a true sister–guardian.
