My Childhood Sweetheart
Chapter 1
I was the only girl among three childhood
friends, each from a prominent family.
My family’s fortunes had fallen, and my
parents were planning a marriage alliance
with one of them.
But the school bully, Shawn, disdainfully
glanced at me and refused, saying, “No way, I
like the quiet type. I just see her as a
brother.”
The sweet, puppy–like, Xavier, shrugged
regretfully, “I just see her as a sister.”
And the academic top, Zane, coldly stated,
“She’s reckless and clumsy. She’s not suitable
to be my wife.”
Their rejections and belittling remarks were
careless and unrestrained, leaving my parents
awkwardly laughing it off.
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I was utterly heartbroken.
So, I told my parents, “Mom and Dad, I have a
boyfriend.”
1
Shawn, sleeves rolled up, sat casually with
one arm draped over the back of his chair.
He was laughing and chatting with Xavier.
Zane was engrossed in his phone.
His long fingers scrolled across the screen
nonchalantly, the glint from his glasses
reflecting a cold and aloof demeanor.
They were dismissive of my parents‘ awkward
attempts at small talk.
Until I spoke those words.
The room fell silent.
Shawn and Xavier turned to look at me.
Zane looked up, his meaningful gaze piercing
- me.
I remained unaffected.
I simply told my equally shocked parents,
“You should have told me about this arranged
marriage earlier. This whole misunderstanding
could have been avoided.”
“They’re right.”
“Even though we’re childhood friends, I only
consider them brothers; there’s nothing
romantic between us.”
My parents hadn’t told me about the
arranged marriage beforehand, fearing I’d be
embarrassed.
They had carefully selected Xavier, who was
two years younger than me, sweet, and lively.
He’d almost never fought with me.
They hadn’t anticipated the other two would
show up.
While I was upset my parents had kept it from
me, I was more heartbroken and saddened.
Things weren’t always this bad for our family.
My mom once asked if I had a crush.
I looked away, silent.
<
My mom immediately understood.
She smiled, tentatively asking if it was one of
my three childhood friends.
I blushed, angrily telling her to stop.
She understood.
But I became wary, hiding my feelings
carefully.
They couldn’t tell who I liked.
Until my dad’s investment failed and our
family’s wealth plummeted.
The family’s fortunes dwindled, and the other
three families subtly distanced themselves.
My mom thought, if she didn’t help me, my
stubbornness meant I’d never confess my
feelings.
So, she impulsively planned this blind date.
without telling me.
Although Xavier’s parents weren’t there,
Shawn and Zane’s were.
My parents still took it seriously.
They openly discussed our family’s situation,
saying that a marriage alliance would be ideal
if there was mutual attraction.
But if not, it was just a casual gathering.
They hadn’t expected my three childhood
friends would reject their cherished daughter
so unceremoniously.
I was used to it.
But seeing the strained smiles on my parents‘
faces, a familiar pang of pain gripped my
heart.
Finally, I interrupted their cruel behavior.
Before my parents could ask what was wrong,
I stood, surveyed them, and coldly said, “I
don’t think you guys want to have dinner.”
“Let’s just call it a night.”
